Mary Ann, AKA Big Mom, was born on 12/10/1939 in Philadelphia, PA. One of two daughters born to Frank and Millie Foglio. After living in Philadelphia, PA (where her and her sister, Betty Lou (Walter) Stier, danced on American Band Stand), she married Jerome J. Barczak, Cmdr., USNA and traveled the world before settling in California in the 70s. Together they had five children: David (Alison) Barczak, Frank Barczak (deceased), Michael (Sherry) Barczak, Diane (Tony) Kiepe, and James (Kristen) Barczak. Jerome and Mary Ann remained close friends until her passing. In 1996 she met Harold R. Whitford (AKA Too Tall, Papa Harold and Papa H). They married in 2000. Harold has one daughter, Tami Perkins.
Together Mary Ann and Harold shared many happy and loving times. First in their initial home in Wildomar. Later they moved to, and bought a home, in Sun City. Once settled in Sun City, they visited and eventually joined Faith Lutheran Church, where they were active members.
Some of Mary Ann’s favorite things, included music, dancing with Harold in the kitchen, cooking (often for friends and neighbors), See’s chocolates, cats, and it goes without saying her family, which includes 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Harold would like to extend his sincere appreciation to those who knew and loved Mary Ann, including those present and not present, and to all those who have reached out by phone, mail or in other ways. Mary Ann will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Animal Friends of the Valley, Wildomar, California, www.afv.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, www.stjude.org.
