Mary Lou Kniskern

On September 1, 2025, Mary Louise “Mary Lou” (Vacula) Kniskern of Cobleskill, NY, born on October 23, 1945, passed away unexpectedly in her home.

Mary Lou is the daughter of long-term Cobleskill residents Joe and Margaret “Peggy” Vacula.

Mary Lou is predeceased by her first husband Harold Preston Coager, her second husband Jeff Kniskern and her beloved daughter Sheila Coager.

She is survived by her son Tim Coager (Donna Lesniewki Vanvalkenburg) and her precious grandson Preston Coager of (Middleburgh, NY); her two brothers, Joe Vacula of (Long Beach MS) and Dan Vacula of (Cobleskill NY). She leaves behind nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Mary Lou is a graduate of Cobleskill High School. She was a long-time bus driver and Aid for the Cobleskill-Richmondville School District. After she retired, she spent all her time volunteering for her community, spending time with her friends and family. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her grandson, who she loved beyond words.

Mary Lou was an amazingly kind, caring, strong, woman of faith who was generous with her time to help others, going above and beyond in the little ways to make a difference without a second thought, which is what made her the genuine person she was.

We will carry you in our hearts, knowing what you did and who you were to us in our lives that will make us strong, forever missing you.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00-6:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary Lou’s name to Schoharie County Animal Shelter, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092, A Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187, or the Joshua Project at joshuaschoharie.org. These organizations were all very dear to her heart.