Mary Berta Coggeshall

Mary Margaret Berta Coggeshall died on March 16, 2026, in Cincinnati OH. Mary was an avid and accomplished athlete, music lover and sports enthusiast. Her life was distinguished by her strong sense of civic duty and social justice.

Mary was born on July 26, 1969, in Buffalo NY to Mary Frances (Best) Berta and Jules Berta, Sr. Her father, a steelworker and entrepreneur, had been a freedom fighter in Hungary before coming to the United States as a young man. The family moved to Dayton OH when Mary was two years old. She went to Springboro High School where she won awards as a competitive swimmer. A proud graduate of Miami University, Mary worked as Zoning Plans Examiner for Hamilton County OH for 26 years.

The completion of 21 consecutive runnings of Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathons as well as triathlons and other competitive events were evidence of her athleticism. She enjoyed cycling on her club’s weekly rides.

Her love of music brought her together with her future husband, Ken Coggeshall, whom she met while he was a singer in band. They married on 6 June 2009. Mary loved her pets and the home she shared with her husband. Favorite activities included music concerts, Reds baseball game, yoga and regular visits to the Cincinnati Sports Club. She was a loyal Bengals fan.

Mary died peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Ken; sisters, Lisa and Lydia Berta; brothers, Les and Jules Berta, Jr. and Dave and Tommy Dissette; and friend, Michelle Snider.

The family requests donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in lieu of flowers.