Mary Lou Koch

Mary Lou Koch, 64, of Willoughby, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, after a valiant and courageous fight. Born in Cleveland on August 30, 1961, she spent most of her life in Lake County, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship.

Mary Lou was the loving and devoted mother of Matthew (Lindsey) Koch and Nicholas Koch, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was the cherished daughter of Lucia Lamenta and the late Tony Lamenta, and a deeply adored grandmother of Hayden and Gavin Koch, whose smiles brought endless light to her days. She was a beloved sister to Mike (Melissa) Lamenta, Debbie (Ken) Regenor, and Nancy (Mariano) Benitez, and a treasured aunt to Michael Lamenta, Grace Regenor, Max Regenor, Mia Benitez, and Luca Benitez. Mary Lou’s love for her family was steadfast and unconditional, and she found her greatest happiness in making memories with those she held dear.

For 28 dedicated years, Mary Lou worked as an Operations Support Specialist at Volk Optical, where she was respected for her strong work ethic and kind spirit. She was known for her generosity, her deep spirituality, and her ability to offer comfort and encouragement to those around her. A loyal and lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, she stood by her team faithfully through many lean years, celebrating every victory with unwavering enthusiasm. She was a masterful crocheter, creating beautiful pieces that will forever serve as tangible reminders of her love, and she cherished time at the beach, finding peace in the warmth of the sun.

Above all, Mary Lou’s greatest joy was simply being with family and friends, laughing, sharing stories, and creating moments that will now be treasured memories. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.