Mary Ann (Cole) Perejda, 87, of Tatnuck Park Assisted Living, Worcester, formerly of Holliston, MA, died peacefully Sunday, June 18th in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence surrounded by her family. Her husband, Andrew died in 2021. She leaves her five children, Richard Perejda and his wife, Ginny of MO, Drew Perejda and his wife, Julie of AL, David Perejda and his wife, Jody of NH, Christopher Perejda and his wife, Cat of Holliston, Catherine Moran of Hudson; her grandchildren, Julia Perejda, Eric Perejda and his wife, Erin, Christopher Perejda and his wife, Hollie, Kelley Rufkahr and her husband, Jarod, Grace Ann Perejda, Sean Perejda, Jake Perejda, Matthew Perejda, Katelyn and Margaret Moran, Alexandra Perejda, Kelci Perejda, Darcee and Kael Perejda; and seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Elyse Perejda, Warner and Conrad Perejda, Wyatt, Emmett, and Barrett Rufkhar. Mary Ann is survived by her four brothers, Charles (Spike), Jim and Harry of Ontario, Canada, and Mike Cole of Vancouver. She also leaves 8 nieces and nephews from across Canada and in Switzerland. She was predeceased by her daughter, Mary Ann; and her sister, Patti Cole.
She was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada the daughter of the late Harry A. and Anna Catherine (Darby) Cole, and graduated from St. Clair Catholic High School in 1952. Mary Ann was an accomplished singer performing in events both public and private. Together with her husband, they raised five children while moving to Kokomo, Indiana; Homewood, IL; Wales Center, NY and then settling in Holliston, MA. While her children were growing up, she loved adventures, gardening, and spending time outdoors. In 1977, Mary Ann and Andrew started a business in Harvard Square, Pacos Tacos. She later worked at the Fay School in Southborough, MA, for over 20 years in the business office, where she enjoyed the diverse background of the children that attended there. Later in life, Mary Ann enjoyed planting perennials around her home and cooking the fresh veggies from the many farmstands she visited.
Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s name to the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.