Fundraiser For Mary Ann Stevens and Family

On March 18, 2021, our dear friend Mary Ann Stevens, entered the hospital for tests.  For over a month, Mary Ann had been experiencing vertigo, nausea, cognitive issues and other neurological symptoms.  After exhaustive testing and consultations, Mary Ann has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rapidly progressing, fatal neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no known cure and treatments available are for palliative care only. (Please refer to CJD Foundation  for more information about the disease.) 


Many of us know Mary Ann as a woman of great faith, a parish leader, as “Wonder Woman.” At St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Mary Ann has served on the pastoral council and the Planning Team for both the Cornerstone and Beloved Retreats. She was a member of a women’s bible study and fellowship group.  Most recently, she joined the church staff as Bulletin editor and Calendar and Website administrator. 

Many of us know Mary Ann as “Basketball Mom” or “Band Mom.”  We met her at Immaculate Conception School or Immaculata High School.  She was seemingly everywhere, whether she was leading concessions at a basketball game, fundraising for the High School Marching Band and Music Department, or offering advice and encouragement to a new parent, an old friend, or someone in need.


Many of us also know Mary Ann as family.  She is a sister, a daughter, an aunt and a cousin.  She is an organizational wonder who could host all the family for a holiday gathering and still be “present” for each person.  At every party kids would find their way to her loving arms and the strength of her love and faith would shine through in her every smile.

Mary Ann is most treasured as the beloved wife of Joe and loving and caring mother to Nicole (20), Joe (18), Dan (15) and Matt (14).  Mary Ann’s life is a testament to love for her family and her deep faith in our Lord.  Her abiding and unwavering trust in God offers some comfort to us all as she recently noted online:

"My God continues to provide for me and mine. I will continue to trust in His goodness. He has a plan, and I am not going to question His plan or His purpose."

For as much as Mary Ann has given to her family, her parish, the school communities and her Catholic faith, it is now our turn and privilege to help God continue to provide for the Stevens family.  First and foremost, we ask for your continued prayers.  Please pray for peace and comfort for the family at this time.

In addition, as your means allow, let us ease the financial worries that will come.  Joe is an independent contractor with his own business.  For now, his attention is rightly focused on the needs of Mary Ann and his children.  As an independent contractor, Joe is uniquely exposed to a loss of business income during this time and Mary Ann’s income has ceased.  With your help, we can ease the near-term financial worries and provide funds for their children’s education.  It is our goal to cover emergent medical expenses and provide for the future educational needs of the children including their Catholic education through high school and college/trade school expenses.

Thank you for your support, understanding, love and kindness on behalf of the Stevens family.  May God’s goodness and grace continue to be a shining light on the journey ahead for our friends, Mary Ann and Joe and their loving children.