Mary Ann Homan

Mary Ann Homan

You rest, you rust. Mary Ann was always a gal on the go with her hands in a little of everything. She spent most of her life filling the world with music: Mary Ann was a music teacher in East Greenwich and the founder and director of the Bethesda Bell Ringers. “OK, one more time” she’d tell the choir in her quest for perfection. Some said she was persistent; she maintained that she was just a Capricorn. But she didn’t limit her endeavors to bells: her infamous rapping granny video has more than a half million views. As head of the shade tree commission she knew trees were the answer. Mary Ann never lost her Wildwood roots; as fond of the beach as she was collecting parking monies. She was as much a fixture of Swedesboro as there has ever been.

The Wildwood girl would come to Swedesboro in pursuit of a teaching career, but in addition to the career she’d also meet the dashing Mike Homan. Their 66 year marriage was blessed by three daughters, Ann (Richard) Kaplan, Susan (William) Herbst and Charla (Bill) Lewis and 4 grandchildren; she is survived by her brother, James Goetsinger.

Come celebrate 89 great years Saturday 10 to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro, where there will be a noon service.

12 Comments

  1. Nancy Albert says:

    For more than 35 years Mary Ann encouraged me to love and appreciate playing hand bells and making beautiful music with the Bethesda Bell Ringers. Her words ” one more time” always made us practice over and over until it was perfect. She will be missed more than words can say. Rest In Peace Mary Ann.

  2. Vicki LaSala says:

    My love for music was fostered by Mrs. Homan. She took me several times to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia to hear the orchestra when I was a band student of hers at East Greenwich Elementary School. I have fond memories of her as a positive role model from my early years. She was a beacon of strength and grace. She had a spark that shined forever in my heart. We should all strive to have the grace that she had and exuded to everyone around her with her unwavering spirit and energy.

  3. Stephanie (Massimino) Henry says:

    My deepest sympathy to the Homan family. I was very fond of Mrs. Homan and always enjoyed her Wildwood stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  4. Lorrie Gall says:

    Oh how very much I will miss seeing you at the Bonsal Blues concert in April. Your thoughts and comments always mean so much, it’s such an honor to know the classiest music teacher with the biggest heart! Of course I will miss you in Wildwood, Maple Ave. will never be the same. Rest easy, Mrs. Homan, the bells are ringing in Heaven just for you!

  5. Hanshi Deshbandhu says:

    Dearest Maryanne
    Celebrate your 90th in heaven
    Do not forget to invite Lala
    Love you
    Hanshi

  6. Theresa Aquilino says:

    Such sad news to hear, Maryanne will be deeply missed by all her Wildwood neighbors. Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers. Nick, Terry & Bud

  7. Greg Clement says:

    I will miss Mrs. Homan. My music teacher throughout grammar, giving me a real for music.
    Then when our family moved to Swedesboro my wife and three girls all got the chance to know, respect and love her too.

  8. Harry and Doris Kuhlwein Rink says:

    Like everyone just stunned. Glad to have known her. She was a positive impact on everyone. God bless friends, neighbors and family at this time. She was a big part of the Rink family. Neighbor to my husband Harry and children, myself and scores of others. May we all take examples of her life and share. The world needs it! Thoughts and prayers with you God bless.

  9. Nancy Paranto Byrd says:

    To Susan and family: Though it’s been over 50 years, I still have the fondest memories of your mom! I spent many days having play dates in your home and enjoyed eating dinner with you at your mom’s request. I loved her popcorn balls that she handed out at Halloween. Her vivaciousness and spunk livened up any occasion. I’m thankful to have seen your mom at Bethesda during many trips to NJ. It won’t be the same for me. She always greeted me with a big hug and kiss on the cheek. She will be missed! Blessings of peace and comfort at the passing of your precious mom.

  10. Scott Brown and Family & Rose Mary Brown says:

    A lifetime special friend to Rose Mary & Earle and a second Mother to myself & my sister. Very warm & wonderful memories. Our hearts go out to Ann, Susan & Charla…..and to Mike, who with Mary Ann, will always be remembered with respect, admiration & love as Mr and Mrs Homan!

  11. Peggy (Heppard) Powell says:

    It is because of Mrs. Homan that I know all the words to the Sound of Music. It is also because of her that I am very familiar with the Nutcracker Suite! Mrs. Homan was our music Teacher in grammar school. She enlightened her students with the same love and passion for music that she possessed!!! She was a young teacher when she taught my Mom at Swedesboro High School through the Glee club and then later my brother, sister and myself at East Greenwich Grammar School. She was always upbeat and enthusiastic and I will never forget her!!! She will be missed.

  12. Rae Baker Holladay Hoglen says:

    I am so sorry, I just found this out. I first met you mother when she was a young mother on Kings hwy and I baby sat a few times . I think only Susan. I Lived across the street at 211. AS the years pasted our lives crossed so many times. I will remember her always. She was a wonderful woman. God Bless your family. Then with you father passing so soon after. Thinking of the family. I always saw your dad at the all SHS reunions. They will both be missed alot

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