Mary Ann Dingess Visit The UPS Store in Forest Acres (Trenholm Plaza) and you are likely to meet up with Mary Ann. Mary Ann Dingess moved to South Carolina six years ago after the death of her brother with whom she shared a home in Orlando, Florida. Mary Ann was immediately taken with the friendliness and down home atmosphere she found in West Columbia where she and another of her brothers purchased a home to be nearer to children in their “later years.”

In Orlando, Mary Ann had spent her early “retirement” working in public relations with Carnival Cruise Lines and then for Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Then she found herself in South Carolina needing to connect with people. Without much effort, she found that opportunity working for her daughter at The UPS Store.

Mary Ann, celebrating her 75th birthday this month, is a vibrant, active lady, able to keep up with the much younger workers whom she calls “kids”). Mary Ann says “working with people gives me energy. I can’t imagine what I would do if I didn’t have something meaningful to do with myself.” Mary Ann most often works at the Forest Acres location, but from time to time pulls duty in Lexington at her daughter’s other The UPS Store location.

Daughter Megan explains that “Mom is confident about the job and understands how to deal with the public. That has been her life, and she is very good at it. She also uses her mind in this job; she is intelligent and able to do all the various duties. She knows how to use the digital printing equipment as well as any of the staff, and she has learned to efficiently handle all the shipping needs of our customers, whether they are shipping a single box to the other side of South Carolina or gifts to the other side of the world. I think her eagerness to continue to engage new concepts and learn new things, along with her interactions with other people, is keeping her young. She is an inspiration to me, and I am blessed to have her as my Mom.”

Meeting Mary Ann is certainly a pleasant experience. She is a beautiful lady with an engaging smile and a friendly greeting for all. She does seem to know how to go that extra mile and show patience and grace to all those she comes into contact with. Her co–workers state she’s feisty and fun keeping them all on their toes. A long time customer, Andrew Todd, had this to say. “Mary Ann is always quick to greet you and always has a positive attitude. It’s rare to see people anymore that truly like, if not love, what they do, and Mary Ann is one of them. Her smile is infectious, and her presence at the store makes picking up the mail something I actually look forward to. Thanks Mary Ann!”

If Mary Ann is an example of growing up and becoming a “seasoned citizen,” then it really won’t be so bad after all. Here is a salute to Mary Ann Dingess and all the other spunky 75 year olds that are lighting up our world and making doing our business around this wonderful town so pleasant. Happy Birthday Mary Ann!