Heaven gained the most beautiful angel on July 28, 2020 when Mary Ann Karam Elias went to be with her Lord. Mary Ann enjoyed 98½ wonderful years surrounded by those who loved her dearly. She was born in Miami, Arizona to James Karam and Angeline Rameh Karam and was one of ten children. She worked at her father’s retail store in Ray-Sonora, Arizona until she moved to Phoenix where she was a member of the first graduating class of North High School. Following graduation, Mary Ann took her merchant experience to Elias Wholesale Company before starting a successful career in retail management at The Jennifer Store in Thomas Mall. She later worked as a bookkeeper at McCreary and Pugh. In the 1980s and 1990s, Mary Ann appeared in TV ads for law firms across the country.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Leo, her parents and her siblings Willie Karam, John Karam, George Karam, Evelyn Barrett and Leila Erickson. Mary Ann is survived by four children, Carol Ann Klagge (Jay), Leo Elias, Jr. (Shelly), Deborah Elias O’Steen (Van) and Sandra McIndoo (Steve) as well as four siblings, Yvonne Valour, Francis Karam, James Karam, Jr. and Margaret Ganem. Her legacy lives on through 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
Mary Ann was the “Matriarch” of the Elias family and enjoyed hosting gatherings and preparing huge spreads of Lebanese food. While she was a wonderful cook, Mary Ann often said she dreamed of one day owning a home without a kitchen. Mary Ann was a woman of impeccable taste and enjoyed shopping for clothes almost as much as she enjoyed returning most of her purchases the following day.
Mary Ann regularly attended services at St. Joseph Catholic Church, was a charter member of the Phoenix Emblem Club and belonged to the Lebanon-Syrian American Club (now the Cedar Club). She enjoyed hiking and working out, even into her early 90s. Mary Ann never missed a Phoenix Suns or Arizona Diamondbacks game. Her grandchildren knew that invites to dinner must be coordinated around the schedules for her two favorite sports teams. Mary Ann lived with her daughter, Sandi, and son-in-law, Steve, and their children for more than 15 years. Her family is eternally grateful for the love and care they provided her.
Mary Ann’s family feels the tremendous loss of a woman with an infectious smile who always was the life of the party and kept us laughing.
Due to current restrictions, a memorial service is not possible at this time. Honor Mary Ann by toasting in her memory, playing cards and hugging a loved one. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
michelle Parkhurst
We are saddened that we will know longer be able to enjoy the big smile and enduring strength that was Gg. Everyone in our family who had the pleasure of meeting her fell in love with her instantly. She will truly be missed but her legacy will be remembered and passed on thru her children , grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shop with reckless abandon up there Gg!! Rest in peace!
The Parkhurst Family
Mary Aronson and the entire Aronson family.
What a beautiful woman “Grandma Mary Ann” was…what positivity, joy and most importantly, what love she shared. Our family was honored to know her and feel her love.
We wish your family love and peace, and strength as you begin you lives without the daily presence of Mary Ann in your daily lives. We also wish you joy as you share the beautiful memories your beautiful
matriarch. Blessings and love to you all.
Camille Schuster
While this bright ray of sunshine will be missed, she will forever brighten our day’s when we remember her. She will now be a guiding an angel of all who loved her.
Kiki and Bill Whissen
We will always have Auntie Mary Ann is our souls, lives, and personalities. She is a role model….she taught and modeled how to be a loving family member!!!!
Thank you, Auntie, for taking kind care of me for many summers in my youth, and then taking care of Dana and Quinn, our children!!!
We love you and your family dearly!!
Vaya con Dios, Auntie!
Joe and Marsha Ganem
Aunt Mary Ann, as we affectionately called her, was actually married to my first cousin Leo. But I’ve known her most of my life. I recall the amazing times when we were children and she and Leo would drop in to see us when we would drive into Phoenix from Oklahoma. The trip was long and dusty in those years, but always worth the excitement of seeing our Arizona family. A few years ago, she and her sister, my Aunt Margaret (who married my Dad’s brother Salem), came to Long Beach to visit with us. They were a hoot! Two classy ladies who enjoyed life and taught the rest of us how to live and love! Aunty will be dearly missed, but left behind a large and wonderful family to carry on the traditions she shared so well. Until we meet again, love you Aunt Mary Ann.
Inserra Family
Our deepest condolences to all those who were part of Aunt Marianne’s life. She was a very special person in the lives of the Whissens. Because of our close relationship with them, we were fortunate to know and enjoy Aunt Marianne. She was so revered and played such a significant role in their family. She will truly be missed but never forgotten. She left an imprint on all those who knew her. Aunt Marianne is in a better place now and will always be looking down on us with her radiant smile. God Bless you all.
The Sawyers
Although we did not know GG exceedingly well, the times we were in her presence, her spirit was infectious. It was obvious how much she enjoyed her family and how lucky they all felt to have her in their lives. We are sending our thoughts to all. RIP GG,
Malu
My deepest condolences and prayers to all of the family, I had the pleasure of meeting her .. she was beautiful , intelligent and a sweet lady .. she’ll be greatly missed.. Malu
Sandy Burkett
I remember Mary Ann always had a smile on her face and sweet words for every one around her. I have fond memories of the power walks around the neighborhood with her and Sandi many years ago You are missed.
Lori Hohenstein
It was an extreme pleasure to be able to meet this funny, loving, and delightful woman. Even though we only shared company on a handful of occasions, she left her indelible imprint on my heart and mind. I could see how much her children loved her, and I know how much she meant to all her remaining siblings. You lived life well, Mary Ann–well done “good and faithful servant!”
Joanna Nichols
I’m sad that you have to say goodbye to your mom and grandma. She is so lovely and exuberant! I will pray for the repose of her soul. May the angels and saints welcome her to paradise. May she rest in the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding!