Mrs. Mary Joan O’Morrow, 94, of Concord, N.C. passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025, after a richly lived life of service and kindness.
Mary was born Nov. 25, 1930 to George August and Mary Barbara Koch Hans in Wynot, Neb. She grew up in a large farming family developing a strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, patience and discipline, which she later instilled in her own family. After graduating from Hartington High School in 1947 she went on to attend St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa to become a registered nurse. Mary, always open to a bit of fun and adventure, moved around the US and abroad with her husband and family, but always devoted her time to service of others.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald O’Morrow; four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughters Dianne Snyder (Dick) and Sharon Rankin of Concord, N.C.; sons Patrick (Julie) O’Morrow of Powell, Ohio and Stephen O’Morrow of Concord, N.C; and four grandchildren, Gavin, Maddie, Carson, and AJ.
Visitation will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 139 Manor Avenue, Concord, NC on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 12- 12:45 p.m., with recitation of the Rosary and a Funeral Mass following at 1 p.m. at the same location. A private burial will be held at St. James Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the following organizations: Cabarrus County Special Olympics, located at 7321 Raging Ridge Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075; the Dianne O. & Richard H. Snyder Endowed Scholarship at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, which can be supported by mailing a check to Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation at 920 Church Street North, Concord, NC 28025; or St. James the Greater Knights of Columbus at 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, NC 28025.
Mary’s loss is deeply felt by her family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to inspire strength, resilience, care and compassion in those whose lives she touched.
