Mary Salazar Capparelli

Mary was a Tampa native and a first-generation Cuban American born to the late Mario and Lidia Salazar on January 2nd, 1961. She was an only child, but reminisced often about growing up with five best friends whom she considered sisters. She was also close with her late aunt and uncle, Emma and Sergio Zarate. Mary was bilingual and incorporated many traditions from her heritage into her life and home.

Mary was a proud Class of ‘79 graduate from Academy of the Holy Names. She also attended the University of South Florida and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Technology. After 34 years working at Tampa Electric, Mary retired from her role as a Senior Systems Analyst in 2014. In addition to her career, Mary raised her family and cared for her aging mother and aunt.

Mary loved vacations: spending time in the Smoky Mountains; taking trips to Las Vegas; and enjoying sun-filled staycations at the beach (crossing her fingers that it wouldn't rain). Mary adored celebrating the holidays with her family and friends and decorated for almost every occasion. She loved listening to country music; seeing her favorite performers in concert; watching her morning talk shows; crafting (she didn’t think she was very good at it, but she was); and quietly watching the cardinals in her backyard. Mary had a generous heart and a kind spirit. She loved her family and friends, fiercely.

Mary is survived by her soulmate and beloved husband of 23 years, Michael Capparelli, whom she met at Tampa Electric and married in the fall of 1997; her son and daughter, Luis Ordaz (Reshay) and Cristina Ordaz (Gregg); and her two stepsons, Adam Capparelli and Brian Capparelli (Shannon). She is also survived by her five childhood best friends (aka the "Yayas"): Sonia, Maria, Martha, Cari, and Sister Nivia. Mary leaves behind many friends, family members, and her dog, Potter, who will continue to be loved and spoiled by her next of kin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that was always close to her heart: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html