Mary Ann Mason

In memoriam: Mary Ann Mason

Mary Ann Mason, 88, of Naples, FL (formerly of South Bend, IN) peacefully passed away on November 18, 2024. Born in Detroit, MI in 1936 to Bartol and Mary Mitchell (nee Rozich), she was a graduate of Immaculata High School in Detroit.  

In meeting Thomas, Mary Ann found the love of her life. Mary Ann often regaled the story of how Thomas told her “Stick with me kid and I will show you the world”. She did just that and they married in 1959 in Precious Blood Church in Detroit after Thomas completed his military service (Air Force) and education studies (University of Detroit).  

Thomas and Mary Ann were blessed with three beautiful children, Jo Ann, Michael, and Susan. They established a wonderful home environment in Ann Arbor, MI, where they lived until moving to South Bend, IN in 1976 when Thomas became Vice-President of Notre Dame’s Business Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Summer vacations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and at Eight Point Lake created lasting family memories.  

Once in South Bend, Mary Ann continued to be a doting and caring wife and mother. She did not “work” in the traditional sense, but “work” she did while she supported her husband as he tended to Notre Dame business affairs. Mary Ann was integral in being “hostess” to numerous social events and gatherings. Together they traveled across the globe going to many special and far-away places such as The Holy Land, Russia, Alaska, and Antarctica. Thomas had delivered on his promise to “show her the world”.

Mary Ann had a generous spirit. She knew how blessed she was to have the life she did and unselfishly gave much of her time to causes that were important to her. Mary Ann was actively involved with volunteering and fund-raising efforts for numerous South Bend charities, such as the Homeless Shelter, The Christ Child Society, and The Lighthouse. She was President of the Ladies of Notre Dame. In the year 2000, Thomas and Mary Ann purchased their home at Longshore Lake in Naples, Fl. Both her and her husband were avid parishioners of St. Agnes Catholic Church, being involved in many church functions and fund-raisers. Mary Ann also continued volunteering with the Ladies of St. Agnes and the Ladies of Longshore Lake.

Mary Ann had a wonderful sense of humor, was warm and affectionate, and enjoyed having fun. She was often the life of the party and continued to enjoy being a “hostess” by entertaining often. She loved nothing more than being with family and friends. She played the piano and made it a habit to play a tune every day. Her only “vice” was playing bingo and cards. She was always so thrilled when she won and could not wait to share the news with her children. One of her favorite TV shows was The Curse of Oak Island. She bet her son and son-in-law, one whole dollar, that the long-sought after hidden treasure would be discovered. That treasure has yet to be found, but what is known, is that Mary Ann was a treasure to those who were blessed to have known her.  

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas (2014), and is survived by her three children, Jo Ann Mason, Michael (Sharon) Mason, and Susan (Jeff) McGalliard. A reception to celebrate Mary Ann’s life will be held at 11:30am on Friday, November 22, 2024 in the St. Agnes Parish Center at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples, Fl, followed by a memorial mass at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Avow Hospice in Naples, FL.  

Kaniewski Funeral Homes in South Bend, IN is handling arrangements for a private family service at Cedar Grove Cemetery located on the University of Notre Dame campus, where Mary Ann will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Thomas.