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Timeline for Mary Ann Tatum
Born: October 23, 1943
Died: May 23, 2021
Mary Ann Tatum (nee McBride) died unexpectedly, but peacefully in her sleep, a good book next to her in bed, on May 23, 2021. We are certain she is now back with her beloved soulmate, Howard Tatum.
Born in Long Beach, CA in 1943, she grew up in in Kingfisher, OK, then Pocatello, ID. Mary Ann lived life fully and joyfully as a mother, sister, aunt, colleague, and friend. She raised two beautiful daughters, Michelle (Barry) and Marielle with her first husband Michael Raidy. She took great joy in cooking, crafting, gardening, singing, sailing and skiing with them as they grew. She experienced true heartache when Marielle passed in 2002.
Mary Ann launched her long career by leaving Idaho to work in San Francisco for Kelly Girls. Returning to Idaho, she worked for a law firm which set her on the path that led to a management position with the Union Pacific Railroad. She overcame multiple hurdles during her time there, including: completing her MBA at night, while working full time and being the primary caregiver to two little girls (modeling for them the importance of education and persistence); overcoming the the barriers inherent in a male dominated workplace, including filing an EOC complaint, which ultimately demonstrated her determination to succeed; and, eventually, leaving Idaho for Kansas City and then Denver to make the moves necessary for career advancement. She was able to retire early due to her hard work and determination, which allowed her to more fully enjoy the next phase of her life.
She met the love of her life, Howard Tatum, later in life and jumped right in, knowing that you never know how much time you will get with someone. Because of Howard, she was blessed with a bonus family of his 7 grown children in Hawaii, who she loved as her own. She and Howard travelled frequently from Colorado and later Marana, AZ to spend plenty of time with them and their many grandchildren and great grand children.
With Howard she was able to enjoy some of her true passions in life: golfing, good food, friends, but most of all, travel. She was a a Vagabond at heart, and they created a bucket list of places to visit all over the world and ticked them off one by one. When that was done, they created a second list and were working those off when Howard passed away in 2016. They saw the world!
She was very active in their community of the Highlands at Dove Mountain, including choir, water sports – aerobics, walking and volleyball -, seeing concerts, and exploring Tucson with the Sassy Saguaro sisters. She was actively interested and involved in politics and social justice issues. Though she missed Howard terribly, Mary Ann continued to find meaning those activities, as well traveling to visit her daughter Michelle and son-in-law, Phil, in Minnesota, as well as Howard’s children in Hawaii.
She was deeply committed to her work with Rotary International. She and Howard were charter members of Dove Mountain Rotary club and she took great pride in the many service projects and scholarships sponsored by their club as well as working closely with the High School Interact club.
Mary Ann was a voracious reader, enjoyed sharing a good meal and a cold glass of wine, singing and dancing like no one was watching, beautiful music of all kinds, laughing hard and often, a perfect martini, and time with friends and family. Her love, her smile, and her joy will be missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Danny; daughter Marielle and her son Joey; husband, Howard; and her sister, Kathleen. She is survived by her brother, Richard McBride; daughter Michelle and son-in-law, Phil Barry; her grandchildren, Christopher and Brianna Raidy; stepchildren: Genevieve, Barbara, Anita, Mona, Laura, Donna and David, as well as their many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews, Terri, Keally, Zach, and Jessica.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM, July 20th at Our Lady of the Desert Parish, 7101 W. Picture Rocks Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743. Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00PM, at the Highlands at Dove Mountain ( https://www.thehighlandsatdovemountain.com for directions and contact information.)
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: 1) Dove Mountain Rotary Charitable Fund – Howard and Mary Ann Tatum Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 69085, Oro Valley, AZ 85737, or dovemountainrotary.org. 2) Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 11734 W Grier Rd., Marana, AZ 85653, communityfoodbank.org
In memory of Mary Ann Tatum, Tina Gaved lit a candle
Dearest Michelle and family, Walt just received notice through his Poky High classmates group of your Mom’s passing. He just attended a 60 year class reunion and no one had that information yet. We were very sad. I know she had enjoyed many wonderful happy years with Howard. She deserved everything joyful life could offer her! Our memories go back over 50 years when you two little towheads were so adorable, we had lots of fun times together. Life keeps changing everyday but we know your beautiful delightful full of love Mother is rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones. You are strong like your Mom, may her spirit be with you, may the Lord bless and comfort you in the days ahead. We love you and will always remember the Good Times”!! Walt and Tina Gaved and Family
Oh, how I wish I'd known Mary Ann was living so close to Phoenix/Scottsdale. We were great friends in high school in Pocatello, ID. I've thought about her often. and wondered how and where she was. RIP, dear friend. Susan Browne Thomson-Frazier
I miss you You were a good friend. You introduced me to many people when I moved here as a widow in 2013. You know what else? You were smart and you were fun to be around. You were the first to golf with me here at the Highlands. (As anywhone knows she was a great golfer) I also believe she is with Howard. Thinking of you.
Although I didn't know her well, she was always joyful during water walking which showed her zest for life! I am so sorry she had to leave us all so early but she'll be reunited with her loved ones and our Lord, Jesus Christ, for eternity!
Mary Ann--you were one in a million--really happy I got to know you & spend some fun golf times with you. Great sense of humor!!!
Dear Michelle and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was always a delight to be around. I shared many activities with her at the Highlands and she was always a fun person in our groups. You have my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I regret that I won't be in the Highlands for her service because of our summer travels. Sincerely, Katy Hubka
Mary Ann loved to have a good time, but she never lost sight of her caring about the lives of others. I miss her. She and Howard were committed to Rotary and its ideals, and the club misses her as well.
A beautiful fulfilling life for a beautiful woman.
A beautiful fulfilling life for a beautiful woman.
In memory of Mary Ann Tatum, Nancy Sellers, Queen Mum of the Sassy Saguaro Sisters lit a candle
Mary Ann was a long and much-loved member of the Sassy Saguaro Sisters (formerly a Red Hat group) here in the Highlands. Her energy and sense of humor will be greatly missed. We are glad her passing was peaceful and so like her to have a book at her side. We will also miss stories of her life and travels, and share our condolences and best wishes with her devoted family.
I only got to be a part of Mary Ann's life briefly, but I enjoyed every moment of that brief time. She had a sparkle in her eye and gave the best hugs. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She loved to tell stories about them and they were well loved by Mary Ann. I am truly sorry that she has left us. I know she will be greatly missed.
Mary Ann was one of our very best friends and is missed everyday. We met in a hottub at the Highlands and the four of us became very good friends within moments! We traveled together, shared Mexican life and margueritas on many trips together as well as a very special Meditarranean Cruise. Her warmth, hugs, laughter and cheerful attitude made every minute delightful. She was often our church companion on Sunday mornings and we shared many activities together. Her love for Howard was enduring and I am certain they are laughing and loving again together.
Thinking of Mary Ann makes it feel wrong to be sad. She made every moment with her a fun event. We enjoyed her visits at Ken's and Marcia's in Heritage Highlands - she never missed dropping by when we were there. We were lucky to be the hosts on Mary Ann's and Howard's trip to Berlin. Our house was filled with cheers and laughters, joyful dinners and anecdotes (including the one about an eventful trip to the Bauhaus museum with our mothers, Kirsti and Marcia - three "old girls" hitting the city!). We even taught her that good whisky can be enjoyed without ice! Mary Ann adopted our daughter Siri as her pen pal and sent cards, sometimes accompanied by dolls carefully selected for Siri from her collection. Mary Ann really made a difference! We all cherish the good memories and wish her a good last trip. Kristine, Chad, Siri, Kjell and Erik Rislov
I extend my thoughts of comfort & strength especially to Michelle, Phil, Chris, & Brianna. Although miles kept us apart, Mary Ann will be remembered for taking my father, Howard, on an adventure to see the world❣️ Mary Ann, mahalo for that opportunity you gave Howard. We appreciate each of you & know Mary Ann will be missed….Aloha from Howard’s #2 daughter, Barbara Kuikahi?
REST IN LOVE MOM. You did live life to the Fullest. Thank you for loving our Dada and Making his Life Complete.
Love the photo. So typical of Mary Ann. Happy and raising a toast We hope she has joined Howard and they are sharing a huge hug Rest In Peace The Holzemer’s
Michelle, I didn't have many opportunities to visit with your mom, but I do remember her smile and enthusiastic energy. Just like yours! Praying for you and sending love!
Cheers to my beautiful Nana! She will forever be my brilliant companion and playmate.
Our hearts go out to Mary Ann's family - she was such a vibrant person who was a joy to be around.
Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Time: 10:00 am
Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Time: 2:00 pm
The Highlands at Dove Mountain
Marana, AZ 85658
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
In memory of Mary Ann Tatum, Tina Gaved lit a candle
Dearest Michelle and family, Walt just received notice through his Poky High classmates group of your Mom’s passing. He just attended a 60 year class reunion and no one had that information yet. We were very sad. I know she had enjoyed many wonderful happy years with Howard. She deserved everything joyful life could offer her! Our memories go back over 50 years when you two little towheads were so adorable, we had lots of fun times together. Life keeps changing everyday but we know your beautiful delightful full of love Mother is rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones. You are strong like your Mom, may her spirit be with you, may the Lord bless and comfort you in the days ahead. We love you and will always remember the Good Times”!! Walt and Tina Gaved and Family
Oh, how I wish I'd known Mary Ann was living so close to Phoenix/Scottsdale. We were great friends in high school in Pocatello, ID. I've thought about her often. and wondered how and where she was. RIP, dear friend. Susan Browne Thomson-Frazier
I miss you You were a good friend. You introduced me to many people when I moved here as a widow in 2013. You know what else? You were smart and you were fun to be around. You were the first to golf with me here at the Highlands. (As anywhone knows she was a great golfer) I also believe she is with Howard. Thinking of you.
Although I didn't know her well, she was always joyful during water walking which showed her zest for life! I am so sorry she had to leave us all so early but she'll be reunited with her loved ones and our Lord, Jesus Christ, for eternity!
Mary Ann--you were one in a million--really happy I got to know you & spend some fun golf times with you. Great sense of humor!!!
Dear Michelle and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was always a delight to be around. I shared many activities with her at the Highlands and she was always a fun person in our groups. You have my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I regret that I won't be in the Highlands for her service because of our summer travels. Sincerely, Katy Hubka
Mary Ann loved to have a good time, but she never lost sight of her caring about the lives of others. I miss her. She and Howard were committed to Rotary and its ideals, and the club misses her as well.
A beautiful fulfilling life for a beautiful woman.
A beautiful fulfilling life for a beautiful woman.
In memory of Mary Ann Tatum, Nancy Sellers, Queen Mum of the Sassy Saguaro Sisters lit a candle
Mary Ann was a long and much-loved member of the Sassy Saguaro Sisters (formerly a Red Hat group) here in the Highlands. Her energy and sense of humor will be greatly missed. We are glad her passing was peaceful and so like her to have a book at her side. We will also miss stories of her life and travels, and share our condolences and best wishes with her devoted family.
I only got to be a part of Mary Ann's life briefly, but I enjoyed every moment of that brief time. She had a sparkle in her eye and gave the best hugs. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She loved to tell stories about them and they were well loved by Mary Ann. I am truly sorry that she has left us. I know she will be greatly missed.
Mary Ann was one of our very best friends and is missed everyday. We met in a hottub at the Highlands and the four of us became very good friends within moments! We traveled together, shared Mexican life and margueritas on many trips together as well as a very special Meditarranean Cruise. Her warmth, hugs, laughter and cheerful attitude made every minute delightful. She was often our church companion on Sunday mornings and we shared many activities together. Her love for Howard was enduring and I am certain they are laughing and loving again together.
Thinking of Mary Ann makes it feel wrong to be sad. She made every moment with her a fun event. We enjoyed her visits at Ken's and Marcia's in Heritage Highlands - she never missed dropping by when we were there. We were lucky to be the hosts on Mary Ann's and Howard's trip to Berlin. Our house was filled with cheers and laughters, joyful dinners and anecdotes (including the one about an eventful trip to the Bauhaus museum with our mothers, Kirsti and Marcia - three "old girls" hitting the city!). We even taught her that good whisky can be enjoyed without ice! Mary Ann adopted our daughter Siri as her pen pal and sent cards, sometimes accompanied by dolls carefully selected for Siri from her collection. Mary Ann really made a difference! We all cherish the good memories and wish her a good last trip. Kristine, Chad, Siri, Kjell and Erik Rislov
I extend my thoughts of comfort & strength especially to Michelle, Phil, Chris, & Brianna. Although miles kept us apart, Mary Ann will be remembered for taking my father, Howard, on an adventure to see the world❣️ Mary Ann, mahalo for that opportunity you gave Howard. We appreciate each of you & know Mary Ann will be missed….Aloha from Howard’s #2 daughter, Barbara Kuikahi?
REST IN LOVE MOM. You did live life to the Fullest. Thank you for loving our Dada and Making his Life Complete.
Love the photo. So typical of Mary Ann. Happy and raising a toast We hope she has joined Howard and they are sharing a huge hug Rest In Peace The Holzemer’s
Michelle, I didn't have many opportunities to visit with your mom, but I do remember her smile and enthusiastic energy. Just like yours! Praying for you and sending love!
Cheers to my beautiful Nana! She will forever be my brilliant companion and playmate.
Our hearts go out to Mary Ann's family - she was such a vibrant person who was a joy to be around.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.