Marylin Kinn Obituary

Marylin A. Kinn

Marylin A. Kinn, 84, of Fostoria, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, in her residence with her daughter and caregivers present.

She was born on July 24, 1941, in Fostoria to the late Lucian and Alma (Huss) Kinn.

She was the devoted mother to her daughter, Joan Keegan Kowalkowski (New Lenox, Illinois), with whom she shared an especially close bond. Marylin was a constant source of support, strength and love, and their relationship grew into a deep friendship. She was a proud and loving grandmother to four grandchildren, Andrzej Kinn Kowalkowski (St Louis, Missouri), Nicholas Edward (Brie) Kowalkowski (Indianapolis, Indiana), Patrick James (Erika) Kowalkowski (La Habra Heights, California) and Katelin Christine Kowalkowski (Oak Creek, Wisconsin), who were a great joy in her life.

Marylin had two great-granddaughters, Harlow Wren Kowalkowski and Kamila Elena Kowalkowski. Marylin was loved by many nieces and nephews who called her "auntie".

Marylin was preceded in death by her infant son, James Patrick; parents, Lucian and Alma Kinn; brothers, Edward, James and Frank; and a sister, Lucia Ann.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Tammy, Carol, Kadalena, Nevie, Monica and Iyona, who lovingly cared for her around the clock for four years, as well as special friend Cathy, who visited often and brought joy into her life with her singing and kisses. They each walked beside her day and night, offering gentle hands, kind voices, and unwavering respect. Their love ensured she was never alone and always treated with dignity. They became like family to both Marylin and Joan. The family would also like to express gratitude to Bridge Hospice for their loving care over the past five months.

Marylin was a 1959 graduate of St. Wendelin High School. A lifelong educator and volunteer, she was a retired teacher from Arcadia and St. Wendelin Grade Schools. She taught CCD, was a member of Kiwanis, a mentor at Fostoria schools, a former docent at Hayes Memorial, an honorary member of the Circle of Mercy, and a member of St. Wendelin church and choir. Her faith was central to her life.

Most importantly, she was mother to Joan and grandma to Drew, Nick, PJ and Katie. She encouraged each of her grandkids in their interests and talents, from music lessons and piano playing to sports and musical theater; she rarely missed a game or performance. She cherished one-on-one time with each grandchild, often spending full weeks with them at the family cottage, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Family trips were a hallmark of her life, including taking her grandkids to Alaska, Disney, NYC, and Washington, DC, as well as countless summers at the lake, her happy place.

She loved boat rides, playing pinochle (and winning), bridge with friends and time spent with family. She loved music- especially the piano- and found joy in the little things like listening to Lawrence Welk and the movie Sound of Music, which became big things more recently. She stayed active with playing tennis and pickleball. She was playing pickleball before it was popular! She enjoyed parties with friends, a good glass of merlot, and dinners with family, especially evenings spent at her brother Frank and sister-in-law Dolores' home.

Marylin was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend whose life was rooted in kindness, faith and deep devotion to God, her family and friends. She brought warmth and love into the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, encouragement and love- a life well lived and deeply felt by all who knew her.

Visitation is 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at HOENING & SON FUNERAL HOME, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio 44830. Her funeral Mass is 1 p.m. Friday at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, 323 N. Wood Street, Fostoria, Ohio 44830. Burial will follow at St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery. Following the burial, a funeral luncheon and gathering will be in the parish hall at the church.

Memorial contribu-tions are suggested to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, all in care of the funeral home.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com