Mary Ann Tremaine

Mary Ann Tremaine, Real Estate Pioneer and Flint Philanthropist, Dies at 95

Mary Ann Tremaine, a pioneering entrepreneur and champion of Flint, Michigan, who redefined success while serving her community with dedication, died peacefully of natural causes on January 10th, surrounded by her 4 children. She was 95.

Mary Ann Tremaine’s life was a study in resilience and ambition. Petite and graceful, she was often described as the epitome of a “lady.” Yet behind her quiet demeanor lay a fierce resolve that carried her through personal and professional challenges to leave an indelible mark on her beloved community.

Born in 1929, Ms. Tremaine earned a two-year degree from Baker College before embarking on a career as a personal assistant to F.A. Bower, Buick Motor Division’s revered chief engineer. At the age of 50 she founded Tremaine Real Estate which thrives today in three locations in Genesee County. Mary Ann mentored literally hundreds of new Realtors as well as seasoned agents, over a dozen of which became successful brokers.

Mary Ann was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Flint YMCA, a position she held for 32 years. She also lent her leadership to the Flint Institute of Arts and various other non-profits, often giving anonymously to support local causes in particular the Flint Cultural Center was near and dear to her.

Among her other achievements was the acquisition and transformation of Parkview Manor Apartments into sought-after condominiums, a project emblematic of her vision for Flint's renewal. A prestigious place to live to this day.

A life-long practicing Catholic, Mary Ann not only attended mass weekly, but formed a scholarship fund that in perpetuity that provides students with tuition assistance to attend Power’s Catholic High School.

Ms. Tremaine is survived by her sister, Lucille Martel of Genesee Township; her children, Brett, Jennifer, Spring, and John Tremaine; and seven grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, philanthropy, and an enduring belief in Flint’s potential.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday January 14, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton, Fr. David Harvey celebrant. Interment in St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-8 PM Monday, January 13 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. There will be a prayer at 7:00 followed by a Time of sharing. There will be visitation again from 10 AM until the time of the Mass at 11 AM on Tuesday January 14 at the church. 

A Celebration of Life will be 4 - 7 PM January 24, 2025 at the Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503. 

Please bring a donation of new hats and mittens to be donated to the YMCA. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to ALZ.org or FlintCultural.org.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.