Maryann D. Houlihan

Maryann, 91 years old, a resident of Winton, passed away on August 3, 2026. Born in Pennsylvania to parents John and Anna Stowinsky, mom was proud of her Russian/Czechoslovakian heritage. Mom graduated with honors from Bentleyville High School in June 1953 where she played trombones for all 4 years in high school and a couple of years in the Bentleyville Fireman's Band. She also sang in the chorus, was a member of the Home Economics Club, on the yearbook staff and member of the National Honor Roll.

At 18 years old, she joined the United States Air Force and had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Tesas; then trained at Scott Air Force Base as a Personnel Specialist, then her next assignment was Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. At Goodfellow AFB, she worked as a personnel specialist, played on the WAF basketball team and WAF softball team. She also attended San Angelo College that was paid for by the Air Force under Operation Bootstrap. She loved being in the military and had many members of her family serve in the Army, Army/Air Force, Marines, Navy and Air Force and die for our country.

She met and married a handsome Irishman from Chicago, Illinois. S/Sgt Donald Houlihan was a great dancer and had to sign up at college for a psych class in order to get a first date with Maryann. They were married at the base chapel on April 19, 1955, and were married almost 56 years until Don went to heaven.

Together they had and raised 4 children. Patricia and Donna were born at Sculthorpe AFB England. Catherine was born at a Naval Hospital in Maine and Robert was born at Castle AFB Atwater.

Maryann was active at the base chapel in the sodality as treasurer, did charitable works, taught 2nd grade CCD class, was a member of the Legion of Mary and member of St. Vincent de Paul. She was an assistant Brownie leader for one year and started her own Brownie troop at Castle AFB. Later she was an assistant Girl Scout leader in Winton. Mom also worked 15 years at the Winton School as a teacher's aide, cafeteria supervisor and yard duty supervisor.

Mom graduated from Merced College with honors and later returned to Merced College for more classes and transferred to California State University, Stanislaus. Graduating Magna Cum laude with a BA in Liberal Studies at age 61.

Maryann enjoyed camping with her family, family and church picnics, holiday celebrations, meeting new people and loved keeping up with politics and history.

She is survived by her children: Donna Ross (Donald), Catherine Houlihan (Carlos Daniel), Robert (Gaby), 5 grandsons: Joshua and Michael Ross; Steven, Thomas and Sven Houlihan; and 1 granddaughter: Virginia Daniel; 2 great grandsons William and Matthew. Mom is preceded in death by her husband Donald Houlihan (2010), daughter Patricia Houlihan (2013) and her sister-in-law and brother, Shirlee and Skeegie Stowinsky.

Viewing will be at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at the Winton Cemetery with military honors by the Travis AFB military detail.

No flowers are requested but instead ask for donations to one's own charity in Mom's name or the King's View Work Experience Center in Atwater that helps disabled people and helped Patricia during her lifetime.

Her departing messages would be "Czech that Russian!" Mission on Earth Accomplished. Flying Home on a new Wing and a Prayer.

Goodbye Mom. You have been our rock, and we will miss you so much! Love your Family.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Houlihan family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.