Mary Ann Masterton, of Antigo, died Sunday, April 22, 2018, at home under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 92 years old. She was born on October 21, 1925, in Milwaukee, a daughter of Rusk and Marion (Duchac) Potter. She married Bruce Masterton on January 24, 1948, in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on June 7, 1993.
She was a graduate of Washington High School in Milwaukee.
Mary Ann took pride and joy in raising her family. Her husband's employment allowed the family to live throughout the United States and Germany before retiring to Antigo in 1982.
She was a prolific volunteer for many years with Lighthouse for the Blind, Scottish Rite Hospital, was a Sunday school teacher for over 50 years, taught English as a second language, made audio tapes for books for the blind, worked in soup kitchens, supported Friends of the Library, and was a Grandmother at North Elementary grade school in Antigo.
She loved to sew, making clothing for family for many years, was an avid reader, gardener, and letter writer.
Survivors include a daughter, Samantha "Sam" Masterton of Antigo; two sons, Rusk "Mac" (Ramona) Masterton, Charlotte, NC, John "Gus" (Marty) Masterton, Dallas, TX; daughter in law, Mary Claire Masterton of Austin, Texas; a sister, Frances Schneider, Antigo; four Grandchildren, Matthew Masterton, Dallas, Texas, Bren (Watty) Puryear, Dripping Springs, Texas, Bill Masterton, Austin, Texas, Bret (Yomaris) Masterton, Austin, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Lightsey and Landry Puryear, James "Jamie" Masterton.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a son, James "Jamie" Masterton, two brothers, Bill and Kirk Potter.
Private family gathering will be held in the summer at Summit Lake.
A memorial fund is being established in Mary Ann's name for the benefit of literacy in Antigo public schools. Memorials may be directed to Samantha Masterton 335 Fifth Ave. Antigo, WI 54409.
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For all her friends, it's the end of an era...one of knowing a remarkable person and of being loved by her...as long as our memories endure, she will live forever...
Big Mama was a bright light. She welcomed the world in all its gory glory, tried to change it while loving its every part. Thank you for all of this Mary Ann! I'm so grateful to have know and been inspired by you and by your gifts to the world.
Mary Ann Masterton was..... just to name a few.....a dreamer, gardener, artist, listener, sunset lover, star gazer, great cook, seamstress, volunteer, nature lover, talker, listener, music lover, dreamer, creative, reader, thinker, a patriot, flag lover, kind, humble, funny, pretty, smart, patient, family lover, a great wife to her husband Bruce and a great mother to her children James, Rusk, John and Samantha.... she will never be forgotten.
Mary was a neighbor like no other. We only had the chance to know her for about 11 years, but a beautiful 11 years. We had many a visits on her back porch listening to her talk about the beauty of her surroundings and memories of the past. She loved my oatmeal raisin cookies. A beautiful woman she was and we are so glad she came into our lives. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Mary, you may be gone but we will never forget you.
Hugs, Floyd and Nancy Hall
Mary was a bright shining presence in my life when we were together hashing over all kinds of topics, joys and concerns and while we were waiting to be together again. I cherished her notes and letters with interesting clippings. She was a special blessing in my life. Thankfully she was a foster grandma at North Elementary (loved by staff and children) and bringing her into my life. My love Sam to you and your family. Liz Dickman
Sam—. Sorry to read about your mom’s death. She lived a long and full life. She was fortunate to have you in her life. Our condolences to you, your brothers and extended family. Jeanne and Jim peters, Platteville.
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