During WWII Mary worked in Cadillac, MI making deicer boots for bombers. After the war, she relocated to Ypsilanti, MI, and printing became her trade. As a printer for UM, one of her most memorable jobs was printing the documents for Dr. Jonas Sauk's research on the Polio vaccine.

Mary married Harlan H. Otto on September 10th, 1955, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, MI. She retired from UM when her daughter Heide was born in February 1962. In April of 1964 she gave birth to her son Dieter. Six weeks later Mary opened the Gault Village Laundromat, which she operated for 10 years.

During Mary and Harlan's 50 plus years of marriage, they helped to build three local churches, and enjoyed camping and traveling. In the late 1980's, Harlan fulfilled his promise to Mary by taking her to Groeten, Netherlands, the birthplace of Mary's father. In her later years, Mary worked for Washtenaw Community College as a testing proctor. She retired in 1992. Mary was a member of the Erickson Elementary School Child Study group, Elder Wise, and an active church member. Mary passed away peacefully at home, with her family close at hand. She had a strong love for family and a good Christian life.

Survivors include Harlan H. Otto, husband, children Heide (Thomas) Basinger, Dieter H. Otto, and granddaughter, Lydia Basinger, all of Ypsilanti; Siblings: Cornelius (Donna) Kooistra of Rapid City, Alzora Merillat of Kewidan, Hilda Buller of Jackson, Louise (Todd) Kuyper of Central Lake, Elsie Coger of Gaylord, and Ted (Linda) Kooistra Ypsilanti. She was preceded in death by parents, Aries and Irene (Vanniman) Kooistra, sister Helena Arnold, and grandson, Otto Basinger.

Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at Faith Lutheran Church Ypsilanti with Pastor Paul O. Richert officiating. Burial followed at Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Church. Please sign her guest book at Janowiak FuneralHome.com