Mary Mincey Kohler

Mary Mincey "Mince" Kohler, 1928–2025
Mary Mincey Kohler, known to all who loved her as "Mince," passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, just one day after celebrating her 97th birthday. Born on May 25, 1928, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mince lived a life defined by grace, intellect, warmth, and quiet determination.
Mince was graduated from Duke University, where she nurtured a lifelong passion for literature, conversation, and the arts. After graduating, she moved to New York City-a bold and adventurous step for a young Southern woman in the postwar era. It was there that she met the love of her life, Norman Kohler, on a blind date. Together they built a life full of laughter, books, culture, and deep friendships, and raised three children: Leigh, Amy, and Robert. They loved listening to Frank Sinatra together and dancing to music from the big bands of the day. Mince was a tennis player, a golfer, and a competitive bridge player who loved earning her master points. She also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her beautiful flowers.
After raising her children, Mince earned a master's degree in counseling from C.W. Post College, now part of Long Island University. She went on to work at C.W. Post, as head of career services. She was instrumental in growing the school's Career Services Center, from a modest initiative into a thriving resource that helped countless graduates find their professional paths. Her vision, commitment, and empathy were the cornerstones of her success, and she remained deeply proud of the work she did to empower young people during a pivotal stage in their lives. After retiring from that position, she was still not finished reinventing herself, so she went back to school again to get certified to teach English as a Second Language, which she did for many immigrants who loved taking her classes, which helped them assimilate more quickly into their new homes in America.
Mince's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children-Leigh Kosnik (Richard "Rich" Kosnik), Amy Wilfert (David Wilfert), and Robert "Bob" Kohler (Kathy Kohler), and by her eight grandchildren: Kate Piselli, Michael Kosnik, Julia Moore, Brian Kosnik, Kelly Kosnik, Andrew Kohler, Emma Wilfert, and Elizabeth Kohler. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Claire Piselli, Henry Moore, Daniel Piselli, Frances Moore, and Eliza Piselli. Her legacy lives on in each of them, in their curiosity, their compassion, and their strength of character.
A private family service will be held, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave Stamford, CT (203)-359-9999. To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com