Mary Ann Brown, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, at the age of 81. She was a woman of unwavering faith, love and strength, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
Mary Ann was born on May 12, 1943, in Superior, Wisconsin to Anna (McMahon) Mastin and Frederick Mastin. She spent much of her youth in Garden City, NY, before marrying and embarking on the journey in life of which she was most proud: motherhood. In 1976, Mary Ann and her brood moved to Texas, where she raised four boys and two girls. She worked tirelessly to support her family while earning an associate’s degree, always stressing the importance of an education. She eventually went on to work as an Activities Director for local nursing homes, further displaying her compassion and patience for others.
Mary Ann had a strong desire to create a welcoming home wherever she lived. She elaborately decorated for every holiday, ensuring her children had lasting memories. Known for her immaculate housekeeping, Mary Ann cleaned every inch of space daily, keeping each treasured knick-knack dust-free. While cleanliness was important to her, making everyone who crossed her threshold feel welcome was even more so. She treated her children's friends as if they were her own, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all.
A devout Catholic, Mary Ann was rarely seen without a Rosary in hand, often wanting to light a candle and recite a Hail Mary prayer for others in distress. Her deep faith, no matter the circumstances, was evident in her belief that “God never gives you more than you can handle.”
Above all, Mary Ann cherished being a mother and grandmother. Her unconditional love for her family, selfless generosity, quick wit, and feisty sense of humor, which she readily passed down to her children, remained with her until her final days. Despite her health significantly impacting her ability to live life to the fullest for over three decades, her determination to be present for the monumental events in her children's lives kept her strong. Often referred to as a miracle patient, she stubbornly fought through ailments to ensure she was there for as many weddings, births, holidays, and celebrations as possible before her time on Earth was complete. While we will forever be grateful for the extra time we had with Mary Ann, we find comfort in knowing she is finally at peace with her Lord and Savior, reunited with her beloved mother and big brother.
Mary Ann is survived by her six children: John McIntire of Maine; Jim McIntire of Pennsylvania; Daniel McIntire and wife, Manoela, of Irving, Texas; Scott Brown and wife, Whitney, of North Richland Hills, Texas; Debbie Firestone and husband, Brad, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Joanne Shuey and husband, Rob, of Frisco, Texas; her many grandchildren, Ciarra McIntire Brother and husband, Mark, Taylor Brown, Hailey Brown, Brittany McIntire, Ryan Firestone, Rachel Firestone, Braden Shuey, and Kendall Shuey; her great-grandchildren, Jordan Brown and Lincoln Brother; her sister-in-law, Nancy Mastin of St. Marys, Georgia; and her cousin, Mary Wiethake of Silverthorne, Colorado.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Mastin, and her brother, Fred Mastin.
In lieu of a public service, the family will be taking Mary Ann to her final resting place near the shores of Connecticut, where she can forever search for seashells and listen to the waves of the ocean, her most cherished place.