Submitted by: Dan Rich

Maryanne Tansey Gearhart

Nov. 19, 1925 - March 29, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/30/2008
SOUTH BEND - Maryanne Tansey Gearhart, 82, died following an illness at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, in Saint Joseph Medical Center, South Bend. Maryanne was the daughter of Joseph "Al" and Gwendolyn Tansey. She was born in South Bend on November 19, 1925. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1943.

On July 21, 1945, she married James "Jay" Gearhart, who preceded her in death in 1997 having been married 52 years. She is survived by her four children, Daniel (Joyce) Gearhart of Granger, Jean (Mike) Givler of Lansing, MI, Rita (Dick) Strefling of St. Petersburg, FL, and Rosemary (Tom) Grimes of Edgewood, KY; six grandchildren, Kathleen Givler McCormack, Kristine Givler Hammes, Adam and Noah Grimes, Andrew and Daniel Gearhart; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Fred Tansey of Annandale, VA. Maryanne spent most of her adult life as a homemaker, volunteering her many talents at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend. Maryanne's home and heart were always open to others in good times and in bad. She had a great love for all those who entered her life and was content to share her wisdom with those willing.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today (Sunday, March 30) in the McGann Funeral Home, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road at Ironwood, South Bend, where a wake service will be at 7 p.m. Services will also be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the Church of Loretto-St. Mary's College. Burial at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sister Maura Brannick, CSC, Health Center, 326 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN 46601.