Mary (Fraver) Kofron

Greece: Mary (Fraver) Kofron left this life and joined her loving husband on July 10, 2026 from the comfort of her home surrounded and supported by her loving family at the age of 97.

Born in 1928, Mary was a lifelong Rochester native who lived a full life of love, devotion, and service.  After graduating from Nazareth College in 1950, she began her career as a social worker for Monroe County, serving everyone from children to the elderly.  In 1958 she met the love of her life, James T. Kofron, Jr.  They wed in 1960, settling down in Greece, NY to raise their family of four children.

As a devoted mother, her love and support were unsurpassed, not only for her own children, but to all who knew her.  As the quintessential neighborhood mom, her heart and home were open to all.  She offered kindness without judgement and love without limits. Through her warmth and generosity, she touched the hearts of many, whether she was teaching Sunday School, leading Girl Scouts, chaperoning events, or just being everyone’s beloved “Ma K.” 

Her love of gardening drew her to seek an outlet where she could combine her appreciation of flowers, community and collaboration. For her, the Seventh District Garden Clubs (Lakeview Garden Club) became both a personal passion as well as a platform for civic engagement, where her love and knowledge of plants and her talent for arranging grew alongside her love for people. She was admired and respected by her peers and awarded and praised as an excellent designer, adjudicator and mentor. 

She took up skiing at the age of 50 to connect with her children and quickly embraced the sport with zeal and enthusiasm, continuing to ski well into her 80s. Her adventures carried her to resorts across the United States and Canada, where she forged remarkable friendships and cherished the joy of the slopes.

Together, Mary and Jim nurtured an avid spirit for travel and the arts, a spirit that led them across the States and abroad. They were devoted patrons of Glimmerglass and the Canadian Opera Company, and their explorations brought them to national parks, historic sites, and countless destinations rich with beauty and meaning.

Mary truly touched every life she encountered, leading quietly but powerfully by example. Her kindness and compassion were not abstract qualities—they were lived every day through her volunteer work at Journey Home, her devotion to her church, and the gentle way she treated every person she met.

In her final days, during a home hospice visit, a social worker asked her a simple question: “What is your favorite flower?” Mary’s answer captured her spirit perfectly: “Whatever one I am holding.”  To her, every flower—grand or humble—held beauty, promise, and potential. She chose to see what was good, what was possible, and what was worth cherishing. Even someone who had known her for only minutes felt the impact of that perspective. It resonated deeply, revealing the essence of who Mary was.

Her life was a testament to finding and nurturing beauty wherever she stood, and in whomever she met. This is the legacy she leaves behind.

Mary is survived by her sons Jim (Anne Marie McMichael), Matt (Kelly), Steve (Leslie), and her daughter Mary Ann (Mike); her grandchildren Max (Rae Lynn), Grace, Noah, Billy, Anna, Hattie, Ada, and Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her devoted and beloved husband of 64 years, James T. Kofron, Jr.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the home caregivers who entered their lives six years ago. Their support for Jim and Mary after his stroke—and their continued love and care for Mary until her passing—will never be forgotten.

A celebration of her life and legacy will be announced and held at a future date, and all will be welcome.

In Mary’s honor, please consider making a donation to Journey Home, or support your local garden center and plant a garden in her memory.