Chandler Funeral Home - Whitaker Chapel
Mary Ann Lambert, a loving mother and devoted grandmother, passed away peacefully at the Franciscan Hospice House on Saturday April 25, 2020 at the age of 90.
Born in Gosport, Indiana on December 31, 1929 she was the daughter of Ray and Pauline (Bowman) Smith. During childhood, she spent her days exploring the outdoors with her siblings and helping on the family farm located at the Gosport Junction. She graduated from Gosport High School in 1948 and married Ronald Lambert having three children. While pregnant with her third child, Christopher, Mary Ann was widowed after a tragic well accident. She remained in Gosport while raising her family until later moving to Bloomington but was an active Gosport community supporter all her life. She lived in Bloomington until 2015 when she moved to Indianapolis to be closer to her granddaughters.
After leaving farm life for the city, Mary Ann graduated from Central Beauty College in May 1961 and had a small salon in the basement of her home. She was also a dedicated professional for 35 years working nights as a telephone operator for Indiana Bell and AT&T. As a supporter for her local union, Mary Ann held the elective office as Secretary of the CWA, Local 4818, for 40 years. She was an enthusiastic political advocate and member of the Monroe County Democratic Party, volunteering countless hours supporting local politicians, working the polls and encouraging voters to demonstrate their right to vote. Much like her father, who served as Democratic County Chairman for Owen County, she valued civil rights, especially the right to vote, and was a voice for others. In retirement, she focused her attention towards her hobbies outdoors, including picking up sticks and leaves, and maintaining rental properties in Bloomington.
Annually, Mary Ann very much appreciated attending Lazy Days in Gosport to reminisce and share stories with school friends and town acquaintances. Mary Ann was a remarkable cook like her mother and loved hosting family dinners and baking to share her delicious creations. Everyone loved her pies! She also treasured lunching out over good conversation and loved to experience new places to eat. Over her life, she maintained several gardens and worked diligently to rid them of critters, especially squirrels. She loved to work in the garden and share her fruits and vegetables with anyone would enjoy them, especially cucumbers and tomatoes!
Mary Ann treasured celebrating birthdays and holidays with her family. From Easter egg hunts to meals fit for an army, as well as ensuring everyone had a gift, she wanted to ensure everyone had a seat and felt welcomed. She both delighted and procrastinated in getting Christmas cards out annually with a personal message to the recipient, but loved sharing about her grandchildren, Hollynn & Heidi. She was a devoted grandmother who loved spending as much time as possible with them. Most Fridays she could be found enjoying lunch out with one or both girls, starting in elementary school over their lunch hour and continuing throughout life. Mary Ann organized summer camping trips to McCormick's Creek State Park, fall outings to Corydon and countless other road trips for her family. One special trip for her included taking the girls to Washington, DC to march on Solidarity Day. Mary Ann loved being outdoors and spending meals with her family until the time of her passing. She will be deeply missed and remembered as an extraordinary woman of strength and independence.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald L. Lambert in 1961; son, Stanley Lambert in 2007 and brother, Dan V. Smith in 2005.
Mary Ann is survived by a Daughter, Deborah Huntingford (Ray) of Simi Valley, CA; Son, Christopher Lambert of Kokomo; Granddaughters Hollynn Lobsiger (Ryan) of Indianapolis and Heidi Peak (John) of Indianapolis; Great Grandchildren, Cooper, Eli, Caroline and Eleanor and Sister, Patty Sue Trotman of Gosport.
A private graveside service will be at Gosport Cemetery with a celebration of life held at a later date. Chandler Funeral Home-Whitaker Chapel in Gosport is assisting with cremation arrangements. Share condolences memories and more with Mary Ann's family at www.chandlerfh.com
In lieu of flowers Mary Ann's family requests memorial contributions be made to Hoosier Hills Food Bank, PO BOX 697, Bloomington, IN 47402, Franciscan Health Hospice House 8414 Franciscan Ln. Indianapolis, IN 46237 www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org or the Owen County Community Foundation, Ten O' Clock Treaty Museum, 60 E. Market Street, Spencer, IN 47460 www.owencountycf.org
LINKS
The Herald-Times
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook