Mary Ann Schrimsher Santucci, 87, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Born on  January 31, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Ann was a smart and precocious child. At age 5 she  was singing on local radio. She was promoted from first grade to third grade. She graduated in  1954 from West Fulton High School with dreams of becoming a fashion designer.

Those dreams were put on ice when she met a handsome Italian soldier from Memphis named  Al Santucci. She said he was funny and charming but wore blue suede shoes with zippers. After  a brief courtship, Al and Mary Ann married in April 1955. Just after Christmas that year, they  welcomed the birth of Joe, the first of five children. Tony was born in 1957 followed by Phillip in  1959. Their only daughter, Marie, was born in 1962 and Chris, the baby, in 1964.

Having five babies in nine years would scare most women, but Mary Ann loved being a mom.  She was involved with every activity her kids took part in — scouts, music, sports, performing  arts, academics, and more. She sometimes found a role for herself as a den mother,  cheerleader coach, or costume coordinator. Of course, Al was right there with her.

Mary Ann was also a devoted wife. In support of Al's career with the Memphis Fire department,  she was a member of the Women's Auxiliary. The Women's Auxiliary held a fundraiser for  Muscular Dystrophy every year that Mary Ann would provide leadership.

Throughout it all, Mary Ann cherished her children the most. She even mothered a few of their  friends and never complained when 12-15 kids were at the house. The only thing she loved  more than her kids were her grandchildren, then the great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann is survived by her children Joe (Karen) Santucci, Tony (Denise) Santucci, Phillip  (Shirley) Santucci, Marie Santucci, and Chris (Anita) Santucci; grandchildren Shannon (Eric)  Bernard, Johannah (Michael) Wicker, Nick (Christie) Moore, Amelia Santucci, Gabrielle (Justin)  Carver, Danielle (Zack) Smith, and Daryn Santucci; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces,  nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Albert Santucci; her brother Richard "Bud"  Schrimsher; her mother Addie House Cox; her father Hugh "Pete" Schrimsher; and  grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to name.