Mary Ann Southworth 10/22/1928 – 2/2/2018

Mary Ann Southworth of Shelton, WA, formerly of Seattle, WA, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2018 at the age of 89.  She was born in Centralia, WA on October 22, 1928 and grew up in Rainier, WA.  Beloved wife of Howard for 45 years; dear mother of Steve (Becky), Jeff (Denice), Marti (Steve), Jon (Belinda) and Molly (Mark).  She was a loving Grandmother to Mark, James (Diane), Michael, Luke (Sophie), Alice (Jason), Brandi (Robert), Joanna, Jennifer; Great Grandmother to Malea, Elijah, Caleb and Ella, and devoted sister to Darlene (Lars), brother Manley (Janet), brother Morrie (Annie), as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, son Jeff, parents Wilbur and Cleo Goodwin, and brother Morrie.  

 

Mary Ann graduated as valedictorian of Rainier High School at 16.  She then moved to Tacoma where she completed RN training at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing.  She was a skilled and caring nurse throughout her life until she retired in 1985 as Director of Nursing at the Kenney Presbyterian Home.  A skilled artist, she excelled at many crafts including various embroidery styles, sewing, and painting.  She and Howard moved to their home on Spencer Lake after retirement where she pursued her interest in gardening and became a Master Gardener.  

Her true joy was spending time with her family and many friends.  Cooking for company was a lifelong devotion.  She had a true optimistic nature, positive attitude, and never-ending concern for others that sustained her through many heartaches as well as long-term health issues. She will be remembered and missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to CHI Franciscan Hospice of Federal Way (especially thanking her nurse Y-Nhe for her exceptional support and care) or the Shelton Methodist Church are suggested.  A heartfelt thank you to Nellie and all who cared for her at The Loving Ones Adult Family Home in Des Moines, WA where she was loved and lived her final 2 years with her beloved dog Max. A celebration of her life will be held on March 3, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota St., Shelton, WA.