Mary Ann Helena DiSerafino

Our family sadly lost a remarkable woman, Mary Ann Helena DiSerafino, at the age of 92 on December 30th, 2021. Born the oldest of 3 sisters, Mary Ann was raised in Indiana and went to Immaculata College in Pennsylvania, where as a Mighty Mac, she received her Business degree in 1950. Her true passion came many years later when she pursued a degree in Education and began an amazing career that spanned 21 years as a 4th grade teacher at Chatham Park Elementary School in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

For almost 70 years she was married to a man she adored and cared for deeply, Americo “Rick” DiSerafino. Together, and very patiently, they raised 3 children while residing in the home they built together in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Their “stumbled upon '' home away from home, Fripp Island, SC became a place of true solace and the sought after landmark for every family gathering. The magic of Fripp brought all of us together and came alive in the daily sunsets they so coveted. This gift, along with her strong commitment to family, learning at every opportunity, and faith in God will continue on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

To anyone who met her, the first thing they would notice were the kind, interested eyes, warm smile, and lilt in her voice when inquiring as to how you were. Genuine to the core, she never shied away from who she truly was and never pretended to be perfect. Mary Ann was an adventurous soul who explored so many different parts of the world while documenting her discoveries in her famous journals; a lifelong learner, she was always interested in understanding people and cultures at a deeper, more personal level; a master of turning the mundane into a fun game or a tragic situation upside down with a twist of humor; an active reader who was instrumental in promoting her love of books with others both young and old; as well as a thoughtful, reflective poet quietly observing the world around her. A simple, strong, faithful woman, Mary Ann will be sorely missed by all who came to know and love her.

She is survived by her husband Mr. Rick DiSerafino, sister Barbara Ulrich, daughter Susan, son David and his wife Ann Marie, daughter in-law Leslie, 9 grandchildren, 1 grandson in-law and 2 great grandchildren. She will be joyfully reunited, of that we are certain, with her sister Peg and her eldest son Paul, whom she tragically lost in 2006.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex, NC on Friday, January 14th at 12:30 PM. Light refreshments to follow in the church.

Those wishing to honor her life may make a contribution on her memorial page at the following link: https://everloved.com/life-of/mary-ann-diserafino/.