Mary Ann Battan

Mary Ann Battan, age 97, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 24, 2024. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Italian immigrants Francesco and Anna (Fiorillo) Embrogno, Mary was the youngest in a family that included her beloved siblings, Philomena Grabowski and Joseph Embrogno. Even as the baby of the family, she was never one to be overlooked.

In 1944, Mary made the bold decision to move from Ohio to Chatsworth, California, bringing her Midwestern tenacity along with her. Mary married Jesse Marcel Battan whom she divorced circa 1960. A single mother and a hardworking waitress, she managed to raise her three children—Anna Albeck, Jesse Battan, and Frank Battan—with determination, grit, and a flair for running the show. Mary had just a sixth-grade education herself, but she put two of her children through college, never letting her lack of formal schooling stop her from seeing the world and building a life filled with family, laughter, and hard work.

For over 30 years, Mary ran her own business, Crystal World, where she designed and crafted semi-precious jewelry. She could be found at fairs, markets, and gem shows across the southwest United States, holding court at the Sunday Oxnard Farmers Market, where she was one of the longest-standing vendors. She didn’t just sell jewelry; she sold a piece of herself, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who met her.

Mary had a knack for socializing and loved being around people. A formidable matriarch, she was famously known for being able to quiet a room with just a look and the mere mention of her name would make people fall in line and straighten up—a power that only intensified with age. She had a love of learning, always telling her grandchildren, “An education is the best thing you can get”.

Mary leaves behind her treasured daughter Anna Albeck, her much-loved daughter-in-law Terri Snyder, her grandchildren Laura and Brandon Tribble, Max Albeck and Ali Day, Holly and Herman Baltayan, and her great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Sophia Tribble, and Jack, Layla, and Sunny Baltayan. They are sure to carry on her legacy with a touch of her commanding spirit.

Mary is pre-deceased by her parents, her two sons and her siblings.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 15 at Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA. The service will be followed by a gathering of family and friends at 29000 Acanthus Court, Agoura Hills, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to charities supporting education, honoring Mary’s belief that knowledge is power—a fitting tribute to a woman who taught us all so much. Rest easy, Mary; heaven won’t know what hit them.

Chosen Charitable non-profits include:

Girls inc.: Helping girls thrive in leadership roles and higher education

https://giving.girlsinc.org/page/58976/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=GI_web

Our Schools USA: Ensuring and protecting quality public education.

https://www.ourschoolsusa.org/donate

Sparkle Foundation: Supporting single mothers and enriching their children’s futures.

https://www.sparklenow.org/