Mary Ann McAfee May's Obituary
Mary Ann McAfee May passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 79.
Mary Ann was born on June 23, 1946, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to M/Sgt. Garn T. and Ruth D. McAfee. As the daughter of a United States Air Force serviceman, she spent her early years moving with her family across the country and abroad, living in California, Utah, New Mexico, and Germany before returning to Utah, where her father retired at Hill Air Force Base. She graduated from Clearfield High School in 1964.
While at Hill Air Force Base, Mary Ann met the love of her life, John A. May, affectionately known as Jack. The two were married on August 21, 1965, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Conklin, Michigan. After Jack was discharged from the Air Force, they eventually settled in Algonac, Michigan, where they raised their family.
Mary Ann’s greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked for Algonac Community Schools for 11 years as a paraprofessional, touching many lives with her kindness and dedication. Her deep Catholic faith guided her life, and she was proud of her Irish heritage and her upbringing as an Air Force “brat.”
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents.
Mary Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Jack; her children, Jeff (Amy) May, Michele (Ron) Sykes, Lynette (Bob) Sanseverino, and Katie (Scott) Garrant; her 14 grandchildren, Stevon (Zahra) Sykes, Craig (Arika) Sykes, Erik Sykes, Natalie (Jason) Zichi, Zachary (Caroline) May, Alex (Mallory) May, Nicholas (Lexus) May, Jack Sanseverino, Josh Sanseverino, Ava Sanseverino, Michael Garrant, Jeffrey Garrant, Andy Garrant, and Luke Garrant; and her 8 great-grandchildren, Zelia and Zaina Sykes, Callum and Aniston Sykes, Henry and Jack Zichi, Myla May and Waylon May. She is also survived by her brother, Mike (Fran) McAfee, along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at Young-Gilbert Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann requested that Masses be said in her honor or that contributions be made to the Our Lady on the River Parish Food Pantry.
Mary Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and the warmth and kindness she shared with all who knew her.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
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Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
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