The Funeral Mass for Maryann Birdseye will be 11:30AM Thursday, April 26, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, officiated by Rev. Paul Nelson. Maryann, age 72, died peacefully at home with family Monday, April 23, 2012.

Maryann was born April 11, 1940 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to John and Mary Jane (Tormey) Heintzman.  On August 23, 1958 she married Art Birdseye.  The couple moved to Vermillion, SD and then Bloomington, MN. In 1967 they relocated to Rochester where she assisted her husband in the founding and operation of B&F Distributing.

Maryann was an active member of the Friends of Mayowood and Rochester Art Center. She was a co-founder and annual participant in the Lourdes Auction.  She loved cooking, especially with the Great Eight Gourmet group. She was an accomplished piano player.  Maryann loved decorating for all Holidays and entertaining for any occasion. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, brought her much joy. Maryann always made everyone feel welcome and at ease.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Art, a daughter, Barbara (John) Jensen; a son, Steve (Lisa) Birdseye; grandchildren, Julie (Mike) Pehler, Matt (fiancé, Chelsee VonWald) and Nic Jensen, Baihly, Brooklyn and AJ Birdseye and great-grandson, Mason Pehler. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Michael James and a brother, Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a scholarship fund established at Lourdes Foundation in memory of Maryann Birdseye.

"My Nana had ears that really listen, arms that always hug & hold, love that's never ever ending, and a heart that's made of gold." -Unknown

Friends may call from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Wednesday at River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.