Our beloved Mary Ann O’Meara passed into eternal life unexpectedly on December 14, 2025, at the age of 95. A longtime resident of Jacksonville, Florida, she was a native of Chicago, Illinois.

Mary Ann was born in 1930 to the late Phyllis and Frank Granatiempo. Though an only child, she was raised within a large, close-knit Italian family whose love and traditions shaped her into the warm, outgoing, and deeply empathetic woman she became.

After World War II, Mary Ann met the love of her life, Daniel R. O’Meara (predeceased), a handsome sergeant serving in the United States Army. They were married on September 23, 1950, at St. Mel’s Catholic Church in Chicago, beginning a life grounded in love, faith, and devotion to family.

Mary Ann is survived by her three devoted children: Karen A. DeVries (Gary), James F. O’Meara (Diane), and Maureen O’Meara (Susan); her two cherished granddaughters, Danielle N. West (Joe) and Megan A. O’Meara Murphy (Robert); and her beloved great-grandson, Robert James Murphy.

Mary Ann’s life was guided by three enduring pillars: God, family, and friends. She found joy in socializing, traveling, listening to Big Band music, singing along to the oldies, and avid reading. Her favorite vocalists were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Mario Lanza—a fond reflection of her Italian heritage. Above all, she loved cooking and entertaining. One of her greatest pleasures was preparing her traditional Sunday meal, complete with her famous gravy and delicious meatballs.

There was never a stranger at Mary Ann’s dinner table. She welcomed friends with open arms—especially during the holidays—firmly believing that no one should ever be alone. She adored being a mother, and her family was truly her heart. Her love was deep, powerful, and unmistakable.

Mary Ann was blessed with lifelong friendships and was not only loyal, but a joy to have as a friend. She often said, “To have a friend, you have to be a friend,” and she lived those words every day.

After moving to Jacksonville, Mary Ann became an active member of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and many considered it her trademark. She trusted God explicitly and never wavered in that trust. Mary Ann generously volunteered with numerous church ministries and committees, including Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), Handmade Purificator Cleaning, the Bereavement Committee, CRHP I, and Camp I Am Special. She answered what she believed was God’s calling to serve, freely sharing her time, talents, and compassion with her parish community.

Up until the very end of her life, Mary Ann exemplified kindness and grace, compassion and strength. She was deeply grateful for her long and fulfilled life and faced each day with quiet faith and gratitude.

Mary Ann also had the most unforgettable blue eyes—eyes that sparkled whenever she smiled and reflected the warmth of her spirit.

In the end, Mary Ann was not beautiful for something as temporary as appearance; she was beautiful to her very soul. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to all who were blessed to know her.

Mary Ann’s Life will be celebrated on February 28th. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Ann’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.