Mary Ann Krogh

Krogh, Mary Ann 5/31/1940 - 6/21/2022 Kalamazoo, MI Mary Ann Krogh, 82, of Kalamazoo passed away at 6:55 AM on June 21, 2022 at home. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Erik Edward Krogh; stepchildren, Margaret Kristine Bassett, Sigrid Maria Krogh, and Elizabeth Sorersen: her sister, Joan (Robert) Jais; her brother, James (Maureen) Waldron; sisters-in law, Vivian Waldron, Karen Blaise and Sigrid Kenny; as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Josephine Waldron; her beloved daughter, Kara Helen Keogh; her brother, Frank Waldron and nephew Chris Jais. Mary Ann Waldron was born on May 31, 1940 in Chicago. A South Sider, Mary Ann attended Holy Cross, Stint John de la Salle and, later, Mercy High School, graduating in 1958. After a year at Clark College, Mary Ann entered the Sisters of the Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where she supported their commitment to the education of young women. During her 10 years of service, Mary Ann taught in California and earned a master's degree in counseling, which served her in her subsequent career in family and school counseling after she left the order. After years of unwittingly living near each other while growing up in Chicago, working in California and in Michigan, Mary Ann and Erik finally met in Kalamazoo in 1974, when their mutual friend, Barbara Clydesdale, set them up on a date. "She started re-arranging the furniture in my apartment," Erik recalled, "but I liked it." He described her as having no guile. She was completely honest and open. They were married in 1975. Mary Ann then worked for Allegan Mental Health and studied towards a PhD. When their daughter, Kara Helen, was born in 1980, Mary Ann had established her own counseling practice. The five years of Kara's life were the happiest of Mary Ann's life. Kara died tragically in an accident in 1985. After Kara's death, Mary Ann and Erik established a fund in Kara's honor, which continues to disperse donations to children's and educational charities. Unquestionably the most devoted of aunts, Mary Ann took a keen interest in the lives of her nieces and nephews, always there to lend a hand or provide a supportive word whether in times of joy or sorrow. Mary Ann did not mince words and we are the better for it. Remarkably, this was not even her best work, as she saved that for the many grandnieces and grandnephews, who were fortunate enough to know and love her for her humor and generosity. Many of these grandnieces and grandnephews received lovingly crafted baby quilts from Mary Ann, as their births dovetailed serendipitously with her late-in-life hobby. Mary Ann loved Kalamazoo and gave back to her community in many ways. She was active in the Democratic Party of Kalamazoo County and served as a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes. The Kroghs were one of the first to set up a Little Free Library in their front yard, which Erik built for Mary Ann. A fixture on her street, Mary Ann was known as "The Mayor," taking charge of social gatherings and even managing conflicts. Mary Ann's last weeks were made comfortable by the wonderful care of nurses and staff from "Centrica Care Navigators" (Hospice). Cremation has taken place and a memorial to celebrate the life of Mary Ann Krogh will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception in the Langeland Reception Center. A private interment will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Ann's memory may be sent to YWCA Sexual Assault Program or the Kara Helen Krogh fund at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Please visit https://www.langelands.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book and leave messages for the family.