September 5 2017: GAUGHAN, Mary Ann

 MARY ANN GAUGHAN

 

 MARY ANN GAUGHAN “Mimi” On Monday, April 3, 2017 Mary Ann “Mimi” Gaughan passed peacefully of natural causes at Holy Cross hospice surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of family and friends. Mimi was born at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC on August 19, 1949. She lived as a toddler in the Alaska Territory then grew up in St. Michael’s parish in Silver Spring, MD. When asked if Mimi was “different” her parents said “she’s a blessing in disguise.” She attended the Shriver family summer camp, which grew into the Special Olympics, where she was a Camp Aide. She rode buses to special education classes and received her graduation certificate from Rock Terrace High School in 1970. Mimi immediately began her career as a mail clerk and copy machine operator for the federal government, which lasted until her retirement in 1996 from the Department of Education. After her father’s death in 1977, she became a resident in one of Jubilee Association of Maryland’s first group homes, later moving to Inwood House in Silver Spring where she lived independently for the next thirty years. She hated doing the dishes. She loved taking photos, birthdays and was an avid swimmer, duckpin bowler, square dancer, and card player. An active member of the Montgomery County “Socializers’, Mimi enjoyed cruises and trips to Atlantic City. She was a life-long member of Weight Watchers. She volunteered in Inwood’s coffee shop and at local schools. She was fascinated by maps and traveled widely with her mother and family. Her favorite parts of the Sunday Post were the comics, Bob Levey’s column, and the TV guide-her favorite shows were “I Love Lucy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Lawrence Welk” and soap operas. She rooted for Penn State women’s basketball, wearing the team colors whenever she could. When first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Mimi described her condition as “sometimes my mind has a mind of its own”. She moved back to a Jubilee Association home, where she resided until her recent hospital stay. Mimi had a positive impact on all she encountered. She is survived by her brother, John; sister-in-law, Janelle; and numerous relatives and friends. Remembrances can be sent to Jubilee Association of Maryland, 10408 Montgomery Ave., Kensington, MD 20895.

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION:
Mimi will be buried with her parents and infant sister on Friday, September 8, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Old Post Chapel located in Fort Myer at 2:45 p.m., after which Mimi will be inurned in Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a reception to be held at the Fort Myer Officer’s Club. Friends and family are instructed to enter Fort Myer by the Hatfield Gate (photo ID required for all adults) on Washington Blvd at South 2nd Street, Arlington.

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