Mary Elizabeth Corcoran

Mary Elizabeth Corcoran

March 25, 1937 – September 18, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Corcoran, known to her siblings as Mary Beth, passed away peacefully at 10:46 p.m. on September 18, 2025, at the age of 88 in Lakeland, Florida, surrounded by family.

Mary was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 25, 1937, to Harriet Marie (nee Ruckle) and William Augustus Douthirt Sr. She was raised in Baltimore with her five siblings: William A. Douthirt Jr., Harriet A. Douthirt, Frances C. Kormann, John E. Douthirt, and J. Michael Douthirt.

At the age of 12, Mary began playing the organ for Ascension Catholic Church and often attended dances at the local naval academy. After graduating from Trinity Preparatory School, she became certified as an X-ray technician and worked at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. She worked long days, and often returned at night for emergencies, all while helping raise her younger siblings.

In 1955, Mary reunited with her childhood playmate, John "Jackie" Corcoran, through his mother. Their friendship blossomed into romance through letters exchanged while John attended the University of Michigan, and Mary continued to work in Baltimore. On November 24, 1956, Mary and John were married in Halethorpe, Maryland, surrounded by her large family.

After their marriage, Mary relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where for the next 16 years she supported her husband and young family while John pursued a degree in endodontics. She worked in the X-ray departments of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and the University of Michigan Hospital, and later in the University's Department of Pharmacology. During this time, Mary and John welcomed six children: John Francis Corcoran III, Kathleen Mary Walker, Suzanne Elizabeth Grebe, Michele Marie Corcoran, Shannon Elizabeth Hamm, and Kevin Sean Corcoran. The Corcoran household was also always filled with pets-Siamese cats, poodles, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and more. Pets would always be a part of Mary's life.

As her children grew and their interests expanded, Mary left the workforce to focus on managing a bustling home. She became a master of carpools, a trusted math and spelling tutor, a tireless volunteer for any position needed, and served as the moral compass for her children. She also served as the musical and choir director at St. Francis of Assisi Church, chairperson of the altar society, and treasurer for the Ann Arbor Swim Club and Washtenaw Swim League. Mary led by example-valuing education, independence, and family and encouraged her children to do the same. She twice set aside her own dreams to care for parents and in-laws through hospice, always with compassion and grace. As her children left the nest to attend college, Mom decided to give it a try herself. She pursued her own education at Eastern Michigan University, studying music. A lifelong learner, she developed a deep passion for genealogy, often immersing herself in old records, family stories, and graveyards. This passion followed her as she roamed around the country.

When the time came for adventure, Mary and John traveled the country in their coach, enjoying new places and spending time with their ever-growing family. They became grandparents to 18: Crystal Rose, Angelyn Dawn, Rebecca Kaye, John Patrick, Elizabeth Ann, Michael Patrick, Cody David, Casey John, Zach Michael, Alyssa Michele, Andrea Katlyn, Sawyer Lincoln, Jackson Martin, Kendall Quincy, Gabriel Monroe, Shae Leilani, Riley Maren, and Trinity Mae. They also became great-grandparents to 8: Spencer Lee Wayne, Emily Renea, Justin Walter, Danielle Rose, Samantha Grace, Hayley Irene, Mary Kate Evangeline, and Grace Hadley.

After 43 years in Ann Arbor, Mary and John built a new home in Polk City, Florida, in the Mount Olive Shores community, where they spent 22 years hosting rallies, traveling, and making lifelong friends. Following at least 2 decades on the road, Mary and Jack settled into their Polk City home to welcome visits from their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sadly, in 2023, after 67 years of marriage, John passed away.

Mary later moved to an independent senior community in Lakeland, Florida, where she embraced decorating her new apartment and participating in activities. Though health challenges grew in recent years, she remained mentally sharp, resilient, and deeply loved until God called her home.

Mary's extraordinary life will be celebrated with a visitation at the Estates of Carpenters Chapel on October 3, 2025, from 10–11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.–12 p.m. She will be interred at Lakeland Memorial Gardens beside her beloved husband, John.

Donations in Mary's name may be made to:

CHERA (Charitable Residents Association)

Attn: Treasurer

1001 Carpenters Way, Apt. J321

Lakeland, FL 33809

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Altum Home Care for their companionship and daily assistance, as well as the staff at the Estates at Carpenters extended care facility for their extraordinary care.

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YOUR PRESENCE WE MISS,

YOUR MEMORY WE TREASURE,

LOVING YOU ALWAYS,

FORGETTING YOU NEVER.

Love you more!