Mary Cecelia Rochford

of Phoenix, Arizona, passed from this life to the next on October 11, 2010 after a 3 year battle with brain cancer. She went back to God from whence she came and we will all meet again, joyfully in heaven. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Richard E. Rochford. Her legacy also leaves six children, Cecelia Sturgeon, Ann (Mark) Schrooten, Richard (Karen) Rochford, Joan (Vernon) Speshock, Maureen (James) Musselman and John (Julie) Rochford. She is also survived by her twenty grandchildren, her sister, Carol Ann (Wayne) Simpkins and many nieces and nephews. Mary was born in Gallup, New Mexico on May 24, 1939, the daughter of Howard and Elizabeth. She attended many schools before graduating from Salpoint High School, Tucson, AZ in 1957 after which she attended St. Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School in Phoenix, AZ and received her LPN. She married Richard Rochford in May of 1959, and then went on to obtain her RN from Maricopa Tech and BSN from University of Phoenix all while raising her family. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for over 35 years.

Mary touched the lives of many as a Wife, Mother, Sister, Labor and Delivery / ER nurse, Paramedic coordinator, Brownie leader, Eucharist minister, Friend and Confidant. She took great pride in being a nurse, and was especially known for being the person to call when you were in labor or needed medical advice. Mary found joy in bringing new life into the world as well as caring for critical patients coming through the ER doors. She loved her travels to Ireland and researching her Irish heritage. She expressed her love through the many blankets, scarves and ceramics she made as gifts for her family and friends. Mary was a compassionate woman who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be from 6-7pm, with a Rosary at 7pm, Wednesday, October 20, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Funeral Mass will be at 9:30am, Thursday, October 21, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Donations can be made in Mary’s name to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix AZ or St. Mary’s High School Scholarship and Development fund, Phoenix, AZ.