Mary Ann Rabek

MARY ANN RABEK (nee Visconti) age 92, beloved wife of the late Erwin J.; loving mother of Frank (wife Jeanne) and Roseann Hicks (husband Brad); devoted grandmother of Frank Rabek, Heather Oster (husband Nate), Tim Rabek, Jennifer Hughes (husband Caleb) and great-grandmother of Blake and Ryan Rabek, Maya and Emma Hughes, Lucy and Zoe Oster; cherished daughter of the late Frank and Rose (nee Bertolino) Visconti; dearest sister of the late Russell Visconti (wife Ann, deceased), Ida Lagatta (husband Louis, deceased) and Rosemary Ferrarra (husband Frank, deceased); dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Mary Ann Rabek was  born on July 25^th, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio and passed away on June 25^th, 2018.  She spent her early years living in the Kinsman neighborhood and her later years living in Mayfield Heights.  She attended the business school at John Hay High School and graduated in 1943 with honors.   In 1946, she married Erwin Rabek and they were blessed with two children, Frank and Roseann.

Her early years in the Kinsman neighborhood, growing up around a large extended family, naturally cultivated her “open door hospitality.”  To Mary Ann, strangers were friends, friends were family, and family was her treasure.  Warm and outgoing, she could start a conversation with anyone and make them feel right at home.

Mary Ann’s welcoming and winsome personality meant that people always stopped by her home.  Her door was always open and there was always a spot at her table.  Anytime day or night, she would eagerly and effortlessly offer nourishment for the body and soul.  A humble, but gifted cook, she would disappear into her kitchen and moments later emerge with all kinds of food and treats- a veritable feast.

Mary Ann’s hospitality and heart for serving others shone brightest during the holidays when she looked forward to celebrating with family and friends.  Her sense of family, Italian traditions, and her Catholic faith are what defined her throughout her lifetime.  During her Kinsman years she attended St. Cecilia and later became a member at St. Francis Parish in 1960.

Mary Ann exuded youthful joy and an ever-present sense of humor.  She was well-known for her infectious laugh.  Her unrivaled story-telling ability allowed for her adventures and mis-adventures to captivate any audience, both young and old.  Her humor was equally matched with her care and concern for others.  Being an empathetic, listener she could offer authentic and sincere pearls of wisdom.

Mary Ann really lived life.  She rarely considered aging a cue to stop or slow down.  Whether it was joining a bowling league in her 40s, learning to line dance in her 70’s, or riding a bike on her 90th birthday, she proved she was ready to try anything.  While ready to try new things she also like to reminisce about the “old things” with her friends at the Mayfield Heights Golden Agers Club.

Mary Ann was an amazingly beautiful woman and her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the traditions she has passed down and in the family she loved so well.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mary Ann to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, July 2, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mary Ann at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.)  SUNDAY 2-6 PM.