Anna Mae McGuirk

Anna Mae “Ann” McGuirk, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. She is survived by her devoted husband, Pat McGuirk, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage; three children—Patrick Jr. of Sugar Hill, GA; Melanie Royal (Jeff) of Fort Worth, TX; and Diana Topjon (Greg) of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Pauline Smith of Shenandoah, TX; brother, Ken Rutherford (Pat) of Wooster, OH; and many nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her son, Joseph (Joe) McGuirk, who passed away on December 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Anna Mae (Kelley) McGuirk was born on September 4, 1936, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and raised by her maternal grandparents, Vera and Lloyd Kelley, primarily in the small rural community of Grantsville, WV. Shortly after birth, Ann was diagnosed with polio—a daunting challenge during that era. Due to her resilience to overcome obstacles, determination, and her spirit to embrace life, Ann’s disability would never define her.

Ann’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Grantsville, where she excelled quickly enough to skip the second grade. In the early 1940s, her family returned to Parkersburg, where she later graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1955, ranking 17th in her class and earning a full scholarship to Marietta College in Ohio.

Ann began her professional career at Wood County Bank, eventually becoming the bank president's secretary. She later worked for the Henry J. Kaiser Construction Company in Ravenswood, WV, serving in the finance department during the construction of the massive Kaiser Aluminum plant.

In late 1956, Ann met the love of her life, Patrick McGuirk, through a mutual friend. They were married on May 25, 1957, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Parkersburg. On May 25, 2025, Pat and Ann celebrated 68 wonderful years of marriage. Their journey together took them across the country as they raised their growing family while Pat advanced in his career. Their first son, Patrick Jr., was born in 1958 while Pat was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Over the next several years, their family grew with the births of Melanie in Indianapolis, IN; Joe in Wichita, KS; and Diana in Great Bend, KS. Ann devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her four children and creating a warm, welcoming home wherever life took them. A gifted homemaker, she not only managed the household but fostered lifelong friendships at every stop along the way.

After the family settled in Houston in 1979, Ann returned to the workforce. Between 1980 and 2000, she held several roles in finance, bookkeeping, and office management with Toyota Automobile Financing, Bank of America, and Lone Star Cable.

Ann’s passion for sewing became one of her lifelong trademarks. An exceptionally skilled seamstress, she lovingly crafted clothing for her children, and later designed and sewed full sets of cheerleading and drill-team uniforms for her daughters and their friends. Her talents extended to homemaking projects as well—curtains, comforter covers, table linens, and décor crafted with care for family, friends, and parish events, including her beloved Christ the Good Shepherd 55 Plus Senior Club.

Ann had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Her warm personality and natural charisma made her a gracious ambassador in both personal and professional settings. She formed strong bonds—including close friendships with the spouses of city, county, and state officials among Pat’s clients nationwide. Many of her most cherished relationships grew from her involvement in the Christ the Good Shepherd 55+ Senior Club, where she served proudly as secretary for nearly 20 years. She also co-chaired parties and special events, organizing gatherings, games, and entertainment—many of which continue as traditions today.

Pat and Ann were entertainers at heart. Ann especially enjoyed planning and hosting gatherings at their home—large and small—for colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Their home was a hub of warmth, laughter, and good food, and their annual Super Bowl parties became beloved traditions that friends looked forward to year after year.

Ann took tremendous pride in her large and loving family—what began as her own small family of six blossomed into a beautiful legacy of twenty-eight! Grandchildren and great-grandchildren surviving Ann are Tiffany (Jonathan) Babb and their children, Harmony and Bradley, of Dallas, GA; Sean (Jamie) McGuirk and their children, Hadley, Payton, and Harper, of Walton, FL; Blake (Courtney) Royal and their children, Wells and Sutton, of Stephenville, TX; Kelley (Evan) Williams and their daughter, Whitney, of Coppell, TX; Clark (Emma) Topjon of Kansas City, MO; and Grant (Emily) Topjon of Manhattan, KS.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her generosity of spirit, her strength, her elegance, and the lasting friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. The family would like to express their appreciation to Homage Hospice - especially Anne and Ashley, and the compassionate caregivers at Sunrise Assisted Living Fort Worth.

A mass and reception will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Christ the Good Shepherd, Spring, Texas at 11:00 am.