Mary Ann O’Kane passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 17, 2017, with her family by her side.  She was born in Eureka, South Dakota and moved to California as a child.  Mary Ann graduated from San Francisco State University with a B. A. in Education and later studied drafting at American River College.  She and Michael, her husband of 57 years, had three children:  Michael Jr., Kimberly, and Timothy.  The family moved to their current home in Fair Oaks in 1972.

In addition to being a homemaker for her husband and children, Mary Ann guided other children through her work as a kindergarten teacher in the Sacramento and San Juan School Districts.  After her children were grown, she became a Marketing Supervisor for Brady Marketing.  In retirement, Mary Ann stayed active as a 30 year volunteer with the Sutter Roseville Medical Center Auxiliary, serving as President in 1998 and Membership Chair and Parliamentarian in 1999.

Mary Ann was very active in her church after becoming a member of Saint Francis Episcopal in 1997.  Her leadership roles included Episcopal Church Women Liaison to Northridge School, Columbarium Trustee, and her current position as Vestry Clerk, Sunday money counter.  She devoted significant time to furthering the mission of Saint Francis: to share God’s love for the world and to look for and find solutions to her neighborhood’s needs.  Mary Ann received Unction on November 16, 2017.

Mary Ann was actively involved in her children’s lives.  She was a leader in Cub Scouts, Brownies, and church school.  A big supporter of her children’s education, she was an active member of the P.T.A. and served as a Room Mother.  Mary Ann was a member of the Sacramento Police Officers Wives Club and served as Treasurer.  She was a member of the Legislative Committee and Representative to the Sacramento Women’s Council, a Political Party Precinct Worker, and a member of Community Action Against Drug Abuse.

Mary Ann’s hobbies included traveling the world with her husband; her travels included a month in Israel assisting in an archaeological dig.  In addition, she was an avid reader and enjoyed bicycle riding and gardening with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, her three adult children, her sister, two daughters-in-law, and one college-age grandson.

A memorial service followed by a fellowship reception will be held for family and friends on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 11430 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, California 95628.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American River Parkway Foundation, 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, California 95608 or the Sacramento SPCA, 6201 Florin-Perkins Road, Sacramento, California 95828.

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