Mary Jean Cochran

Mary Jean Cochran, 76, of Ankeny passed away peacefully, Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, followed by a prayer vigil and time of sharing at Memorial Services of Iowa, (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St.), with burial at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.OLIH.org

Mary was born October 5, 1949, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Gerald and Jean Neuzil. She graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1967.

Mary attended the University of Iowa, studying business education before meeting the love of her life, Danny Cochran. Mary and Danny were married on August 29, 1970, and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Mary moved to Ankeny in 1975 and had a very successful career at John Deere Credit Union that was later acquired by Veridian and worked there for almost 50 years. She loved flowers and gardens and eventually became a Master Gardener taking care of Westwinds Park in Ankeny along with the Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. She donated many hours to her community including serving as a board member of the Ankeny Rotary Club, as well as a volunteer for Saturday Evening Girls (a group started 33 years ago that studies, collects, and preserves antiques), Dollars for Scholars program, RCIA sponsor, Altar and Rosary Society, neighborhood Bible studies and several bridge card groups with fun loving friends.

Mary adored her five grandchildren and was highly involved in their lives, almost never missing an important game or performance. She will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She enjoyed guiding them on their journey through life.

Mary is survived by her husband, Danny; daughter, Julie (Matthew Applebaum) Cochran; son, Jason (Holly) Cochran; grandchildren, Jessica Applebaum, Daniel Applebaum, Titus Cochran, McCoy Cochran, and Maple Cochran.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Jean Neuzil; and her brother, William Neuzil.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caretakers at MercyOne Medical Center Cardiac ICU floor, particularly the nurses, who cared so passionately for Mary during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude's Hospital or ARDS Alliance.