Mary Louise Kuhlman, age 96, of Pemberville, OH passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Otterbein SeniorLife in Pemberville. She was born on December 19, 1929 in Toledo, OH to Emile E. and Helen (Faulkner) Hirschy. She was the oldest of their three daughters, and had fond childhood memories of time spent with her sisters.
Mary graduated from Libbey High School in Toledo, and at a time when it was somewhat uncommon for women to go to college, Mary convinced her father that he should not only let her attend, but that he should also let her sisters attend. All three ladies would receive Bachelors Degrees from Bowling Green State University.
During her time at BGSU, Mary studied biology, was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, obtained her BS in Education, and met Donald F. Kuhlman. Don would go on to pin Mary, and the two wed on July 14, 1951.
After a short stay in Toledo, Don and Mary moved to the Kuhlman family farm, built a home, and raised their children there. They celebrated almost fifty years of marriage before Don’s passing in February of 2001.
Mary’s love of learning led to a career in education, most of which was spent working at Eastwood Local Schools, where she taught Algebra and Honors English for twenty-five years, and served as the first President of the Teacher’s Union. Even in retirement she continued to tutor students and grandchildren, and always had a book or movie to recommend.
Mary was a lover of the arts and travel, and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. She and Don were actively involved with the International Friendship Program through BGSU, serving as host parents for years with many international students remaining lifelong friends. Her passion for social justice led to her longtime involvement with Amnesty International.
As a lifelong learner, Mary kept her mind busy in retirement by leading the Portage River Readers book club for over twenty years. She was a proud member of the Friends of the Library, and Mental Culture Club. In 2017, Mary was nominated for and received the Spirit of Wood County Award for Education for Civic Responsibility. Her life’s work was to be an educator, and she continued teaching until the very end.
Mary is survived by her children: Katherine J. (Gary) Wilhelm of MN, Robert A. (Pamela) Kuhlman of Pemberville, and Craig M. (Jeanne) Kuhlman of Pemberville, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her 3 amigas: Mary Jo Bish, Sherri Sheffler, and Pat Titkemeier all of Pemberville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and longtime friend Carol Mayuni Kambizi. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, parents Emile and Helen, sisters Nancy Guckert and Elaine Shawker, and her special feline companion Annabelle.
A private Memorial will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to do something in Mary’s honor are asked to read a good book and talk about it with a friend, curl up with a feline companion, or enjoy a sweet treat, especially pie or ice cream. Memorials may take the form of contributions to: the Eastwood Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund or the Pemberville Public Library. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
