Mary Ann Tema, formerly of Seymour passed away peacefully on April 4, 2020 at Bishop Wicke in Shelton. She was born on August 14, 1936 to Yakim and Anna (Klimkowsky) Okal.
Her husband of 60 years, Nicholas Tema, predeceased her earlier this week.
She is survived by her three children, Martha Baratta and her husband Anthony; Patricia Weller; and Paul Tema and his wife June. A devoted grandmother, she enjoyed time with her five grandchildren: Lenny, Maria and Nicholas Baratta; and Taylor and Trevor Tema.
Learning and teaching were Mary Ann’s passion. She was Seymour High School 1954 Class Salutatorian, graduated from Central Connecticut State Teachers College cum laude, and later went on to earn several Masters and Sixth year degrees. She proudly taught typing and shorthand in Monroe, Ansonia and Trumbull High schools. Later in life, many of her students shared fond memories of the impact Mrs. Tema’s teaching had on their lives.
Mary Ann treasured her family time, took pride in carrying on holiday traditions; joyously attended her children and grandchildren sporting and school events. Her love for nature was evident in the celebration of the first signs of spring by seeing her first robin, knowing names of all trees, watching sunsets, and sunny times at the beach. She was an avid gardener.
She was a life-long member of the Girl Scouts, Cub Scout leader, 4‑H leader and served on the Seymour Christmas Parade committee. She was also a member of Three Saints Church in Ansonia.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the staff at Bishop Wicke for her care. Donations can be made to Seymour Land Trust P.O. Box 366, Seymour, CT 06483 in her memory.
She will be loved and missed forever. Memory Eternal. All services are private. The Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church St., Seymour is entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory go to www.hullfh.com.
