Mary Ann Forester was born on February 26, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Thomas and Amy Stanford. She graduated from Washington High School in Portland in 1962 and Northwest College in 1964 with an Associate’s Degree in Education.
Mary Ann married Thomas Forester on July 3, 1964, and they had three children: Paul, Timothy, and Jonathan. Over the years from 1964 to 1980, they pastored in: LaCrosse, WA; Ahsahka, ID; Soap Lake, WA; and Toppenish, WA. After moving to Everett, WA in 1980, Mary Ann worked in children’s education for Shepherd of the Lake for several years. In 1985 she began a very successful 19-year career in Commercial Advertising for “Little Nickel Want Ads” where she won numerous awards for top sales and service. After retiring in 2006, Thomas and Mary Ann moved to Mead, WA to be closer to family and grandchildren and made Spokane First their church home.
Mary Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader involved in church activities throughout her life. She enjoyed numerous hobbies and crafts including: crocheting, sewing, baking, cooking, canning, macramé, and candle making. She really enjoyed traveling, reading, singing in church choirs, playing the piano and accordion, riding roller coasters, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband Reverend Thomas Forester; her sons and daughter-in-laws Paul and Beth, Timothy and Krista, and Jonathan and Rebekah; grandchildren Sarah, Leah, Hannah, Kayla, and Eliana; brother Reverend Jon Stanford; and her honorary children Nathan and Rachel Scott and grandchildren Levi, Savannah, and Micah. She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Amy Stanford.
Remembrance of her life is scheduled for 2:00 PM on November 20, 2021 at Spokane First located at 828 W Indiana Ave., Spokane, WA with refreshments and fellowship to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary Ann’s life with family and friends.
The family would like to thank friends and family for their support, love, kindness, and especially prayers throughout this journey of her life.
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