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Mary Ann Heller Thyen: 1946-2009: The narrative below written lovingly by Tony.
Mary Ann attended Lafayette Senior High through her sophomore year when her family moved to Kansas City, Kansas where she graduated from high school. She returned to Lexington when she entered the University of Kentucky as a sophomore transfer student. She immediately joined a number of her Lafayette friends as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta at UK. While she attended UK she met Anthony (Tony) Thyen, Lafayette 1964, through mutual friends. They were married after graduating from UK in Lexington in May of 1968. Mary and Tony had four children during their 42 years of marriage: Andrew Thyen M.D. (Tyler, Texas), Adam Thyen (Austin, Texas), Catherine Thyen Haas (Waco, Texas) and Peter Thyen (Waco, Texas). All four of the children are Texas A&M graduates. Mary died in 2009 at the age of 62 leaving her husband, the four children and 7 grandchildren. She spoke frequently of her years and friends in Lexington and would have been very excited at the prospect of attending Lafayette’s 50th reunion and trading grandchildren stories with all her old classmates.
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Linda Mitchell (Birk)
When Mary Ann moved to Lexington (9th grade?), I remember thinking she was Pretty (trite but true), sassy as all get out with a booming cackle and huge smile. She also radiated intelligence. When Mary and Tony got together years later, I thought - Perfect!
Lynne Scott (Kearns)
I remember being at a slumber party in your basement, Linda...Mary was there...
Linda Mitchell (Birk)
Mary had a big, triangular hair net that night -- 2' per side. I remember a photo of her with arms outstretched . .getting that thing wrapped around her curlers.
Tony Thyen
Per Mary's mother who is now a spry 92 and doing remarkably well, the Hellers lived in Lexington from 1956 to 1962. Mary completed 4th through 10th grades in Lexington schools.
Ellen Everett (Warren)
Mary and I were in 6th grade together in Mrs. Lutie Azevedo's class the year Glendover opened. Mrs. Azevedo was an excellent, kind and firm teacher. We dressed in costumes for Greek Day which was held in the gymnasium, and I believe that Mary and I, along with other students, were in a photo taken that day which was published in the Lexington newspaper and a second photo was taken when we interviewed the school superintendent. I may still have those pictures. Part of Glendover was still under construction that year, and the cafeteria wasn't ready to use ... we had lunch at our desks. I recall that Mary was an excellent and energetic student! I was saddened to learn of her passing, but pleased to know about her children and grandchildren.
Linda Mitchell (Birk)
Was Mary at Lafayette Jr in 7th grade? My recollection is she came later from somewhere else (?). It has been long ago .. And yet not.
I enjoy these reflections... Linda
Ellen Everett (Warren)
Tony mentioned previously that the family moved to Lexington in 1956. We were 10 then.
Linda Mitchell (Birk)
Ellie,the problem is.. I wrote my note before seeing his narrative.
Tony Thyen
It is neat that you all remember Mary Ann after so many years. Unfortunately I can not fill in the blanks but will quiz her mother when I next see her. Her father is also still living (92). Her parents divorced after 42 years of marriage a number of years ago and now live in different parts of Texas. They remain friendly with each other. Mary (their oldest) and I remained close to both. I still see them frequently.