Mary Ann Macks

Mary Ann Macks, 81, of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She was born on March 17, 1944, in Detroit to Carl and Mary Moore. Mary Ann grew up in Detroit and attended Pershing High School.

Mary Ann was a devoted stay-at-home mother and wife, finding her greatest joy in raising her children. She was actively involved in the lives of her kids, particularly through St. Matthew’s and Star of the Sea Catholic School, where her children, Ralph and Rebecca, attended grade school. Her home and cottage in Port Austin were always open to friends and family, with a warm meal waiting for anyone who walked through her door. Her love of Christmas was contagious and her yummy homemade candy treats were something that everyone loved to receive and made their Christmas extra special.

As her children grew older and ventured off, Mary Ann turned her focus to her passions. She was an avid supporter of the arts, volunteering for over 25 years as an usher for the Macomb Center of the Arts, where she enjoyed a variety of performances, including children’s theater, musical guests, and plays. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, belonging to several groups and attending the National Conference in New Orleans.

A lifelong lover of reading, Mary Ann enjoyed curling up by the fireplace during the winter months or relaxing on her backyard swing, a Mother’s Day gift from her children. Murder mysteries were her favorite genre, and she cherished the quiet moments spent with a good book.

Mary Ann was incredibly proud of her Irish heritage, often reminding her children and grandchildren of their roots. For her sixtieth birthday, her husband, Ralph, surprised her with a trip to Ireland—a dream come true. She also loved attending Irish concerts such as Riverdance, the Irish Rovers, and the Chieftains, and was a familiar face at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Detroit, where she celebrated her birthday with joy and enthusiasm.

Her pride and love grew even more when she became a nana to three wonderful grandchildren: Patrick Macks, and Ethan and William Hartill. Mary Ann was a constant presence at their sporting events, whether it was cheering for Patrick’s hockey games or William and Ethan’s baseball games. Her love and support were unwavering as she proudly wore their numbers and celebrated every victory with her signature warmth and enthusiasm.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband, Ralph; her children, Ralph (Cindy) Macks of Oxford, MI, and Rebecca (Eric) Hartill of Hoover, AL; and her cherished grandchildren, Patrick Macks, William, and Ethan Hartill, and her spoiled grand dogs, Buster, Bauer, and Sparky.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Mary Ann’s honor.