Mary Anne Gamboa peacefully left our world surrounded by her family on May 3, 2018.

Mary Anne was born in Austin, Texas on July 25^th, 1942 to Delores and Prajedes “Sylvia” Gamboa.

She was wife to Fred Harbison, his beloved “Maggie”.

Mary Anne lived life with a passion for literature and art. Self-taught in mosaics, her Norfolk Mermaid “Rainbow” can be seen at 4455 South Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA.

She was a member of the Women’s Art Club and served as President of the Tidewater Art Alliance for several years. Mary Anne, when not in her art studio, could be found perusing the aisles of her local library, museum halls, local beaches, and all the natural beauty of the Tidewater area. Despite never finishing her college studies, she was a voracious reader, fierce intellectual, and believer in fairness, liberty, and justice. Mary Anne contributed her time to progressive causes through the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus.

Perhaps her most famous masterpieces where made in the kitchen. Her cooking filled the souls of friends and family with flavors of love and aromas of kindness.

Mary Anne made Virginia Beach her home in 1975 and raised her four children, Michelle Vasquez, Xavier Vasquez, Nicholas Vasquez and Anthony Vasquez.

“Oma” to Summer Browning and Dillon Browning, the children of Michelle Vasquez and Jeff Browning.

“Oma G” to Oliver Vasquez and Eli Vasquez, the sons of Nick Vasquez and Claudia Graetsch-Vasquez

Grandma to Sky Vasquez, son of Xavier Vasquez.

Fred Harbison entered her life and brought her much joy and happiness, uniting the Harbison and Gamboa families forever.   Endeared by Mary Anne are his family; daughter Nan and husband Jerry Moore and their daughter Shana and husband Donnie, son Doak and wife Jill Harbison and their children Leah and Luke, son Kip and wife Courtney Harbison and their sons Thomas and Zachary.

She was “Oma” to Frances Harrington, the daughter of Jean and Ray Harrington.

Mary Anne would have insisted we not forget all the staff of Virginia Oncology Associates, Norfolk (Lake Wright) who showed her unwavering care and comfort.

Mary Anne’s wishes were for us to not mourn, but celebrate her life, and we look forward to sharing that day with all who love and were loved by her.