Mary Ellen Kozanda (née Bossinger), 76, of Schererville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026.

Mary Ellen was born on July 16, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, and was raised in the close-knit community of Marktown, a place she always held close to her heart.

Mary Ellen was the deeply loved mother of Anne Marie (David) Wells, Kathleen (Daniel) O’Neill, Megan (Russell) Dahl, and Colleen (Michael) Santucci.  She was a proud mother, but there was no title she cherished more than “Granny.” She was adored by her eleven grandchildren: Noah (Hannah), Joey (Victoria), Aidan, Reece (Molly), Matthew, Abbey, Aaron, Mason, Charlotte, Benjamin, and Charlie, each of whom shared a unique and special bond with her.

Mary Ellen is also survived by her brothers, William Bossinger and Mark (Vivian) Bossinger; her sisters-in-law, Cindy Bossinger and Helen Jean Bossinger, who was not only her sister-in-law but also her lifelong best friend; her beloved goddaughter, Jennifer (Jon) Robins, who held a very special place in her heart and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Rita Bossinger, and her brothers, Lawrence Bossinger and Dennis Bossinger and lifelong friend Nancy Fink.

For more than 30 years, Mary Ellen faithfully gathered with the same Bunco group, creating forever friendships filled with laughter.

Mary Ellen was the owner of J & K Environmental. She was proud of the business she built through years of hard work.

She enjoyed trips to the casino, musicals, listening to music,  and playing cards.  She also had a love for dogs, which always made her smile.

Mary Ellen lived her life with the best sense of humor, laughing a lot and entertaining everyone with her quirkiness. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she spent it with those she loved, listening to music, decorating and baking.  She worked hard making sure every Christmas was special and instilled her traditions in her daughters and grandchildren.

A private burial will be held with her immediate family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Ellen’s life on Saturday, July 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk Drive, Crown Point, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to the CDLS foundation or Breakthrough T1D.