Mary Ann (Gardonio) Boyat age 92 of Duluth, died on July 21, 2024. She was born in Cordenons, Italy, on December 17, 1931. At the age of 6, Mary Ann and her mother moved to the United States.
They joined her father, who had already been working in the States for a couple of years. Not knowing any English, Mary Ann was given one year to assimilate to American life, before joining the first grade. She was a 1950 graduate of Morgan Park High School.
She met the love of her life, Bob “Harvey” Boyat while roller skating at the Curling Club. They built their home in Smithville. There, they raised 5 beautiful children, and many stray animals.
They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before Harvey’s passing in 2010. Her church, St. Georges Serbian Orthodox Church was always close to Mary Ann’s heart.
She was past President of the St. George’s Ladies Circle, and a member of their choir. She was also engaged in many civic organizations, serving as President of Duluth AFS and PTA for Duluth Public Schools.
In 1999 Mary Ann had the opportunity to travel back to Cordenons and stay in the house where she was born. Later in life, she wintered in Tuscan, AZ. More than anything, Mary Ann loved her family.
Her love-language was baking and cooking. She learned how to make various traditional Serbian dishes. Her famous “Boyat bars” will never be forgotten.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Angelo & Luigia (Cancian) Gardonio; husband, Bob “Harvey” Boyat; daughter-in.