Mary-Ann (Johnson) Byszek, 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home where she lived with her loving granddaughter and caretaker Jamie Russin.

She is survived by her siblings, Russell Johnson, Richard Lapoint and Barbara Lapoint, many cousins, her 8 children – Richard Russin, Carolyn Joyal, William Russin, Mark Russin, David Russin, James Mendala, Katie Byszek and Richard Cole – as well as her cherished 27 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Born on February 16, 1948, Mary-Ann lived a happy and fulfilling life. She grew up in New Hampshire and later moved to Worcester, attending Classical High School, where she realized that her dream was to be a teacher. From there, she attended Worcester State College to earn her degree, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class, and went on to specialize in helping those with special needs at the Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester. At the end of her career, she retired from North Brookfield Elementary School.

Mary-Ann was also an active volunteer in her community as a member of NBEMA and the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart of Jesus in West Brookfield for several years with her friend and confidant, Father Peter.

An avid gardener, crafter, and preservationist, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren tending to the garden and canning the bounty – especially sweet pepper relish and tomatoes so she could make her famous American Chop Suey or Meatballs and Sauce. Christmas was Mary-Ann’s favorite time of year and she’d take them in the car to collect pine cones and branches to make swags and wreaths to give away.

Some of her proudest accomplishments were being crowned the Worcester Carnival Queen, dancing with Chubby Checker, and playing basketball with Bob Cousy. But what brought her the most joy was her family and her community.

Of course her family knew her by the usual titles, but what was different is that most people in town knew her as “Gram.” She leaves behind a legacy of warm memories and amusing anecdotes. She was always there when anyone needed anything, whether it be a ride, a warm meal, someone to talk to, a place to stay or even the best way to wrap a present to make it look like Martha Stewart did it. She touched so many lives in so many ways. She was feisty, incredibly generous in any way possible, notorious for her skillful way of storytelling and her ability to always forgive and keep an open heart.

Mary-Ann was predeceased by her parents, Mary Catherine Bullens-Leahy and Wilho Johnson, as well as her beloved granddaughter Christina Marie Russin and great grandson Noah A. Roberts.

The love, wisdom, and resilience Mary-Ann imparted will forever remain and continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her. She will be dearly missed but her memory will persist in the hearts of those she loved.

The funeral for Mary-Ann will be held on Wednesday, October 11,2023 with a Mass at 11:00AM in St.Josephs Church 296 N.Main St. North Brookfield. A calling hour will be held from 9:30-10:30am in Pillsbury Funeral Home 44 Gilbert St. North Brookfield prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. A gathering will follow for refreshments provided at St. Joseph’s Church Hall in North Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help contribute towards Mary-Ann’s final costs via EverLoved.