originally posted on 3/11/2022
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Cherish every moment and every person in your life because you never know when will be the last time you see someone. Life is fragile. Take nothing for granted. — 3AM Thoughts
The world is a little less jovial, as ACE lost an active and beloved member recently. Mary Ann Jaram of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, lost a well-fought battle with a short illness on January 12, 2022. News of her loss came heavily to many members as Mary Ann was a source of light and laughter at ACE and park events in which she and her husband participated. Mary Ann and Ed were active members of ACE Western Pennsylvania, earning the coveted Golden Kenny Award for their outstanding spirit and contributions in 2013. She and Ed were also active in Great Ohio Coaster Club, Western New York Coaster Club and National Amusement Park Historical Association circles.
As a lifelong resident of the area, Mary Ann was a faithful and selfless member of Wooddale Bible Brethren Church, where she volunteered in the nursery (helping with the babies was one of her favorites) and was a member of the Ladies Missionary Group. She was also a volunteer for the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, serving as a volunteer and usher at the historic Palace Theater in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Photo: May Reinert Ubinas. View full-sized image.
I looked forward to seeing Mary Ann because I knew I would be greeted by that beautiful smile and a comment to tease me about something. She kept me laughing and never disappointed. There was always a hug at the end. She had a loving and genuine personality that showed you just how much she cared. Mary Ann will always be one of a kind.
— Jeff “JJ” Filicko, Marketing and Communications Manager, Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, Texas)
Mary Ann was one of my first ACE friends. She was loyal, funny, kind and never failed to ask how Nikki was doing if she wasn't with me. After most events, I could expect a few photos in the mail from Mary Ann that I had no idea she had taken. I'll always treasure them and the memory of her smile and laugh.
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE Publications Director
Mary Ann definitely brought the sunshine with her wherever she went. If you weren’t having a great day, within 30 seconds of being with Mary Ann your mood was completely different and you were ready to take on anything! Being able to see Mary Ann was one of the great highlights of any event here at the park.
— Wes Ramey, Public Relations Director, Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
I first got to know Mary Ann back in 2003, when both she and my oldest daughter participated in the Blue Streak Challenge, a fundraising event for the maintenance and upkeep of the iconic Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park. Over the years, as we attended various events together, our friendship grew. Mary Ann was always taking photos with her little blue digital camera. I recall several occasions being on a coaster train ready to pull out of the station, when I would hear this "Hey Steve" coming from behind the station gates. I would turn my head just in time to see Mary Ann snap a photo of me. A few weeks after the event, I would get a card in the mail and the photo would be included. I still have every one.
You always knew when Mary Ann was nearby, because she had a distinctive voice that was a few decibels louder than anything else in the area. I say that in a joking way, because I'll truly miss it. She was such a nice person and such a good, good friend.
— Steve Smith, ACE Eastern Great Lakes
Many people may not know that Mary Ann volunteered with the group at Conneaut Lake Park. That is how I first knew her. She was always, well, very "Mary Ann" and thankfully always a great supporter of the park and the people involved. I could always count on her for a good word and positivity there. I will always remember her positive and constant support of ACE and the smaller parks, sometimes by just showing up.
— Sarah Windisch, ACE Western Pennsylvania
Mary Ann brightened every room she entered, and speaking with her and Ed has always been a highlight for me at ACE events or their visits to the park. She will be greatly missed.
— Pete Owens, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, Dollywood
Sometimes there are those purely positive people in your life who make you feel so good when you’re around them that it makes you ache inside when you have to part ways — even if it’s just temporarily. Mary Ann would give me a hug and say, “I’m so glad you came.” I’m glad I got to know Mary Ann, even if it was just for a couple years.
— David Bellamy-Bise, ACE Eastern Great Lakes
Mary Ann was one of the sweetest ladies I will ever know. She has such a childlike spirit and always knew how to make people laugh and smile. She always gave the greatest life advice and knew how to live a fun, fulfilling life. She has such a strong place in my heart for her love, care and sweetness. She will be dearly missed for all of the ACE family, but we will never forget her memory.
— Chloe Dillon, ACE Western Pennsylvania
One of my favorite memories of Mary Ann was when we tricked Tony during Coaster Con XL. The room we were staying in had an HVAC issue (Texas in June…that’s pretty important), so the hotel swapped us into a nearby room. We didn’t tell Tony about the change (he was busy in the lobby), so Mary Ann, Ed and I removed all of our personal belongings from the defective room. Tony returned to the old room and looked all over the place for us and his suitcase, all while we watched and snickered from the keyhole of the new room across the hallway. He looked like a lost puppy for a few minutes. I will never forget her and miss her “MaryAnn-isms,” laugh and warm hugs.
— May and Tony Ubinas, Assistant Regional Representatives, ACE New York City
When we moved into the house, I bought a small 10-inch cutting of the corkscrew willow. I thought this would look really cool outside the Renaissance room giving it a great theming. It eventually got so big it grew up over top of our house. It had a great Halloween look and much personality with every year of growth. When a big snowstorm happened, we lost the willow, all of it. As we dug it out of the snow, I was told to take a few cuttings in the chance of a miracle. The cuttings were dormant, so I doubted any of them would take root. On the day Mary Ann passed away, the willow sprouted roots. It will be replanted and the tree name will be Mary Ann in her honor.
— Kim and Rob Steffen, ACE Mid-Atlantic
We have been friends with the Jarams for many years. One of our favorite memories of her didn't take place at an ACE event, but instead at our wedding at Waldameer (Erie, Pennsylvania). At the end of the reception after most of the guests had left the pavilion, the song "Love Rollercoaster" came on. Mary Ann got up and started dancing and then Geff joined in. Her spirit is a flame that can never be extinguished. We love you, Mary Ann.
— Noreen and Geff Ford, Assistant Regional Representatives, ACE New York State
Mike and I have many fond memories of our time with Ed and Mary Ann at roller coaster events across the country. The head-to-head competition she and I had during the Midway Olympics at Coaster Con XL led to our growing back and forth ribbing about her being “5-Star” (referring to her hotel stays) versus my being “Trailer Park” (referring to our small travel trailer camper set up). This badgering was always in good nature and our special way of greeting each other. We always enjoyed our time riding on the Dollywood steam train as well. Mary Ann took it upon herself to “herd the cats” on the train to make sure Mike, Luko (Simlesa) and Tony (Ubinas) were following the rules. She played the part of the conductor to see that the “small children” were always seated in the middle of the row. She also took many candid pictures on her concealed “point and shoot” camera. That resulted in a surprise card in the mail a couple weeks following our time together. I came to appreciate and look forward to these cards over the years as our friendship grew.
She genuinely loved every moment our little group spent together. She showed everyone the same amount of respect regardless of one’s position in the park we were visiting or within any organization. I appreciated that she always asked about my children and grandson. When they were with us, she treated them as if they were part of her own family. Mary Ann was a good listener and willing to offer timely advice for any situation that was being discussed. Over the years, we solved a lot of the world’s problems in amusement park and truck stop parking lots across the country. The last conversation we had was in a parking lot just two weeks before she got sick. We solved some seriously important problems that day. They were mostly about her being in love with Tom Brady (cue Ed’s eyes rolling) or meeting Dolly Parton in person. My heart was always warmed by those wacky moments and her deep momma bear hugs.
My relationships with others are stronger because of watching Mary Ann’s interactions with friends and family. She is a role model for showing unconditional friendship and love for us.
— Kris and Mike Leach, ACE Eastern Great Lakes
Mary Ann will be missed by all who had the honor to know her. Amusement parks will be sadly quieter in her absence. Rest well, friend!
— Kris Leach, Assistant Editor ACE News, Assistant Regional Representative ACE Eastern Great Lakes
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