Mary Anne Vieregger
January 7, 1944 – April 15, 2025
Mary Anne Vieregger (Gill), 81, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on April 15, 2025. She was born to Jeremiah and Mary Eileen Gill on January 7, 1944, in Omaha. Mary Anne had three siblings, Jerry, John, and Jerelene.
She attended Archbishop Ryan High School from 1958 to 1962, where she met her husband, Henry.
After graduating high school, Mary Anne received her teaching certificate from Mount Marty University, in South Dakota. She taught 4th graders at Our Lady of Lourdes for many years.
Mary Anne and Henry exchanged vows at Our Lady of Lourdes on June 11, 1966, beginning a 59-year journey filled with love and devotion.
They opened their home and hearts to foster dozens of babies, providing safety, stability, and love to vulnerable newborns, and forming lasting bonds with many of them.
In 1972, Mary Anne and Henry experienced the loss of their first child. Later that year, they welcomed their son, Thomas Henry, into their family through adoption on August 27, 1972—a joyful moment that brought comfort and new beginnings.
While Tom claims that he is the “chosen one”, Carl Henry was born on July 13, 1974, and will always contend that he was the favorite. Kristianne Eileen was the best Christmas present Mary Anne and Henry could hope for on December 25, 1978.
Mary Anne stayed at home to raise her children until 1983, when she returned to school. She graduated with a BS in Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
She started working at Omaha Creighton Prep, just in time to make sure that Tom and Carl did not get into too much trouble during high school. She worked in the library for 20 years, where her desk drawer was the not-so-secret candy stash for her colleagues. The friendships she built at work remained with her long after retirement.
Mary Anne’s many friends were always an important part of her life. Neighbors, friends from the ballpark, and even store owners found a lifelong friend in Mary Anne.
Her pride and joy were her four grandchildren, Avery, Audrey, NaN, and Lorelei. Mary Anne and Henry traveled to and from both Colorado and Minnesota multiple times a year to visit them, always bringing a carload of treats and treasures to share.
Everyone knows that Mary Anne never passed up a chance to host a party, from bridal to baby showers, to breakfasts after Midnight Mass, and Thanksgiving dinners with tables full of guests. She organized cookie and candy exchanges to help keep her siblings and nieces and nephews close. Everyone was always welcome in her home, whether she knew you for a week or half a century.
Mary Anne enjoyed watching live theater, collecting dishes, and traveling—especially Broadway and the beach. She often said her dream job was to be a “professional sand tester.”
She was a gift giver. The young children in her life were never without candy or small trinkets. She sent many care packages to her kids and grandkids, filled with goodies, whether it was for a holiday or just because. We all remember getting a surprise card from her…just to say she loves us. Every day was a reason to celebrate.
She gave the gift of time to St. Leo’s Church, teaching Sunday School and cleaning. She often volunteered to help support her children’s teams and activities.
Mary Anne delighted in shopping, drinking Coke, and laughing with the people in her life.
She built a life full of meaning—through family, friendship, and a spirit of everyday generosity. Her door was always open, her table always full, and her love always freely given.
Mary Anne would want us to celebrate the time we had with her — have a Coke and a Smile!
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity close to your heart.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday April 19, 2025, at 11:00AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, with VISITATION beginning at 10:00AM.
PRIVATE INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery
To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
14 Comments
Your loving neighbors of 48 years
SORRY FOR YOUR LOVE ONE
So sorry to learn of Mary Anne’s passing. I enjoyed working with her at Creighton Prep. Sincere condolences to her family.
Your Ryan Classmate Hank, you and your family are in my prayers.
Hank, so sorry to hear about Mary Anne passing. We miss our Ryan get togethers. Didn’t know about the coke drink. She always had a cup of coffee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We send our deepest condolences and are praying for comfort during this difficult time.
Scott and Jennifer (Peck) Payne
Hank: I am terribly saddened by Mary Anne’s death and your loss. The old days at Ryan are constantly in my memories. Please be well and remember the best of times. Tony
I am sorry to hear of Mary Anne’s passing. She was always so nice and funny!
My Mom (Jane) loved working with her in the Library at Prep. They had a lot of good times.
Nan O’Brien
Mary Anne was a gem. My deepest condolences.
Mary Anne was a gem. My deepest condolences
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Vieregger, my 4th grade teacher at OLL. She was a wonderful teacher and looks like she had a wonderful life. God bless!
Sending prayers for Marry Anne and for her family. I enjoyed getting to know her at Creighton Prep. I remember her helping Corey in the library whenever he needed it. She was always nice to me and I always enjoyed visiting with her.
Always grateful for our years as neighbors on Decatur Street. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee and fondly remember Billy and Annie being “best friends “ before our move to Texas. So very sorry for your loss. She was a treasure.
What a wonderful friendship throughout the years. Thank you for sharing your family & life with me. I am sure you are probably making sure that heaven is looking its best for Pope Francis’ arrival. Enjoy the celebration that is constantly heaven! Our friendship will constantly nourish my soul.
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