Mary Ann Maradik

Mary Ann Maradik, a devoted educator and committed pastoral minister, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Fairhope, Alabama. Born on August 11, 1939, she dedicated her life to enriching the minds and spirits of countless individuals throughout her extensive career in education and ministry.

Mary Ann’s professional journey began with her role as an elementary school teacher in Wisconsin, where she spent eleven impactful years inspiring first-grade students. Her passion for education did not stop there; she later served as an educator at Nicolet Community College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, teaching a variety of subjects including Philosophy, Logic, and World Religions. Her commitment to adult education and teacher training further exemplified her dedication to lifelong learning and her belief in the transformative power of education.

In addition to her educational pursuits, Mary Ann significantly contributed to pastoral ministry within the Catholic Church. She served in various parishes, including Holy Name in Wilmot, Wisconsin; St. Anne in Toluca, Illinois; St. Patrick in Seneca, Illinois; St. Peter in Harper Woods, Michigan; and St. Joseph in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Her leadership was notably marked by her development and direction of the St. Stanislaus Church Liturgy Office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, as well as the Lay Ministry Formation Program for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois. Through these roles, she fostered spiritual growth and community engagement among the congregations she served.

Mary Ann possessed a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Education from Cardinal Stritch College, which is now a part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She further enhanced her qualifications with a Certification in Pastoral Ministry and Religious Education from Mundelein College in Chicago, Illinois, followed by a Master of Arts in Theology with a focus on Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Indiana. In pursuit of her interests, she also completed additional coursework in art, accounting, and theology across several institutions, including Nicolet College, Rockford College, Milwaukee Area Technical Institute, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

She is survived by her family and friends, who will forever remember her zeal for education, her nurturing spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her faith and community.

A Mass celebrating her life will be held on March 6, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 1503 Main Street, Daphne, Alabama, starting at 10:00 AM. This gathering will honor her remarkable legacy and the countless lives she touched. Mary Ann Maradik's remarkable contributions to education and ministry will continue to inspire future generations.