Mary Helen Guenther

Mary Helen Guenther, 88 years old, of Buffalo NY passed away peacefully on March 22nd, 2023.

Mary was born in Buffalo, NY to Lloyd and Bertha McOmber on February 16th, 1935, just 14 minutes before her identical twin sister, Mildred.

Mary and Mildred grew up in Buffalo with their adopted brother and sister Bob & Shirley.

Mary had a passion for children right away, as she and her sister Mildred would often volunteer at the Sisters of Charity Orphanage caring for the newborn babies. A nurturer at heart, Mary would graduate from Sacred Heart Academy and attend D'Youville College, majoring in Elementary Education, along with Mildred.

As a freshman in 1954, she met her soon to be lifelong love John Guenther, marrying in February 1958.

Mary's love of children led her from the academic world to creating and nurturing her own family of nine children. As the Family grew and moved to Florida, Mary found another love, golf. Mary's affection for golf also awarded her with many lifelong friends playing in her weekly ladies' tournaments as well as a few rivals from her intense level of competitiveness. Mary even mastered 2 Hole in Ones.

As the extended Guenther family continued to grow, Mary took an active role in her grandchildren's lives, whether it was going to recitals, concerts, sports tournaments, sharing her expertise in baking and cooking, golf or playing cards.

Another one of her biggest joys was celebrating birthdays, making each of her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren feel special & loved.

Mary dedicated her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. She was the foundation to her family, through and through. She was an excellent gift giver, always knew the right thing to say, never missed a special date and always welcomed a celebration. She was a constant cheerleader and supporter.

Mary was a true Matriarch of the Family and always instilled a tradition of responsibility, decorum, faith, and family. She will be missed, but her traditions and love will live on.

Mary and John Guenther were married for 64 meaningful and loving years.

"Here is to loving, to romance, to you. May you travel together throughout time.

We alone count as none, but together we're one. For your partnership puts love to rhyme."

~Irish Blessing

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Bertha, her brother Bob and sister Shirley her husband John and grandson Robert.

Mary is survived by her sons and daughters (with spouses) Bob (Marianne), Gary (Jill), Karen (Gary), Kathy (Steve), Greg (Marybeth), Mark (Susan), Lynne, Joe (Maddy) and Julie; sister Mildred; seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, April 15th at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 5800 15th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, phone 727-347-9989. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service at O'Maddy's Bar and Grill, 5405 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Meals on Wheels. The website for the local chapter is https://networktoendhunger.org/mowsp