Mary T. Kokoski

Tough, devoted, cheerful, chatty, LOUD, peppy spitfire, notorious flirt, performer, crossword queen, coffee fiend, sparkling eyes, friendly with EVERYone, devout, SINGER and LOVER OF GOD: these are a few of the many words used to describe Mary Thérèse (Fanning) Kokoski, who was granted her dearest wish to go Home to God on October 6, 2026.

She entered a challenging world in 1932 (Great Depression, family health issues, etc.), but her family was close, loving and faith-filled. She was the quintessential middle child of three, with a large extended family all living closely in Yonkers. They lived their Catholic faith with vitality and joy, and passed that onto her generation.

After completing Catholic education through high school, Mary went to secretarial school and worked for the New York Herald Tribune. She dated a few nice men, but then she met Frank Kokoski at a friend’s party. He wrote to his cousin and best friend, Hank, about “Mary from Yonkers” who had a great shape and legs and could really dance. They were married mere months later.

Then, three children came in quick succession, as Mary and Frank settled in New City. While Frank built his career as a teacher and fought for better security and pay as a union leader, Mary built a home, helped weave a close-knit neighborhood, and participated in St. Augustine Parish. She was fierce in seeking the best for her children, especially a special needs son, helping them to be their best and to love the Lord. As the children grew, she became a licensed practical nurse for a time and enjoyed time with friends and family.

Travel, community theater, Bible study, prayer meetings, choir, and grandkids: these were next on the agenda for Mary as she and Frank enjoyed retirement. They had some great trips and loved tapping into all their grandkids’ activities. After Frank’s death in 2006, Mary stayed connected to her beloved parish community until it was time to downsize and live closer to her daughter’s family in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

She tried independent living and connected with friends like Colette Fulton and her in-law Sherry Trella. However, it was clear she needed a different situation and became part of a caring community at New Windsor Country Inn, where she got the help she needed as she aged. She continued to enjoy family events and interactions, especially the daily calls from her sister-in-law, Elaine Racette. She spent time singing and chatting with her friends until, surrounded by her family, in person and virtually, her body found its final rest, exactly eight years to the day after her son, Michael passed away.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Theresa (Kokoski) Trella (husband, Charles Trella) and their children, Monica Galarza (husband, Gio and daughter, Lucia), Christian Trella (wife, Kate and son, Hunter), Justyn Trella (wife, Chelsea), Celine Dougherty (husband, Sean); her son, John Kokoski (wife, Bridgét Kokoski) and their children, Jordann Hall (husband, Alex), Ri Maku (aka Chelsey) Kokoski, and David Kokoski; and her sister, Ann Popp, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by: husband, F. Frank Kokoski; son, Michael Kokoski; brother, James Fanning; in-laws, Tom and Sherry Trella.

You can honor her memory with a charitable donation to EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), which enriched her life so much: Giving in Honor or Memory