Mary Ann Hensley

On Saturday, March 20, 2021, Mary Ann Hensley, adoring wife of 52 years and mother, passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Ann was born April 11, 1949. She married Ralph Hensley on September 27, 1969. They raised one daughter, Amanda, and two sons, Michael and Andrew. She dedicated her life to her family and her faith in God.

Mary Ann loved to be involved in her children’s lives and passionately celebrated every accomplishment on their journeys. She was the loudest cheerleader at every soccer game, the first to applaud at every play and choir concert, she devoted every moment of every day to their success. She always had an ear to listen to others problems and concerns and guided many people through difficult situations, with her calm and prayerful nature. She never turned down any request or phone call for help. After her children had grown, she and Ralph traveled the world together and made many wonderful memories. Her greatest trip was a Pilgrimage to Israel and the Holy Land. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and guided her life accordingly. She had a passion for Broadway theater, attended many shows and was an avid supporter of the Grand Rapids Symphony as season members. Mary Ann would never turn down a good book and was a constant reader and advocate of a strong education. She would always comment that “readers are leaders” and encouraged everyone to read. Her stack of books both electronically and hard copy is something to see. Her iPad was filled with books that she constantly read on her trips, regardless of where she was. She loved looking at the pictures of trips with friends.

Mary Ann touched so many souls through her work with the Church. She and Ralph are charter members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. As the elementary Faith Formation coordinator, RCIA facilitator, and parent Baptism preparation leader for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, she lovingly taught the Word and shared her faith with hundreds of people in our community and prepared many souls as they converted to Catholicism. It was her drive and mission and she saw it clearly and carried it to the fullest. Mary Ann and Ralph counseled many engaged couples as they prepared to marry in the Church, and she served as their wedding coordinator to ensure every wedding day was perfect day for the bride and groom. She gave of her time without measure of reward. She knew her reward was not to be found on this earth. She was active in the Haiti Ministry of Our Lady of the Lake and served as a Funeral Luncheon volunteer.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father, Vincent, and her mother, Lucia. She is survived by her husband Ralph, her three children, Amanda (Matt), Michael and Andrew (Brittany), many cousins (Pagano’s, DiLaurenzios), lifelong friends, and the hundreds of lives she has blessed through her work with the Church.

A Mass of resurrection will be offered at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church (480 152nd Ave, Holland MI 49424) on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00am. Visitation with the family will be one hour at 10:00am.