Mary Avery

Mary Ann Avery passed away in her home on May 1, 2022. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Craig Avery; her daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Morris; her mother, Joann Orlando; brothers James Orlando and John Orlando; and sisters Nancy Orlando and Patricia Orlando.

Mary Ann, 69, was a mother, a loving wife, an artist, and a survivor.

As a mother, her great love for daughter Liz was undiminished to the end. Mary Ann’s love of art carried onto her daughter, who was always inspired by her mom’s artwork.

Mary Ann was a wife and life partner to Craig, and the two of them were inseparable. She and Craig met in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, introduced by Craig’s friend, artist Gerrit Greve, and it was love at first sight. The couple moved from San Diego to Fort Worth, Texas, and then to Montgomery, Ohio, along with Craig’s career in publishing. The couple retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2013.

Mary Ann was an artist and printmaker, and her home and studio are filled with her works. She obtained her bachelor of fine arts degree at the University of San Diego and did work of great simplicity, tenderness, and power.

Mary Ann was a survivor. She survived stage 4 breast cancer, diagnosed in 2001, and a  debilitating stroke seven years later that left her weakened but still able to work on her art and take care of her family. Diagnosed recently with dementia, she succumbed to an unexpected stroke with her husband by her side.

A family reception will be held at her home on Saturday, May 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate to a charity in Mary Ann’s honor, please use a charity of your choice.

We are grateful to sister Nancy Orlando and her husband Dan Gay, of Los Ranchos, whose support was crucial to her happiness during her time in New Mexico. Deep gratitude goes out to daughter Liz and to her wife Leeanna Morris, for their tender and vigilant care for Mary Ann during her long illness.