Mary Ann Schwab
October 11, 1920 - October 18, 2023
Mary Ann Schwab, a dedicated champion of faithbased human justice and an ardent advocate for the empowerment of Christian women passed away peacefully October 18, 2023. She leaves behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the lives of those she touched.
Mary Ann Wallerstedt was born in 1920 and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary Ann received a Catholic education and developed a deep commitment to her faith. This Catholic foundation served as her guiding light in her pursuit of social justice toward which she achieved a Master’s degree in Social Work. In accordance with Mary Ann’s faith, three of her sons graduated from St. Ignatius.
Following her studies, Mary Ann moved to San Francisco where she met her future husband, Francis Schwab, and embarked on her career as a social worker with Catholic Charities. Mary Ann dedicated her life to assisting women to find their voices and speak up for human life causes. She served as president of the National Council of Catholic Women from 1983-85 where she deepened her role in the Respect Life movement and had an enlightening experience with a UN delegation to Kenya. The NCCW honored Mary Ann as Catholic Woman of the Year in 2021.
Mary Ann was the loving wife of the late Francis Schwab and the devoted mother of Tom, Anthony,
Peter, Vince and Mary Ellen. Mary Ann’s spirit lives on in her son, Vincent Schwab, in her grandchildren, Tony, Natalie, and Vivian Schwab, the children of Peter and Ann, and in her great-grandchildren, Lev and Tevva.
Mary Ann leaves behind a profound and enduring legacy within the San Francisco Archdiocese and Saint Brendan’s parish, communities she so deeply cherished. Her life’s work serves as a testament to the remarkable impact one individual can have on the world.
Friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, November 1st at 5:00 pm at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, 29 Rockaway Ave. in San Francisco where a Rosary will begin at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Thursday, November 2nd at 10:00 am. Mary Ann will be laid to rest with her husband Francis at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.