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The heart of her family, Mary Ann Watts McCallum aka, Mom, Momma, Grandma, Nonnie, G8Gma, Miss Music, was summoned to her heavenly celebration on May 27th.
Her earthly departure occurred while surrounded by loving family and amidst music, laughter, and reminiscing of better times.
Born and raised in Detroit, Mary Ann raised her family in Detroit and Dexter, Michigan, before retiring to Aurora/Parker, Colorado.
Mary Ann was a soft-spoken, smart, gentle, kind, and talented lady. She was also creative, adventurous and a self-sufficient, determined spirit who loved humor and could give it back with the best of them.
Her lifelong passion was music. She began playing the piano and singing in her youth.
Mary Ann auditioned for WXYZ’s Radio School House at age 15. She performed there through her teen years as a solo artist, as well as participating in programs with other aspiring singers.
As an adult, she filled her home with music, where her children and grandchildren gathered around her piano to belt out the Broadway hits or the seasonal Christmas music. Family joked that music was her middle name, but name a tune and she could sing it.
In later years, she loved sitting at Perfect Landing’s piano bar listening, and sometimes singing with her favorite pianist… Mark.
An avid reader, she loved to discuss the bestsellers or current global events. She enjoyed and kept all of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books before gifting to a grandson who shared that interest.
She had little patience for poor spelling and grammar.
If the sentence seemed wrong, depend on Mom to diagram it and explain each component. Spelling errors were big no-no's. You could guarantee on her to point them out.
Mary Ann raised 5 children while working full time as a secretary at Ford Motor Company’s World Headquarters in the Public Relations Department.
She retired from Ford in 1988.
Once retired, Mary Ann chose Colorado to be near grandchildren, where she volunteered at their school.
She loved to travel. Have-suitcase-will travel was her MO in early retirement years. Hawaii was a favorite but the Thailand and Hong Kong whirlwind trip was great fun.
When travel adventures became more difficult, Mary Ann began crocheting and quilting. She purchased books, read the directions and created beautiful keepsakes for her family.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughters Mary Grey (Chuck), Monica Siddall (Patrick), Maureen Chism (Kenny), 6 grandchildren (Christie, Justin, Erin, John, Maddie, Earl), 2 great grandchildren (Kaleb, Macy), her siblings Jack, Jeannie and many nieces, and nephews.
Her sons Michael and Matthew, parents John and Ann, siblings Ruth Ann, Delores, Donna, sister-in-law Sharron precede her in death.
Mary Ann ended every family party with the quote “and a good time was had by all”.
It comforts her family to know she is pain-free and happily enjoying her heavenly reunion celebration where a good time is happening for all.
