Mary Ann Ledda

As family and friends can surely attest, Mary Ann Ledda truly understood the secret to living each day to the very fullest. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Mary Ann more joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and her genuine heart allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Deeply loved, Mary Ann will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The 1930s are remembered as a time of great struggle for many in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and families all around the country had to pull together to make ends meet in their time of need. During the darkness, however, there was a ray of light for Francis and Ruth Coffee of Leavenworth, Washington as they excitedly awaited the arrival of their baby. On May 18, 1936, they welcomed their daughter, who they named Mary Ann, into the world.

Growing up, Mary Ann was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home, a log cabin on the lake that her father had built and named “Coffee Grounds,” alongside her sister, Sharon. The upstairs level of the cabin didn’t have a finished floor, and Mary Ann often walked carefully across the planks while enjoying her favorite snack, saltine crackers with butter. She could sometimes be mischievous, and she was once driving her father’s truck and rolled it with her sister inside. Throughout her childhood, Mary Ann found a passion for skiing. She attended a local one-room schoolhouse and played clarinet in the band.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Mary Ann as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Bruno Ledda, and the two were first introduced on a blind date. There was an instant spark between them, and their relationship flourished from that point onward. Mary Ann ended up proposing to Bruno, and the two were married with an undying desire to spend the rest of their lives together. They settled down in a small house in Detroit, ready to step into their bright future as one.

All who knew Mary Ann can certainly agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she cherished her family above all else. Over the years, she and Bruno were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, John, Suzanne, and Jane, into their hearts and home. They first began growing their family in Detroit, then moved to Washington to raise their children there. The Ledda family moved around the country quite a bit for a time, but they eventually settled down in Michigan. Mary Ann thrived in her role as a mother and devoted herself to raising her three children. She was a firm believer that family was everything, and she enjoyed hosting extended family at the home as well. The annual summer party, “Brunofest,” was the highlight of the year, and all were welcome. Mary Ann was grateful to be a member of the Ledda family. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother to John Jr., Kyle, Joseph, and Daniel. Mary Ann adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. She always considered herself blessed to watch her family tree grow to include so many loved ones.

Mary Ann was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for herself and those who depended on her. She studied hard at the Mayo Clinic, gaining expertise in her field. Mary Ann then poured several years of dedicated work into the hospital in Wenatchee, Washington, and later the VA in Michigan. She prided herself on making her own money to pay for her children’s activities and needs. Mary Ann’s career was much more than a job, and she was able to help and care for many in her community.

Never one to sit still for long, Mary Ann pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She and Bruno enjoyed going dancing and spending quality time together. Mary Ann was an avid reader and would devour several books a week. She tended faithfully to her flower garden. Every day, Mary Ann would go to the mall to walk with her friends. She also had a Corona every day at noon, but not a moment before. Over the years, Mary Ann was able to travel the world. She visited 95 countries, traveled to 214 cities, and embarked on 27 cruises. Mary Ann placed a huge emphasis on the importance of family, independence, and education, and she was never a worrier. She was always happiest when spending time with those she loved.

When reflecting on the life of Mary Ann Ledda, it is clear to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and empathy towards others, and she poured her heart and soul into all that she did. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary Ann was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in, and her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with everyone around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Mary Ann leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Mary Ann Ledda passed away September 3, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born May 18, 1936 in Leavenworth, Washington to Francis and Ruth Coffee. Beloved wife of Bruno for 62 wonderful years. Loving mother of John (Andreia) Ledda, Suzanne Ledda, and Jane (Michael) Szot. Dearest grandmother of John Ledda Jr., Kyle (Nikkole) Ledda, Joseph Szot, and Daniel Kniesteadt. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents and her sister Sharon Lucas.

Visitation Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 2-8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Instate Friday, September 6, 2024 from 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10 am at St. Priscilla Catholic Church, 19120 Purlingbrook St, Livonia, MI 48152. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.