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Mary Waterman Obituary
On Feb. 22, Mary Ann went to rest and peace with her Lord and Savior, as her husband was by her side. She leaves behind her husband, Charles Waterman; stepdaughter, Michelle Rife; stepson, Russell and grand-children, Kelsey Rife, C.J., Cole and Ty Waterman. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Wuchina and his wife, Jane.
She was born in Midland, PA and graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1959. She joined the USAF reserves in 1961 and because a flight nurse. While serving with that Air Evacuation unit she survived a crash landing in a C119 aircraft at Dallas Texas airport. In 1968 she entered into active duty with the Air Force and was stationed at Yokota AB, Japan as a flight nurse bringing wounded from Vietnam to the United States as well as spending a week at a time in country preparing wounded for flights home. Mary Ann had the distinction of being one of the few nurses qualifed to wear Senior Flight Nurse Wings for seven years as a flight nurse and over 3000 flying hours. It was on one Air Evacuation flight to Alaska that she and Chuck met. They developed a wonderful friendship over three years before they decided to marry in January 1973.
She later continued her education by receiving her Bachelor's degree in occupational education from Southern Illinois University. She did student teaching at the Vacaville prison.
Mary Ann actively supported and partnered with Chuck in his Masonic actvities and was awarded the Knight Templar "Companion of the Temple" award for her support and service.
Mary Ann loved animals, she always had to stop and pet every dog she saw, even guard dogs. All dogs seem to sense her love and would respond with tail wags and affection.
A memorial service will be held on April 15, at 2 p.m., at the Suisun 55 Lodge on Texas St., Fairfield.
Observing her long time desire, May Ann will be buried at the USAF Academy to be joined by Chuck in the future.
In place of flowers donations to Tiger Haven, Mutts with a Mission; P.O. box 17497, Washington DC 20041-0497, or Paws for Purple Hearts, P.O. Box 9288, Pueblo CO 81008-9288 are suggested.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
April 5, 2016
Mary Ann and I were flight nurses at Yokota AB, Japan during the Vietnam War. We flew together on several missions and spent several days together at DaNang organizing the departing flights. I recall one night (we actually got very few hours of sleep) when we were sleeping on our cots about three feet apart and the attack alarms went on....the orders were to don our flack jackets and helmets and get under our cots until the all clear sounded....amazingly we were not frightened, we looked at it as another experience, but we were very glad to hear the 'all clear', get a few more zzzz's and be ready for another busy day....She was extremely up beat and enjoyable to work with.... carried more than her share.
Donna Cleland Cousino, Col, USAF (Retired)
March 26, 2016
On behalf of the Society of Air Force Nurses, please know her "Air Force Family" is also mourning with you the death of our friend and colleague, Major Mary Ann Waterman. I personally had the pleasure of being assigned with Mary Ann at David Grant Medical Center at Travis AFB, CA. I recall her big smile and love of life; she was a joy to be around. You are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful person who made a difference in the lives of so many. She was one of the original members of our Society and a donation to Paws for Purple Hearts will be made in Mary Ann's memory. She will be missed, and she will not be forgotten.
Linda J. Stierle, Brigadier General, USAF (Retired)
Mary Kathryn Wuchina Ross
March 5, 2016
Mary Ann's mother and my mother were sisters and her father and my father were brothers.. We were named for our grandmother, Mary, and our mothers, Ann and Kathryn. We were born exactly 3 weeks apart. We did not live close to each other but every summer we would spend a week at each others homes. Once we graduated from high school, Mary Ann went to Pittsburgh for nursing school and I moved to Philadelphia to work for AT&T. As time has gone by, our lives took different paths and we were not in contact. It is sad how life goes some times.
I know that now she is no longer in pain and in a better place. Peace be with you, Mary Ann, and may God bless you.
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