Mary Ann Sanders of Willow Spring, departed this life on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Mary Ann was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend.  Born and raised in Middletown, NJ, she attended Middletown South High School, graduating in 1981.  Mary Ann attended college in Pennsylvania, graduating from Lycoming College, Lycoming, PA in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications / Public Relations.  Upon graduating, she returned to New Jersey to work in the private airline industry, using her Communications degree.

Following marriage, she and her family relocated to North Carolina in 1997.  After earning her teaching certification in 2005, she found her home at Harnett Central Middle School where Mary Ann Taught 7th and 8th grade ELA. Her time in the classroom brought her immense joy and the students she had throughout her 20-year career left footprints on her heart.

Mary Ann believed in the power of kindness and always saw the best in everyone she met.  She had a smile that would light up any room and an infectious laugh that would make any day better.  She is loved beyond measure and will be forever missed.

A funeral Mass and interment will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in Fuquay-Varina on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Mary Ann leaves behind a husband, Ty Sanders; two sons, Thomas Novak and Joshua Novak, all of Willow Spring.  Additionally, two sisters, Joan McCarthy of Fredericksburg, VA, Patricia McCarthy (Rahul Kumar) of Allentown, NJ; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.