Mary Ann is a longtime Portlander and has lived in the Sunnyside neighborhood since 1971. A former employee at Portland Public Schools, her vocation now is community activist.
She has served on various local boards, committees and task forces and is a member of the League of Women Voters. In 2013, she was awarded the Spirit of Portland Award for her activism and her desire to do good for the City of Portland.
In 2004 she ran for City Commissioner and received 6.2% of the vote in a field of 11 candidates. In her spare time, she is active with the Northwest Quilters.