Mary Kolling
Mary Ellen (Hoffmann) Kolling, 92, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 11 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1933 to Joseph Sylvester and Sarah Dorothy (Murnane) Hoffmann, who preceded her in death. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. Mary dedicated her life to caring for others, in her profession, in her community, and most importantly in her home. Her legacy is one of selflessness, resilience, and an unshakable devotion to those she loved.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, James Leo Kolling. She will be sorely missed by their ten children: Jim and his wife, Sally; Terry Peek (Bill); Carol LeNoir (Dan); Patty Swain; Janet Kolling (Matthew); Kathy Herriott (Paul); David, Laura LaGrone (Jeff); Julie Hamilton (Mike); and Sharon; 26 grandchildren: Sam (Cade), Joe, and Sarah Kolling; Brian (Anna), Kevin (Molly), and Eric (Ayumi) Peek; Kara (Shane), Craig, Bonnie, and Mark LeNoir; Nathanael Swain; Jayme (Elliott) Brooks and Camilla Kalthoff; Austin, Anna, Julia, and Lilly Herriott; Jacqueline and Rebecca Kolling; Audrey and Leo LaGrone; Madeline, Andrew, and Leah Hamilton; and Caleb, Ezra, and Judah Kolling-Perin; eight beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine Thomas, and two brothers, Joseph and Paul Hoffmann.
She was a devoted Catholic her whole life and a dedicated parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Council of Catholic Women. The Veronica Guild, in particular, was an important part of her life, providing her with beautiful friendships in her treasured church community. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, August 23 at 12:50 pm. The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 12:45 pm that day at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women or the charity of your choice. Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements.