Mary Ann Wright

Mary Ann Wright was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived her life fully by extending herself to others. She was never one to remain idle and enjoyed years of spending time in her flower garden. Mary Ann had such a green thumb that even passersby would drive slowly past her home admiring her abundant flower beds, proudly earning her the nickname, The Flower Lady. Mary Ann leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories that will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

So much of our nation’s history was characterized by the year 1941. It was the year that marked the fateful attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor. Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo" was the number one hit single and Franklin D Roosevelt was leading the United States into unprecedented times. Frank John and Marie Tamel (nee Czerwinski) welcomed home their newborn daughter, Mary Ann born on April 30th at Saint Michael’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born the youngest of four children and their only daughter, her birth brought her parents great joy and promise during an era of great change.

Growing up in Cudahy, Mary Ann was almost like an only child as her brother, Buddy was twelve and the two oldest, Frank and Julian had already left the family home. Raised with hard working parents, her father worked at Ladish Company and mother was a homemaker. Often spoiled being the only girl and the baby of the family, Mary Ann’s childhood, however, did not go without the usual responsibilities and expectations. She was strongly encouraged to take accordion lessons. Little did she know at the time, this often tedious task of practicing and attending lessons would pay off when she was asked to play for the first service of the Parkway Apostolic Church as an adult. Graduating with the Class of 1959, Mary Ann sought her place in the world. Starting out as a clerk at Dunn and Bradstreet before moving up to Ladish Company after taking a keypunch course with Manpower. Remarkably, she remained with the company for nearly thirty-nine years!

Mary Ann’s mother prayed steadfastly over the years that her little girl would marry the right man. Little did she know, that even his name would be Wright! Mary Ann met the man of her dreams, Robert Wright in 1962. With a strong desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they joined in marriage that same year on September 29th in the home of her brother, Frank and Angeline Tamel. Later, when she and Robert learned the heartbreaking news that her ability to have children was slim, they did not allow their dreams to be extinguished. Instead, they eagerly and openly adopted within a 3 years of one another, Ronald James at age nine and Wendolyn Marie at just five weeks of age. Blessed with the family they always wanted, they went on to build many lasting memories together. Much to her surprise, Mary Ann conceived, Robert James Jr at age forty one who sadly died in her womb. Torn with despair, she and Bob continued on healing together for many years.

Bob’s job with United Airlines offered the two of them remarkable years of travel. They took every advantage to take trips together or with family both in and out of the country. They felt blessed by creating many lasting memories as a family. Mary Ann would argue her very best years were the years that she and Bob opened their home up to the community of Parkway. Sharing the Lord’s word and special promises were an important part of their lives. Starting with that first service back in 1972, they shared many wonderful memories teaching their faith through the Apostolic Junior Classes. Mary Ann devoted so many of her time and energy to the program that she will forever be fondly remembered as Sister Wright! She often said if she had the chance, she would most certainly have done it all over again! In addition to their love of travel and sharing their faith, they also loved dogs! Together, she and Bob had five furry companions; Debbie, Holly, Muffin, Geisha and Cuddles. Cuddles was a very special and loyal companion to Mary Ann after Bob sadly passed away in May of 2006.

As much as Mary Ann savored her years as a mother, nothing prepared her heart for her role as a grandmother. Blessed with four lovely granddaughters, Jessica, Grace, Shelby, and Hailey, Mary Ann celebrated in their special joys over the years. Her many years of teaching Sunday School and Bible verses to the children at Parkway transferred to her grandchildren as well. As early as age two, they could all recite Mary Ann’s favorite verse, “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is One Lord!” Just this year, Grace gave birth to her own miracle baby, Scarlett marking Mary Ann as a great grandmother to both Scarlett and Bella, Grace’s step daughter.

Mary Ann was truly overjoyed with the additions to her growing family. She wanted nothing more for her family to be happy and successful. Mary Ann felt privileged to be part of such a loving family and blessed with close friends over the years. Vibrant, giving, and accepting were some of the words that capture Mary Ann’s warm personality. However, the most fitting description of her is a godly woman with the heart of a servant. Mary Ann will be deeply missed by the countless lives she touched over the years and her memories will be fondly treasured.

Mary Ann K. Wright, (nee Tamel), age 76, of Racine, WI died on July 26, 2017. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Wright. Cherished mother of Wendy (John Kisting) Wright-Kisting and the late Ronald Wright. Loving “Nana” of Jessica Kisting, Grace (Carlos) Gonzalez, Shelby Kisting and Hailey Kisting. Loving great-grandmother of Scarlett and Bella. Dear sister of Bud (Lois) Tamel, the late Tony (Phyllis) Tamel and the late Frank (the late Angeline) Tamel. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Visitation is planned for Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM Funeral Service to follow at 3:00 PM. Private interment will be held at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin, WI. Niemann / Suminski Life Story Funeral Homes (414) 744-5156 or SuminskiFuneralHome.com