Mary Ann Hessick was born on November 2, 1932 in Lansing, Michigan to Adren and Norine (Ridge) Hessick. Her family moved to Tucson during her early years. She met her future husband, airman Edward F. Clark, in Tucson at Skateland on Speedway. Mary Ann was a rule follower, so on the night they met her sister couldn’t wait to tell the family that Mary Ann gave her number to a serviceman. Her father was adamant about her not getting married before she graduated high school, and she honored his request by getting married the day after graduating from Tucson High School. On June 1, 1951 Edward F. Clark and Mary Ann Hessick became husband and wife. Mary Ann was a consummate mother, homemaker and supportive military spouse for 24 years experiencing five duty stations. Upon retirement, Mary Ann and Edward returned to Tucson to be close to family.
While Mary Ann enjoyed many things throughout her life including gardening, reading, cooking, sewing, traveling, playing cards, completing newspaper crossword and Jumble puzzles, helping neighbors in need, caring for children, volunteering, etc., I think it is widely known that Mary Ann found her greatest joy in family. Her home was a revolving door of visitors, and nothing made her happier than a full house that she could cook for – morning, noon and night. While visiting you couldn’t help but notice the home phone ringing all day long with people calling to chat. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend, confidant, protector, supporter, listener, as so much more. She had the rare ability to love us completely, without needing a complete understanding of us. She celebrated with us during our highs and supported us through our lows. She encouraged us to be the best version of ourselves, while always accepting us for who we actually were. She demonstrated that sacrifice of personal needs for the betterment of the family was a worthwhile endeavor. She meant a lot of things to a lot of people, but at the end of the day she was our matriarch; a selfless woman who loved deeply, and she will be missed beyond measure.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edward F. Clark of Tucson, AZ; son Edward R. Clark of West Fork, AR; son Mark Clark (Nataliya) of Elmore City, OK; daughter Norene (Clark) Kurtze (Jason Edgeworth) of Phoenix, AZ; and sister Linda (Hessick) Kennedy of Tucson, AZ; seven treasured grandchildren (Todd Davis (Tara), Janelle Cervantes (Richard), McAlan Clark, Edward A. Clark (Elizabeth), Dara Beasley (Shaun), Richard Kurtze (Jennice), and Sam Kurtze; nine great grandchildren, as well as extended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Terry Davis; granddaughter, Crystal Clark; and brother, Ronald Hessick.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, Mary Ann’s Memorial Service is limited and by invitation only in an effort to ensure the health and safety of all family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tucson Medical Center Hospice (Peppi’s House) 5301 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.
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