Mary “Marney” Ellen Kuna, 79, of Newnan, Ga, passed away August 6, 2023, peacefully.

Marney was born May 12, 1944, to Clyde “Sam” Brandle and Kathleen (Ortman) Brandle in Buffalo, NY. She grew up in the Buffalo area alongside her parents as an only child and graduated high school in 1962 from Father Baker Victory High School.

Ms. Kuna raised her two daughters, Koren and Shelley, in Bowling Green, OH where she was active in volunteering with their school and swim team activities. From Ohio she moved to Sarasota, FL where she embraced the year-round Florida sunshine and coastal living. She was an avid swimmer for the U.S. Masters swimming team; competed in triathlons, learned how to rock climb and honed her interest in pottery making. Marney spent most summers in Vermont to be with her grandchildren, spanning from when they were infants to teenagers. Marney spent time in Sun City Peachtree in Griffin, GA where she easily met new friends and continued to stay active. She finally settled in Newnan, GA with her daughter and son-in-law.

Marney enjoyed being with people, and friends, and staying busy. She loved swimming, pottery making, rock climbing, and was even a certified yoga instructor. She spent her last years in this world blissfully surrounded by her family, taking scenic walks, practicing Tai Chi, and playing Mexican Dominoes at the Senior Center in Newnan. She will be remembered by the many many friends who knew her as free spirited and carefree. Marney didn’t believe in being idle and still in her advanced years enjoyed activities such as biking, water volleyball, dancing, and music.

Marney was preceded in death by her parents: Clyde “Sam” and Kathleen Brandle. She is survived by her daughters: Koren Gately (Chris) of Newnan, GA, and Shelley Hoak (Martin) of Burlington, VT; and her grandchildren: Ethan Hoak and Laura Hoak, both of Burlington, VT.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in Sarasota, FL at the Sunset Pavilion on Siesta Key Beach from 4:00-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Marney Kuna.