Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Mary Ann Goree Obituary
Mary Ann Goree, 93, of Altura, died on June 6, 2025, at Lake Winona Manor. She was born on June 19, 1931, in Pine Creek, Wisconsin, to August and Florence (Gibbons) Jereczek. Mary Ann lived a life full of love, laughter, and sacrifice as a cherished mother and dedicated community member in Altura, Minnesota, where she raised her seven children.
Mary Ann, a proud graduate of Cathedral High School in Winona, married the love of her life, James Floyd Goree, Sr., on May 18, 1952, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Creek, WI. As an Army wife, she traveled extensively but ultimately found her true home in Altura, where her heart and her family became firmly rooted.
Mary Ann was known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness. She was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Birth Right Club, Appalachian Charities, Lewiston Legion, and the Altura Homemakers. Her nurturing spirit extended to Cub Scouts of America, where she served as a den mother and hosted countless meetings. As a CCD teacher, she shared her faith and wisdom with the next generation.
Beyond her community contributions, Mary Ann adored spending time with her family. She found joy in crocheting, gardening, and immersing herself in the world of genealogy and scrapbooking. She had a knack for photography, always capturing precious moments in photo albums filled with love. Mary Ann was a devoted attendee at her children's events, cheering them on with all her heart.
Survived by her loving husband of 72 years, James Goree; children, Timothy James (Kim) Goree, Gary Joseph Goree, Roslyn Ann Helberg, Marilyn Ann Kukowski, Carolyn Ann Goree, James Floyd Jr. (Lynn) Goree, Joel Robert (Sherry) Goree; grandchildren, Scott, Jenny, Brian, Brad, Sammi, Melissa, Rachel, David, Jonathon, Christopher, Kyle, Jordyn, Landon, Sheldon, Mitchel, Brittney; many great-grandchildren; and brother, James Jereczek.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, August and Florence Jereczek; and three sisters, Rose Marie Bronk, Dorothy Herber, and Donna Boberg.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, MN at 11am. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Mary Ann will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Oak Ridge, MN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
90 Rice St, Lewiston, MN 55952
People and places connected with Mary Ann
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Ann Goree
Tell your own story about Mary Ann
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Mary Ann Goree's name
How to support Mary Ann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Ann Goree's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
