Mary Ann (Wetterholm) Gulbranson

It is with great sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Mother, Mary Ann Gulbranson (nee Wetterholm) who passed tragically and unexpectedly on March 2, 2023.

Mary Ann was born in Chicago, on September 30, 1944 to parents Arvid and Anna (nee Wiora) Wetterholm.  As the youngest of three and only daughter, Mary Ann was given the nickname “Cookie”, a moniker she held dear and throughout her life.

Mary Ann, along with her siblings,  called the Lakeview area of Chicago home throughout her childhood.  She graduated from Lakeview High School and lived in Chicago for many years afterward. Mary Ann worked for many years in the heart of Chicago as a secretary for a law firm upon meeting her “soulmate” and future husband, Gilmore C. Gulbranson.

On December 21, 1963, Mary Ann married Gilmore Charles Gulbranson. Upon moving to Barrington in 1973, where Mary Ann still continued to reside, they had and raised four daughters. Mary Ann dedicated her life to her family.

Upon the passing of her beloved husband of 49 years, Gilmore, in 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Mary Ann continued to be a presence and a force for her family. In both her love and her spirit, which will never be replaced.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Arvid and Anna (nee Wiora) Wetterholm, and another brother, Roy Wetterholm. She tragically passed along with her brother, Richard A. Wetterholm.

Surviving family includes four daughters, Rebecca Ann Gulbranson of Crystal Lake, Christine Heinrich (nee Gulbranson) of Cary, Rachel McDougall (nee Gulbranson) of West Dundee, Erica Gulbranson of Crystal Lake; her stepson, Jeffrey Charles (Barbara) Gulbranson, of Granger, Indiana; and her five grandchildren, Kimberly Gulbranson, Emma and Austin Heinrich, and August and Benjamin McDougall.

Mary Ann was loved and admired by all. Called a “Saint” by her late sister-in-law, Marietta Hangartner (nee Gulbranson), Mary Ann was truly a woman that everyone had a kind word about. Known as “Grandma Cookie” to her grandchildren and those close to her, Mary Ann was selfless and had a deep love and dedication to her family.  Her positivity and smiles, her love for cooking and baking, and her resilience after her husband’s passing will forever be remembered and cherished. She loved time with her family, wine tastings, with her absolute favorite being Fergeddaboutit Vineyard and Winery in Hanover, IL. Mary Ann also enjoyed attending and cheering her twin grandsons, August and Benjamin, in Little League baseball, dinners at Farmhouse on North in downtown Barrington, as well as performances at the Fireside Theater in Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin. Strong in her faith, she was an amazing Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend. At the time of her passing, she was also a Hero. As her brother, Richard A. Wetterholm passed of a heart attack while driving, she prevented their vehicle from hitting others and spared others that morning by being what all knew her to be throughout her life,  SELFLESS.

A double visitation will be held with her brother, Richard, on Thursday, March 9, from 4 until 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St., Barrington.   Visitation will continue on Friday morning, March 10, from 9:30 until a service at 11am at the funeral home.   Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.