Mary T. Corcoran

Mary T. Corcoran (née Manning), 87, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2026, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born Mary Therese Manning in Montclair, New Jersey, on November 28, 1938, she was the daughter of Mark J. Manning and Louise (Mulcahy) Manning, and sister to Mark M. Manning.

Mary grew up in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and graduated with high honors from Immaculate Conception High School in 1956, where she played guard on the girls’ basketball team. She went on to attend St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Orange, New Jersey, graduating in 1959 as a Registered Nurse. Mary began her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital, serving on the faculty for two years before moving to Parsippany, New Jersey.

In June 1962, Mary married the love of her life, Michael P. Corcoran, with whom she shared fifty-seven devoted years of marriage. Together they made their home in Parsippany for 35 years before relocating to Chandler in 1997.

A gifted and deeply dedicated nurse, Mary devoted 37 years of her life to the nursing profession. Early in her career, she worked at the Firemen’s Home in Boonton, New Jersey, before joining St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, as a critical care nurse. She earned her Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification and served the hospital’s patients with exceptional skill and compassion for more than twenty-five years. Her leadership and commitment led to her appointment as Assistant Nursing Director, where she was entrusted with overseeing hospital operations and patient care during the night shift for many years. After moving to Arizona, she briefly worked at Chandler Regional Hospital before returning to St. Clare’s to complete her career, retiring in 1997.

Mary was a devout Catholic whose faith guided every part of her life. She volunteered for many years as a church organist at St. Christopher’s Church, Parsippany where she also taught Religious Education (CCD) classes to children with special needs. She later shared her musical talents during Sunday Mass at St. Clare’s Hospital Chapel. After settling in Arizona, Mary and Michael became parishioners of St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church, where Mary continued her lifelong mission of service by volunteering as a bereavement counselor, offering comfort to others during times of loss.

In addition to her musical talents, Mary possessed a remarkable gift for sewing. In retirement she thoroughly enjoyed thrift-store shopping. Above all, she was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives were shaped by her warmth, generosity, humor, and unwavering love. Mary loved and was deeply loved by her friends and neighbors, many of whom she cherished throughout her life.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Mark J. and Louise R. Manning; her brother, Mark M. Manning; and her husband, Michael P. Corcoran.

She is survived by her three children: Michael P. Corcoran (Adele) of South Amboy, New Jersey; Lori A. Mendoza (Edmund) of Chandler, Arizona; and Colleen M. McGee (Gregory) of Queen Creek, Arizona. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Ryan P. Corcoran, Kevin J. McGee (Myranda), Caitlin E. Deibler, Michael J. Corcoran (Madison), Kyle B. Mendoza, and Patrick J. Mendoza; and by her four great-grandchildren: Kellan Corcoran, Dawson Deibler, Colt Deibler, and Sadie Mary Ann McGee. She is further survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Silvia Manning.

A Catholic Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248. Prior to Mass, a Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Following Mass, a brief ceremony led by the Arizona Nurses Honor Guard will take place in the church courtyard to honor Mary’s distinguished nursing career. All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon in the church’s Great Hall immediately afterward.

A private burial ceremony will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix on Monday, June 1, 2026, where she will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Breakthrough T1D.