Ann Maureen Carey, lovingly known by many as “Ma” or “Grannie Annie”, and the Matriarch of our family, broke free of her earthly struggle during sleep at her country home outside of Unity, WI, on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the age of 77.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Halder, WI, at a later date.

Ann was born in Oxnard, California on December 13, 1939 to parents Guy and Dora (Blackwell) Metcalf.  She was united in marriage to Patrick H. Carey in Camarillo, California on August 28, 1955.  They shared a love story of 62 years.

Ann, a proud military wife, mother and great-grandmother, supported our military throughout her life.  Following her husband’s honorable discharge from the U. S. Navy, Pat and Ann moved their family to his home state of Wisconsin in 1968.

It is very difficult to summarize her life into a few words; especially when she was the most influential, loving, strong, forgiving, honest, fun and bravest person you have known. When she spoke of her life, she cherished her family, stating that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made up the best part of her life.  She spoke often of the pride she held for each of them, and that her biggest success in life was raising a family, saying that “If you can do that, you can conquer anything”.  The difficulty of losing her son, Guy Roger, when he was six months old was devastating.  She found the only way to move on was to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Her mission in life was to provide a stable home so that her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids would know they have or would have some place to go if they were ever in need.  She wanted them to: “Remember when I am gone, that I was always there for them, through thick and thin”.  Her best advice to them is an Army slogan: “Be All You Can Be”.  “Be the best that you can”.

Ann was a strong and resilient woman, who never stopped learning about the world around her.  The biggest “culture shock” for her, a city girl from southern California, was moving to a small rural community in central Wisconsin to become a dairy farmer, and endure our Wisconsin winters.  She strove to expand her knowledge of dairy farming and the dairy industry.  She also enjoyed her studies in Business Administration and was very proud to say that she never applied for a job and was always asked to work.

Ann enjoyed family visits, reading, computer games, casino gambling, her flower gardens (lovingly tended by her daughter, Teresa), and discussing current events.

She, like her father, was admired for quick wit. She had a fierce love for her family and never seemed to forget a birthday or anniversary.  Beloved by many, she will be greatly missed.

Ann is survived by her husband Patrick “Rambo” Carey, six children: Patrick Jr. (Rick) Carey of Saukville, WI, Teresa (Jim) Zahn of Spencer, WI, Joan (Arnie) Carey-Gebelein of Auburndale, WI, Michael (Karen) Carey and Frank (Naomi) Carey of Unity, WI, John (Robin) Carey of Edgar, WI, and 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two siblings Cora Oliver of Martinez, CA, and William Metcalf of San Diego, CA, and family friend, Tonya Brown of Abbotsford, WI, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents Guy and Dora (Blackwell) Metcalf; siblings

Verna Metcalf, Camma Marie Grisham, Alta Chastain, Vance Orel Metcalf, Charles Edward Metcalf, Rosemary Lanthorne, Harold Metcalf, and Michael Metcalf (twin); son Guy Roger Carey, great-granddaughter Taylor Rayne, daughter-in-law Jackie (Patrick Jr.) Carey, and grandson-in-law Jeff Meyer.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donation may be sent in her name to the following charities:

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

https://act.autismspeaks.org

https://www.stjude.org