Mary Ann Engelby
March 6, 1944 ~ April 29, 2023
Mary Ann Engelby, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Mary Ann was born on March 6, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa and was the devoted daughter of Lawrence Matthew May and Augustina Emma (Semrad) May Smith. Mary Ann graduated from Jewell High School and then attended the University of Northern Iowa. Of her many accomplishments, she was most proud of being a stay-at-home mom raising her family for many years, owning the Canterbury House bookstore in Storm Lake and later in life working her way up to become the activities director at Cottage Grove Place, where she retired 17 years later. Mary Ann was a faithful parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church and was also a member St. Monica's Circle. She loved collecting and talking about antiques with her friends in the Gilbson chapter of the Questors, doing crossword puzzles, and extending her kindness to everyone.
Survivors include her children, Adam (Shihomi) Engelby, Damon (Sheli) Engelby, and Nicole Santelman (Mark Merila); grandchildren, Devon Santelman, Alec Santelman, Anders Santelman, Madison Engelby, and Lucas Engelby; brother, David (Rosie) May; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Rick Engelby.
A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, by Reverend John R. Flaherty. A private family burial will follow in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in care of The Mercy Foundation.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
We took a gourmet cooking class together shortly after the family moved to Cedar Rapids! We rode together ! What fun conversations we enjoyed ! Then our sons became great friends ! Sorry for this loss !
Damon and the entire Engelby family,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. Lots of uplifting prayer from our family to yours during this difficult time.
Your friends,
We were so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a special friend of mine during high school & we always stayed in touch. She was such a good friend she let me borrow her wedding dress . She will b missed Diane barkema
I AM GEATLY SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF MARY ANN’S PASSING. WE’VE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE WE WERE IN SECOND GRADE. SO MANY CHERISHED MEMORIES OF THOSE WONDERFUL YEARS! YOUR MOM AND I HAD MANY FUN TIMES AND ADVENTURES. SHE WAS A DEAR AND LOYAL FRIEND
AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO LOVE HER. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY.
Adam and Family,
We’re sorry to hear about your moms passings. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless! Yvonne (Ullrich) Stastny R84
Mary Ann was a friend of mine at All Saints..such a lovely and kind person and a tribute as a faithful parishioner. She awakened with Jesus. Pat Martin
So many fond memories over so many years at so many Engelby family gatherings.
Mary Ann was such a joy to be around. Always friendly and positive. Thankful to call her my Aunt. Most recent was Mary Ann reaching out via facebook to thank us for the Engelby journal notes which in part were a reflection tribute to Mary Ann as a mother and business owner. Adam, Damon and Nicole always love to you from your big Engelby family.
A hole is open in my heart with Mary Ann’s passing. My traveling partner, just getting in the car and driving, often looking for the best tenderloin in Iowa. Many wonderful times in Florida, and Texas, flea markets, and Goodwill stores. Maid of Honor in my wedding and one of a few special persons you meet in your lifetime. I shall miss her more than words can express.
Phil Stechcon