Mary Therese Bakos

Mary T. Bakos, age 79 of Portage, passed away on Tuesday May 31, 2022 at home. Mary was born August 29, 1942 in Wilmette, Illinois, the daughter of Louis and Jeanette (Bernacchi) Lucinio, both of Italy. Mary was the middle of five children and enjoyed growing up along the north shore of Chicago. After graduation from Marywood High School, she attended Creighton University where she met and fell in love with Jim Bakos. They were united in marriage on January 2, 1965 in Wilmette and immediately moved to Kalamazoo to start their family. While raising four young children, Mary still found the time to continue her education, receiving her Master’s Degree in social work from Western Michigan University. She enjoyed a long and successful career of helping families at Family & Children Services in Kalamazoo, retiring in 2009. Even after retirement, Mary’s desire to help others continued with volunteering in the local schools assisting children in need. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Mary was active and engaged throughout her life, truly living it to the fullest. Family, friends, and her faith were the cornerstones of Mary’s life. She was constantly involved in all school activities, sporting events, church functions, and family parties. Mary was a friend to all and people were drawn to her charismatic spirit. She enjoyed and maintained many lifelong friendships and genuinely loved the company of those near and dear to her heart. Mary would do anything for anybody, was always the first to lend a hand, do what was needed, or provide a meal. She was selfless to the core. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren of whom she was immensely proud. Mary was fun to be around and took pleasure in countless hobbies, including playing cards, going to the beach, gardening, and golfing. She enjoyed attending all types of sporting events from little league and AYSO to Super Bowls and Final Fours. Perhaps her most favorite pastime was cooking for others and sharing her full Italian heritage by providing delicious meals to many. She appreciated all that the world had to offer and traveled to numerous countries spanning multiple continents, just returning from Northern Ireland last month. Mary was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church for over 50 years. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Jim. Surviving are four children, Jennifer Bakos, John (Jennie) Bakos, Matthew Bakos, Sarah (Nick) Wilson; four siblings, Sr. Jeanette Lucinio, Richard Lucinio, Annette (Mark) Galban, and Betsy (Mark) Ford; six grandchildren, Ashley, Anna, Jack, Isabel, Sam, and Holden; two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Ryleigh; several nieces and nephews; and Godchildren Laura Smith, Joe Hudek, and Monica Swiat. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Monica Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Luncheon and visiting with family will be held on June 10, 2022 at Fieldstone Grill in Portage from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to Family & Children Services of Kalamazoo, Michigan. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net