Mary Ann Frances Poling

Mary Ann F. Poling passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 94, with her family by her side.

Born on July 26, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, to her parents, Henry and Margaret O’Byrne, Mary Ann was the eldest of three children. In 1940, her family became original residents of Parkchester, a new, self-contained community in the Bronx. She is survived by her sister, Betty Stabile, and her brother, John O’Byrne. Mary Ann often recalled a happy childhood spent playing outdoors, roller-skating, and playing hopscotch with family and friends.

An integral part of her young life was St. Raymond Roman Catholic Church, where she attended the girls' school through 12th grade. It was here that she formed lifelong friendships with Mary Strack and Maire Hanrahan that would last for more than 80 years. She also met her future husband, Bill, who attended the boys' school.

Mary Ann was a talented artist and an accomplished student. Though she earned a four-year college scholarship, her family made the practical decision for her to attend secretarial school after high school. Mary Ann continued her passion for education throughout her life obtaining her Real Estate license and then her Broker's license, selling new homes for many years in Northern Virginia and Maryland. She also loved exploring books on history, art, travel, and more, often cutting out and sending articles she thought would interest her children and grandchildren.

Mary Ann was a phenomenal artist. In high school, she was president of both the art club and newspaper staff during her senior year. She also created illustrations and drawings while working part time at Lord & Taylor in NYC before being married. After retiring and settling in Maryland, she returned to her love of the arts by taking classes at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis.

On June 13, 1953, Mary Ann married her beloved high school sweetheart, Captain William "Bill" E. Poling, USN. As a young couple, they loved exploring New York City, frequenting museums, Broadway shows, and nightclubs. Throughout their life together, they loved to dance, from the Copacabana in the 1940s to the Bolling AFB Officer’s Club in the 1980s. As a Navy officer’s wife, Mary Ann treasured hosting dinner parties and was a master at planning the perfect event.

As a military family, Mary Ann and Bill traveled the world, exploring the culture, art, and cuisine of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Caribbean, and Asia. Mary Ann was a devoted mother to her four children: William, Mary, Patricia (who passed away on July 5, 2019), and James. While Bill was away at sea or deployed, Mary Ann was a loving, fun, and energetic mother who expertly managed the household. She became a true relocation expert, moving her family more than 25 times in 30 years and using her creativity to adapt to each new location.

From an early age, Mary Ann carried a timeless elegance. Every detail—from her perfectly styled hair to her neatly applied lipstick—reflected her innate and impeccable sense of style.

She is survived by her sister, brother, three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband Bill, who passed away in 1987. Details will be provided once a date is confirmed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary Ann Poling's memory to the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts at: https://marylandhall.app.neoncrm.com/forms/mh-online-giving-page