Mary Ann Klein

Mary Ann Klein, 80, of Easton, MD, died on Wednesday January 15, 2014, at Hospice of Queen Anne's in Centreville. Mrs. Klein was born in Heilwood, PA, on December 16, 1933, the daughter of the late John and Catherine Kuzemchak. She graduated as valedictorian from Pine Township High School in 1951 and attended St Francis College in Loretto, PA, for two years before moving to Washington, DC, to work for the Navy Department. While there, Mrs. Klein worked for the Navy's Vanguard satellite program and for Admiral Hyman Rickover during the creation of the Navy's nuclear power program. She married Frank V. Klein, Sr., in September 1957 and moved to Easton later that year. Mrs. Klein most treasured her role as devoted mother of five children and grandmother to six grandchildren. She also enjoyed a long career in retail sales, specializing in women's fashions and apparel at Hess Apparel and Rafters in Easton. Her personal touch and keen fashion sense guaranteed that men who shopped with her always came home with the perfect gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, Mrs. Klein loved serving with Easton's Memorial Hospital Junior Auxiliary and actively volunteered with the hospital's Consignment Shop and the Imaging and Diagnostic Center. She found joy in her gardening, crafting, travels with her husband, going to the beach, and her many friends. Mrs. Klein dearly loved her family, her country, and her faith. She showed remarkable courage and strength during the many medical challenges she faced. She never shied from turning lemons into lemonade, participating in and becoming a top fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Mrs. Klein raised five children with her husband of 52 years, Frank, who predeceased her in 2009. She is survived by her son, Frank and daughter-in-law Navy Rear Admiral Peg Klein; her daughter, Cathy Klein; her son, Dick and daughter-in-law Kris; daughter, Dr. Peggy Bibbo and son-in-law Tony Bibbo; daughter, Celia Klein; and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Cecilia Rusnak of Gibsonia, PA; brothers, Frank Kuzemchak of Loretto, PA, John Kuzemchak and sister-in-law Suzanne Kuzemchak of Glenshaw, PA, and James Kuzemchak and sister-in-law Joyce Kuzemchak of South Windsor, CT. She was preceded in death by her sister, Genevieve Yopchick. Mrs. Klein was a devoted member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Parish and truly cherished her Catholic faith. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1210 S. Washington St., Easton, MD 21601, with internment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 6827 East New Market Elwood Road, Hurlock, MD 21643. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 636 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201, or to Hospice of Queen Anne's, Inc., 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE: DUE TO THE WEATHER, CALLING HOURS WILL BE CHANGED TO 1:30 PM TO 3:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014, AT THE FUNERAL HOME.

Mary Ann Klein

December 16, 1933 - January 15, 2014