Mary Ann Warren

Mary Ann Warren (nee Joers), 93, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Mary Ann referred to herself as a "free spirit", and that is exactly how she lived her life. She was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on May 26th, 1929, and grew up during the Great Depression. She met her husband at a picnic thanks to one of her aunts who introduced them to each other. Mary Ann married Russell Warren in West Allis, Wisconsin in June of 1950. She raised six children and was the chauffeur for many of their friends as they were growing up in Milwaukee and Grafton. "The more, the merrier'' was her motto. She also helped take care of her grandchildren and enjoyed swimming with them in the pool at her condo in Brown Deer. Mary Ann was a proud grandma and great-grandma who loved watching her granddaughters' dance recitals. When she moved to Green Bay, she loved seeing her grandson perform in school concerts, plays, and musicals and also enjoyed visits from her great-grandaughter who also lived in the area. Two of her great-grandchildren from Virginia referred to her as "Great Grandma with the red hair" because she never allowed herself to go gray. The color fit her personality perfectly - a little firecracker!

Mary Ann was a waitress at various restaurants throughout the years, but one in particular was The Bavarian Inn in Glendale, Wisconsin. She loved taking care of people and would even grab some customers onto the dance floor for a Polka! She made everyone she served feel special, from little ones to seniors. Mary Ann also worked in the restaurant at the MeeKwon Golf Course in Mequon, Wisconsin where she would know the golfers so well that she would have their drinks cold and ready for them after their round of 18 holes.

Mary Ann always believed in trying new things. As a young lady, she took dance classes and would even travel to Chicago to learn new dances at a studio which she would then bring back to her dance instructor and teach them to her. She continued her love of dance by taking clogging and tap lessons in her later years. She also enjoyed music, so she decided she would learn how to play different instruments - piano, mandolin, and fiddle. Mary Ann dabbled in art, too. She took photography classes at MATC, but traded the camera in for a brush and took painting classes, and also learned how to work with stained glass. She always said she loved how "free" she felt when she was painting and enjoyed getting to know all of the people at the different studios she attended.

After moving to Green Bay she enjoyed traveling to Algoma, Kewaunee, and Door County. She loved eating cherry pies and ice cream from Wilson's in Ephraim, and she always returned home with cherry strudel and pies from the Wood Orchard Market. She took a scenic boat tour around the peninsula with her daughter and her granddaughter with whom she shared a birthday. For her 90th birthday, she thoroughly enjoyed a trolley ride around Door County with a front row seat while her family and complete strangers sang, "Happy Birthday" to her while traveling down the road. It was something she had always wanted to do.

Mary Ann was born during the Great Depression and lived through many wars, 9/11, and a pandemic. She could have let these challenging events break her, but that was not her style. She always approached each day with a positive outlook and a smile. She would advise everyone to "look for the good in everyday and always go forward." Mary Ann was also known for her hugs. She gave the best hugs, and you always felt better after receiving one from her. The world was a better place because of Mary Ann's presence.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Warren, her parents, Alfred and Sophia (Bartlein) Joers, and numerous aunts and uncles, and many family dogs.

She is survived by her children John (Betty) Warren of West Bend, WI, Kristee Becker (Larry De Groot) of Crivitz, WI, Sherry Warren of Milwaukee, WI, Deanna (Lance) Platek of Germantown, WI, Randy (Heather) Warren of Hainesville, IL, Toni Smith of Green Bay, WI, grandchildren David (Rachel Fleishman) of Arlington, VA, Matthew Becker of Bonita Springs, FL, Lucas Becker (Karlee Reider) of Green Bay, WI, Jeff Warren (Jenn) of Gilbert, AZ, Leanne (Jesse) Tietz of Cedarburg, WI, Danielle Platek of Germantown, WI, Nicole Warren of Hainesville, IL, Tanner Smith of Green Bay, WI, great-grandchildren Sophia and Ezra Warren, Jordyn Becker, and Abigail Tietz; "adopted daughter" Kerry Kelly special friends Kathy and Don Oleck, Loann Schwartz, Victor and Margie Cerda, Nina Walzer, Ann and Karen of Stanford Art Glass Studio, her special pet cat Splash, and countless other friends.

We would also like to thank everyone from Home Instead, especially Beth and Tina, and Heartland Hospice who provided Mary Ann with the most loving care and attention over the last 6 months. She loved you all so much. Words cannot express our deep appreciation.

In true Mary Ann fashion, she wanted her celebration to be joyous, so she requested a casual "fun"eral complete with a sundae bar, lots of color and fun, cornhole, and happy music! In the spirit of Mary Ann, have a hot fudge sundae and pass on a hug!

Arrangements found at www.NewcomerFamily.com

"Fun"eral for Mary Ann Warren
Sunday, July 3rd, from 12:30-3:30 PM
De Pere Community Center (Spruce Room - lower level)
600 Grant St. De Pere, WI 54115

Please dress casually and colorfully and join us for sliders, sundaes, and smiles to celebrate the life of our mother/grandmother in true Mary Ann style.