News Summary
Mary Ann McCrary Thomas, a devoted educator and community volunteer, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication. She inspired countless students during her 30-year teaching career and actively served her community in Marin County. Mary Ann’s commitment to education and volunteer work touched many lives, and her contributions will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Long Beach, California – Beloved educator and volunteer Mary Ann McCrary Thomas passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 90. Her family, including her husband, John Ralph Thomas, and their six children, survive her. Mary Ann’s dedication to education and community service left a lasting impact on many in her lifetime.
Mary Ann was born in Washington, D.C. in February 1935. She grew up in Coronado, California, following her father’s assignments in the Navy, which led the family up and down the California coast during her childhood. She attended prestigious institutions, including Pomona University and UC Berkeley, and obtained her Master’s in Education from UCLA.
In 1961, she married Ralph and initially settled in San Francisco before moving to San Rafael, California, in 1968. This location became their home for most of their lives, where they raised their children: Robert Thomas, Marya Zlatnik, Shannon Thomas, Colleen Morey, Kristen Easley, and Scott Easley. The couple was also blessed with five grandchildren: Leigh, Katharine, Atticus, Shannon, and Margaret.
Mary Ann dedicated over 30 years to teaching literature and arts at Davidson Middle School and Santa Venetia Middle School. She was known for inspiring students to appreciate classic literature, including the works of Shakespeare. Throughout her teaching career, she held various roles, such as GATE coordinator, counselor, and activities director. Her efforts were recognized by the United Nations Education Committee for her contributions to teaching and gifted education.
Beyond the classroom, Mary Ann was an active community member. She volunteered with numerous organizations in Marin County, including Marin Wild Care, where she organized donors and fundraisers. As a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority since her time at UC Berkeley, she maintained her commitment to community involvement, particularly contributing to her church community at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ross, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and helped with Easter Basket donations.
Mary Ann was also a long-time member of the Friends of the San Rafael Library, reflecting her passion for reading and education. In 2015, after decades away, she and Ralph returned to live in Coronado, where they cherished the memories of their youth, enjoying the sound of the waves and the nostalgia of military fighter jets flying overhead.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her father, Capt. Frank McCrary; her mother, Mary D. McCrary; and her brothers, Capt. Robert McCrary and Capt. Shannon McCrary. Her passing marks the end of an era for many who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and compassion that has inspired many throughout her life.
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Additional Resources
- Marin Independent Journal: Mary Ann Thomas Obituary
- Chicago Sun-Times: Patrick O’Neil Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education
- Google Search: Mary Ann Thomas Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteerism
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
