Mary Hosfeld

Mary (Mary Kay) Catherine Brown Hosfeld, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully into the loving hands of the Lord while surrounded by her children on May 13, 2025. Unwavering in Catholic faith, she spent her life committed to family, friends, work and volunteerism. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years and love of her life, Earl Austin Hosfeld (1929-1997). Survived by her children, Maria Bertram (Terry), Michele Kelley (Terry), Mark (Melissa Slater), and Michael (Jennifer); six grandchildren, Kara Gehle (Roger), Kevin Grupe (Lauren Zimmerman), Meredith Grupe (Cory Lee Ways), Brooks Hosfeld, Anna Hosfeld, and Austin Hosfeld; two great-grandchildren, Walter and Winston Gehle. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Morris Brown and Robert James Brown, siblings Robert (Mary) Brown, Thomas (Lynn)Brown and Margaret “Peggi” Scholl (Paul),survived by sister Ellen Hockman (Denny) and many nieces and nephews.

Mary graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School in 1952 and earned a four-year degree from the College of St. Mary of the Springs, (Ohio Dominican University). She worked as a Med Tech at St. Anthony’s Hospital for 18 years, worked and volunteered at the Golden Hobby Shop for over 20 years and the Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (J.O.I.N.) until 2020.

She met Earl in 1960 three weeks before she was intending to move to San Francisco with a girlfriend. They went on the trip, but she decided to return to Ohio for Earl. Six months later, on Christmas Eve they were engaged. They married in Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church on June 17th, 1961. They were lifelong fans of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives and enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren in Columbus, Indianapolis, Ann Arbor, and Red Wing, MN. She was married to Hugh Bohn for 6 years before his passing in 2023. Hugh is survived by his children Paula (James) Flavell, Hugh D Bohn III, Mary Nicolosi, Robert (Elaine) Bohn, and Carol (Greg) Thune.

A devout Catholic, Mary received great joy in her faith. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She traveled the world, cherishing trips to the Browne family home in County Clare, Ireland. Mary encouraged her children and grandchildren to travel. She was an avid reader, fierce bridge and euchre player and maintained lifelong friendships. For decades, Mary stayed active walking, riding her bike and eventually riding a tricycle up to age 90!

Mary was a lifelong Columbus area resident. Over the last few years, she enjoyed making new friends and learning new activities while living independently at Wesley Ridge in Reynoldsburg. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire care team at Wesley Ridge. She particularly appreciated the many years of time, care and assistance that her daughter Michele and husband  Terry Kelley provided. In her final weeks she spent precious time with family, reminiscing, sifting through a lifetime of photos, sharing stories and laughing. She led life by example: Trust in the Lord;  love one another; Work and give back. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her as they celebrate a life well lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 31st , 2025 at 11:00a.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel on the grounds of St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High St, Lockbourne, OH where the burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to J.O.I.N. or the Bishop Griffin Resource Center.  

An Irish Blessing: "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."