Mary Katherine Marion

Mary Kay lived in the Sarasota Bradenton area for thirty years, but her hometown of Chicago was always in her heart. An avid sports fan, she never missed a Bears or White Sox game, even if she could only listen on the radio. She was a hairdresser and barber to a loyal group of clients who followed her from shop to shop for over twenty years. She was active in local theater and sang in the church choir. Because she never stopped reading and learning, she always had a fun fact to add to any conversation. She played guitar and mandolin and rode a motorcycle. She was a mother, sister, aunt, and the best Nana in the world to her granddaughter, who was everything to her. Just days before she passed, she enjoyed an audience with the Chicago-born Pope at the Vatican, a fitting end to the five weeklong European vacation of her dreams. She is survived by family and friends who won’t be the same without her.

A gathering in her honor will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, located at 502 3rd Ave W in Bradenton. Because she preferred wearing her jeans, shorts, or pajama pants, we ask that you do the same.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the hippiest, most liberal charity you can find. Support the arts and never stop fighting fascists.