Mary Ann Johanna Frank

Mary Ann Johanna (Carlson) Frank was born on April 14, 1944 in Ely, Minnesota. She was the youngest of four, with three older brothers. From age four through high school, she shared her time between Minnesota and Venezuela where her father, Oscar Victor Carlson, worked for the Orinoco Mining Co and her mother, Helen Eleanor (Sikala) Carlson was a schoolteacher.

Her years of travel at a young age fueled her independent spirit and her love of adventure. She studied Art at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and shortly after graduating married Michael Vincent and moved to New York City with brand new baby, Karie. Three years later baby Aimee arrived and both girls were raised in Brooklyn. Mary Ann was a Super-Mom extraordinaire. She loved children and put her leadership skills to work as a Girl Scout leader, serving on the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) in the NY Public Schools where she began work as a teacher’s assistant, then a teacher and a principal. It was here that she met Bill Norton, her lifelong best friend, and partner in all things Elvis and chocolate.

She took full advantage of all New York City had to offer; visiting museums, attending Broadway shows, dance and musical performances. She loved learning and attended graduate school while working, attaining her Master of Science in Education, and then Administration & Supervision from Brooklyn College. She studied Reflexology and Reiki and was an accomplished healer.

After divorcing later in life, she had the joy of finding love again with David Frank, her first college sweetheart. She moved to Mississippi to live with David, who worked as Professor of Fine Art at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. They married on July 30, 1994. Mary Ann discovered a love of gardening, Bunco, Casinos, and she got involved in the Theater Department. She traveled to Mexico with their church on medical/mission trips. David & Mary Ann had many adventures, first as she shared New York with him, and later exploring the south and southwest. After retiring they settled in Mesa, Colorado where they enjoyed camping, driving ATVs and cross-country skiing.

Mary Ann was involved in Book Club, volunteered for Hospice, and enjoyed knitting and crafting, Her creative spirit shone throughout her life, as did her sense of humor, generous and caring nature. She relished time spent with her dear grandnieces; Caleigh, Grace and Josephine Carlson; Sadie and Ruby Stembridge.

Mary Ann is predeceased by her mother and her father, and her brothers, Bernie (“Sonny”), Charlie and Jerry Carlson. She is survived by husband David Frank, and daughters, Aimee and Karie Vincent, as well many beloved extended family members. She passed away peacefully, on April 6, 2024, with her family by her side.

Donations can be made in her memory to your local chapter of the Girl Scouts, or to Hope West Hospice Care, Grand Junction, CO at https://www.hopewestco.org