Mary Ann Katta

Mary Ann (Tucker) Katta, 75, of Dunkirk, passed away Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center with her loving family by her side, ending a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Brownville, NY, on February 23, 1950, daughter of the late John and Hilda (Hoselton) Tucker.

A graduate of General Brown High School, Class of 1968, Mary Ann continued her education at Jefferson Community College and Fredonia State University, where she graduated with a masters degree in education. After several years of teaching in the Watertown area, Mary Ann returned to Dunkirk where she began teaching English at St. Hyacinth Parochial School. She taught there for over 30 years, retiring when the school closed in 2007.

Mary Ann, who was not raised Catholic, was baptized as an adult by Monsignor Casimir Zak to ensure her teaching position within the Catholic school. She married Thomas E. Katta in August 1973 at St. Hyacinth's Church.

Mary Ann had a passion for teaching. She was a wonderful educator, mentor and friend to so many students throughout the years. She loved keeping in contact with many of her former students and took pride in knowing she influenced the lives of so many students and their families.

She belonged to Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hyacinth, where she was a member of the church choir, as well as volunteered her time at many church lawn festivals, card parties and craft shows through the years. She also ran the kitchen during Thursday bingo nights for several years.

Mary Ann's favorite time was any time she was able to spend with her grandchildren. She was their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Whether it was at sporting events, dance recitals, or school plays, "Bama" was always there rooting on her grandkids. She was beyond proud of her grandkids and everything they were involved in .

Mary Ann is survived by her loving daughters, Jeanette (Dwayne Kozlowski) Katta and Michelle (Bill) Kuras; four grandchildren Robert John Kozlowski, Gracey Kozlowski, Hannah Kuras, and Aubrey Kuras. She is also survived by her sister Ethel Tucker, sister-in-law Mabel Tucker, as well as her husband Thomas' family; brothers Robert (Linda) Katta, Raymond (Linda) Katta, and sister Barbara Katta. She is further survived by her nieces Carol Oliver, Susan Heise, Wendi Katta, Lori Katta, Holly Katta, Amanda Bartela; nephews John Tucker and Nick Saden.

Besides her parents, Mary Ann is preceded in death by her husband Thomas, who died June 1, 2014; two brothers Thomas and Leonard Tucker and her father and mother-in-law, August and Genevieve Katta.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth; 295 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. 

*****The Funeral Mass will be held at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home at 10 a.m. due to weather*****