Mary C. O'Neill Fiorelli's Obituary
Mary Catherine O’Neill Fiorelli passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in the ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday March 27th. Mary was a blessed daughter, caring sister, devoted wife, loving mother, dearest aunt, cherished nana, beloved friend, and loyal patriot.
Mary was born in San Francisco, CA on January 15, 1945, to Everett and Catherine (Thomas) O’Neill. She attended Star of the Sea Academy. After High School, Mary went on to St. Joseph’s College of Nursing where she would make lifelong friends, graduating in 1966. Mary then proudly served her country as an Army Nurse in Vietnam, where she would meet her future husband, Air Force Captain Jim Fiorelli.
Jim and Mary got married on December 28, 1968 and after a few moves with the Air Force, settled down in Tucson, Arizona where Jim joined the Arizona Air National Guard. While Jim took the 162nd fighting wing unit by storm, Mary joyfully manned the house raising 4 smart, independent, and (fun) loving children. She would soon rejoin the workforce as a Registered Nurse working for a local pediatrician where she remained, until eventually retiring in the early 90’s.
After Jim’s untimely and tragic passing in 1994, Mary’s heart was broken. She and Jim had just become empty nesters, with trips to Mexico and Hawaii planned. Trips Mary would never take. In time, however, she would travel again, all over the world. While she was without her true love Jim, Mary did not let his absence keep her from enjoying life’s pleasures and sharing a good meal with friends and family. It was only in her later years where her circle stayed closer to home – spending more time with her grandchildren than globetrotting - but her kitchen stayed open and welcomed all.
Mary was predeceased by both her parents Everett and Catherine, her brother Thomas, and her husband James. Mary leaves behind her daughter Dena (Justin) Alvernaz of Portland, OR; daughter Marianne (Max) Sarrazin of San Francisco, CA; her son James Vincent II (Dana) Fiorelli of Tucson, AZ; and daughter Catherine of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Otto and Zoe Sarrazin of San Francisco, CA.
Mary’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday May 17th, at 9:30 am at Evergreen Mortuary. Mary will then be laid to rest, next to her beloved and ever missed husband, Fio at All Faith’s Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donating to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/
Service details can be found under the Events tab.
For Friends and family who cannot attend in person, please join us via Zoom:
When: May 17, 2025 09:30 AM Arizona
Viewneral Service Name: Mary C. O'Neill Fiorelli Memorial Service
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