Mary L. Kolenda

Mary Kolenda, goddess, diva, force of nature, and lifelong Grand Rapidian, ever-so-rudely passed away of something as trite as natural causes on Friday, Dec 19, 2025. This was beneath her.

The fourth of nine children, she is preceded in death by her parents Lois and Marion Kolenda, brothers Donald Budnick, Daniel Kolenda, John Kolenda, her sister Amy Kolenda, and her beloved brother-in-law Roy Diaz. Mary is survived by her greatest joys, her daughter, Lindsay (Joe) Absi, and her granddaughter, Aeris Tuma, as well as her sisters Kathie (Ron) Markoski, Julie Kolenda, Laura Kolenda, brother Tom (Brenda) Kolenda, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up on the northeast side of Grand Rapids and graduated from Creston High School in 1977. Later she attended GRCC and GVSU prior to earning her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State. She began her career at Kendall College of Art & Design in 1990, at first working the phones, and eventually rising to the position of Coordinator of Academic Records in the Dean’s Office. She touched thousands of people's lives over her 35 years of service. She adored the students there; one of her favorite things was when successful alumni would return years later and stop to talk to her. She was scheduled to retire on January 7th, 2026, when she had planned to write a book.

Mary was a fiercely independent woman who lived life on her own terms. Several years ago, Mary was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis, which slowly robbed her of her mobility, and yet, she would not let it keep her down. She was known for her keen intelligence and sharp wit. She was proudly liberal with an incredibly kind and generous spirit, but would not take any guff. She did not put on airs, her approach to living was open, raw, and honest.

She enjoyed the sun, the beach, and was a shameless tanner whenever she could catch a ray. She delighted in feeding the squirrels peanuts on her deck and doting on Avenue, her neighbor's cat. She was an active member of the St. Stanislaus Aid Society, aka Little Hall, joining in for trivia and karaoke. Mary loved attending all of Aeris’s sporting events as well as sharing her granddaughter’s accomplishments with everyone. She was the proudest Mimi.

Mary was incredibly loyal to family and friends, often taking on the role of cheerleader, therapist, instigator, or partner in crime. One always knew where one stood with her. She was quick to weed out the nonsense and would not suffer anyone that she did not like. She was always stylish and fashionable, evidenced by a slight shopping addiction. She loved giving and had been Christmas shopping since the summer, often giving the presents early and then getting new presents to give later.

She is, and will forever be, missed.

Services to be announced at a later date.

Mary’s retirement party will go on as planned on Saturday January 10, 2026 at Little Hall from 4pm to 11pm, bring your karaoke song list!

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