���ϲʹ���

In December 2022, the Mary Schlitt Kostalos Fund was established by Mary’s loving wife, Michele. The Fund will support causes that Mary was passionate about. Mary has been described by her friends as gentle, kindhearted, loyal, compassionate and unique. So, it comes as no surprise that Mary cared deeply about many things including the environment, social justice, women’s rights and the humane care of animals.

She believed that all forms of life are important and everything is connected to everything else. Mary believed that the natural world should not be taken for granted. She was aware that circumstances change, but these changes offer an opportunity to make the positive happen.

As a lifelong teacher, Mary  modeled community service and professionalism. She helped her students understand how giving back could change not only their own lives but the lives of their families, their communities, and the wider world... 

Mary was a dedicated ecologist. As such she saw the importance of natural ecosystems. She offered financial and hands-on support over the years. Mary had been an eco-steward, board member, and part of the monitoring committee at Nine Mile Run, now known as Up Stream. Though retired, she made time to offer professional expertise and help teach the next generation monitoring skills.

Mary also cared deeply about social issues which is one of the reasons she became a Unitarian Universalist and a member of the First Unitarian Church of ���ϲʹ���. Many of the church’s principles aligned with Mary’s own beliefs and passions. She was able to make a greater impact by being part of a welcoming community that values life, the earth and the dignity of all souls. She had found her spiritual home.

Therefore, it is the intended purpose of this fund to make a positive impact in as many areas of need as possible. As Gwendolyn Brooks said and Mary would agree “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.”