Mary Ann Maland

Mary Ann Maland, age 79, of Rochester Hills, MI, peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 3, 1945, in Eldora, IA, Mary Ann was the cherished daughter of Bernerd and Dorothy (Sharpshair) Kuhlman. She spent her formative years in Hubbard, IA, where she was a lifeguard at the local pool. She graduated from Hubbard High School in 1963 where she was a cheerleader for the Hubbard Hawks and a talented multi-instrumentalist in the school band.
Mary Ann pursued her passion for education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in elementary education in just three years. Following her graduation in 1966, Mary Ann traveled to Europe before returning to Iowa to teach kindergarten at Storm Lake Elementary School.
On June 17, 1967, Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart, Michael Maland, beginning a lifelong partnership that spanned 57 wonderful years. They moved to Michigan in 1968, where Mary Ann taught kindergarten in the Avondale school system in Auburn Hills. Together, they raised their beloved children, Stephanie and Matthew.
Later in her career, after her children graduated from high school, Mary Ann returned to teaching, this time focusing on telecommunication systems training. Her dedication to education and learning was matched only by her passion for the arts. Mary Ann had a deep love for literature, founding and participating in numerous book clubs over the years. She was also an avid enthusiast of theater, film, music, and art, finding joy in dancing, cultivating her vibrant flower garden, and playing bridge. Her collection of Christmas ornaments and German Belsnickle figurines was carefully curated, a testament to her keen eye for beauty.
Mary Ann's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Michael Maland; loving children, Stephanie (Frisco, TX) and Matthew (Frederick, MD) and his wife Brenda; cherished grandchildren, Katie, Paige, Emerson, and Tyler; her brother, David, and his wife Sandy of Des Moines, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernerd and Dorothy.
Mary Ann will forever be remembered for her boundless love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion for others. In her passing, Mary Ann Maland leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and a profound appreciation for life's beauty and learning, which will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.
Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with visitation beginning at 3:00 PM and a memorial service at 5:00 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307. Memorial donations may be made in Mary Ann's honor to the Rochester Hills Public Library (https://rhpl.org/donate/#memorial-donation).