Mary Ann DeMay, 97, of Shoreview, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on April 13.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam DeMay; her parents Emil and Mayme Carlson, her sister Geraldine Appel, and her son John DeMay.  She is survived by her sons, Jeff (Kelly) and Jim (Channing), her sister Janice Ramert, her grandchildren Danielle (Lucas), Amanda, Samantha, Claire and George and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was born on the family farm near Westbrook, MN.  She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1946.  She worked as a waitress at The President, Charlie’s Cafe Exceptionale and The Lexington.  She married the love of her life Sam in 1961.  Sam and Mary Ann enjoyed a very happy marriage and family life.  Sam passed away in 1986.  

Mary Ann loved her boys.  She was a wonderful mother and devoted friend.  Her grandchildren adored visiting her home full of dress-ups, music, dancing and treats.  She loved kids and family get-togethers.  Throughout her life, she would often return home to the Westbrook area to be with family and friends for birthdays and holidays.  

Mary Ann had an adventuring soul.  In 1962, she and three female friends drove a houseboat from St. Paul to St. Louis on the Mississippi and were featured in the Star Tribune.  She traveled extensively in the U.S. and took a trip to Italy later in life.  She and her husband Sam enjoyed going up north fishing and many family vacations were in the Alexandria and Detroit Lakes areas.  Boat trips on the St. Croix River were always a weekend favorite.  

Mary Ann had a life full of friends and parties. She was a great hostess of parties at her home with food, drink, jokes, stories, music and dancing.  Her husband Sam was a great partner in entertaining.  She liked to have fun and encouraged others to join in.  

Mary Ann was strong and athletic.  She was an excellent bowler with many 200 games.  She liked to garden, grow flowers and dig in the dirt like any good farm girl.  She lived in the same family home for sixty years and enjoyed her big yard and view of the lake.  Being outside and being busy in the yard were great pleasures.  

Mary Ann lived a long and great life.  Please join us in a celebration of life on Saturday, May 2 at noon, at Jimmy’s Event Center in Vadnais Heights.  A full lunch will be served after a short program.