Mary Maffeo

Mary Maffeo died in her Phoenix home on Tuesday, July 10, with her family by her side. Mary June Reed was born on January 6, 1921 in Casper, Wyoming. Her happy childhood with parents Royal and Kathleen and sister Margaret (Miggs) was filled with love and support for her passionate interest in the dramatic arts. After a year at the University of Wyoming and with many roles in stage plays under her belt, she married John Maffeo, an Army lieutenant stationed in Cheyenne. Through sixty years of marriage and the raising of seven children, Mary maintained her love of the arts and her passionate commitment to social justice. From support for the U.S. civil rights movement to protests against the injustice of war, Mary was a concerned and motivated activist. She was a dedicated supporter of the programs for children of migrant workers and the Arizona Democratic Party. In 2005 she was inducted into the Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame by Janet Napolitano. Mary was also a writer who penned a long-running column on family life for the Arizona Catholic Register. Throughout her long life, Mary inspired her many friends, family, and community with the courage of her convictions and her steadfast belief that peace is possible. Mary’s family is grateful to her loving caregivers and the exceptional team from Hospice of the Valley that provided gentle comfort and family support. Mary is survived by her sister Margaret Laybourn (Bob), children Kathleen Tovar (Leroy), Mimi Cordalis (Jim), John Reed Maffeo (Joan), Robert Maffeo, Martha Mriss (Carl), Mariane Maffeo, Lois Maffeo (Eric), grandchildren Danielle McCausland (Matt), Carrie Tovar, Kelly Cordalis, Selena Larson Maffeo, Devon Larson Maffeo, Emma Muriel and four great-grandchildren. Private arrangements by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. A Memorial will be held at a later date.