Mary Ann Podrasky Hay passed away Saturday, January 12, 2008, at her home in Beaumont, Texas. She was born April 8, 1940 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the daughter of Fred and Dee Podrasky. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant sister Elizabeth Podrasky.
Mary Ann graduated Valedictorian, class of 1958, Lake Charles High School, excelling in all studies for four years. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in piano and was a candidate for a M.A. in Spanish Literature in 1963 when she married Paul N. Hay. Mary Ann and infant daughter Catherine Monica joined Paul in Tegucigalpa, Honduras for 3 years where he was assigned to an extended temporary duty assignment from 8th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Actions Force, Panama Canal Zone and returned to the states for the birth of son Carl in 1966. The family moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1967. Mary Ann was a “stay at home mom” for her children and established Hay Piano Studio, teaching piano in her home for over 15 years.
Mary Ann was active in and took pride in her community. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church; Past President, Beaumont Civic Ballet and Beaumont Civic Opera; performing pianist – Women’s Club Piano Ensemble; Board-Junior League of Beaumont; Chi Omega Alumnae, 1st V.P. Young Audiences; Leadership Beaumont; St. Anne Parish Council; Member-St. Anne ACTS Retreat Formation; Member-Serra Club of Beaumont.
She resumed her academic pursuits when her children were in high school, enrolling at Lamar University, Baccalaureate General Studies and later, Post Baccalaureate Study, Psychology maintaining a 4.0 average. She attended the University of Houston, Clear Lake and delved into Graduate Studies in Clinical Psychology. In 1994 she graduated from South Texas College of Law, J.D., and was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in 1995. She practiced law a few years retiring when diagnosed with Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy in 1997-1998. She loved academic challenges and was thrilled by the learning process.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Paul N. Hay and daughter Catherine Monica Hay of Beaumont, Texas; son Carl Frederick Hay, his wife Rowena and her grandchildren Brandon, Madeleine, and Nicholas Hay of Houston, Texas; by her mother-in-law, Edith Catherine Hay; brother-in-law, Dennis Gene Hay and his wife Connie of Lake Charles, Louisiana; niece Heidi Lynn Rowley, husband Jim, and their children Caroline and Elisa of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and nephew Ryan Hay of Houston, Texas.
The family’s special thanks to Reverend William Manger and priests of the Diocese of Beaumont, Dr. Girish Kansara, Tina Going, Christus St. Elizabeth ER and ICU physicians and staff, Dupuis Hospital staff, Texas Home Health and Texas Home Health Hospice nurses and staff for their personal and compassionate care. Love to the angels that comforted and cared for Mary Ann in her home; Lourdes Herrera, Raul and Charry Lopez, Sam and Theresa Sumagaysay, Kimberly Kelley, Rosario Cardenas and Brenda Rich. Sincere appreciation to neighbors and friends that have offered support and prayers in their churches and temples, provided love and nourishment during these difficult times, and comforted the family in so many ways.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cure PSP, Executive Plaza III, 11350 McCormick Road, Ste 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031; ACTS Community, St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas, 77704, Serra Club of Beaumont, P.O. Box 842, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
Visitation will be January 14, 2008 from 5 PM to 7 PM followed by a Christian Vigil at 7 PM at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 155 North 11th St., Beaumont. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 11 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, Beaumont, Texas with entombment at Consolita Cemetery, 2300 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana at 3 PM.