Mary Ann Corona

Mary Ann Corona died peacefully on the evening of Monday, November 28th. She was 77 years old. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, she lived in Austin since 1963. Ever devoted to her husband and children, Mary Ann was the bedrock foundation of the Corona household. She made sure the door was always open and that all were welcome. In doing so, she surrounded herself with a large community of friends and family.

Mary Ann strived to see the best in everyone and demonstrated for those around her the meaning of unconditional love. Through her upbeat and positive outlook and ever-present wit, she taught us all to laugh often, especially when times seemed the worst. She was unflappable and such a master of the art of deadpan that she could deftly pull the wool over your eyes before you knew she was at it, a practice in which she took great joy. She delighted in having children around her. She lit up in their presence, especially babies.

In the early 80s, Mary Ann was diagnosed with lupus. Never giving in, she endured its hardships for years refusing to let it spoil her humor or keep her from sailing, scuba diving, traveling the country by RV, racing in the Great American Race, or going on weekend trips with the antique car club. Every setback seemed to strengthen her resolve to continue on. Her strength, determination, and good humor were an inspiration for all.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Jerome; and granddaughter, Katy Jean Rimner.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Heine, son-in-law, Alan Heine and grandson, Greyson Lewis Heine; daughter, Cheryl O’Brien, son-in-law, Bill O’Brien and grandchildren, Ryan and Amy McCoy; son, Cris Corona and grandsons, Chase and Myles Corona; and son, Craig Corona, daughter-in-law, Gretchen Cole and grandchildren, Austin, Catherine, and Stewart Corona; and also her brothers, Tom Lewis and Neil Lewis.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2011 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church located at 5455 Bee Cave Road with Father Adrian Chishimba, Celebrant.