Mary Anne Middlebrook

Mary Anne Middlebrook was born on January 8, 1934, in Denver, Colorado, the youngest child of Clifford Rhodes and Anna Leota (McAloon) Middlebrook. Due to the death of her father a few days before her birth, she moved with her family to Akron when she was six months old.

She was fondly called Pete, as she grew up surrounded by seven boys – her two brothers and five Hall cousins. She attended Akron Grade School and Akron High School. During her junior year in high school, she became a charter member of the JUG (Just Us Girls) program. That JUGS program sparked her interest in the nursing profession. Following her graduation in 1952, she enrolled in the Loretto Heights College nursing program with clinical training through St. Anthony's Hospital, both in Denver. Mary Anne graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1956 and continued working at St. Anthony's Hospital for a year. In November of 1957 she returned to Akron to begin work at the Washington County Public Hospital. She especially enjoyed working in a smaller hospital because it gave her the opportunity to work in all areas of nursing. She was employed as a general staff nurse until 1967 when she was promoted to Director of Nursing Service and continued in that position until 1980 when she returned to her first love of bedside nursing.

After thirty-three years of nursing, Mary Anne retired on December 31, 1989, and pursued her love of playing bridge, golfing, bowling, traveling, and watching the kids in school activities. In addition, she rescued two cats, Muffin and Rusty, who brought her much joy. From 1990 to 2007, she worked part time at the Yeamans & Gordon Memorial Chapel which again let her enjoy working with people.

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Anna, her two brothers John Thomas Middlebrook and Terence Clifford (Kip) Middlebrook and his wife Ruth and by aunt and uncle, Margaret (Maggie) and Joseph Hall.

She is survived by two nephews, Michael and wife, Norma, and son Michael of San Antonio, Texas, and Steve of Atlanta, Georgia; and by very special cousins of the five Hall brothers and their families.

A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Akron. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheatridge, Colorado. Memorial donations may be made to the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter, with checks made out to "Catholic Charities."