Mary Ann Gaughan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a dear mother, wife, sister, and friend. Mary Ann Gaughan, 71, of Norfolk, VA, gained her wings on June 29, 2020, at Norfolk Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Mary Ann, also known as “May” was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Mary Ann was born to the late Elizabeth Emma (Murphy) and the late James Francis (Jim) McDonald on June 7, 1949. 

She married the love of her life, the late Edward (Eddie) Gaughan on December 4, 1976. They lived together for many years in Brighton, MA, where they raised their beloved daughter, Theresa.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Theresa and son-in-law Steven Alt of Norfolk, VA, sister Gerrine and husband Gary Wrathall of Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, brothers Charles “Gary” McDonald and wife Mary of Norfolk, VA, and the late Burton Murphy and wife Anna “Annie” of Reserve Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Mary Ann’s beloved grandson Stevan “Stevie” Alt of Reno, NV. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mary Ann was a diehard New England Patriots fan. She was a lover of life and the life of the party, not afraid to let her feistiness show. She had a heart of gold and loved deeply. She very much enjoyed visiting Cape Breton, (her home), every chance she received. She had the opportunity in her later years to return home to Cape Breton. She lived there for several years before joining her daughter and son-in-law in Norfolk, VA. 

Mary Ann thought the world of her only child, Theresa and loved her beyond words. They had an incredible bond and shared everything together. She was her daughter’s first best friend. That bond stayed strong until her last breath and will continue until they are together again.

Mary Ann always enjoyed a good time. Whether listening to country music, or holding a 151 rum, Captain Morgan or a cup of tea, she lived life to the fullest.

She had a beautiful smile that lit up a room. She would go above and beyond to support and help her loved ones. Mary Ann was an avid amateur photographer and always had a camera with her to capture the moment.

Mary Ann was a true believer and a fighter. She did things her way despite what anyone might say. As her health declined she never gave up and fought hard. This fight carried her through to the end.

Mary Ann leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and kindness and will be forever missed in this earthly world. Those of us that were blessed to know her will never forget her huge loving heart and know we will see her again.

A service to honor her life is yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

American Diabetes Association

www.diabetes.org/donate

American Heart Association

www.heart.org

Alzheimer’s Association

www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia

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