Mary Binder, born Maria Mohr on April 11, 1931 in Orzi Pusta, Yugoslavia, passed peacefully in her sleep with family at her side on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was 93 years old. Known to many simply as "Oma," she was mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to a loving and grateful family.

Mary was one of five children born to Maria and Friedrich Mohr. In her early years Mary and her family suffered through the trauma of World War II and the subsequent rise of communism in Yugoslavia. It was during this time that Mary lost her beloved mother at the age of 49. Mary was not yet 16 years old.

Two years later Mary wed the love of her life, Philip Binder on July 24, 1949. With their two-year-old daughter, Irene, they escaped communist Yugoslavia for West Germany, where their second daughter, Annamarie was born. The family was soon able to immigrate to Windsor, Canada, where daughter Florence and sons Richard and Carl were born. While Philip worked long hours, Mary stayed home raising their five kids. In 1968 the family moved to California, where they settled in the small town of El Toro, now called Lake Forest.

Here Mary kept herself active, using her cooking and baking skills to begin work as a caterer. When she was not busy making meals for her family and friends, she was making them for paying customers. She also found time to join a bowling league, crochet numerous blankets, sew uniforms for her sons' baseball teams, volunteer with Meals on Wheels and welcome several foreign exchange students to her home. After Philip's passing in 2019, Mary moved to Freedom Village, where she continued to make friends and bake cookies.

But the greatest joy in her life was being Oma to her grandchildren (and great-grandchildren). Whether hosting Christmas gatherings, playing Skip-Bo around the dinner table or spending beautiful summers on the beach, she was happiest when surrounded by her family and loving husband of nearly 70 years. Her generous spirit touched many, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the great fortune to know her. Mary was the last of the Mohr family to pass; we are comforted that she is now reunited with her parents, siblings and husband Philip in paradise.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, 12:00 p.m. at McCormick Mortuary, 25000 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653,  followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a Hospice of your choice (or Meals on Wheels) would be appreciated.