Mary Ann Finch Vandivier

Mary Ann Finch Vandivier, 86, of State College, Pennsylvania, died on Sunday, June 6, 2021. She was born on November 26, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Roscoe Wall Finch and Ann (Bird) Finch, both of whom were originally from the state of Indiana. Mary Ann moved to Greensburg, Indiana and then to Indianapolis following her father’s death in 1941. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis in 1952 and became a homemaker following her marriage to John C. Vandivier, Jr., in 1954.

In the 1980s, Mary Ann furthered her education by earning bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees from Indiana University in Bloomington. Her education included overseas study in Germany and Austria. Mary Ann operated a resume writing business, Finch Vandivier Writing Services, which she sustained, first in San Diego, California and then in Carmel, Indiana until her retirement in 2010.  

Mary Ann was passionate about art, sewing, creative writing, nature, and history. Her novel, “The Fathers,” published in 2016, tells a story about bias, racial tension, and justice that presages recent events in American history. In 2018, she played a lead role in an extraordinary production of the musical “Guys and Dolls.” The production brought theater to senior living in Juniper Village at Brookline in State College, and Mary Ann reveled in her chance to play the provocative role of Ms. Adelaide. This experience was merely an extension of Mary Ann’s earlier involvement in her church choir and the expressiveness displayed by her colorful oil paintings and artistic handmade clothes every one of which was made with fabric carefully chosen for its intrinsic quality and beauty. Those who knew her well appreciated her uplifting and creative spirit, which could be an inspiration.

At the core of her life was Mary Ann’s family. She is survived by her children Carl Vandivier of Bloomington, Indiana, Bill Vandivier of Denver Colorado, and Suzette Sims of State College, Pennsylvania, her daughter-in-law, Moumita Ghosh, her son-in-law, Damon Sims, and her adoring grandchildren, Ethan Sims, Nathaniel Sims, Maurakhee Vandivier, and Mainak Vandivier, as well as her stepchildren, Brian Matthysee and Sheryl Matthysse. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her first grandchild, Matthew Vandivier Sims.

A private family service will be held in Greensburg, Indiana, where Mary Ann will be buried among other members of her family. A memorial celebration of Mary Ann’s life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a favorite charity that expresses the essence of Mary Ann’s free spirit and passion for life.