Mary Ann Elsbernd, 71, of Grand Island, NE, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 22, 2023, at CHI Health St. Francis. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, July 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Martin L. Egging will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Your thoughts and prayers me be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Mary Ann's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Mary Ann was born January 3, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, NE. She is the daughter of Leonard A. and Mildred (Starman) Henke. Mary Ann grew up in Grand Island attending Blessed Sacrament Grade School and graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic in 1970. She moved to Washington D.C. after graduation where she worked for the FBI. She returned to Grand Island in 1974 continuing her education at Grand Island Business School receiving her Associate Degree in Business Science. She worked at Principal Financial before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs working as a medical support assistant retiring in November of 2017. Mary Ann's faith was very important to her, she discerned entering a religious community as she continued her faith education. Mary Ann was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Charter member of Catholic Daughters of Americas Court Queen of Peace 2227 and was a past Regent. She was active in the Jr. Catholic Daughters and the RCIA program at Blessed Sacrament. She was a 2nd and 4th grade Religious Education teacher for 30 years, enjoying teaching young children during their sacramental years and was a Eucharistic Minister for 30 years also. Mary Ann was a talented seamstress sewing clothes for her granddaughters and neighbors, and wedding gowns for her nieces. She was instrumental in T-shirts for Africa, a program that supplied 1000's of T-shirts for needy children in Africa. Mary Ann is survived by her partner of 15 years, John L. Smith of Grand Island, NE. Sons, Jeremy Elsbernd of Grand Island, NE Brian (Heather) Elsbernd of Grand Island, NE and their daughters Natalie and Avlyn Sisters, Gladys Suares of San Jose, CA Doris Henke of Grand Island, NE Numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friend, Steve Powell. She is preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Rose Mary Henke, Rita Henke, and Diane Henke. Visitation Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Thursday, July 27, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 518 West State Street Grand Island, NE 68801 Vigil Service Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:00 PM 518 West State Street Grand Island, NE 68801 Mass of Christian Burial Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Friday, July 28, 2023 10:30 AM 518 West State Street Grand Island, NE 68801