87, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Paia, Maui, and raised in Honolulu, Mary Ann lived an extraordinary life as a mother, wife, educator, equestrian, realtor, art collector, connoisseur, golfer and intrepid world traveler.The daughter of Dr. C M Burgess, a general surgeon for Straub Medical Center, and Grace Burgess, Mary Ann was raised in Manoa and attended Punahou School. After graduating from Punahou in 1953, she attended Wellesley College, graduating in 1957 with a BA in English. She went on to earn a teaching certificate from The University of California, Berkeley, in 1958. She met her husband, Stanley Barrows McCrea (Barry), Dartmouth '57, while attending the Dartmouth College Winter Carnival. Mary Ann and Barry married in Honolulu in 1958, and had three children: Marcia, Anne and Stanley. Barry was killed piloting a small plane in Massachusetts September 17, 1966.
Mary Ann gave her talent and time to many organizations, including the Junior League of Honolulu, The Honolulu Museum of Art, and Hawaii Opera Theater, among others. She enjoyed a successful 30 year career in real estate. She married Joseph Dacey, of Honolulu in 1980, They were married for thirty years, sharing a love of golf and travel, until Joe's death in 2011. Mary Ann loved her family and friends, and touched countless lives with her generosity and kindness.
In recent years, Mary Ann reconnected with Steven Gentry, of New Zealand, whom she had known since graduate school at Berkeley. Both were widowed and became lifelines for each other.
Predeceasing her were her parents, Dr. CM Burgess and Grace Burgess, her sister, Patricia Burgess Blackman, and her husband, Joseph Dacey, Mary Ann is survived by her children, Marcia McCrea Braden, Anne McCrea Orndahl, and Stanley Burgess McCrea, stepdaughters Tucker Dacey, Tyler Tavares and stepson, Todd Dacey, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Also surviving Mary Ann, is her partner in life, Steve Gentry, of Wellington, New Zealand. We are all inspired by her adventurous spirit and love of life.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Friends of Catholic Charities and the ALS Association Golden West Chapter. Private service pending.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
