Zamarripa, Mary R.

After a lifetime of grand accomplishments and amazing perseverance, Mary Rose O’Neill Zamarripa peacefully passed away on September 30, 2026.

Her journey of resilience and community impact began in Canton as the oldest of four children born to Mary Croak and Raymond O’Neill.

She studied nursing at the Catherine Labouré School of Nursing, paying her tuition by working at a local gas station. Mary then joined the Air Force in 1959, serving in the Philippines and then stateside until 1963. She transferred to the Army after earning her bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1966. Her career brought her to Puerto Rico, where she met and later married Lt. Col. Aurelio Zamarripa (d. 2008) in 1969. Together they built a home with an open-door policy for anyone in need of a safe space or honest advice.

Mary successfully balanced raising three young children while earning a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Alabama. Her discharge from the military as a captain marked the beginning of a 40-year civilian nursing career that included the director of nursing, geriatric care, and clinical instruction; her courage and dedication inspired many.

Beyond her career, Mary was the anchor of the family and a pillar of the community, serving the American Legion Post #24 and leading Girl Scout troops. Mary’s strong work ethic and compassion was passed to her three daughters, Lisa Zamarripa Longpre, Anna Zamarripa and Jeanie Zamarripa-Lee, stepsons Michael and Joseph Zamarripa, and her six grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, Mary leaves behind her younger brothers William, John, and James, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

As a trailblazer, she will be remembered as a delightful, independent, force of nature by all who knew her.

Visiting hours in the Pushard Family Funeral Home, 210 Sherman Street, on Saturday, October 24, from 10-12 a.m. followed by noontime prayers and internment with honors at Canton Corner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 15 2026. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.