Mary Katherine O'Leary

Mary Katherine “Mary Kay” O’Leary
June 9, 1955 – August 9, 2025

Mary Katherine (McNelis) O’Leary, lovingly known as Mary Kay, passed away on August 9th, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida, at the age of 70. She was born on June 9th, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Gerald and Dorothy (Falk) McNelis.

Mary Kay grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award and graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 1973. She went on to earn her degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Patrick O’Leary.

Mary Kay is survived by her two beloved daughters, Pamela “Pammy” O’Leary of Mill Valley, CA, Katelyn “Katie” O’Leary-Schweitzer of Clifton Park, NY, and her cherished son-in-law, Herbert Schweitzer. She is also survived by her dear siblings: Cynthia First (Gerald) of Waterford, PA; Rebecca Clover (Kenneth) of Waterford, PA; Colleen Stilson (Joseph) of Evansville, WI; and
Michael McNelis (Susan) of Erie, PA. She also leaves behind two adored fur grand kitties, Chadwick and Dart.

Mary Kay began her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, later worked as a teacher’s aide, and ultimately chose to dedicate herself full-time to raising her daughters. A passionate environmentalist, she inspired both Pammy and Katie to pursue careers in environmental science and climate advocacy. She also gave back to her community as a devoted Girl Scout
leader for both girls.

She was, proudly, a nerd before it was cool—an enthusiastic fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Marvel universe. She was an avid reader, a frequent moviegoer, and a devoted binge-watcher of television shows. Her love for animals—especially cats—was a constant throughout her life. Mary Kay will never be forgotten by her family and friends.

To quote Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy from Star Trek:
“She’s not really dead, as long as we remember her.”

And in the words of Master Yoda:
“May the Force be with you, Mary Kay.”

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th, at St. George Catholic Church in Erie, PA. Mary Kay will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Patrick O’Leary, at Calvary Cemetery. A funeral reception will follow at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Picnicana Park in Waterford, PA. All friends and family are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life.

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