Mary Ann Kane went to join her beloved husband, Richard in heaven, on 14 November 2020. Due to Covid restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery in the The Woodlands, Texas.
Mary Ann Runyon was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 11 June 1939, to William and Phyllis Runyon. While a toddler, her family moved back to the family homestead in Piscataway, New Jersey. After the death of her father in 1941, she and her mother moved to Plainfield, New Jersey. She graduated from Bucknell University, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. After college, Mary Ann, worked for LOOK magazine in New York City. While attending a St. Patrick’s Day party in Manhattan she met William “Bill” Deegan. They were married, 4 Jan 1964, in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Mary Ann and Bill transferred to Atlanta, GA after they were married and had their first daughter, Diana, while living there. A few years later they moved to the Boston, MA area. There they had two more daughters. Due to her husband’s job, they moved many times while raising their daughters. They lived in Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, and in Texas. After raising her children, she returned to school and received a master’s degree in teaching, from the University of Houston. Mary Ann and Bill shared their lives together for 30 years before divorcing.
Mary Ann taught English as a Second Language in the Aldine Independent School District. This is where she met Richard Kane, who was also a teacher. They were married 21 June 1997. She also worked as a teacher for Lone Star College and the Harris County Department of Continuing Education, retiring in 2007.
In her retirement Mary Ann was a dedicated volunteer at CHI St Luke’s (in The Woodlands) hospital and served on its auxiliary board. She also volunteered for Interfaith of The Woodlands and served at the Hand Me Up Resale Shop. She was a member of the Montgomery County Friends of the Library where she worked in its gift shop as well.
Mary Ann was also a long time, member of the Newcomers Club of The Woodlands and she served on its Board of Directors. She was also a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, The Heritage Trails Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Texas Mayflower Society. Mary Ann considered being a wife and mother as the most important parts of her life.
Preceding her in death were both her husbands, William Deegan and Richard Kane, as well as her parents, William and Phyllis Runyon.
Left to cherish her memory are her 3 daughters, Diana Deegan, Austin, Texas, Stacey (Scott) Gossling, Decorah, Iowa, and Page (John) Kerr, Friendswood, Texas. As well as her grandchildren, Nick Gossling (and friend Teressa), Minneapolis, MN, Chloe Gossling, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Sarah Kerr, Friendswood, Texas
In lieu of flowers Mary Ann’s wishes and her daughters ask for memorials to be sent to: Lupus Foundation of America, 3701 Kirby Dr. Ste 700, Houston, Texas 77098, or The Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum, 3603 236th Ave Burr Oak, Iowa 52101, or the Hesper Public Cemetery care of Treasurer, Joyce Street, 3808 188th Ave, Decorah, Iowa 52101.
Mary Ann’s daughters want to thank the incredible staff at Atria Senior Living in Friendswood. As well as loving dedication from Faith Community Hospice in Mary Ann’s care. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in 2021 when COVID restrictions are loosened or lifted.
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