February 2, 1962 to December 12, 2017
Mary Ann Fernandez, born February 2, 1962, passed away in Seattle, WA on Dec. 12, 2017 at the age of 55. She grew up in the Greenwood District of Seattle, WA and attended St. John Grade School. In 1980 she graduated from Blanchet High School and went on to earn a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1995.
Mary said one of her greatest inspirations in life was the way she and her siblings were raised by their parents, Raymond and Evelyn Fernandez. She always felt the bond of a tight knit family which carried forward into the raising of her own son, Jason.
Mary worked in administration for King County, Metro at Ryerson Base for 23 years. She spoke often of her co-workers and how much she enjoyed working with them. Mary asked to express her thanks to all that supported her throughout her illness as well as to those that helped her with leave donations while she received treatment.
Mary was well loved by all her friends. She will be remembered for her feisty, kind hearted spirit; beautiful smile and happy disposition. Her closest friends considered her a confidant and source of great support throughout their lives.
Mary is survived by her loving son Jason Fernandez, his wife Andrea Fernandez, grandsons Malik and Kason and granddaughter, Arie. Their birth and lives were her fondest memories and her greatest source of joy and pleasure in life. She expressed how grateful she was that Jason and Andrea found one another and blessed her with wonderful grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Fernandez, her sister, Joan Winchester, and her brother-in-law, Wes Abbott. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Evelyn Fernandez; her sisters Roseanne Lyon (husband Richard), Catherine Abbott, Rita Fernandez Aguilar; and her brother, Paul Fernandez (partner Leslie Potter-Henderson) as well as her 11 nieces and one nephew.
Mary enjoyed arts and crafts, sports and spending as much time with her grandchildren as possible. She reminisced about the wonderful times spent camping with her family, especially with her son Jason and brother Paul at various National Parks throughout the U.S. She took care of her beautiful, energetic grandchildren every Friday prior to her illness.
The mass of Christian burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic church, located at 405 North 117th St., Seattle, WA on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Father Armando Guzman, Pastor, officiating. A reception will take place in the Fitzgerald Room across the street from the church. Gravesite services will be at 1:00 PM at Holyrood Cemetery located at 205 NE 205th, St. in Shoreline, WA.
Mary wanted to let all her family and friends know that she loves them very much and wants the best for all to live a happy life. At her request, memorial donations may be made to METAvivor (metastatic breast cancer research), Crisis Clinic (local suicide prevention) or FEAT of WA (local autism research/support). Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.bartonfuneral.com.