Mary Ann Graves

1930 - 2023

Mary Ann Heising Bjerke Graves passed from this world on September 27, 2023. At 93 she had lived a full and rewarding life. Mary Ann leaves behind her son Mitchell Bjerke (Pittsburgh) and daughter Denise Bjerke (Wimberley). Her youngest son Dr. Richard Bjerke predeceased her. Also saying farewell are her grandchildren, Elin Busk, Katha Busk (spouse Ryan Lewellen), Ben Bjerke (partner Tara Walters), Austin Bjerke, Richard Bjerke (spouse Kate Bjerke) and Alex Rousseau (partner Jessica Uhring). She also leaves three great grandchildren, Isabella Rose Bjerke, and Kassaundra and Morgan Levi Bjerke.

Mary Ann was born in St. Paul Minnesota in 1930 to Blanche Connor and Dewey R. Heising. She had two brothers, Jim and Dick Heising who passed on before her. Mary Ann attended the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing, graduating in 1952. She went on to hold positions of increasing responsibility and challenge. Looking for warmer climes she chose to relocate to Houston Texas in 1966. She started at Methodist Hospital as a floating supervisor, retiring as Director of Nurses in 1995 after a career filled with challenges met and leaving a department known for its innovation and superior teaching opportunities.

She was married to Duane E. Bjerke, the father of her children, from 1950 to 1958. She remarried in 1978 to Jim Graves. She assisted him in the founding of his company GLNX. They parted as friends in 1988. Throughout her life she studied a wide range of spiritually oriented practices. Mary Ann gave generously of her time, knowledge, and coin to friends, family, and strangers.

This world has lost a dedicated lightworker, grandmother and friend. She will be missed.

A private, family only memorial will be held in Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers please give a donation to your favorite charity in her name or to Texas Children's Hospital, Austin, Texas.