Mary Ann Selzer, age 84 of Laramie, Wyoming, went home to be with Jesus on March 5, 2024.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father Edward Clark, mother Ruth Clark, paternal grandparents Melton and Marie (Mary Ann) Clark, maternal grandparents William and Ruth Frame, brothers Pat and Don Mullen, brother in law Willie Morley, son Douglas Brown, Granddaughter Karrissa Brown, grandson Joshua Hewlett, and great granddaughter Nevaeh Hewlett. She is survived by her sisters Sue Vredenburg, Ginny Morley, Jody (Gary) Grogan, Dianna Varra (Tom), son’s Doc Brown (Erica), Richie, daughter’s Connie Brown (Brad Hartman), Michelle Baxter, plus 5 grandsons, 11 granddaughters, 12 great grandsons, and 8 great granddaughters.
Before moving to Laramie in 1986, Mary Ann operated a home daycare from the mid 70s to mid 80s and made loving and lasting impressions on the children entrusted to her care. Gramma’s Olde Ice Cream Parlour, which Mary Ann owned and operated in Laramie for over 20 years, was a great source of pride and joy. No matter their age, most all her customers called her Gramma. It was devastating to her when she had to close it down due to physical health issues from multiple sclerosis.
Mary Ann had a heart bigger than the state of Texas when it came to volunteering and giving back to the community. She was very excited and proud to have been unanimously chosen to have received the “Spirit of Christmas” community award by the Historic Downtown Laramie board of trustees, and was the Grand Marshall of the Laramie Christmas Parade because she “exemplifies the season of Christmas throughout the year.” Organizations which helped children held a big soft spot in her huge heart. Mary Ann served on the board and was board president for Big Brothers Big Sisters In Laramie for many years. She worked tirelessly to make Bowl for Kids Sake a huge success. She also spent time volunteering with Cathedral Home for Children, Project Graduation, Camp Wheeze Easy, as well as other organizations and activities serving youth in Laramie, countless hours over the years for St. Laurence Catholic school. She was a devoted member of St. Laurence O’Toole. In 1990 She appeared on national television The Home Show, where she gave Father Gutiérrez (a Catholic priest who wrestled to fund building an orphanage) a large donation which they called the cornerstone of financing. Mary Ann also was an ambassador of the Laramie Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed attending ribbon cuttings, business after hours, and other chamber events.
Mary Ann’s favorite hobby was helping with her favorite charities and organizations. She also enjoyed camping, road trips in her motorhome, spending time with and spoiling all her grandchildren, cooking, baking, and decorating cakes, country dancing, and bowling.
Rosary will be prayed Friday Mar 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm with visitation following at St. Paul’s Newman Center 1800 Grand Ave. in Laramie, Wyoming . Funeral Mass will be held Saturday March 23, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Newman Center with Rite of Committal following at Greenhill Cemetery 455 N. 15th St. in Laramie. At Mary Ann’s request Pallbearers include all her daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters. Honorary Pallbearers include all her sons, grandsons, and great grandsons.
What an amazing person Mary Ann was and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that she was part of our family. Among some of my favorite memories are visits to Ft. Collins when I was younger and visiting her at Grammas Ice Cream Parlor when I drove through Laramie. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending comforting thoughts, love and prayers to you all. Love Benita
We will miss her lots but we know she had a wonderful life. I miss her Ice Cream Shop and working for her. Love to all of you!
I will miss her lots and will always remember her stuffed potatoes.
We send respect, used to love her icecream shop. May she find paradise,
I always remember Grandma selling the Safeway cards after mass. She did a lot for the school. And she made the best damn potatoes!!! What a woman. So sorry for your loss Connie.
Thank you Beth. She was very invested in St Laurence school and church! I agree on the potatoes, we still make them, and I was honored she passed down her famous apple cookie recipe that she served at her shop.
I am so very sorry to hear Mary Ann is gone. We think of her so often, and often thought of coming up to see her. Life got in the way, and we just didn't get there. She was never far from our thoughts as our lives were full of her throughout the years. She was the absolute best day care provider that has ever been - from taking the kids on hikes, roller skating, gymnastics, helping them bake bread and cakes to her letting them "help" her with projects as well. Mother's Mornings with fresh cinnamon rolls, and the endless iced tea for us moms to hang out with her and chat when we'd come to pick up the kids. Her getting the gangs of moms and kids together to go to the Ice Capades or Disney on Ice or whatever was showing, to movies, skate parties and more. The many, many laughs we had and stories we shared. What a huge part of our life she was for so many years - you all were. Know that we care so deeply. If you want to get together to share memories and stories, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Denise, I too have lots of fond memories of mom's daycare day! Disney on Ice is ingrained in me and I still try to go most years, now with my grandkids. She loved truly loved all her daycare kids and parents!
What a truly wonderful lady. She was so involved throughout Laramie and meant so much to so many. Prayers are with her entire family. Tom and Laura Gaddis
Condolences to the family of Mary Ann. Such a sweet and kind woman. Always happy, smiling, and fun to be around. Dennis knew her before I did from working with her on local boards. She was always upbeat and caring. I met her when she became my mom’s roommate at the Care Center. My mom, Patricia Svetlik is really missing her company. God bless you all.!! Dennis & Suzanne Tschacher
Condolences to Mary Ann's family. She was a wonderful lady and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. RIP sweet lady, Rena & Tom Wroblewski
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many wonderful memories of Mary Ann and the wonderful, loving and caring person she was to us and everyone in the community. God has once again welcomed another angel home. God Bless you all. Dan and JoAnn Rule.