Mary Ann Faber Travis
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Mary Ann Faber Travis

  • July 22, 1930 - October 25, 2011
  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Washburn University School of Nursing
    1700 SW College Ave
    Topeka, KS 66621
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Memories & Candles

“Jack Travis and Family, I was so saddened when I opened up the Newspaper and read about Mary Ann. We have thoroughly enjoyed the relationship...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Jim Schwartz - Topeka, KS

“Dear Dr. Travis, your children and grandchildren: I was saddened to learn of the death of Mary Ann and I offer to all of you my deepest sympathies...Read More » ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Henriette (Pruyser) Area - KS

“Jack, to you and your family I extend my deepest sympathy, love, and concern. Mary Ann was such an interesting person and so full of fun. Jay and...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Joye Staton - Topeka, KS

“John, Barbie, & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort for all of you. ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: Vicky Kelly - Topeka, KS

“I was so sorry to read of Mary Ann's passing. I will always remember her from your time in Topeka and at Our Savior's Lutheran. You have my most...Read More » ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Charlene Swanson - Topeka, KS

“Dr. Travis & Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts & prayers through this difficult time. I never knew Mary Ann...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Lisa Rieschick - Topeka, KS

“Jack,Ann,Peter,and John, I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of Mary Ann. she was a very loving...Read More » ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Martha Spencer - Topeka, KS

“Dear Jack: I remember you and Mary Ann well from your Topeka Jazz Workshop days. I am so sorry you have lost her. She was exactly my sge. TJW Inc...Read More » ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Marcene Grimes - Topeka, KS

“I have very fond memories of Mary Ann during the time I worked at St. Francis Hospital. She was a very friendly, knowledgeable, and caring person to...Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Vera Webster - Topeka, KS

“My heartfelt wishes go out to Dr. Jack and family. Jack you and Mary Ann were my best supporters along with Jim and Mary Jo McClure when I was in the...Read More » ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Swede Swenson - Topeka, KS

“May her soul rest in peace. ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Deepak Kumar - Bangalore, MO

“We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mary Ann Travis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. Love, Ginny amd Tom ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Ginny and Tom Edwards - Sparks, NV

“We're so sorry not to be there with you and celebrate Mary Ann's life. Big hugs to Jack and the children. Our love to all. Ralph & Karen Baehr ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Dr. Ralph & Karen Baehr - Seneca, SC

“The Staff of the Johnson County Chapel wishes to express our condolences to the Travis family. ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: Johnson County Chapel


Mary Ann Faber Travis was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 22, 1930, the only child of Donald and Izetta Faber. Mary Ann attended Downer Seminary in Milwaukee and then attended Northwestern University, where she obtained a masters' degree in medical technology with a focus in bacteriology. She met her future husband, Dr. John W. "Jack" Travis, while attending Northwestern. They were married on June 15, 1954, and remained the light of each others' lives through 57 years of marriage.
Mary Ann put her career aside while raising her children, but later took the bold step of returning to school at Washburn University, obtaining first a bachelor's in nursing with an emphasis in epidemiology and infection control and then a masters' degree in adult education from Kansas State University. Mary Ann spent two decades in the practice of nursing and infection control at St. Francis Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas, where she acquired the affectionate title of "Buglady." She was an active member of PEO and the alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. Mary Ann's passion, aside from her family and waging war on infectious diseases, was horseback riding. She spent many a wonderful afternoon riding the fields on her beloved Ladybird.
Mary Ann is remembered with love by her husband Jack, children Ann, Peter, and John, daughters in law Terrie and Barbie, and six grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, Laura, Will, and Meg. Mary Ann will be joining her first grandson Rob, in heaven.
Memorial Services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 28, 2011 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66206. Memorial contributions may be made to Washburn University School of Nursing, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66621.