Maryanne Elizabeth Maier

In Loving Memory of Maryanne Elizabeth Maier
January 13, 1934 – June 20, 2026

Maryanne Elizabeth Maier, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at the age of 92 in Sarasota, Florida.

Born in Rochester, New York, Maryanne lived a life that was anything but ordinary. She charted her own course, created her own destiny, and embraced every chapter of her life with enthusiasm, courage, love, and boundless energy. A force of nature in every sense, she approached life as a grand adventure and inspired those around her to do the same.

Blessed with beauty, charisma, and an infectious spirit, Maryanne was a true social butterfly who gathered friends wherever she went. She had a gift for making connections, welcoming people into her life, and creating lasting friendships. Whether planning an outing, exploring a new place, or simply sharing a conversation, she was always ready for the next adventure. Maryanne was a world traveler, visiting many countries and continents around the world, bringing friends and family with her and creating amazing memories along the way.

Maryanne was an accomplished and award-winning artist whose stunning seascapes captured the beauty, power and serenity of the sea she loved so deeply. She studied at the Paier School of Art in Connecticut and earned recognition and awards at home and abroad throughout her artistic career for her talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft. One of the highlights of her career was being commissioned by The Barnum Museum Foundation to complete a painting of P.T. Barnum’s meeting in New York with “The Swedish Nightengale” Jenny Lind. The National League of American Pen Women recognized this work as historical and, as a result, in the late 1970’s Maryanne was invited to a reception at the White House where she met Rosalyn Carter. She often spoke about this encounter as being one of the most memorable moments of her life. Through her paintings, she shared her unique vision of the world and left behind a legacy of beauty that will last for generations.

After spending her early years in Lynn, Massachusetts, Maryanne and her husband, Robert, made their home in Milford, Connecticut, where they raised their family. Following Robert's passing in 1995, she eventually settled in Sarasota, Florida, where she spent the last 34 years of her life. Sarasota became her cherished home, a place where she enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the sea, and the companionship of countless dear friends.

Her faith was an essential part of her life, and she found comfort, purpose, and community through her beloved Saint Armand’s Key Lutheran Church. She was very active in the Women’s Ministry and the Book Club. She also took charge of the various paintings that hung in the church and was responsible for their placement throughout the different seasons. She was critical in establishing the columbarium where the ashes of the cremated are held. She will be interned there. On her 90th birthday, Maryanne’s family gifted to the church the chimes that ring out 3 times daily. She was surprised and ecstatic to learn of this tribute.

During the pandemic, Maryanne inadvertently started a rock garden that ended up bringing love, light and positivity to those who were struggling or just needed a connection during this difficult time. At first, it was just a few small hand painted lady bugs that she placed in a corner of St Armand’s Circle. It quickly grew into an army of devoted rock painters, all of whom continue to this day painting rocks with messages, images and signs of love, joy and peace. The Magical Garden of St. Armand’s, as it is known today, has been written up as a place of interest in Sarasota.

Maryanne is survived by her three children: Robert Maier and his wife, Mary Riley Maier, of Sarasota, Florida; Cynthia Kemp and her husband, Stephen Kemp, of Culpeper, Virginia; Randall Maier (deceased) and Marybeth Bisson and her husband Steve Bisson, of Boston, Massachusetts. She was the proud grandmother of Alexandra Silver, Victoria Kemp, Ian Maier, Stephen Bisson, William Kemp, Jason Bisson Kerr, and Spencer Bisson, and the loving great-grandmother of Charles Silver and Arthur Silver. Maryanne also leaves behind her beloved partner John Filak of Sarasota, Florida who filled her later life with love and happiness.

Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created, the beauty she brought into the world, and the love she shared with family and friends will endure for generations. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the example she set: to be fearless, joyful, creative, and fully alive.
Maryanne's was a life beautifully lived, deeply loved, and forever remembered.

"Like the tides she painted so beautifully, Maryanne's influence will continue to move through the lives of those she loved—steady, enduring, and impossible to forget."

Maryanne’s wish was to be cremated. Her ashes will rest in the columbarium in St Armand’s Key Lutheran Church. A memorial service in her honor will be planned for later this Summer/Fall.