Mary Katherine Strawn (Kotlarz)

Mary “Kay” Strawn was born on October 30th, 1951, in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Papillion, Nebraska to parents Mary Frances (Babe) and Jerry (Poops) Strawn, who have passed. Mary was the oldest of their nine children who she loved dearly and was like a mother to them growing up. She has four sisters; Ruth, Peggy, Barb, and Betsy and four brothers; Jerry, Jim, John, and Jeff (Boomer) of which Jerry and Jim have passed. She attended Sacred Heart in Papillion and graduated from Mercy High School in Omaha; class of 1969. During her early years, she ran bingo at Holy Name and taught early childhood development and education at Metropolitan Community College. She also worked for the State of Nebraska (ENOHA) as a caregiver for disabled adults. Mary was a proud Irish Catholic woman; which meant family was everything to her as she had nothing but unconditional love, always, for her daughter, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Mary was the mother to her only child, Angela (her Angie baby). She was grandmother to three grandchildren: Victoria (Sis), Victor (little Booboo), and Angelina (Mims). Mary was also godmother to Christopher Cabo, Peggy Heese, and Anthony Strawn (her Boo). Mary was also married to James Kotlarz for a great portion of her life of 23 years. Mary was a small, feisty woman who spoke her mind and stood for what she believed in, always. She enjoyed Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, and Lipton unsweet iced tea. She was a diehard Elvis fan and notably the world’s greatest grandma chocolate chip cookie maker. She had a pure heart, amazing sense of humor, incredible knowledge, and forgiving soul. Through her 71 years, she has gifted us all with endless memories, countless hugs and kisses, and infinite love that will continue to carry on.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Strawn; brothers Jerry and Jim Strawn.

She is survived by her daughter Angela Strawn (Temple); grandchildren Victoria, Victor and Angelina; siblings Ruth, Peggy, Barb, John, Betsy and Boomer; and many more nieces, nephews, family and friends.