Mary Rose O'Connell

Mary Rose O'Connell was born in December of 1948 in Chicago, Illinois and died at home in Scottsdale, surrounded by her loving family, on October 5, 2019. Be at peace, our darling angel, we love you more than words can tell. Mary was a dedicated mother first and foremost, and an amazing wife, whose life embodied grace, strength and kindness. 

Mary treasured her daughters, embracing every moment with them, and loving them without measure - Meghan Catherine O'Connell, Lisa Murders and Denise Parsons. She especially loved her role as Grammy to two grandchildren - Maizy Cheyenne and Mary Jean; and little peanut, Penelope Rose, Mary's 10-day old great grandchild.

Mary had a passion for bread baking, cooking fabulous gourmet meals - anything and everything having to do with food - even re-watching every small detail in food related scenes in her favorite films and TV shows; especially Breaking Bad, The Shape of Water, Big Night and the Real Housewives. She shared her love of food with her girls. Her hands were rarely still. She loved to read, color, knit and needlepoint. She loved visiting Sedona to walkthrough and gaze at the beautiful red rocks.

Growing up in Round Lake, Illinois, Mary’s family always had a love of music in their souls. The Uncles would play traditional Sicilian songs with the accordion and Mary, Barbara and the cousins would sing, frolic and dance until they fell over in laughter. Mary loved the Moody Blues, Aerosmith, Karla Bonoff, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac.

Mary operated a Medical Transcription business for many years in Arizona, typing greater than 120 words per minute! For the past eleven years, Mary worked at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix where she was selected in 2015 for the Mayo Clinic Service Recognition Award. Only five awards were given for the more than 7,000 employees in Arizona.

Preceded in death by her loving parents, John P. and Jennie Dazzo, Uncles Sammy and Joey Marsella, and Aunt Mary Gurgiolo. Mary is survived by her husband, Timothy Francis, her three daughters, two grandchildren and great grand-daughter, her sister Barbara Rotroff and Uncle Dom Marsella.

A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale, on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.

Mary is now resting in Eternal Peace and Life in Heaven. We will deeply miss her laughter, vivacious personality, wisdom, warm hands, kind voice and tender spirit.    
 

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