Mary Ann O'Roark

Mary Ann O’Roark of New York City, died Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the age of 79. Born January 29, 1942, in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of James and Margaret O’Roark of Weirton West Virginia. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Creative Writing, she began her career as a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines based in San Francisco, CA. But writing was her passion, and she soon returned to New York City where she wrote for The Saturday Evening Post, McCall’s, and Seventeen magazines before joining Guidepost Magazine. Mary Ann eventually became Executive Editor of Guidepost and retired with over 20 years of service.

Her love of writing began in her hometown of Weirton, WV, where, as a young girl, she wrote, published, and delivered the “Neighborhood News” so all the neighbors would know who was on vacation, who was sick, the names of new pets, and other vital local information. Her Riverside Drive apartment, where she wrote her stories, grew her plants, and loved her cats, became a destination for relatives, friends, and friends of friends visiting the city. She loved hosting the Riverside Writers and other writer’s groups, sang in various choruses around town, and was a founding member of Creator’s Haven, a sisterhood of female artists and clergy that grew from five members to dozens, every one of whom considered her a best friend, and none of whom can comprehend a world without her in it. She traveled extensively, with Italy and Ireland being her two favorite countries to visit. No one whoever met the zany, quirky, lovable Mary Ann could ever forget her.

She is survived by her two cats Ginger Man, and Ginger Ale; a sister, Jeannie O’Roark Nordstrom, Seattle, WA; and a brother, James P. O’Roark,  Beaver Falls, PA; along with a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, and two Godchildren. A celebration of her wonderful life will be scheduled at a later date. The family wishes to thank the ICU medical staff at the Westchester (N.Y.) Medical Center for their care and compassion during Mary Ann’s illness. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to  Creator's Haven, https//creatorshaven.org/ 10 Weeping Willow Circle, Hendersonville, NC 28739 (Note M.A. O'Roark in memo line); or the Bidawee Animal Shelter, 410 East 38th Street, New York, NY 10016.
HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404