Mary was born in Detroit to Henry and Viola Wiesenhoefer, and was a proud 1958 graduate of Dominican High School. She married Ed in 1960, and they moved from Detroit to Warren shortly after the birth of their first child. Mary and Ed raised five children with family time, Catholic faith, and education as priorities. Family dinners and prayers were never missed each night in their three-bedroom ranch, the house they shared for over 60 years. Family vacations every summer included trips throughout Michigan, as well as trips to Washington D.C., Florida, and Hilton Head. Mary did all the preparation for these vacations— no small task for a family of seven!
Mary was the consummate homemaker. She made breakfast, packed lunches for everyone, and put nightly dinner on the table. Her signature dish was mostaccioli, and her five kids still make it like she did! Her German potato salad and macaroni salad were amazing, and she was always sure to make large batches so everyone could take some home. Roast beef and mashed potato dinners were another specialty and a staple at every Christmas dinner. Mary enjoyed baking and made the best chocolate chip cookies and blueberry buckles.
Mary was a league bowler and a fierce competitor at Trivial Pursuit. She was a lifelong Tigers fan—Al Kaline was her favorite player. Mary was a self-proclaimed news junkie and loved watching news channels. Wheel of Fortune was another television favorite. A savvy sale shopper and coupon cutter, she enjoyed taking the kids on outings to Eastland Mall in the early days and Lakeside and Oakland Malls in later years.
Mary loved her grandchildren dearly, and she and Ed devotedly attended many of their extracurricular events and special functions. She was a nurturing caregiver when they were younger, and she took great pride in their accomplishments and successes as they grew.
Mary and Ed built a second house on Hubbard Lake in 1990, which they owned for over 25 years. Mary wasn’t a “water person”, and seeing her in a swimsuit was a rarity. Still, she loved boat rides and delighted in watching her children and grandchildren waterski and tube. There were many games of Memory Cards and Scrabble played at the lake house kitchen table. She simply wanted to be surrounded by family and make those summer weekends special for all.
The last few years of Mary’s life were regrettably marked with a lot of physical challenges, including extensive back surgery, multiple hospitalizations, and limited mobility. Her precious Ed was her primary caregiver, both her anchor and her inspiration, to her final days. Her family celebrates her life, as she was a loving and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Mary Ann was the beloved wife of Edward. Loving mother of Sue (Dave) Polens, Amy Ryntz, Jeff (Debra Jensen) Ryntz, Dr. Timothy Ryntz, and Karen (Mark) Hannum. Cherished grandmother of Lauren Polens, Erin Polens, Nicholas Hannum, and Abby Hannum. Dear sister of Nancy (Robert) Trobec and sister-in-law of JoAnn Prieur, Charles (Carol) Ryntz, and the late Thomas (the late Betty) Ryntz. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation for Mary Ann will be held Sunday, August 14th from 3-9pm with a 7pm Rosary at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI. She will lie in state on Monday at 10am until her Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Faustina Catholic Church, 14025 12 Mile Rd, Warren, MI. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Mary’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and/or Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan.
Please share memories of Mary Ann at her guest book below.
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