Gehrls, Mary Kathleen (O’Brien)
Thomas Township, Michigan
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Mary Kathleen (O’Brien) Gehrls, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, in the afternoon hours of Sunday, April 3, 2022 at her residence in Thomas Township, Michigan. Age 88 years. Mary was born on June 18, 1933 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late William J. Sr. and Margaret (McInnis) O’Brien. On August 23, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Saginaw, Michigan Mary married the love of her life, Clifford K. Gehrls. He preceded her in death on October 8, 2019. Mary played numerous roles during her lifetime; nothing was more important to Mary than caring for her family and her home. She especially enjoyed all the time and care she was able to provide to her children and grandchildren. Mary had numerous hobbies and activities that brought her joy, but nothing brought her more joy than her family. They meant the absolute world to her.
Left to cherish her memories are her three daughters and one son, Peggy (Doug) Klann of Freeland, MI, Mary Lynn Straight of Freeland, MI, Joni (Steve) Jacobs of Saginaw, MI, and Dave (Karen) Gehrls of Caledonia, MI; daughter-in-law, Susan Gehrls of Bay City, MI; ten grandchildren, Jennifer, Brian, Taylor (Heather), Amanda (Jim), Chad (Jasmin), Ty, Cara (Josh), Alexa (Brandon), McKayla (Kail) and Samantha; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Sue (William) MacLachlan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary is happily reunited with her husband, Clifford K. Gehrls; son, Thomas Brian Gehrls; parents, William J. Sr. and Margaret (McInnis) O’Brien; siblings, Patricia (Vincent), Colleen Dunn, William (Helen) O’Brien, Jr., and Barbara (Robert) McDonagh.
Mary’s family would like to extend a very special Thank You to the staff of Careline Hospice and Mary’s nephew and his wife, Pastor Don (Debbie) O’Brien for the extraordinary care and compassion provided to Mary and her family.
Private Family Services will be held and entombment will take place in St. Andrew Mausoleum in Saginaw, Michigan. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Careline Hospice” 4760 Fashion Square Blvd Saginaw, MI 48604. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net