Mary Ann (Ragghianti) Townsend, a lifelong Memphis resident, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023. She was 94 years old. Mary Ann went by many names, including Mama, Mom, Grandma, G’Ma, and Gigi to name a few. Her Catholic devotion and love of children led to her proud legacy of 10 children, 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Her sizable family also included 2 step-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren and 7 step-great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Nello Ragghianti Sr. of Memphis and brother Dante David Ragghianti; her husband of 44+ years, Henry Goodrum Townsend; son Anthony David Townsend, daughter Theresa Townsend King (Bruce) and grandson Zachary Mitchell Robinson. Also, two sons-in-law: Van Flannery and Larry Hall.
She is survived by her brother, Nello Ragghianti Jr. of Atlanta GA; daughters Lynn Flannery (Bill) of Titusville FL, Libby Buring (Maurice) of Germantown TN, Holly Robinson (Mitch) of Ijamsville MD, Ellen Tutor (Dean) of Memphis TN, and Rosalie Hall (Larry) of Atlanta GA. Her surviving sons are Hank Townsend (Dianne) of Nesbit MS, Michael Townsend (Cami) of Atlanta GA and Douglas Townsend (Erika) of Nashville TN.
Besides spending time with her large and loving family which was the center of her life, she also enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren and making intricately beautiful hand-made quilts. Mary Ann was also a passionate reader and belonged to several book clubs. She shared her joy of reading with whomever would listen, as she loved to talk. She enjoyed cooking (well, she had to) and her memorable holiday meals were incomplete without special dishes from her beloved Italian heritage.
But most recently, she was an avid Memphis Grizzlies basketball fan, not ever missing a single game, and she could recite the stats of every player!
A beautiful life has been lost; a selfless soul gone. We will miss her eternally, but cherish the memories she gave us and the enduring love she generously bestowed upon each and every one.
Visitation and Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 31, at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 7801 Lowrance Road, Memphis TN starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.
If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ava Maria Home or Memphis Jewish Home. Three of Mary Ann’s favorite organizations.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Townsend family.
