The story of Legacy Village of Cleveland resident Mary Ann Grossbier begins on a winter’s day—December 31, 1930—when she entered the world in the close-knit farming town of Shelby, Nebraska. Born to Gus and Bessie Korger, and nestled right in the middle of two brothers and three sisters, Mary Ann learned early how to carve out her own space in a house that was always humming with life. Being the middle child suited her—she became a quiet observer, a natural peacemaker, and someone who found delight in life’s small surprises.

One of her favorite memories from those early years is a little out of the ordinary: as a girl, she cared for a pet squirrel, a creature she loved and tended with gentle hands. It’s a memory that stands out, a reminder of the creativity and affection that have always been at the heart of who she is.

Her father worked long hours tending dairy cows, and the lessons he passed down were simple but lasting. “Behave yourself,” he’d say—a phrase Mary Ann still smiles about today, because she knows just how much ground those two words covered. That advice became a kind of compass, guiding her choices with quiet steadiness as she grew.

Love was never far from home for Mary Ann. Her future husband, Alex Grossbier, lived just down the road. What started as a neighborly friendship grew into a partnership built on trust and laughter—one that carried them through decades of highs and lows, and gave them four children to cherish. Today, Mary Ann’s family has grown to include five grandchildren, each one a source of pride and joy.

Mary Ann devoted 25 years to teaching cosmetology, earning a reputation as an expert in her field. Her dedication left a mark on everyone who walked through her classroom door. She taught with patience and had a knack for making even the trickiest techniques feel approachable. Many of her students went on to find success as professionals, carrying her lessons with them. What they remember most is the way Mary Ann encouraged their creativity, believed in their potential, and built a legacy that lives on in the many she trained over the years.

When she wasn’t teaching, Mary Ann found peace in the gentle rhythm of candle making—a hands-on hobby that asks for patience and rewards with warmth and light. It’s an extension of her spirit: warm, steady and always quietly brightening up her corner of the world.



When asked what she would tell her younger self, Mary Ann answers with the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life well lived: “Live life to the fullest.” It’s advice she has truly embodied—through her devotion to family, her dedication at work, her creativity, and her gentle spirit. You can see it in the way she cares for others, the pride she takes in her craft, and the quiet joy she brings to every day.

Mary Ann’s life is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the strength of kindness, and the joy that comes from sharing yourself with others. We’re honored to celebrate Mary Ann Grossbier—a woman whose gentle strength continues to inspire everyone fortunate enough to know her.