Obituary of Mary Ann Gibson

Mary Ann Gibson, 87, of Syracuse passed away peacefully on Friday, October 26, 2018. Mary Ann was born in Montgomery, NY and attended Montgomery High school. She is a graduate of Syracuse University class of 1953. She was a passionate and dedicated fan of the Syracuse Orangeman basketball and football teams.

Mary Ann retired from the City of Syracuse as a relocation coordinator where she was committed to helping city residents living in poverty find housing.   She was an active and devoted long-term parishioner of St. Lucy’s Church and believed deeply in supporting an inner-city parish.  Mary Ann was an advocate for social justice and attended the March on Washington in 1963.

Mary Ann was awarded the Mayor’s 100% Plus award in 1987 for her contributions to the City of Syracuse. In 1988 Catholic Charities awarded her with the Msgr. Charles Brady award in recognition of her outstanding community service. In 1992, Mayor Thomas Young presented her with a certificate of appreciation in grateful acknowledgement of distinguished public service. Mary Ann served on the Board of Directors of Transitional Living Services of Onondaga County where she received special recognition for her compassion and contributions to the community.

Mary Ann was a devoted Aunt, Godmother and friend and will be missed dearly.

She is predeceased by her parents, Louis and Margaret Gibson, brothers, James “Major,” Arthur, and Frank and close friends, Carol Smith and Kathryn “Katty” Schmitt Marcano.  Mary Ann is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Frederica Gibson; niece and nephews, James (Connie) Gibson and their daughter, Megan; Patricia Gibson, Thomas (Michele) Gibson and their daughters, Kathryn, Kelly and Kerry; Godchildren, William Morgan, Stacy Davies, Marilyn Friedly and Kathryn Gibson; special friends, Ginny Ferris, Delores Brule and the Schmitt family (Esther, Margaret and Mary). 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 9am at St. Lucy’s Church; 432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY 13204.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Montgomery, NY at 1:45pm on Friday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Lucy’s Parish.