Ann Catherine Mast Faubel

Ann Catherine Faubel, 74, passed away on February 20th, 2025 at her home in Graham, North Carolina. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Jon, in 2022. Surviving her are four children; Michael (Ginny), Traci, Sabrina (James), and Jonathan (Val). She also leaves behind six amazing grandchildren; Catie (Britt), Zack, Ben, Juliann, Kyrie, and Kaia.

“Your mom is one special lady” someone recently told me. While I appreciate the sentiment, it doesn’t seem like enough description for a woman who loved her family with a ferocity that few could muster. A woman who cared so deeply for her loved ones that she poured everything she had into protecting us, training us, and making sure we never felt alone. A woman who welcomed you into her home excited to see you and, at the same time, expected you to help clean up after the meal. 

Although Mom spent the past thirty years in North Carolina, she was born on January 26th, 1951 in Quincy, IL to Carl and Dorothy Mast. She was the second oldest of eight siblings - Jeanette, (Ann), Steve, Teresa, Christine, Ted, Maria, and Chuck. 

Her siblings remember her hiding away when it was time to do the dishes or work in the garden. They speak of her first car - which was gold. If you knew Mom, a gold car was completely on brand for her. More recently, they remember the way she spoiled their mom (our Grandma Mast) in her older years with spontaneous efforts to get grandma out and about. Mom always enjoyed finding reasons to go shopping with anyone. Mom was a talker - no doubt about it. She was also a good listener - asking questions until she fully understood the issue. There are several family and close friends who would often spend hours on the phone with Mom. She had a magical way of feeling empathy and compassion for someone even when the person speaking didn’t know they needed it. She was a master at the “Midwest goodbye”. To be in her presence was to be at peace. 

There is no experience in this life quite like grief. My siblings and I are grieving, but we are doing so with her siblings and extended family, her quilting buddies, and her friends at church who she faithfully served alongside for many years. She was, without a doubt, the kind of person we are all thankful to have known. 

Mom could not help but be a phenomenal caretaker and gardener. None of us could forget the long, tedious hours she spent picking out fabric and quilting beautiful artwork filled with love. Her heart and soul were caring for those around her - whoever (or whatever) they happened to be. We spent year after year listening to her name the squirrels in the backyard and tell us their stories as they related to her garden. She was fond of feeding them leftover pancakes even as she was frustrated with how they got into her plants. And don’t forget that the hummingbirds, who barely sat still long enough to be recognized, had names. 

Mom and Dad were married on February 10th, 1973 following their blind date a year earlier. According to friends Mom was immediately smitten with Dad; and Dad bought her yellow roses regularly while they were dating. The gift of yellow roses became an anniversary tradition. The two of them endured the happiness and trials of a 49 year marriage. Mom was Dad’s unconditional caregiver during his lengthy illness. Dad told me multiple times that marrying and having a family with Mom was the biggest blessing of his life. They were true soulmates.

As we grieve this sudden and unexpected loss, we are acutely aware of the impact Mom had on the world around her. We feel your love and support and we hope you feel ours. 

In lieu of flowers, which Mom absolutely adored, we would ask that you make a contribution to one of the following organizations that meant so much to Mom and our family over the years:

Blessed Sacrament Church

https://cc.blessedsacramentnc.org/

AuthoraCare (Hospice Care)

https://www.authoracare.org/who-we-are/locations/burlington-office