Mary Ann

Mary Ann, a cherished soul whose life was filled with love, compassion, and service to others, passed away peacefully at Aurora Summit Hospital. Born on May 22, 1939, in Naperville, IL, she graced this world with kindness, laughter, and a nurturing spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Mary Ann was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Barbara Barkei. She grew up in a warm and loving family, alongside her siblings and later completed her education at St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1958. Her deep faith and devotion stayed with her throughout her life, as she remained a long-standing parishioner of St. Mary's Church, where she married the love of her life, Jerry Krakofsky, on June 8, 1968. Mary Ann's career began in hospitality, where she worked as a waitress at The Coach Lamp restaurant and later at The White Fox Den. Her coworkers and patrons alike cherished her for her friendly demeanor and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her love for people shone through in every interaction, and she carried this warmth into her retirement years. Family was the cornerstone of Mary Ann's life. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Gerald, her parents Joseph and Barbara, parents-in-law Harold and Sophie Krakofsky, her siblings Jim, John, Tom, and Jean, brother-in-law James Krakofsky, and sister-in-law Lois Krakofsky. She is lovingly survived by her daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” and son-in-law Robert. Her granddaughter Amanda was the light of her life, and Mary Ann took immense joy in being her babysitter, sharing countless cherished moments together. Mary Ann was a beloved sister to Dave, Katherine, Marg, and Rita, and a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews. Her family gatherings were never complete without her lending a helping hand in the kitchen, where her spirit of generosity and warmth was always evident. In her leisure time, Mary Ann found joy in solving jigsaw puzzles and word find books. In her later years, Mary Ann resided at Riverview Manor andElder Care Cottages, where she continued to spread her kindness and warmth to those around her. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Aurora Burlington Memorial Hospital emergency room staff and the Aurora Summit 4th floor doctors, PAs, nurses, and CNAs for their dedicated care and support. A service to celebrate Mary Ann’s beautiful life will be held on August 22, 2026, at 10:00 am to 12 p.m. at the Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, located on Browns Lake Drive in Burlington, WI. Friends and family are invited to honor Mary Ann’s memory and reflect on the joy she brought into their lives. Mary Ann's legacy of love, selflessness, and resilience will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched.