MaryAnn Toohey

Mary Ann Toohey (Onorato) Mary Ann graduated from the school of life with top honors. She was a scholar, humanitarian and spiritual example to all she encountered. Born Jan. 26t,h 1937 in San Francisco, California, died Dec. 10th, 2017, Dash Point, Washington. Throughout her life she was a teacher to many and an example to all. She loved with an enormous capacity. She displayed these qualities throughout her years of teaching, spiritual direction, mentorship, and service to her Catholic Faith Community. She found, encouraged and invited the best from all she met throughout her life. Maryann was the second of six children born to Mary Margaret O’Looney and William Frank Onorato. She is predeceased by brothers Big Bill and John and Little Bill. She is survived by her brothers Terry Onorato (Outi) of Muir Beach, CA, Daniel (Mary Alice) of Modesto CA, and Frank Onorato of Las Vegas, NV., half-brother, Steve and half-sister Sandy, both of California. Her loving husband Gerald (Jerry), and devoted children Mike, Maura (Todd Carlisle), Pat (Cheri), and Chris (Beth) and ten wonderful grandchildren, Always learning, She earned her BA from Seattle University and her M.A. in English from Dominican College in San Rafael, CA. At age 50 She completed her Master’s in Education in adult learning from Seattle University. Maryann’s educational work orbited around the underserved in her community. She taught in the Central District of Seattle, Downtown Las Angeles and overseas with Lay Mission Helpers in Cochabamba Bolivia, and later in Oaxaca, Mexico with the Maryknoll Sisters. She was a spiritual leader and felt called to serve others and act on her social justice values. She and her husband Jerry were actively involved in the Christian Family Movement, Faith Formation Leadership and The Marriage Encounter Movement They believed in creating a welcoming place for those in need. From places ravaged by war and poverty such as Bolivia, Vietnam, El Salvador, and Tacoma; a room was always open for others to join the family. Upon returning to education after raising children, she obtained her master’s degree in education, teaching at Pierce College for over 20 years. She chaired the English as a Second Language department and was given the Distinguished Faculty Award, as a result of her service. Her connections to her students lasted well beyond the years in her program, continuing to this past year. She encouraged her students to share their stories’ as a way to learn English. She taught them to recognize the common story arcs they shared, involving immigration, hardship, family and desire to be accepted and educated. After retirement Maryann taught English language skills to migrant youth at the Fife community center. However, the biggest benefit of retirement was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved her family, and the support she gave each one to be their best was always present. Donations in her honor can be made to: St. Leo’s Food Connection, Pierce College poverty committee, L’arche Tacoma Hope, and the Alzheimer’s association in Tacoma. Funeral mass will be Friday January 5th at 12:10. St. Leo’s Parish in Tacoma. 13th and Yakima. Pot luck and a time to share memories will follow. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories. 253-566-1008