Mary G. Kotz

   Mary G. Kotz, 61, of Cranbury, died Friday, Oct. 17.
   Mary was born to the late Thomas and Victoria Gallagher on June 24, 1947, in Newark. She graduated from Weequahic High School in 1965 and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Kean State College (formerly Newark State College) in 1969. She met Robert B. Kotz in 1982 and they married in 1988, living their lives together in the Plainsboro area.
   Ms. Kotz was an elementary teacher for 31 years at Monmouth Junction Elementary and other schools in the South Brunswick school district until she retired in 2000. She was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. In addition, she was a dog lover, both in ownership and charitable donations. She passed on her favorite hobby of reading to her daughters and grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of reading and education.
   She is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, Bob Kotz; her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and David Shupe of Greenville, S,C,; her daughter, Gretchen Kotz of Canton, Ga.; two loving grandchildren, Caitlin and Grady Shupe, of Greenville, S.C.; and pet cocker spaniel, Belle. She also leaves behind an aunt, Kay Cassidy of West Orange; in-laws, Jean and Roderick Dungan of Yardley, Pa; Sue and Steve Dellaira of Yardley, Pa.; as well as many close friends.
   A Funeral Service was held Monday 2 p.m. at the Princeton Memorial Park Mausoleum, Robbinsville. Entombment will follow. There will be no calling hours. Services under the direction of AS Cole Son & Co. Funeral Homes, 22 N. Main St. Cranbury, N.J. 08512. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the ASPCA, both charitable organizations that Mary was passionate about.