Mary Ann Graff

Mary Ann Graff passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Granite Bay, California after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.  She was surrounded by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth, and her two daughters, Kim Graff and Lisa McMasters. She is survived by her husband, daughters, sister Bonnie Arend, brother Donald Sharkey (Susan), brother Richard Sharkey (Shari), son-in-law Evan McMasters, and grandchildren Vincent McMasters, Michael McMasters, Sofia Piceno, and Andrew McMasters. 

Mary Ann was born in Gregory, South Dakota on November 6, 1946, the daughter of Vincent and Ruby Sharkey.  She spent her early years in Tripp County, South Dakota.  At the age of ten, her family moved to Mitchell, South Dakota.  She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1964.  Mary Ann and Ken were married in November 1965.  They had two daughters and moved to California in 1976. 

Mary Ann was very involved in the community.  While the girls were growing up her time was filled with parenting, PTA, and community activities.  Once the girls were in college, Mary Ann broadened her range of activities.  She became actively involved in California Women for Agriculture serving as President of the Santa Maria Chapter and then President of the Statewide organization.  She went on to be involved in American AgriWomen, and other groups also involved on behalf of the agriculture industry. 

Mary Ann enjoyed domestic and overseas travel, the culinary arts, and a broad range of arts and crafts. 

Mary Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  Her family meant the world to her, and she meant the same to them.  She will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be planned for the Spring of 2023. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to California Women for Agriculture (CWA) at 1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; or to the Santa Maria CWA Chapter at P.O. Box 1898, Santa Maria, CA 93456.