Mary Ann Petersen Bailey passed away unexpectedly at her home on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2023.
Born June 17, 1975, to adoring parents, Jim and Margaret, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Mary Ann was a proud “Air Force Brat” who lived in many different parts of the United States throughout her youth. Her family eventually returned to their parents’ hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah, which became her forever home. Mary Ann played cello in the school orchestra and the Granite District Youth Symphony. She served as the sophomore class senator and graduated from Skyline High School.
Mary Ann began working for Discover Financial in 1996, while getting her undergraduate degree in organizational communications from the University of Utah. Later earning her MBA from Westminster, she continued to work with Discover Financial for an impressive 27-year career. Throughout those years, she made many great friends who already miss her immensely.
One fateful night in 1997, Mary Ann was introduced to Kiki (Sean) through mutual friends (Jady and Danielle) at Anchors Aweigh. She didn’t think he was funny…and the rest was history. Kiki was so much in love. After a few weeks of dating, and knowing Mary Ann was “the one,” he awkwardly proposed with an old silver ring. She laughed in the face of this over-eager proposal. After a few more months (maybe years?) of convincing, Mary Ann said, “Yes!” They married in Salt Lake City on 8/21/2002 at Red Butte Gardens. This amazing duo recently celebrated 21 years of marriage, having been partners for 26 years. Always practical, Mary Ann later lamented they could have saved so much money on two separate rents if she had said “yes" at the first proposal. Their love produced three intelligent, clever, thoughtful, and funny (unlike their dad) children, Delilah Simone (16), Zoë Eloise (14), and Declan Cormac (9). Mary Ann loved her children deeply. She devoted so much energy and time caring for their needs and making sure they knew just how much they are loved.
Mary Ann was many things to so many people. A loving mother and wife, daughter, sister, devoted friend, planner, organizer, advocate, and a compassionate shoulder to lean on whenever she knew someone needed help. Mary Ann loved a juicy Crown burger or chili cheese dog from Wienerschnitzel. She was always quick to send a card, thank you letter, or treat, and to call to provide support. We imagine many reading this have received one (or many) of her handmade and handwritten cards. Even on the night before her passing, Mary Ann was wrapping gifts and writing cards for family and friends—ALWAYS putting others before herself. Mary Ann lovingly and regularly said, “Kiki, you make my eyes sparkle.” However, it is Mary Ann’s sparkle, which she generously shared with all of us, that will leave a lasting impact with all she has touched. Her sparkle will forever be in our hearts.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents LeRoy and Ruthe Petersen, and Elmer and June Young. She is survived by her loving husband, Sean “Kiki” Bailey, and children Delilah, Zoë, and Declan. Parents James and Margaret Petersen, and siblings Jane (Scott), Steven, Rob (Jennifer), and Michael (Gretchen), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were family and pups Dino and Chewie.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11 AM - 2PM at Red Butte Gardens, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Family is encouraged to attend from 11 AM - 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Mary Ann Memorial fund.
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