Maryann Frances Couch

Maryann Frances McDonnell Couch was born on February 6, 1935 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Irene and Michael McDonnell. She was the second of four siblings: Frank, Margaret, and Jack. Her family relocated to California in 1951, where she attended St. Anthony’s High School and later Long Beach City College.
Maryann soon fell in love with one of Frank’s football teammates at the City College, Donald Couch. That love carried her to France, where Don was deployed in the United States Army, and where the two would be married in in 1955. Don and Maryann bought a home in Lakewood, California, where they lived and raised their family together for 44 years until his passing in 1999. She was a hardworking mother and a devout Catholic, teaching preschool at Lakewood First Presbyterian for twenty years before retiring in 1999.
She is admired by her loved ones for her spirited personality and sharp sense of humor—she was laughing until the very end. While she enjoyed gardening, knitting, and reading romance novels, Maryann will always be remembered for her profound love of family. She never lost the determination to spend time with her siblings and extended family throughout the country, and never ceased to light up the room during these visits.
Maryann, 81, passed away on December 11, 2016 in Mission Viejo, California. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her brother Frank, and her sister Margaret. She is survived by her brother Jack, five loving children, Donald, Norah, Michael, Eric, and Lorna, as well as 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed dearly and forever in our hearts.
A funeral service for Maryann will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Long Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Maryann by having any donations given to the Cancer Research Institute at www.cancerresearch.org .
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401