Mary Jean Martorana

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jean Martorana, who left us on January 13, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 29, 1945, Mary Jean devoted much of her life to nurturing and shaping young minds as a teacher. She spent a majority of her career as an educator, but prior to teaching, she worked as a kitchen designer. While raising three young and amazing daughters she decided to start college to begin her next career path. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree to become a teacher and did not begin her teaching career until she was 40 years old where she helped shape and form the lives of everyone she came in contact with over the next 25 years. She worked at various schools, including Tolleson, Westview, Desert Vista, and Corona del Sol. After retiring from full-time teaching, she continued to give back to the community by substituting at schools within the Tempe Union High School District.

Jean’s life was one of service, love, and compassion. Her students and colleagues alike remember her as a passionate educator with a warm heart and an infectious laugh. She was not only a teacher but a mentor and a friend who touched the lives of everyone she interacted with. “When you’re going through something hard and you’re wondering where God is, remember teachers never talk during a test.”

Jean was truly the glue that held the family together. She had a unique ability to bring everyone together, no matter how busy life got. Whether it was organizing family gatherings, planning holiday celebrations, or just making sure that everyone stayed connected, Jean was the planner who ensured the bonds of love and tradition never weakened. Her thoughtful nature and attention to detail made every family event feel special, and her presence was always the heart of these occasions.

It was 45 days, that was all the time we were given to sit with, share, hug, kiss, love, and say goodbye to our beloved mother, sister, grandmother. Forever in our hearts, Mary Jean Martorana.

Jean leaves behind her three beloved daughters, Deborah, Diana, and Christina, and her cherished grandchildren, Justin, Vanessa, and Halle. She also leaves behind eight siblings—Rick, Robert, Patty, Mike, Garry, Beth, Mark, and Chris—each of whom she loved deeply.

A celebration of Mary Jean’s life will be held on February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her family and friends will gather to honor her legacy and remember the beautiful impact she had on so many lives.

Mary Jean's spirit will live on in the countless hearts she touched through her teaching, her love for her family, and her generosity to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to write a note highlighting your favorite memory of Jean.