Mary Anne was born on July 5, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Ida Svoboda Socey and Louis David Socey Sr. Over the course of her life she called home, San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Nashville, Brentwood, Columbia, and Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, David Socey; and her beloved husband of 55 years, Thomas B. Rowan, Jr.
Mary Anne is survived by her four children, Thomas Bernard Rowan, III (Lily), Joanne Clare Rowan, Michael “Mac” McEwen Rowan (Judy), and Rachael Elizabeth Safley (Todd); her grandchildren, Jacob Todd Safley, Brandon Thomas Safley, Michael Joshua Rowan, and Matthew McEwen Rowan; and her step-grandchildren, Sonya Yang-Aldsworth and Yang Basai Dong.
A graduate of St. Bernard Academy, Mary Anne continued her education at George Peabody College for Teachers where she received her Bachelor's Degree. She began her career as an elementary school teacher at Richland Elementary and Tusculum Elementary before devoting herself to raising her four children. She later returned to teaching as a substitute teacher at St. Bernard Academy and Christ the King School.
She was a life member of the Sam Davis Memorial Association, where she also served on the Board, and was involved for many years with the Nashville Ladies of Charity. She also volunteered at St. Thomas Hospital.
Mary Anne loved her family deeply and was devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life. She found joy in arts and crafts, reading, writing, working puzzles, watching birds and wildlife, and spending time with those she loved.
Visitation will be held at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home in Nashville on Monday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville. Pallbearers are: Thomas Bernard Rowan, III, Michael “Mac” McEwen Rowan, Jacob Todd Safley, Brandon Thomas Safley, Michael Joshua Rowan, and Matthew McEwen Rowan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Ladies of Charity Nashville.
