Mary Kosanovich

KOSANOVICH, Mary (nee Till) of Lackawanna, entered into rest January 12, 2026. Beloved wife of Peter Kosanovich; loving daughter of Gaspar and Ljubica “Violet” Till; dear sister of the late Frank (late Millie) Till; also survived by nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd., near Lake Ave. on Sunday (January 18th) from 11AM - 3PM. Private Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s honor may be made to Hospice Buffalo. 

Nevenka Mary Kosanovich was born in Austria on April 20th, 1946. Her parents were born in Yugoslavia, and spent time in a concentration camp during the war. After the war, like many European families, the emigrated to the United States. Mary, her parents and her brother Frank came to the US with the clothes on their backs and all their possessions in a burlap sack with the fathers name on it (Mary kept the burlap sack and we still have it and the stories it carried). Lackawanna was home to many Yugoslavian immigrants with available work in the factories, so that is where they settled. Nevenka started to use her more Americanized middle name of Mary, and that is how she was addressed. On April 5th, 1956, Mary became a United States citizen. Mary met Peter Kosanovich during their time at Lackawanna High School. Two years after graduation, on June 16th 1966 they were married.

Mary began working for TRW Credit Data in Buffalo and became their Operations Manager. Her position encompassed total responsibility for the operation of credit file administration, data collection, and customer service. She also was an advisor and liaison between the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse offices. She also worked for CPM Research and Sears Credit Department as an assistant supervisor, where she earned high praise for training new staff and dealing with customers.

Eventually, Mary and Peter moved to West Seneca. Mary was an avid runner, logging many miles around the neighborhood. While running, she would often carry treats for the dogs in the neighborhood. Mary loves animals, and would even leave apples in the yard for the deer. Traveling was frequent, and they went to Yugoslavia, Jamaica, Alaska, Hawaii and several other cruises.

Mary used her organizational skills to lead many events. She was the lead committee member for her 25th and 50th high school reunion. Even though they never had children, Mary and Peter were involved in numerous events for the students in the West Seneca School District where Peter taught math for 34 years.  Mary and Peter also spent their time volunteering for Hospice.

In 2008, they move to a duplex in Orchard Park, where Mary enjoyed walking, planting flowers and neighborhood parties. Next year, Mary and Peter will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary!