Mary Wuorenmaa Obituary

Mary Ann (Fostveit) Wuorenmaa was born January 16, 1937, in Ishpeming, MI, to Ernest and Alice Fostveit. She passed away peacefully March 31, 2011, in Colorado Springs, with her loving family by her side. Mary Ann graduated from Chicago's Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. On May 9, 1957, she eloped with a young naval officer, John Paul Wuorenmaa, and they somehow managed to keep their marriage a secret during her final year of school (students were forbidden to marry until after graduation). Life as a Navy family took Mary Ann, Paul, and their three children from coast to coast, finally settling in Colorado Springs in 1973. Mary Ann devoted many years of service to others as a registered nurse, room mother, scout leader (lifetime GSUSA member), and volunteer at area hospitals. Favorite activities in recent years were traveling (especially to Las Vegas), watching her favorite TV shows, knitting baby caps, and keeping in touch with friends around the country. She was active with her many friends at Bethel Lutheran Church, Navy/Marine Wives, and her special "breakfast club". Her favorite place to be was at home with family. Mary Ann was preceded in death by Paul, her loving husband of 50 years. She is survived by children: Wendi (Dan) Simmons of Spokane, WA; Greg (Colleen) of Colorado Springs; Amy (Pat) Franzen of Alamogordo, NM; seven grandchildren: Danielle, Julie, Chiara, Holly, Linnea, Jill and Jake; and sister Carol (Hugo) Oja of Altoona, WI. At Mary Ann's request, there will be cremation with no service. The family plans a Celebration of Life at a later date. Mary Ann wished memorial contributions be sent to the many angels at Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3683. Mary Ann's philosophy of life was "Be Happy!" Be happy up in Heaven, Mom and Grandma! Love you forever!