Mary Ann Kanervo

Mary Ann (Robb) Kanervo passed away peacefully from heart failure. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, lover of life and a cherished friend to many. 

A Life Master in Bridge at the Indianapolis Bridge Center, Mary Ann had a passion for the game that begin shortly after college. She hosted a monthly couples’ bridge club for almost 40 years. She was a true social butterfly. As an enthusiastic lover of the symphony, she made sure to support the arts in her community. 

For nearly 30 years, she worked for Fiscal Tax until her retirement in 2020. Throughout her life, she was a proud dog lover/owner, avid traveler and boating enthusiast. In her younger years, she was a skilled ping pong player, capable bowler and high school volleyball player. Above all, Mary Ann could strike up a chat with anyone, continuously making friends along the way.

Mary Ann adored her grandchildren, Ayrton (14), Harper (11), Tommy (19), and Nico (16). She loved to spend time with them, whether in Indianapolis, IN or Jackson Hole, WY. Her faith was central to her life. She sang in the choir at Meadowlawn Christian Church for many years and late in life she joined St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Alan Kanervo, as well as her three siblings, Dave, Art, and Ed Robb. She is survived by her two daughters, Brooke Kanervo Ross and Andrea Kanervo Caruso (Tom Caruso), along with her four grandchildren and her loving partner of the past six years, Doug Day.

Watching her children and then grandchildren succeed brought her joy, whether it was horseback riding, tennis, soccer, basketball or hockey. She traveled the country east coast to west coast to cheer them on. Mary Ann’s compassionate spirit extended beyond her family. She worked as a social worker before becoming a mother, dedicating her time to finding homes and providing care for countless children in need, a passion she inherited from her mother, a foster parent.

A celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held on May 30th, with time and location details to follow. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial donations should be made to St Lukes United Methodist Church, 100 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260 or the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, www.indianapolissymphony.org.