Obituary
Mary Anna Robertson was born in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1918. Her mother, Nina, who preceded her in death, came for her and led her to their heavenly home on June 11, 2018. Mary Anna loved children and gave generously for the poor children in Haiti. She loved animals and donated every month for their care. The day before she died she said goodbye to the cat that often visited her on the veranda at the Riviera. She received her teaching degree from the University of Indiana and taught art in Volusia County until she retired. Mary Anna married when she was 35 years old. Although they were divorced, when her ex-husband became ill, she welcomed him back into the home, inherited from her father, and cared for him until he died. Her love of travel came from her father, who took her on many road trips when she was young. When she was in her seventies, she bought an RV and traveled across the United States with her friend Mary Ann Whitaker. Mary Anna and Mary Ann enjoyed day trips together such as their trip to Medieval Times in Orlando. Her favorite trips were to Sweden. At the age of seventy-seven, she married Gardner; they lived happily ever after until he passed away in her arms. She loved watching golf tournaments from the gallery. Lunches at Oceanside Country Club with Kathy Orezzoli, who was like family to her, reminded her of the days she followed the golfers around the course. As well as her excellent memory, Mary Anna was known for her kindness and the respect she gave to others. She appreciated the kindness shown her from her friends at Bertie’s Cafe, who daily welcomed her for breakfast, and Terri’s Diner who often welcomed her for lunch. She appreciated the kindness shown her from the staff at the Riviera Assisted Living. She especially appreciated her nurse, Robin Wysocki from Brooks Home Health, who became her good friend and advocate. Mary Anna cherished the book about her brother who served our country on the USS Cabot that that Robin gave her. She loved music and enjoyed it when Jon Sandberg would sing or play his violin for her. It was a special treat for her when the choir from the Unitarian Congregation sang for her and her friends at the Riviera. Mary Anna looked forward to spending time at the First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach where she enjoyed lunch, games, prayer and creating works of art that amazed the volunteers, her friends, and those who arranged these happy days. It was important for her to look her best at all times. With friend Barbara Sandberg, Mary Anna would regularly shop for her outfits. Afterwards they would enjoy lunch, often overlooking the river or ocean. They also liked to go to the Holly Hill Museum. Mary Anna was surprised to be honored when they attended the program at the museum on the Root Family who came from her hometown. Projected on the screen was a photo of the town of Terre Haute; Mary Anna picked out the house where she grew up to the delight of the audience. She credits her long life to her sense of humor she got from her mother, her Faith and the care she received from Dr. Danny Farmer. She was one of his first patients when he came to Ormond Beach thirty-five years ago. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her.
Memorial Service Sunday June 24, 2018 1:30 pm at Riverside Assisted Living, 1825 North Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL 32117.
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