Mary Ann McCallum

The heart of her family, Mary Ann Watts McCallum aka, Mom, Momma, Grandma, Nonnie, G8Gma, Miss Music, was summoned to her heavenly celebration on May 27th.

Her earthly departure occurred while surrounded by loving family and amidst music, laughter, and reminiscing of better times.

Born and raised in Detroit, Mary Ann raised her family in Detroit and Dexter, Michigan, before retiring to Aurora/Parker, Colorado.

Mary Ann was a soft-spoken, smart, gentle, kind, and talented lady. She was also creative, adventurous and a self-sufficient, determined spirit who loved humor and could give it back with the best of them.

Her lifelong passion was music.  She began playing the piano and singing in her youth.

Mary Ann auditioned for WXYZ’s Radio School House at age 15.  She performed there through her teen years as a solo artist, as well as participating in programs with other aspiring singers.

As an adult, she filled her home with music, where her children and grandchildren gathered around her piano to belt out the Broadway hits or the seasonal Christmas music.  Family joked that music was her middle name, but name a tune and she could sing it.

In later years, she loved sitting at Perfect Landing’s piano bar listening, and sometimes singing with her favorite pianist… Mark.  

An avid reader, she loved to discuss the bestsellers or current global events.  She enjoyed and kept all of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books before gifting to a grandson who shared that interest.

She had little patience for poor spelling and grammar.  

If the sentence seemed wrong, depend on Mom to diagram it and explain each component.  Spelling errors were big no-no's. You could guarantee on her to point them out.

Mary Ann raised 5 children while working full time as a secretary at Ford Motor Company’s World Headquarters in the Public Relations Department.

She retired from Ford in 1988.

Once retired, Mary Ann chose Colorado to be near grandchildren, where she volunteered at their school.  

She loved to travel.  Have-suitcase-will travel was her MO in early retirement years.  Hawaii was a favorite but the Thailand and Hong Kong whirlwind trip was great fun.

When travel adventures became more difficult, Mary Ann began crocheting and quilting. She purchased books, read the directions and created beautiful keepsakes for her family.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughters Mary Grey (Chuck), Monica Siddall (Patrick), Maureen Chism (Kenny), 6 grandchildren (Christie, Justin, Erin, John, Maddie, Earl), 2 great grandchildren (Kaleb, Macy), her siblings Jack, Jeannie and many nieces, and nephews.

Her sons Michael and Matthew, parents John and Ann, siblings Ruth Ann, Delores, Donna, sister-in-law Sharron precede her in death.

Mary Ann ended every family party with the quote “and a good time was had by all”.

It comforts her family to know she is pain-free and happily enjoying her heavenly reunion celebration where a good time is happening for all.

A short graveside committal of her urn will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10th at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 25800 West 10 Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48033

Committal prayers will be led by Father Michael Lenz.

Those interested in attending should meet in the parking lot outside the main office by 9:50 a.m., where a lead car will take everyone to the grave space together in procession. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mary Ann's name or a charity of your choice.

Dear Mom,
Those first 2 seconds after  - you left this earth
When the words “she’s gone” were said
Our minds and hearts stayed in synch -
This cannot be your end

The next few minutes after  - you left this earth 
Our minds began to know 
The world just moved on without you here
But our hearts won’t let you go

Those hours after -  you left this earth 
Our hearts then understood
But we still can’t accept it Mom
And, we wouldn’t if we could

We knew this day would come Mom
You spoke about it before 
But our hearts can’t mend on this one Mom
It’s grief right to the core

Those  days after - you left this earth 
More thoughts and feelings appeared 
You hurt no more, your Mom again 
And your spirit feels so near

Yet, - these weeks, the months those years ahead 
In this world that you once graced
Is a void that wont be filled Mom
A love that can’t be replaced

We’ll keep you in our hearts Mom 
And - hope you remember us too
We are your loving daughters, Mom
Daughters you once knew
Please look for us, when our times come
As we will  look for you.

Written for you, Mom,
With All Our Love -Mary, Monica, Maureen