Mary Anne Ernzen
April 13, 1941 ~ February 1, 2022
Mary Anne Ernzen a retired nurse passed away on February 1, 2022 after a long battle with pulmonary hypertension.
Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Nester and Bernice Enama. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Phil; daughter, Rebecca of Colorado Springs, CO; son, Ted (Kim) of Tucson, AZ; and granddaughters, Taylor and Lauren.
Mary Anne was born on April 13, 1941 in East St. Louis, IL to Nester and Berniece Enama. Mary Anne attended St. Teresa’s Academy and went on to be a stewardess with United Airlines. She met Phillip Ernzen in 1968 and they married in January of 1969. She earned her BS and MS in nursing from Wichita State University. She specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology due to her love of children and compassion for others. She was always available to help patients and friends at any hour. She was an active educator for Lamaze and newborn childcare. Mary Anne and Phil loved to travel and covered six continents including places like Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, China, South America, Mexico, and Canada. Upon retirement Mary Anne volunteered at A Better Choice as a sonographer for twelve years and provided extra education to patients. She was a diehard Royals, Shockers, and Chief’s fan and loved watching each game. She was a long-time student of her faith through Bible study and world religions. Mary Anne was an avid reader and enjoyed photography, crosswords, and especially the show “Jeopardy.” She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank the Pulmonary department at KU Medical Center for all the care over the past 10 years. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to A Better Choice Pregnancy Care Center or the Kansas Humane Society.
A service celebrating the life of Mary Anne will be held later this year. Her family will contact loved ones and friends with the time and location of the event once it is scheduled.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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My mom was a loving and supportive woman her entire life. She fought for me as a child with Rheumatoid Arthritis and taught me to stand up for others. She was also the mom all of my friends wanted with her warm nature, great sense of humor and the fact that she listened to Top 40 music! Mom was the only one to be with me every minute on day two after my surgery for Epilepsy. The intense pain prevented me from even speaking at times but she stayed by my side. I could call any time from college in KS and the last 21 years in Colorado. The sound of her voice added to the celebrations in life and reassured me when there was a challenge. When she was first diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension I begged God to give it to me instead. I was used to health issues and Mom did not deserve that or any other medical condition. She ended up living twice as long as predicted! Still, her loss came too soon and I don’t know what to do without her. I hope she was correct and that she will be able to be with us even though she is up in Heaven. I love you forever, Mom.