Mary Ann (Thorp) Wellman raged against the dying of the light, but ultimately died peacefully after a long illness on January 5, 2022, in Northampton, Ma. She was 85 years old.
Mary Ann was born and raised in Gloucester Heights, NJ. She spent most of her life in various towns in New Jersey, but recently relocated to Northampton to be near family. She graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School. All her life she remained an enthusiastic student, studying at several colleges and on her own.
Mary Ann was a lover of all things beautiful. She played piano expertly, and gave lessons to students. She was a talented artist and poet, and started a poetry group at her nursing facility. She enjoyed acting in community theater, as well as choral singing. She enjoyed sailing and traveling. Mary Ann was vulnerable yet fierce, she felt deeply and loved fully. She avoided the superficial, and pondered and discussed instead deep mysteries and truths. She was a loving mother, and playful and doting grandmother. She will be missed.
She thought often of those who passed before her, especially her beloved daughter Linda Wellman. She was also predeceased by her parents George and Jean (Sobocinski) Thorp, and her sister Joan Cipro.
She is survived by her daughter Joanna Wellman, daughter-in-law Joanne Gangi, sister Dolores Akers, brother George (Linda) Thorp, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren Luke Gangi-Wellman and Alyssa Wellman Houde, and family friend Adriel Lobelo.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In memory of Mary Ann, please play with a child, perform or listen to a beautiful piece of music, or read a poem. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.