Mary Ann White

Elmira: Age 58, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016, after a brief illness. Mary Ann was born May 26, 1958, the beloved daughter of Donald and Eileen (Rogan) White. Mary Ann is predeceased by her parents, Donald and Eileen, and her Uncle Myers (Thurber), Aunt Ann (Rogan), and her Uncle Fred and Aunt Millicent (Clark). Mary Ann is survived by her uncles and aunts, Col. U.S. Army Retired John F. Rogan, of Middleton, WI, Mary Lou Thurber, Owen Joseph and Mary Ann Rogan, Thomas J. Rogan, and Edward D. and Phyllis Rogan, all of Elmira; and her many loving cousins. Mary Ann also leaves behind her devoted family at the ARC of Chemung Group Home, all of whom she cherished. Mary Ann was born in Elmira and resided with her parents in Horseheads until 2003, when she moved to the Clinton Street ARC of Chemung Group Home. She worked at Southern Tier Industries until 2013, and later became involved with the Day Program at Able2, where she enjoyed many friendships. Mary Ann loved The Beatles, playing basketball, going for a ride, milk shakes, and fish fries. According to her beloved caretaker, Ann Suggs, "Her mom taught her that everybody is her friend," and Mary Ann was indeed, a friend to all. She was a very caring person who loved to be around people and be a part of everything. The family wishes to express its appreciation to the ARC of Chemung and to Dr. Nadanaguru Akila, of Arnot Health, whose loving care over the last thirteen years has been unparalleled. The family also wishes to acknowledge the staff of the Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital's ICU, 2B, and 3C, who cared for Mary Ann with tenderness in her last weeks. Memorials for Mary Ann for those wishing to celebrate her life can be made in her honor to The ARC of Chemung. It was the wish of Mary Ann's parents that there be a private family visitation at the McInerny Funeral Home, with no public calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary's Church, in Elmira, on Friday, October 28, 2016, at 10:00 AM. Committal prayers and burial will follow, at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her devoted and loving parents. A Special Child You weren't like other children, And God was well aware. You'd need a caring family, ...with love enough to share. And so He sent you to us. And much to our surprise, You haven't been a challenge. But a blessing in disguise. Your winning smiles and laughter, The pleasures you impart, Far outweigh your special needs, And melt the coldest heart. We're proud that we've been chosen, To help you learn and grow, The joy that you have brought us, Is more than you can know. A precious gift from heaven, A treasure from above, A child who's taught us many things, BUT MOST OF ALL "REAL LOVE".