Maridale McAnnany, born Maridale McNeese in Oasis, Iowa, on May 8, 1918, died Jan. 13, 2006, at Saint Mark’s in Austin.

Mari was raised in Albert Lea. While a young woman, Mari sang as radio personality &8220;Aunt Kate&8221; on KATE Radio, Albert Lea.

She married Robert McAnnany on June 29, 1940. Mari and Robert raised their six children in Austin.

Mari was preceded in death by her son, Alan, and husband, Robert.

She is survived by her sister, Mattie Meagher of Shakopee; sons Tim (Donna) of Rockfield, Ky., Bryan (Terry) of Crystal and Kevin (Barb) of New Brighton; daughters Pamela (Bob) Ballis of St. Paul and Paula (Bob) Truscio of Richfield; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Mari was a published member of the National Poets Society (Best Poets of 1997). Mari and Robert were longtime members of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Austin. They retired to Zephyrhills, Fla. for an 18-year period, ending in 1999 when they returned to Minnesota.

Mari was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and friend. She was an avid reader who loved music, crafts, sewing, games and history.

A memorial celebration will be at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 1001 Oakland Ave. E, Austin (507-433-1888), www.austincatholic.org, on Friday, Jan. 20. Mass is at 1 p.m. Visitation is one-half hour before Mass. Light refreshments served after Mass. Interment will be private. Memorials are preferred to Queen of Angels.