Memorial
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Shirley Hall on March 30, 2026, at the age of 93. Mary Ann passed peacefully next to Edward Hall, her beloved husband of 63 years and surrounded by her family at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Mary Ann Hall was born on May 9, 1932, in Hamlin/Clark County, South Dakota, to the late Harold and Alma (Vorseth) McLain. Growing up in the small town of Lake Preston, South Dakota, Mary Ann revelled in her education, earning the honor of valedictorian of her high school senior class. Concurrent with her education, Mary Ann cultivated an insatiable love of music, taking her as far as a piano solo performance in the state music contest. A voracious reader, she often joked she had read every book in the Lake Preston library.
Mary Ann fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Huron College in Huron, South Dakota and doing graduate work at Augustana College and South Dakota State University. Subsequently, she taught for 10 years, teaching primary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Lake Preston, and later high school in Kingsbury County and Brookings, South Dakota.
Mary Ann loved spending time with her family and delighted in their travels together. She relished long walks on the Oregon coast, reading and helping others. The Lutheran Church held a pivotal role in Mary Ann and Ed’s lives, as many of their activities centered around their church community. Mary Ann crocheted quilts for those in need and supplied essentials to families who were less fortunate. She and her husband, Edward, provided transportation for children with special needs, ensuring their attendance at church and Sunday School each week. Later in life she returned to the workforce completing the training and working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Iowa City Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Iowa City, Iowa.
Mary Ann is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Lewis Hall and their two sons; Michael Edward Hall, daughter-in-law Diane Hall and Eric Marcus Hall, daughter-in-law Laurel Mascarenhas and granddaughter, Analiese Mascarenhas Hall; sister, Helen Vedvei; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold (Grandpa Joe) L. McLain and Alma O. (Vorseth) McLain; and sister, Beverly Gullickson.
A graveside service at Cedar Memorial Cemetery will be held at a later date, followed by a Celebration of Life at Cottage Grove Place. Dates and details to follow.