Mary Ann Kupper

Heaven got livelier and the world got drearier March 17 when Mary Ann Kupper died in Oak Park, CA, at 77 of complications of long-time breast cancer. She was running in a rigged race against an unrelenting foe but she gave him a run for his money. A dedicated teacher, Mary Ann was known for her warmth and her wit, her caring and daring, her welcoming smile, her easy laugh, her sparkle, her grace and her fierce friendship. A woman of strong faith, she manifested it by doing for those in need.

She was born Mary Ann Cummins and grew up in Chicago before heading to Alverno College in Milwaukee, where she met Mike, an aspiring sportswriter who became her husband of 54 very interesting years. There were a few dull moments but not many. Some of the excitement could be traced to “the kids,” Dan (DeDe), Chris, Katherine (Frank) Moreno and Sarah (Marc) Pelletier. And when they were grown and on their own, Grandma lavished her affection on the grandkids, Angie and the late Amanda Kupper, Christian, Rachael, Gabriel and surprise baby Amelia Moreno, and Sebastian, Sophie and Genevieve Pelletier.

After graduating from Alverno with a home economics degree in 1960, Mary Ann took a job with the Milwaukee Public Schools System and was assigned to Audubon Junior High – as a science teacher. She had no scientific background but help was nearby because Audubon was just across the street from Alverno and a willing tutor, and Mary Ann was a fast learner. Eventually, she was given home ec classes and went on to teach her specialty there, then later at the West Side Community Center and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School.

In 1984, it was off to California – Mike had a new job – and Mary Ann joined the teaching staff at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills. There, she taught English, religion and supervised production of the student newspaper before being named dean of students. A recurrence of her earlier cancer prompted her retirement in 2008.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11 a.m., at St. Maximilian Kolbe church in Westlake Village, CA. In her memory, donations to Homeboy Industries, 130 W. Bruno St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 would be appreciated.