If there’s a painting that captures the true essence of Palmerton, chances are it’s the work of a woman with the Midas touch.

With her expertise, precision and longevity, Mary Kocher’s paintings have been an institution throughout the area for decades.

From historic buildings, to landmarks, to her own family, Kocher’s paintings can be found in many local homes and collections.

Now, the renowned artist whose paintings span generations is about to celebrate the next in a long list of watershed milestones.

Her next - and perhaps most improbable - defining moment will occur on Monday when Kocher turns 100 years old.

Early beginnings

Born April 19, 1921, Kocher is originally from Morgantown, West Virginia.

At the age of 22, she met and married a chemist, Richard Kocher, and they moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Mary said the couple’s daughter Juliet “was born the day they dropped the bomb,” on Japan in 1945.

After the war, her husband joined the New Jersey Zinc Company as a chemist, and the family moved to Palmerton.

Eventually, Kocher signed up for art lessons at the Baum Art School in Allentown.

“I started (painting) when I was only in kindergarten,” Kocher said. “I was 26, and I knew being a housewife wasn’t going to be enough.”

From there, Kocher plied her craft for several summers at a Rockport, Massachusetts, art colony.

In the decades that followed, Kocher’s paintings have clearly left an indelible impression throughout the area.

To this day, she has various paintings on display at the First Northern Bank & Trust in Palmerton, along with the Mauch Chunk Trust Company in Jim Thorpe.

Celebrating an icon

For Kocher, Palmerton continues to hold a special place in her heart.

“I always liked living here,” she said. “I’m just ordinary; people have been very kind.”

Recently, residents have turned out at the bandstand in the borough park to sign a community card in recognition of Kocher turning 100 years old.

But, that isn’t all, as the local icon will commemorate her big day through a series of celebrations, according to her daughter, Juliet Kabay, of Center Valley.

“There’ll be individual parties, family gatherings,” Kabay said. “It’s going to be spread out over the next couple of months.”

“There’s going to be some smaller gatherings,” she said. “A variety of different events and people she’s known through the years.”

For her part, Kocher chalked up her long existence to several factors in particular.

“Everything in moderation,” she said. “Don’t overdo it.”

That, plus a good set of family genes, as Kocher recalled that her mother lived until she was 90, and her father into his late 80s.

“I’ve outlived everyone; my doctors, friends, peers, my bridge clubs and my art clubs,” she said. “Even my younger friends, they invite me to things; I’m lucky that way.”

After all these years, Kocher said she’s at peace with her life.

“I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do, I’ve traveled a lot,” she said. “Everything has its beginning, and its end.”

Everything, that is, except for Kocher’s paintings, which will continue to endure for generations to come.