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Patsy Allison posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
We are so sorry to learn of Maryann’s passing. There are a lot of memories when the cousins would get together at family gatherings.
Maryann always had a “story” to tell and always had a smile on her face.may her daughters and family know the joy she brought to others with her being. It was a pleasure to know her and Bob and Harry. May she rest in peace. Richard & Patsy Allison
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Patricia Seaard uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 13, 2023
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Kathy arranged a beautiful service for Mom, complete with a bagpipe player playing her favorite hymn, Amazing Grace! We were blessed to have several of Mom’s family and friends attend! Thank you so much to everyone who made this a beautiful passing for my Mom!
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Karen sent me this picture of Mom attending a performance at Monticello High School to see her grand Brice Alie perform in the pit orchestra. Alie is a talented flautist and teacher. Mom always enjoyed live performances! We attended many productions through the years at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Saenger Theater, UWF, Pensacola State College, Fredonia School of Music, the Forestburgh Playhouse, The Nature Coast Choir in Brooksville, The C and Gs in Brooksville, Pensacola Little Theater, Dollarhide’s Music Store, and many smaller local productions and outdoor events! Mom sang in several smaller groups throughout the years. Never conventional; she sang tenor!
Mom supported all the creative endeavors of her family. Kathy and Kevin sang in the Oratorio Society for years, performing at Carnegie Hall and locations around the world. I was a career pianist and teacher and performed for many years both solo and in many groups. All three children had creative talents and performed at several venues.
Mary further developed her creative talents selling candles and jewelry she made. Kyle continued his, writing and publishing books. Jeffery became a rap artist, under the names Twinn Protege and Skotti Twinn performing on tv in Jacksonville and locally in Pensacola. He put music out through sound cloud and utube and has been featured in collaboration with several local artists.
We developed our talents further by taking art classes. I went on to sell several paintings through the years.
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 10, 2023
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These beautiful pics were sent to me from Kathy! She has lovingly been working to care for Mom throughout her last months, and arrange everything for the beautiful service and burial Mom would have loved. A better daughter and sister could not be found! Thank you so much for being there for Mom when I could not!
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Patricia Seward posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
December 26th always marked the end of my performance seasons. I had been chained to a piano for weeks and all I wanted was fresh air and exercise. Mom happily obliged and for many years, that started our season of kayaking and bike riding. When Mom was 70, we planned a kayak trip down Coldwater Creek from the horse farms to Bob’s Canoe rentals. A lady we knew asked if she could join us! Mom offered to stop with her half way at the Springhill Rd launch. I could continue paddling the full 5 hour trip and then pick them up.
It was a exceptionally cold day at 22 degrees. That didn’t faze Mom in the least. We got out our neoprene, fleece, and gortex and headed out! We chose this location because it is wild and untamed. No one else would be on the River. We could be one with nature untouched by signs of human existence.
When we arrived, the lady we brought admitted she’d never done this before. Mom suggested the two of them stop at Adventures Unlimited and I go on alone. That would be plenty for a first time paddler and we’d need to teach her the basics first.
Mom was an excellent instructor. She had successfully taught me, my kids, and many others the fundamentals. She gave her tutorial and we headed out.
A little while down the River she appeared to be having difficulty balancing the kayak. We pulled off to a sandbank where she admitted having balance problems. Unfortunately, the current was too swift for a beginner paddler to paddle upstream. So we continued down the River with Mom guiding her along the way.
A little while after, she fell in the freezing water. I collected her kayak and Mom met us on shore. We got out the fire starter and thermos of hot coffee to warm her up. Mom provided her extra set of clothes so she wouldn’t get hypothermia. I bailed out the kayak and she gave her another lesson focussing on moving her hips to counteract the movements in the water.
She seemed to be doing somewhat better until a large turn with a swift current came along . Down she went. She swam to shore and Mom built another fire, more coffee, and I chased the kayak and bailed it out. I got out my extra clothes and had her change into them. Mom suggested maybe hers would be better and switched kayaks.
That was not a help and she went down again. Mom was fighting the current to keep from being swept down stream while holding her kayak. The current was too swift for me to safely turn. I went below the bend and turned around paddling upstream. Mom caught a tree branch and into the water she plunged, kayaks sailing past me.
Mom said “ Whew! That’s exhilarating! “ I slid backwards and a branch tipped me sideways and caught the cockpit of my kayak. Taking on water, I decided a controlled entry into the water was preferable. I don’t know how many are familiar with the experience of plunging in the water on a 22 degree day. It’s so cold, your body tightens up with great force and for several seconds, you do not breathe.
We made our way up the bank. Our virgin kayaker was on the other side. My shoes were gone, leaving me hiking out in neoprene socks. The gear had gone down. Our friend made it to our side and we began a 5 mile hike with no dry gear to the nearest road, bushwhacking through dense Florida foliage.
It was dark by the time we made it to the road and hitchhiked back to the van!
Mom just laughed, making jokes along the way about how she’d remember this for years to come! Her positive and fearless attitude gave us the strength we needed to persevere. To her, life was an adventure! This experience wasn’t something to be locked away or complained about. It was to be celebrated fully and recounted for years to come.
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Patricia Seward posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
As Mom grew older and her memory faded, many recent experiences were lost. She had a favorite story she shared many times. I’d like to share it with you.
Mom worked for Jamesway , a department store in Liberty, NY. She quickly rose to a position of leadership as head of the hardware department. Today, we take no notice of the many women in Lowe’s and Home Depot. But for Mom’s time, this was groundbreaking. Men knew how to build things and dominated the construction and home improvement fields. Her experience rebuilding the 1850’s Black Lake home we grew up in gave her great knowledge of supplies and tools needed for home improvement projects.
One day, a notice was placed on the employee board about an opportunity with the company to drive transfer truck. Mom went up to Mr. Scordo’s office to inquire about the position.
She said “ I here you’re looking for a transfer truck driver.”
He replied “ Yes! Do you know anyone?”
“ I certainly do…. Me!””
He chuckled and said “ Well MaryAnne, that position requires you to be able to drive a large truck. Are you sure you could do that?”
She replied “ I better be able to! I carry a CDL!”
Mr, Scordo seemed unsure. He hesitated and wasn’t quite convinced the little 5’1” 130 pound lady could handle that big truck and be able to cart stock on and off it each day. But, he didn’t wanna say no. Mary Anne was a dedicated, good employee. So he said “ Well I think it’s gonna be a bit much for you, but I’m willing to give it a 3 month trial run.”
Mom went on to be the best transfer truck driver Jamesway had for several years! I remember seeing mom’s arms become firm and more defined.
While Mom never would have labeled herself a feminist; she was a strong supporter of women in the workplace taking on challenges not in their traditional gender prescribed roles. She was so proud of Karen Schaefer Linen’s achievements as a lawyer and judge. Kathleen’s impressive career in finance and accounting at Peat Marwick and Price Waterhouse brought smiles to her face as she spoke of her to others. Mom was always a great source of support for my businesses in cleaning, piano teaching, and as a spiritual music leader for the church. She was proud of my time as the only female working as a power tool operator, paving I-10, my achievements as a correctional officer, and my career working with the Argos Football team at University of West Florida. She beamed when I told her of Mary and Kyle’s achievements as well!
Through her example, Mom raised us to believe there was nothing we couldn’t do if we were willing to put in the effort. I continue to be grateful everyday she broke traditional stigmas and paved the way for women to work in whatever field appealed to them.
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Marlene Schaefer Dexter posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
I have so many wonderful memories of the times I
spent camping with Mary Anne and her first husband,
Bob, who was my brother.
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 10, 2023
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These are other pictures of Mom and the places she loved to go. I hope these bring as much joy to everyone reading this as they have brought me collecting them!
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 10, 2023
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Growing up in Black Lake on Moscoe Rd was magical! Tapping maple syrup, cutting trails for snowmobiles, jumping stumps and sliding around on the bikes on the mudflats, walks to the big rock, clearing trails around Toronto Reservoir, hiking and camping, fishing the pond in back of my house, ice skating with a campfire and hot cocoa, bike rides to El Monaco’s pizza parlor, evening trips to the candy cone, badminton and crochet in the yard, ping pong tournaments in the basement, swimming at the cabin on White Lake, hikes to Dan’s Point, listening to my cousin Karen practice piano, watching Grandma Chick peel apples and make pies, can pickles, and hang laundry on a clothesline blind and without the use of her legs, Dad’s rowboat rental business, hunting trips, having family just down the road and the Kivowitz, York, and Gorton families who were my second families whenever I needed friends…. how amazing and rich! my childhood was! I add these pictures because I have heard many others who grew up share similar fond memories! We were all so blessed to have had the gift of our time in Black Lake!
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 10, 2023
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No tribute to my Mom would be complete without sharing her amazing faith in God and service to her churches. Mom was a lifelong Methodist. Her church memberships included Kauneonga Lake UMC, Shokan Reservoir UMC, and Brooksville First UMC. But this was by no means a complete list. She always attended services with me throughout the years I worked in the churches. She went to services wherever she was invited. There were no barriers for her. If you believed in God and asked her to go…. She was there worshipping whatever way your faith prescribed. Her home away from home was Holy Cross MCC in Pensacola, Fl.
Always one to be involved, Mom found great joy cooking, sitting for the pumpkin patch, cleaning, serving for years as a board member, helping with renovations, singing in the choir, and building wheelchairs for disabled people overseas through the pet project.
Mom was humble about her charity, frequently handing money or objects to those in need. When told they couldn’t accept because they didn’t know when they could pay her back, she always replied “ Don’t worry about that now. You can pay me back when you can!” I remember telling her “Mom. I don’t know if they’ll be able to.” She just smiled and said” I know that Pat! I have been blessed and they need help.”
Her favorite service was singing in the choir and building wheelchairs for the disabled. Never conventional…. She sang tenor. I lost track through the years how many wheelchairs the pet project sent. Her favorite story was of a recipient who had lost both his legs and was homeless. He placed a tarp over his chair and stayed by it at night so it wasn’t stolen. It allowed him to get to food and medical he desperately needed.
Mom lived the Protestant work ethic she believed. Everywhere she went, she happily pitched in her labor to help out. Cooking, cleaning, doing yard work, building wheelchairs, trips to the store buying whatever the church needed, helping with construction and renovations, visiting shutins, delivering meals on wheels, buying supplies for the church’s food pantry and homeless kitchen, wrapping presents for needy children, taking people to doctor appointments; wherever she saw a need, she lent a hand. So many lives were changed because of who she was!
In so many ways, she was my hero! Of all my achievements, the one she was most proud of was my service in spiritual music leadership. She helped me for many years, so I could continue serving the church in that capacity. It was far more important to her I share my gifts to bring others closer to God, than make a lot of money. I am the person I am today because of the example my mom gave me!
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Michael Friedman posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
I spent many days visiting Patty and the family in white lake. The whole family, especially Mary Anne, Was so kind to me and always made me feel welcome. She certainly will be missed.
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 10, 2023
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This is a collage I made of the wonderful experiences Mom and I had in Florida together. I wanted the people who loved her to be able to enjoy it too!
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Susan Knowles posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
I'm going to miss Mary Anne. She marked north (no pun intended!) on my life compass. As a kid, it was such fun to have a best friend whose parents were friends with my parents. It was like we were family. I think part of my love of the outdoors comes from the camping and swimming and skiing we did together. With Mary Anne, it was always clear what was ok and what wasn't, and I was a little bit afraid of her while at the same time really feeling welcome in her home. When I was a teen she modeled an example of a strong, independent woman who thought of and cared for others and loved her family, no matter what. Once I was an adult, she was an older friend who had known me even before I knew myself and reminded me of who I was and where I came from. Her Christian faith encouraged me in my own faith development. In other words, she impacted my life. Her trip to South Africa to visit me and Bryan with my mom (she was such a good friend to my mom!) and our time in Kruger Park is one of my happiest memories. She was a fun, adventurous, smart, strong, kind woman, and I'm thankful I got to be a part of her life. 'Til we meet again-
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Patricia Seward uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
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Celebrating the life on an amazing lady. Mary Anne North You taught me that honesty, honor, compassion, strength, faith in God, and integrity were important traits to develop. Never one to shy away from new and interesting experiences, I learned to be open minded and adventurous . Whether kayaking, bicycle riding, attending concerts, trike and bike riding, playing disc golf, at sound baths healing our chakras, painting, swimming at the beach, or doing puzzles….. you always had a smile on your face and enjoyed life enthusiastically. When people ask me why I am so unique, I tell them it is because of you. You roofed our home while pregnant, wore jeans and drove a motorcycle while other women hesitated to get on the back, ran a hardware department and drove a transfer truck while women were still limited to teaching, clerical, and beauty professions, and still drove yourself back and forth between New York and Florida at 80. You never hesitated to try something new or paid attention to what society dictated as your role. When I chose to take a position at an predominantly lgbtq church, you joyfully attended with me, joined right in, and commented what a great, lively group of Christians they were. I learned to be creative because you taught me to see the world in a beautiful way. I questioned what I was told was the only or right way, because you showed me there were many paths that lead to the same goal. I learned to love myself exactly as I am because you never judged my quirks. You are about to go on another adventure into the unknown afterlife. I wholeheartedly expect when I arrive, you will already have mapped out the place with all the fun, new things I need to try. I envision you in a world filled with beautiful landscapes, Spacious mountains, breathtaking sunsets, and streams where the sun dances on the water. Mary, Dad, and all the relatives who passed before you are celebrating your return. Joy, peace, and happiness prevail. Most of all….. you will never know old age or suffering again. Wherever you go, you will always be in my heart. For those who love, there are no goodbyes. We will see each other again soon!
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Nancy Crumley posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
I knew Mary Anne when I was a kid. She was always nice to all the neighborhood children. We lost touch until we get together again on Facebook. I loved seeing pictures of her riding her bike and doin outdoor things. She was always sending me positive thoughts when my health was bad. I will remember her as a kind and thoughtful lady. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mary Anne North
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
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The family of Mary Anne North uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
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Liberty, NY 845-292-7160
Kauneonga Lake, NY 845-583-5445
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