Mary Ann (Pollare) Marek, age 83, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away with family and loved ones at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, April 9, 2017. She was preceded in death by two days by her husband of 64 years, Robert J. “Bob” Marek on April 7, 2017.

Mary Ann was born June 24, 1933 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the daughter of Rosalie (Giadone) Pollare and Pasquale Pollare.

Mary Ann was raised and educated in Cheyenne schools graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1952 and attended post-graduate courses and seminars throughout the years.

She was introduced to a young man named Bob Marek, a Staff Sergeant surgical nurse at Warren Air Force Base, by Frank and Johanna Hardy family daughters, Edith and Doris. The couple was married on September 3, 1952 at St. Mary’s Cathedral and enjoyed a dinner dance reception at the Palomino Supper Club.

Mary Ann enjoyed a long employment history with New York Life Insurance Company, Peterson’s Portrait Studio, Senator Gale McGee’s Wyoming Staff and Cheyenne Newspapers Inc. as an advertising sales representative, retiring in1994.

Her many life achievements included Past-President Laramie County Democratic Women’s Club, Committee for Dedication of the Cheyenne Civic Center, Chairman of the Dedication for the Mayor George R. Cox Parking Center, Board of Directors for the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce 1979-1981, Precinct Committee Woman for the Democratic Party, Committee for the Dedication of the new Governor’s Mansion, Vice-President for the DePaul Hospital Guild, Member Auxiliary of the United Medical Center (Memorial Hospital), Town and Country League, and Cheyenne Patrons of the Dance.

Where Mary Ann was, there was a gathering or a party. The large number of family, friends, co-workers, classmates, dignitaries and community, she and Bob shared memories of gatherings at their home with homemade Italian food, laughter, music, photos, political discussions and good times. Holiday, late-night gatherings after musical performances or “just because” were regular events at the Marek house. Mary Ann’s culinary skills were from a long lineage of Italian family beginning with her mother, Rosalie, and filled the home with savory scents.

Mary Ann artfully balanced being a wife, parent and co-worker seamlessly coordinating her life around family first. Her children’s and grandchildren’s well-being and happiness with school activities and encouragement were important to her. She had an endless abundance of energy to do it all with the enduring ability to create a warm, wonderful and inviting atmosphere anywhere.

Her interests included gardening, great visits with good friends and family, gourmet Italian cooking and baking, shopping, dancing with Bob, party planning and organization, travel and shopping, family pets and enjoying the adventures of two wonderful grandsons in Arizona.

Mary Ann was affiliated with the Air Force Association, Military Affairs Committee, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Esther Hobart Morris Questers Antique Club, Wyoming Press Women, Symphony & Choral Society Guild, Democratic Party, Cowgirls of the West and her classmates from 1952 who gathered often.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Ann (Marek) Poulos and husband, Steven Poulos, DDS; her son, Joseph Robert Marek and wife, Cindy (McCraken) Marek; and two grandsons, Harry Michael Joseph Poulos and Steven Robert Peter Poulos.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and brother, Saverio.

Mary Ann and Bob’s family would like to offer special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Mayo Clinic Hospital for their care and the countless family and friends that enriched their lives throughout their 64 years together.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral with Father Thomas Cronkleton, Jr.

In lieu of flowers and for the betterment of the Cheyenne Community, memorial donations may be made to the Cowgirls of the West Scholarship Fund, P O Box 525, Cheyenne, WY 82003 or the St. Mary’s School Foundation.