Mary R. McKoski, 100, died after a brief illness on June 21, 2014, three months prior to her 101st birthday.

One of seven children born to Pasquale and Assunta Bell, she lived her entire life in the North Hill area of Akron and was a lifetime member of St. Martha Catholic Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.Mary was an avid reader, skilled storyteller and worker of crossword puzzles, a lively, engaging conversationalist, and a superb cook, particularly of exquisite Italian pastries. In the latter part of her life, she took great pleasure in weekly fishing trips to the family's cabin retreat in Pennsylvania.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John and her two sons, David and Richard. She is survived by her sister, Josephine Bell; her daughter, Mary Ann Bower (Larry); sons, Martin (Nancy) and John (Cathy); twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and fourteen nephews and nieces.

The family is grateful to Maria Buzzi, close family friend and, in particular, Angela Adkins, Mary's loving and thoughtful caregiver, both of whom gave of themselves generously in her final months.Fondly remembered are Mary's many friends who gathered around her kitchen table throughout the years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Blessed Trinity Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Avenue, Akron. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends will be received from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.