Mary Ann Kreul-Starr passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026. She will be remembered for living faithfully, loving deeply, smiling easily—and never, ever wanting to be called Ma'am.

She went by many names over the years: Mary, MAK, K-Starr, and K. Regardless of what you called her, Mary was known for her relentless optimism, strong will, fierce independence, and devotion to a life in the service of others.

Mary understood from an early age that her life's purpose was service. She played a protective, maternal role for her Down syndrome sister Ellen, and helped her mother keep tabs on four brothers—a job requiring much patience and stamina. Later, after earning Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in speech and language therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she continued to fulfill that purpose by helping children with special needs reach their fullest potential.

She met her husband Tom in graduate school. They bonded over a surprising mutual knowledge of the "Fourier Analysis" and Tom's attraction to her pure spirit and beauty, especially her long, lovely legs. It was a strong foundation that led to 58 years of devoted marriage.

Mary and Tom served as legal guardians to Ellen after her parents retired, and they raised two children of their own, Eric and Elizabeth. Mary never missed a swim meet or cross-country race, and she and Tom strongly encouraged their children to find and pursue their own passions. Later, she became a devoted grandmother to Owen and Miles, stealing kisses whenever she got the chance.

Caring for family was only the beginning. Throughout life, Mary took on jobs and volunteer work that allowed her to care for others. She was a longtime volunteer with Special Olympics and Hospice of Wake County. During the holidays, she recruited the whole family to deliver food and toys to people in need. One year this included cooking pigs’ feet at home for guests of the Helping Hands Mission—proof that when Mary served others, she went whole hog.

In the weeks before her death, Mary said, "l think my time is near." When asked why, she explained that she was no longer able to fulfill her life's purpose. She was fond of saying that "Giving makes me feel like I am living." It is rare to know one's purpose in life, much less to live it with such ferocity. Mary did just that. Her optimism and strong will stuck with her through her illness. She lived longer than many expected, but this was no surprise to anyone who tried to tell Mary what she could or couldn't do.

Mary has been greeted in heaven by God, her beloved sister Ellen, her parents, Alvin and Lilly Kreul, and her brothers Bob, Tom, and Jim. She is survived by her husband, Tom, her children, Eric and Elizabeth, brother Edward, and her grandchildren, Owen and Miles.

Those who loved Mary will continue to see her beauty and feel her warmth in every sunset, in warm breezes, and in the flutters of a butterfly's wings. We expect to hear her gently reminding us that there are many others who can benefit from a little help.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor Mary in the way she would most appreciate by performing acts of kindness for others in her name.

The family is planning a celebration of her life, but the date is yet to be determined.