Mary Ann with her father, Roy, circa 1938.
Mary Ann French died on November 22, 2008, in Edmond, OK, at the age of 78. She was born Mary Ann Thompson, on January 20, 1930, in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1947, where she was a founding member of the C.H.H.S. Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the national mathematics honor society.
Mu Alpha Theta
She had two long and happy marriages, first to John E. Long, which lasted 27 years and produced two beautiful daughters, who were the joy of her life. She and John enjoyed motorcycle trips, spending weekends at the lake, and each other. Her younger siblings recall many fun afternoons with John and Mary Ann. She worked for Southwestern Bell, until the birth of her second child. After several years as a stay at home mom and Girl Scout Leader, she rejoined the workforce. She then worked as a physician’s assistant for Dr. J.C. Gettys for 10 years, and then returned to the phone company, where she met her second husband, John P. “Jack” French.
Mary Ann, circa 1948
Her second marriage led to many years as a nomad, first on their boat, The Marianne, on which they traveled the East Coast, from Florida through the inland waterways, up the east coast, as well as the Mississippi River Basin. After several years aboard her namesake, they purchased a motor home to see the rest of the country. Her elder sister’s fondest memories are of traveling with Mary Ann, first to Europe, and then with her and Jack as they toured America. They were long-time members of the OKC Sail and Power Squadron, as well as the First United Methodist Church of Edmond, OK.
Mary Ann and Jack, 1992
Mary Ann was also a homemaker, and though never known for her cooking, she was known for her hobbies. These included all kinds of needlework, from sewing and knitting, to cross-stitch and embroidery. Her entire family was well-clothed and warm thanks to her efforts, and her handmade items are now treasured family heirlooms. She was also an avid reader, and instilled her love of books in her children and grandchildren. Summer visits with Grandma were often accompanied by trips to the local library.
Mary Ann
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy T. and Esta Mae Thompson; a brother, David L. Thompson; her husbands, John Long (1974) and Jack French (2001); son-in-law, Hal; and grandson-in-law, John.
Survivors include her siblings, Elsie, Gene, and Connie; daughters, Janet and Ginger, and her husband, Gregory; granddaughters, Stacie and Kristin, and her husband, Brandon; great-grandchildren, Kaity, Brae, and Hannah; stepson, Hal and his wife, Windy, and his children, Gabe and Megan; stepdaughter, Peggy and her husband, Dennis, and her son, John Ryan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Once again, thank you Kris. You wouldn’t believe how many comments were made about what a lovely obituary, and how proud Mama would have been. I made sure to give credit where credit was due.
[...] He’s a little early. He wasn’t supposed to be here until March, but he decided Grandma’s birthday would be a good day to come. Nana and Poohpah are delighted to be the great-aunt and uncle, and [...]