Mary Ann Moore

Traverse City, Michigan - Mary Ann Moore—a brilliant, irreverent, and deeply loved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend—passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 25, 2025, just one week after celebrating her 87th birthday. She had lived with Lewy Body Dementia for many years. Though the disease is brutal, Mary Ann remained undaunted; true to form, she continued talking non-stop through her final years, often trying to close a real estate deal or make changes to a contract. Born in West Allis, Wisconsin, on April 18, 1938, Mary Ann was the fourth of five siblings: Esther, Dominic, Sue, and her beloved baby sister, Phyllis. Her early years were filled with laughter, sibling hijinks, and a strong foundation that would serve her well as she grew into a woman who could command a room with little more than a raised eyebrow and a perfectly timed remark. Mary Ann attended the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for three years—where she had, by all accounts, a little too much fun—before meeting Tom Moore in 1957. They married in 1959 and began a life of adventure, moving from Boston to Palo Alto to Philadelphia before settling in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1967. Tom and Mary Ann quickly built a community of friends, first through the Newcomers group, and later a legendary social crew they dubbed Reeberom (that's "more beer" spelled backwards—yes, that was Mary Ann's contribution). Equal parts party planner, organizer, and instigator, she thrived in gatherings and was always ready with a warm welcome and a generous laugh. While raising her three children—David, Natalie, and Rebecca—Mary Ann poured her energy into the community. She had a gift for creating a warm and welcoming home, where family, friends, and even the occasional random visitor were made to feel like they belonged. Teenagers in particular found a rare ally in Mary Ann: she took them seriously, listened without judgment, and always had a sharp sense of humor ready to cut through the noise. She was active in the League of Women Voters, the local Democratic Party, Cherry Festival committees, PTAs, and book clubs. In 1976, she entered the workforce with all the subtlety of a small hurricane and quickly made her mark in real estate. By 1979, she became the first woman in Traverse City to sell over one million dollars in property—back when a million dollars could buy quite a bit more than it does today. In 1980, Mary Ann co-founded Properties North with Lynne Moon, Sandy Lockhart, and Sharon Reinking. The company quickly flourished, thanks to Mary Ann's keen business sense, unwavering integrity, and relentless work ethic. She and Lynne shared not only a successful professional partnership but also a deep friendship that spanned decades. Even after Mary Ann's retirement, Lynne remained a steady presence in her life—loyal, loving, and always there. Her friendship was a true gift, and Mary Ann could not have asked for a more sincere or dedicated friend. Mary Ann had a rare ability to listen without judgment, speak with clarity, and mediate even the thorniest disagreements. She brought a grounded and wise perspective to every challenge. Trained in mediation she served her community with heart and conviction. She held seats on the COFAC committee, served as a city commissioner and mayor pro tem, and was president of the Board of Ethics for the MLS. A natural mentor, she supported and inspired many young professionals, always generous with her insights—and never one to hold back her opinion. At home, Mary Ann's passion for design came to life at the kitchen table, where stacks of graph paper and tracing templates were always nearby. Smoking her signature Tiparillos (until she quit in 1984) and sketching floor plans, she designed countless houses—many of which her husband Tom went on to build. Together, they were an extraordinary team. Mary Ann was, simply put, a force of nature. Wickedly smart, fiercely principled, and deeply kind. She championed the underdog, never met a stranger, and had a laugh that could disarm the grumpiest of skeptics. Her generosity and kindness left a lasting imprint on everyone lucky enough to know her. She is survived by her three children and their families: David and Diana Moore with their children Thomas, Henry, Madeleine, and Gabriella; Natalie and Bill Brown with their children Benjamin and Allyson; and Rebecca Moore and Bob Bowers with their children Nathaniel and Emrys. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something Mary Ann would do: smile at a stranger, offer help to someone in need, tell a great story, or donate to a cause close to your heart. Let's keep her legacy of warmth, humor, generosity, and grit alive. Her family would like to thank the exceptional caregivers at Northport Highlands, along with the hospice staff. Even in the face of her advanced illness, they never stopped seeing her as the smart and funny person she had always been. Mary Ann taught us how to live fully, laugh often, work hard, and always—always—stand up for what's right. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. A service in her honor will be held at 11 am on September 27 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a vistation starting at 10am. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery with her husband. All are welcome, invited, and encouraged to attend.

Mary Ann Moore

April 18, 1938 - April 25, 2025