RACINE- On January 17th the matriarch of our family courageously went to sleep with the Lord. Mary Ann was born to Frank and Helen Haertl on March 1st, 1938 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.She attended St. Catherine's grade school, Messmer High School (class of 1956) and Mount Mary College. She became a Catholic school teacher, teaching at various Racine and South Milwaukee schools, retiring from St. Stephens in 1992. Mary Ann was a selfless, loyal, loving, and devout person. She cared for her first husband, Roy Le Tendre, as he battled multiple sclerosis, up until his passing in 2004. She babysat for her grandchildren Kelsey and Madeline Secor, Jeffery and Joshua Janasiak and Jonathon and Lauren Le Tendre. The kids loved going to "Grandma's School". She also dearly loved her grandson Joseph Le Tendre who she enjoyed visiting in New Jersey. Mary Ann enjoyed traveling, visiting various light houses, and going to her cabin in Montello, Wisconsin. She also enjoyed spending time with her brother in Florida, going to Door County, and Maggie Mae barn dances. At home, her favorite pastime was reading and solving Sudoku puzzles. Above all she most enjoyed spending time with those she loved. She endured a short battle with pancreatic cancer, only finding out in August of 2017 of her condition. She is survived by her loving husband Howard Helstad, who brought her much joy in her later years. Further survived by brother James Haertl of Milwaukee, her children Ronald L. Le Tendre (Tina Bell), Michael J. Le Tendre (Geraldine), Robert C. Le Tendre (Sally) and Suzanne (David) Janasiak, step children Jonathon Helstad (Karen), Jeffery Helstad (Elizabeth) and Heidi Rutkowske (Joseph), grandchildren Kelsey, Joseph, Jonathon, Madeline, Lauren, Joshua and Jeffery, step grandchildren Adrianna and Morgan Helstad, Brother-in-law Eugene Le Tendre (Carol), many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas and sisters in law Giesla Haertl and Nancy Helstad. Her beautiful smile and loving nature will be missed by all who knew her. We love you mom, until we meet again. Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Ann will be held at St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Dr. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen