Mary Ann Noonan
May 25, 1936-Feb. 11, 2017
Omaha, Nebraska

Mary Ann Noonan passed way Saturday, February 11, 2017. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Burke and Ursula (Teefey) Noonan, she was the last surviving of five siblings: Mike, Pat, Jake and Polly. Colorful, creative, artistic, loving, kind and original, Mary had the magical ability to become an integral part of the lives of so many: best friend, trusted confidant, adopted Auntie Mame, charismatic teacher, world explorer, comedic adventurer, political activist, role model, Stanford women’s basketball fan, Notre Dame football fan, avid gardener, chef, dog lover. Mary awoke each day happy to be alive.

Fresh from college, Mary came West to begin her teaching career in California. She was a charismatic person who loved people, especially children. Mary could teach children who were supposed to be unteachable and would giggle that incredible laugh upon seeing the sheer joy of someone discovering they can read.

Children were drawn to Mary because they felt that she sincerely enjoyed their company, and she did. She was a wonderful teacher whose warmth was felt by everyone who met her, worked with her, and loved her. It was not unusual for Mary to be stopped by a former student who – with a hug and a smile -- would thank her for the impact she made.

After retiring from teaching in 1982, Mary and Patricia Stoll (fellow Ravenswood City School District teacher), founded Rush Hour Catering. Initially located at the Keystone Nightclub in Palo Alto, Patty and Mary prepared meals for such musicians as Billy Idol and Neil Young while continuing to build their takeout service. The business grew to a full service catering company with a strong reputation for providing fresh delicious cuisine with an impressive roster of clients.

From a successful career at Rush Hour, Mary’s great sense of mission became raising money for the teachers in East Palo Alto. Mary served on the board of the East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK). As a former Ravenswood teacher, she understood their needs and challenges. With passion and conviction, Mary often single-handedly raised more money than all other fundraisers together.

Interlaced throughout her life was a love of dogs, of which Mary had many. A neighborhood regular, her dogs took her on walks – or Mary would welcome visitors in her front yard.

Proud to be a Noonan, Mary adored her large extended family above all else. Mary had the continuing love and support of her nieces and nephews and their children. If you walked into Mary's home, you saw pictures upon pictures of her beautiful family, enough to fill an entire wall of shelves. As Mary’s health declined, she returned to her Midwest roots and the bosom of her large Irish family. Her absence from the lives of her California family was deeply felt, but she was never forgotten.