Mariann "Yanna" (Aylward) Capps

Mariann “Yanna” (Aylward) Capps, 58, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in her home in Mansfield. She was the beloved fiancé and partner of over 28 years to Alfred Gruhn of Mansfield. Born in Boston and raised in Stoughton, she was a graduate of Stoughton High School and attended Massasoit Community College in Brockton.

Yanna was a longtime resident of Mansfield, where she worked for many years at various Dunkin Donuts locations, cherishing the relationships she built with her regular customers. Her warmth, generosity, and selflessness defined who she was. She was a devoted mother to her children, always at the ready to lend a listening ear and offer unconditional love and support through both the good and tough times.

Yanna was deeply appreciative of the people in her life who supported her, especially her brother Roy, who was a constant source of guidance. Over the years, she found peace and unconditional love with Al, her partner, who stood by her side through all of life’s challenges and joys.

While her life was not always easy, Yanna’s resilience and ability to love and be loved will be remembered by all who knew her. She is now at peace, reunited with those who passed before her, and will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends.

In addition to her fiancé, Alfred Gruhn, Yanna is survived by her children, Steven J. Aylward and his wife Jessica of Freetown, Jessica M. Capps of RI, Theresa R. Capps, and John E. Capps, both of Mansfield. She was the sister of Roy Aylward and Cathy Bell, both of FL, Barbara Creighton and her husband Patrick of Bridgewater, and Michelle Igo and her husband Stephen of Braintree, as well as the late Joseph Aylward. She was the proud grandmother of Thomas Castro, Annalise Aylward and Alannah Aylward. The light of her life over the past decade has been her grandson Thomas, and she will continue to be his guardian angel. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael F. Aylward, and her parents, Joseph “Butch” Aylward and Mary (Loud) (Aylward) Kielczweski, and her stepfather, John “Jack” Kielczweski. Yanna is also survived by Jesse Capps of Mansfield and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be held at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27) Stoughton on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4-7 PM, followed by Family Reflections and Prayers at 7 PM. Donations in Yanna’s memory may be made to the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901.