Mary Ann Van Hoesen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The family of Mary Ann Van Hoesen, 75, is sad to announce her unexpected passing on July 12, 2020. Born Mary Ann Galizia on June 5, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to the late John Galizia and Mary Galizia. She was a graduate of Catherine McAuley High School (’62) and moved to Staten Island in 1962. Mary Ann married her husband, Thomas Watson Van Hoesen on August 1, 1965. Mary Ann and Tom had the relationship everyone hopes to have one day, best friends, truly devoted to one another and enjoyed their time and laughter together for almost 55 years. They raised their family in Staten Island, NY before retiring and moving to Hawley, PA in. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Tom, three daughters, Karen Van Hoesen (Staten Island), Kristen Macula (Staten Island), and Jessica Vaughn (Maryland). Mary Ann has a special relationship with her four grandchildren, Kurtis Cleigh Swinson (California), Joanna Marie Hosie and Victoria Kristina Macula (both Staten Island) and Livia Isabella Vaughn (Maryland). She has a great-grandson Benjamin Lucas Swinson and great-granddaughter due in November. Mary Ann is also survived by her mother, Mary Galizia (Grammy is 97), and three siblings, John Galizia (wife Lois), Joanne Galizia and Theresa Galizia. Mary Ann retired as a clerk at the Tottenville Branch of the New York Public Library in Staten Island. She loved to read children’s books during story time and had many patrons that would come just to see her. Mary Ann had a saying on her wall “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Mary Ann so personally touched all people that she came in contact with and made everyone feel special. She had the kindest heart and put thought in all the things she did for people and listened to everyone intently, whether you were a close friend or the janitor at the school. Mary Ann is known to give the best hugs and often asked that you would give someone a “special grandma hug” for her. Mary Ann was committed to single handedly keeping the post office in business and spent a lot of time “in the office” making custom cards and envelopes for everyone she loved…clocking in 50-70 a month. Each thought was intentional from the stamp she chose to the magazine clippings she saved for each person and personal illustrations she made. She is also known for her scrumptious Christmas cookies that she mailed and you were lucky if you made the “cookie list.” Mary Ann Van Hoesen, devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but also a mother figure to many and friend to all…now an angel watching from above.

Mary Ann Van Hoesen

June 5, 1945 - July 12, 2020

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