Mary Ann Klouda Obituary
Mary Ann (Aberle) Klouda, 87, of Kennebunk, passed away on April 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a determined and courageous fight against metastatic cancer.
Mary Ann was born on January 8, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois. Known affectionately as "Mitzi" to her family, she was the oldest of Arthur and Clara Aberle's five children. At the age of 10, her family moved to Campbell, California then to Cupertino, California a few years later, where she spent the rest of her youth. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, California.
Then she attended Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, majoring in chemistry. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in Human Physiology, with a minor concentration in biochemistry, from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. She was the first ever woman to earn this degree from Loyola.
She married Robert "Bob" Klouda on August 25, 1962, and together they raised four children, primarily in South Hadley, Massachusetts. She helped with homework, sewed handmade clothes, and volunteered in the schools, at church, and with other activities.
In addition to devoting herself to caring for and supporting her beloved family, she pursued a challenging and fulfilling career as an accomplished college professor, which ultimately spanned nearly 40 years. She began teaching at the University of Massachusetts Amherst followed by Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She then moved to Sacramento, California, and taught at California State University Sacramento and other area colleges. Her engaging teaching style and genuine concern for her students made her a well-liked and highly respected professor.
After her retirement, Mary Ann and Bob moved from Sacramento, California back to Massachusetts, where she lived in Webster and played an active role in their children's and grandchildren's lives. She formed deep connections with each of them by encouraging their dreams, sharing everyday fun, and supporting them through challenges.
In 2009, Mary Ann achieved her long-standing goal of publishing a book that would share her extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with the public, a culmination of years of determined work. "Understanding the Amazing Human Body" describes the magnificent splendor of the human body in clear, understandable language for all to appreciate.
Mary Ann moved to Kennebunk in 2013 as a widow to be closer to her family. She quickly became involved at St. Martha's parish, where she formed deep connections and friendships through prayer groups and other events. She was also an active member of St. Peter the Apostle's parish in Naples, FL, where she spent her winters for the past 13 years. In Florida, Mary Ann was an active and dedicated volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Peter Conference for many of those years.
Always ready for new challenges, Mary Ann enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and other brain games, such as Sudoku and Wordle. She also enjoyed building jigsaw puzzles with her children and grandchildren. She loved taking long walks with friends or family, especially along the beach or on nature trails.
An avid nonfiction reader, she was constantly expanding her vast knowledge on a wide range of topics. She also enjoyed listening to Big Band music, Dixieland jazz, and '40s hits.
Born on a Friday, she was truly "loving and giving," as well as very hardworking, selfless, practical, organized, fiercely independent, funny, caring, and always willing to go on an adventure. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, as well as learning and exploring through Elderhostel programs.
Most of all, she treasured spending time with her family, whom she loved immensely. She was a favorite babysitter for her grandchildren, and her adult children never stopped relying on her for support and advice. She kept in close contact with her siblings and visited them as often as she could, despite their long distance from where she lived. She was also a trusted and cherished friend, always wanting to help others in any way she could.
Her deep Catholic faith and unwavering trust in God formed the cornerstone of her values and principles, guiding her throughout life. Her huge heart, generous spirit, and determined positive attitude left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mary Ann was predeceased by both her parents and her beloved husband of 47 years, Bob. She is survived by her son, Gregory, and his wife Denise, of Lancaster, MA; her daughter, Sally, and her husband Tim Kasper, of San Diego, CA; her daughter, Rebecca, and her partner David Fanuele, of Mansfield, MA; and her daughter, Julie, and her husband Chris MacClinchy, of Kennebunk, ME. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Benjamin and his wife Samantha, Timothy and his wife Amy, Anna, Dylan, Ryan, Jacob, Caitlyn, Erin, and Meghan, as well as one great grandchild, Charlotte. She is also survived by her four siblings: her brother, Richard, and his wife, Karen, her sister, JoAnn, and her husband Fred Bohnhoff, her brother Robert, and his wife Shirley, and her sister Barbara, and her predeceased husband Robert Sesich. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Visiting hours will be held at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, Maine, on Thursday, May 2, 6-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Martha's Church, 30 Portland Rd., Kennebunk, Maine, on Friday, May 3 at 1 pm, followed by a reception to celebrate Mary Ann's life. For those who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass and would like to participate virtually, visit holyspiritme.org, look under "Masses and Live-Streaming Online" and click on "St. Martha Kennebunk."A burial service will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin St., Mansfield, Massachusetts, on Monday, May 6 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Peter Conference. Send any donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Peter Conference, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, FL 34113.
