Mary Louise Gohl, 84, of Champaign, passed away in peaceful sleep surrounded by family at her home at 11:55 a.m., Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at 10 a.m.

Mrs. Gohl was born June 21, 1927, in Carey, Ohio, the daughter of Linus and Esther (Brooks) Reinhart. She married James N. Gohl on July 2, 1949, in Louisville, Ky. He survives. Mary was a former resident of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Port Charlotte, Florida.

Also surviving are a daughter, Debra Jackson, Champaign; two brothers, Harold Reinhart, Barrington, Ill., and Bernard Reinhart, Tucson, Ariz.; two sisters, Rita Newell, Galion, Ohio, and Virginia Orians, of Carey, Ohio; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Gohl was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Don and Frank, and a son, Scott Gohl.

She was a past member of the Omega Phi Tau social sorority, the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and Newcomers. She was a Brownie leader, a school volunteer, a Band Boosters member, a Little League Mom, and a member of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, Champaign.

Her hobbies included arts and crafts, sewing, knitting, and parties.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Gohl’s name may be made to the Carle Fund Development, 611 W. Park, Urbana, IL 61801, with a designation to the Hospice Program.

Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.

Her light continues to shine.

Condolences

We knew Mary Gohl for over forty years. But, perhaps, “knew” is not the right word. Perhaps the word is “enjoyed.”

In life there sometimes comes a person whose heart is worn on their sleeve, whose nature is so naturally comfortable that those they encounter are immediately accepting of them.

Such a person was Mary.

To say she was non-pretentious would be a misnomer. In fact, she was anything but. Her gentle, out-going nature drew people in. She said, without saying a word, “I’m okay with you, and I want you to be okay with me.” Her first words upon seeing you were, “How are you?” And you know what, she meant it. Absolutely — without pretense or reservation. She meant it.

How rare is that? How rare is it to feel such concern from someone who you never got to share enough time with?

But, that was Mary.

She always looked out after you, no matter the amount of intervening time. She wanted you to be okay. She prayed you would be okay. Our get-togethers were always better with Mary there. She loved, always, and had that perfect smile for you. It still lingers in our minds, that heartfelt expression of her caring.

She lives on in our hearts knowing her faith was as deep as her soul.

For now, we can only remember her as someone who will forever be our friend, a very special person. It hurts to know we will not see her again in this life. But she is still smiling, knowing we will...later.

Mary, we will miss you. Always.

Love,

Jim and Connie Shirk
Port Orchard, WA 98367

Dear Gohl Family,

We are so saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Our eyes have shed tears and our hearts are heavy. You are in our prayers often and have been forever. We have often thought of you since your move to Florida. Always with smiles in our hearts.

Thank you for your call, Jim. I'm not sure that you and Mary realized the mentoring, love and friendship that you shared with the young neighbors across the street. We often felt like family and always enjoyed our times together.

For all your extended family, we wish you peace and strength for the days ahead and sweet memories of Mary. I'm sure she's in heaven and God is smiling.

God's Blessing,

Jack and Phyllis and Family

Dear Jim and Family,

We are very saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. You might find it interesting to know that Carol had been wondering about you and praying for you all week, even though she did not know of your loss.

We have such fond memories of you and Mary and how you accepted us as your new neighbors, and as the new kids on the block, when we picked up the empty lot next to you.

We had some fun times together as you taught us how to play the new dominoes, even though Roland had a hard time remembering to take down his train. That is an example of the good memories we will always carry in our hearts.

Jim, you’ve been dealt a couple hard blows that, although we may try, we cannot fully understand. But, Carol and I are praying that you will continue to lean heavily on the Lord in the days ahead. Proverbs 3: 5 and 6.

Our love,

Roland and Carol Sumney

Jim and Debbie —

So many memories come flooding back from the fun days of craft club with Phyllis, Freddie, Barb, Kathy — we had some really creative evenings and formed lasting friendships. Mary's laughter was so contagious!

God be with you as you adjust to life without her. We all know she is in a much better place but miss her you will. It's comforting that she is no longer suffering but now singing with the angels in her heavenly home.

Judi Tennison