MaryAnn was an amazing lady. Growing up next door was a learning experience and good times! Sending hugs and prayers for strength to MaryLynn and Bob. Hang on to all the memories and cherish them. ❤️
Mary Ann Daly
January 11, 1943 ~ June 16, 2026
Born in:
Albany, New York
Resided in:
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
After suffering a fall from which she could not recover, Mary Ann Daly passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, with her children at her side.
Mary Ann was born on January 11, 1943, in Albany, New York, and grew up in South Columbia, NY as the eldest of seven children. She attended SUNY Geneseo before marrying and moving to Lewis County. Inspired by her love of books, Mary Ann began her career as an elementary school librarian but soon found her calling as an elementary school teacher at South Lewis.
Mary Ann and her husband, Robert Fager, raised their two children, Mary Lynn and Bob, in Lyons Falls. She believed in serving the community and did so through the Girl Scouts, the village board, the March of Dimes, St. John’s Church as a lector and Eucharistic Minister, and as one of the community’s first EMTs. When she saw others struggling, Mary Ann quietly stepped forward to help, providing anonymous support to families facing medical challenges or ensuring that children in the community had adequate clothing and other necessities. She gave generously of her time and resources and never sought recognition.
As retirement approached, an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show introduced Mary Ann to Generations of Hope, an intergenerational foster care community in Rantoul, Illinois, where foster parents adopted large sibling groups so children would not be separated. Inspired by its mission and not yet having grandchildren of her own, Mary Ann applied to become a foster grandparent. Upon being accepted, she packed up the home where she had raised her family and moved to Illinois to begin a new chapter. There she became “Grandma” to countless children, providing tutoring, transportation, respite care, and, above all, grandmotherly love.
While in Illinois, she volunteered each year as an usher for Ebertfest, the annual film festival hosted by Roger Ebert in Champaign. She auditioned and was selected as a first soprano with the University of Illinois Oratorio Society, singing alongside professional musicians. She volunteered at the local public library, traveled overseas, and spent winters walking the beaches of Amelia Island with her dear friend, Linda Faduski and her dog, Grace.
When her own grandchildren were born, Mary Ann moved to Colorado to be closer to her son, Bob, his wife, Dina Arnott, and their sons, Jack and Joe Fager, who were a dream come true for her.
In Colorado, Mary Ann found a church community she loved. She joined the choir and volunteered in the food pantry. Through the choir she traveled internationally and once had the opportunity to sing at the Vatican. Each winter she continued her tradition of spending time on Amelia Island with the Faduskis. At home she volunteered at the public library, took voice lessons with the goal of maintaining her spot as a first soprano, and embraced all that Colorado had to offer. She especially loved its 300 days of sunshine and scenic drives through the Rocky Mountains. She and Bob attended concerts at Red Rocks together, enjoying performances by James Taylor and Crosby, Stills & Nash. In Colorado, she adopted her favorite saying, “Life is Good!”
In 2018, Mary Ann moved to Wind Crest, a senior living community of over 2,000 people. She quickly assimilated, making new friends and joining various clubs. At one point she belonged to seven choirs and chorales, all of which required auditions. She served on the welcoming committee to help new residents feel at home, participated faithfully in water aerobics and Readers Theatre, and, naturally, worked in the library. In this phase of life, Mary Ann also enjoyed supporting her older friends, helping them to participate in all of the activities Wind Crest offered.
After a lifetime of kindness and selflessly putting others first, Mary Ann’s spirited personality shone brightly in her later years. At Wind Crest, she became known for her quick wit and spunky retorts whenever she was asked to do something she wasn’t particularly fond of. She faced life’s challenges with strength, grace, and determination, following the example of her beloved mother, Elisabeth Daly, a woman whose resilience and dedication to others helped shape the person Mary Ann became.
Family, friends, and faith were the center of Mary Ann’s life. Her most cherished roles were those of mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. She was known for her kindness and countless quiet acts of generosity.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn Fager; her son, Bob Fager, and his wife, Dina Arnott; her beloved grandsons, Jack and Joe Fager; her sisters, Susan Reiter, Barbara Homyk, and Janet Daly; her brothers-in-law, Allan Homyk and Tony Flores; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A funeral mass will be held at St John’s Church in Lyons Falls at 11am on Monday, July 6th. Family and friends are invited to gather at Lyons Falls Riverside Park Pavilion after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to Helping From Within – a program that provides basic necessities for children at South Lewis School who are experiencing hardship.
Checks or cash can be sent to:
Helping from Within
℅ South Lewis Central School
ATTN: District Treasurer
PO Box 10
Turin, NY 13473
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