Community Corner

City of Farmington Hills Mourns the Loss of Mary Kohls

The 45-year-old human resources director lost her battle with brain cancer Saturday.

The mourns the passing of Human Resources Director Mary Kohls, 45, who lost her courageous battle with brain cancer on Saturday, Sept. 24.

A resident of Brighton, Kohls was hired as the City’s Human Resources Director in February 1999. She had previously worked as the Human Resources Director for the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center and also as a Human Resources Specialist for the City of Novi. She was a graduate of Central Michigan University and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Interpersonal and Public Communications.

Kohls directed activities in the areas of employment, compensation, benefits, employee safety, and labor relations. She championed innovative programs such as the Labor/Management Health Care Coalition and the Fit for Life employee wellness initiative. In addition, her contributions in hiring city staff will have a lasting impact.

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Kohls was active in the field of labor relations and was a Board Member and Past President (2000-01) for the Michigan Public Employer Labor Relations Association (MPELRA), and also served on the Board for the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA). In 2009, she received the prestigious Dudley Sherman Award, which MPELRA presents to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to public sector labor relations.

Known for her outgoing and positive personality, Kohls will be greatly missed by her professional colleagues, family, and many friends, according to a press release from the City of Farmington Hills. She is survived by her husband Gil and stepdaughter Kaitlyn.

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Visitation will be held Tuesday, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at in Farmington. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m., at in Farmington Hills.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center at Henry Ford Hospital 2799 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202.


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