Mary Ann O'Bara

Mary Ann O’Bara, 95, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026 at the Gardens at RidgeStone in Elkhorn.

Mary Ann was born on June 18, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Sophie and Stanley Prazynski. She married Richard O’Bara in 1983, and together they enjoyed many wonderful years. She was preceded in death by Richard, her parents, and many brothers and sisters.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Chuck Schell and Dana Wolf; her grandchildren, Maggie (Chris) Liebl, Jessica (Nick) Sherman, Katie (Tyler) Rademann, Chelsea (Taylor) Zimny, and Jacob Wolf (Courtney LaBarbera); her great-grandchildren, Claire, Isaac, Rosie, Sophia and Marley; and step-grandson Dan Laudon who she loved like one of her own.

Mary Ann spent most of her career at Lincoln Savings Bank in Milwaukee, where she worked her way up to Vice President before retiring in 2000. After retirement, she and Richard moved to Florida before eventually building their home on family property on Silver Lake in Wautoma. Before that, many of the family’s favorite memories were made at their lake house on Lake Beulah in East Troy.

Family was always what mattered most to Mary Ann. She loved having everyone together, whether it was a long weekend at the lake, a holiday, or just because. Fourth of July at the lake quickly became one of the family’s favorite traditions and something everyone looked forward to every year.

She never missed the moments that mattered. Birthdays, graduations, school programs, or any other milestone—you could count on Grandma being there. And every birthday started the same way: a phone call with her singing “Happy Birthday.” It didn’t matter how old you were; if it was your birthday, you were getting that call.

Mary Ann loved life. She loved getting dressed up and always wanted to look her best. Even in her last days she’d ask, “Do I look okay?” or “How’s my hair?” She loved pizza and a beer, watching the Packers, keeping up with Survivor, and trying her luck at the casino. She took good care of herself, exercised well into her 90s, and if someone told her a vitamin or supplement might help, she was willing to give it a try.

She was the kind of person who could make a friend anywhere. She loved talking to people, loved to laugh, and was always ready for the next adventure. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by the people she loved.

We will miss her more than words can say, but we are so thankful for the years we had with her, the traditions she started, and the memories she gave us. We were so lucky she was ours.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at RidgeStone for the love and compassion you showed Mary Ann. You became family, and we will always be grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Max A. Sass & Sons Mission Hills Chapel on Wednesday, August 5 from 11 AM - 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin appreciated (https://give.childrenswi.org/page/74402/donate/1?utm_source=systemwebsite).