Mary Ann Indra was bread baker, a world traveler, a Stephen minister, a Lions Club member, and a seamstress. Mary Ann enjoyed giving her time, talents and treasures to those who were in need. Since 1977, Mary Ann shared her talents with the Grand Island Public Schools as an Educational and Visual Consultant for the Central Nebraska Support Services Program (CNSSP).
Through her work, Mary Ann helped children with visual impairments succeed in school and, therefore, succeed in life. Those who knew her well describe her, as a strong advocate for all children, especially those with special needs who needed her the most.
In February 2001, Mary Ann died of sudden heart failure. She was only 49. However, as Mary Ann's parents and friends are quick t say, Mary Ann and spunk. Her generous, selfless, giving to those who most needed her help did not end. After Mary Ann's death, her parents Orville and Catherine Indra made a very special gift. The Indras gifted Mary Ann's house to the Grand Island Education Foundation in a reserved life estate. The reserved life estate status allowed Mary Ann's parents to live in her home throughout the remainder of their lives. Although Mr. Indra passed away in November of this year, he was able to see the beginning of Mary' Ann's legacy prior to his death.
Gifts Transformed to Legacies
Knowing that additional educational facilities were needed to provide opportunities for children with special needs, the School District quickly matched the Indra's gift with a high impact project, one that would be sure to please Mary Ann's house as security to purchase the land across the street from Grand Island Senior High on the corner of Lafayette and Prospect streets. The property was then razed to make way for new development.
Construction of a 2,700 square foot home on the property began this fall. The home will be used to teach students with special needs functional independent living skills in a real environment. The house will also be home to the Transitional Living Program for special need students ages 19-21. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2004.
Not only will Mary Ann's legacy of helping special children succeed live on with this new functional home, but also, other students at Senior High who would not have normally come into contact with Mary Ann are benefiting. The students in the drafting classes submitted design ideas and had the opportunity to design a fully functional and yet handicap accessible home. The construction technology students are building this one-of-a-kind home to meet the accessibility expectations and are learning first hand the challenges of meeting these special building requirements.
As Mary Ann's co-workers and friends sorted through her things, they found mittens, shoes, and other items that were intended for her students. Kathy McFarland recalls that ""Mary Ann was so generous and thoughtful, she would buy things that her students needed"" However, Mary Ann'' mother Catherine was quick to point out that she and her husband Orville ""ever doubted what Mary Ann was thinking." Catherine also recalled Mary Ann sharing her feelings on accessibility for all students. "They should build a facility that all kids can use," Mary Ann would say. Because of Orville and Catherine's gift Mary Ann's dream of a fully accessible facility that all kids can use will come true.
