i had the prevlege of teaching Mary years ago. I meet Mary in 1983 and although i have taught thousands of children in the 32 years i have been teaching Mary was unforgettable. Her love of life and dance were an inspiration and a joy to have been a part of. When i met Mary i was pregnant with my son whom she christened baby ack. The name has stuck to this day. Mary Mac you will never be forgotten.

To Bobby, Dillon, Kiki, Clare and McInerney/Zona Families - Mary was an inspiration to all that knew her. Her bold spirit, kind heart & laughter was a treasure. I am so thankful that my daughters got to know her & she has instilled a love of dance as well as Irish tradition in both Kaitlyn & Molly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. She will be dearly missed... Donna, Kaitlyn & Molly O'Driscoll

Mary was a shining example of all that is good in the Irish dance community. Her spirit will live on in all those she's inspired. We will miss you Mary. We will always cherish your friendship.

My daughter had her first year of step dance this year. We will miss, Mary our prayers are with her family and friends.

Mary's strength and love for life will live on forever with all who the lives she has touched. I have fond memories of Mary that go back from grade school to high school that will last my lifetime. It was an honor to be her friend. Mary was a special gift from God, she was amazing daughter, sister, wife and outstanding mom. She is a tribute to the wondeful devoted family that gave her so much love and happiness. Bobby, you were her true love, and you gave her the most wonderful gift, your two beautiful children. I ask God to bless all who are in pain with the loss of this wonderful angel. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Mary's family and friends. GOD BLESS Love, Joanne Joanne "Monahan" Ciociolo-Palumbo

There is so much to be thankful for when I say the words Miss Mary Mac. You can't say the name without a smile on your face because it triggers one of many stories and great memories I will always have of you, which I will miss so much! Thank you for the many years we had but it still was not enough! I would like to thank you for being such a great role model to Bridget, Shane, Elizabeth, Thomas and Erin as well as to your students and know that they always love you and will miss you dearly. You made them stronger in spirit and gave them a love for irish dance that they will carry with them for many years. I can't thank you enough for all the laughs, all the tears, all the fun, and always pointing out the positive side of things when it was hard to see like now. So I thank you dearly for the many years of always being there and your a true gift of God to all of us. We will celebrate your life and know your spirit will live on through your family, Keeley, Dillon and Bobby and your school. We love you Miss Mary Mac ! It was an honor to have you in my life.

I am an Irish dancer's mom from another NE school & I've only been aquainted with Mary Mac for just over a year when our daughters began competing with each other. Until recently I hadn't even known Mary was sick. She always appeared so bright and strong~ smiling and competent. My heart breaks for you, Mary, and your family. You always took such loving care of your daughter at feisanna...it seems inconceivable that Keeley won't have you there anymore. My family's deepest sympathy are with you and your beloved family, friends, and dancers. Rest in peace.

Mary was a truly amazing person. I loved her and will miss her very much. She went above and beyond to make us dancers acheive. She brought me to a feis in Toronto, accompanied me to Nationals, and was ALWAYS there to help. The last time I saw Mary was at our school feis where I stopped dancing during my set. She came over and told me never, ever to stop. For that I will never stop dancing. Thank You Mary.

I will always remember Mary's fabulous smile and kind heart. Mary always had a kind word for everyone and was always HAPPY which became infectious and made those around her laugh and enjoy themselves. Mary will be greatly missed by the New England Irish Dance Teachers. As a fellow teacher, I got to work closely with Mary over the past few years when she was one of the chairs of the Oireachtas and then again last year in Nashville at nationals. It is so hard to believe that Mary is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy to her family.

I took Irish Step dance for about 6 years then stopped. I was going to start up again because Mrs. Mack was such a great teacher that I couldnt do it again. She was so amazing she will be greatly missed by everyone. She always use to make my family and myself laugh because she had that in her. I will miss her so much. She is looking down so proud of all her students for doing what they do best, and for doing what Mrs. Mack loved to do, I love you!!

I just learned of MaryMacs passing. So terribly sorry. Though I didn’t know her well, you could sense her goodwill, wisdom, and generous, big-hearted spirit from her demeanor and concerns at our Irish Dance teachers meetings. Always a pleasure to work with, always a good perspective. She will be missed by the family, of course, but I am sure she will also be missed by her students, and by me. Our prayers are with you all.

The Rose Beyond the Wall Near a shady wall a rose once grew, Budded and blossomed in God's free light, Watered and fed by the morning dew, Shedding it's sweetness day and night. As it grew and blossomed fair and tall, Slowly rising to loftier height, It came to a crevice in the wall Through which there shone a beam of light. Onward it crept with added strength With never a thought of fear or pride, It followed the light through the crevice's length And unfolded itself on the other side. The light, the dew, the broadening view Were found the same as they were before, And it lost itself in beauties new, Breathing it's fragrance more and more. Shall claim of death cause us to grieve And make our courage faint and fall? Nay! Let us faith and hope receive-- The rose still grows beyond the wall, Scattering fragrance far and wide Just as it did in days of yore, Just as it did on the other side, Just as it will forevermore. from the writings of A. L. Frink

When we first started dancing with Mary we were both a little intimidated by her, but over the next several years we grew to love Mary and her ways and felt a part of her clan. Even though my daughter stopped dancing, I have literally had dreams about her going back and Mary welcoming her with open arms and saying how much she missed us and we in turn saying how much we missed her. Mary was such a wonderful person and we will both miss her terribly. My heart goes out to Dillon and Keely and the rest of the McInerney and Zona family. God Bless you all and give you the strength to get through these days. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I will always be thinking of Mary and her quick smile. She is a shining star in my memory.

Parable of Immortality Author: Henry Van Dyke I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, " There she goes! " Gone where? Gone from my sight . . . that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, " There she goes! " there are other eyes watching her coming . . . and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . . " Here she comes! " Thank you, thank you, Mary Mac. You will be forever in our prayers. Love, Cathy, Bill, Sarah & Brendan Doyle

Our hearts go out to the Zona and McInerney families. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Mary was a wonderful women and a wonderful teacher, with a heart as big as her smile. While we knew her for just a few short years, she will be in our hearts forever. Mary, go with God --- you will be missed.

Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Mary was greeted with her bright smile, spirit, and loving personality. As a student of Mary I have many fond memories of her. Mary was the best teacher. She will beloved and greatly missed forever. We love you Mary rest in peace

Mary was the only person that could rasie her voice at my daughter and not make her cry. Her dancers all knew that Mary "called um like she saw um" ; she was direct and clear and they knew that she loved them.

I have so many, many memories of Mary, to pick the best would be like going to Tiffany's and asking for their Best Diamond. Mary was always THE BEST! As I think about all the fun we've had as kids dancing, and then later as teachers, the good times seemed to get better and even funnier. But her infectious smile and our laughter were always part of them. I was judging a feis in Maine yesterday, and it was comforting to be with others who loved and respected Mary as I always have. I've known the McInerney's for 35 years, and they are such an incredible family. My heart breaks for them all right now, because Mary heroically battled with this terrible disease for so many years, always with a positive attitude. Somehow Mary always bounced back, except this time. Her suffering is over, but her spirit will be with us always! Mary always was an Angel, now she'll be keeping an eye out for us all from Heaven.

I am a new teacher to the New England Region. At this year's past Oireachtas, Mary and I met at the teacher's reception. I was touched by her genuine interest in my school and how welcoming she was to a new member. She gave me some good advice along with a smile and a great sense of humor. I had only known her for a few months, but I can see that she was a wonderful woman who will be missed by so many people. My prayers go out to her family.

I danced with Mary, then was taught by Mary and then my daughter was learning from Mary. I will always remember how she always smiled and had great fun wherever she went. I still remember looking out my dorm window into the courtyard below at Assumption College because I thought I heard that familiar laughter and voice. There Mary was having fun, surrounded by many friends and living life to the fullest! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and many friends. May she rest in peace. Kerry McCarthy Durward

I am a former "Mary Mac" dancer. When I found out she passed away I was shocked. It still hasn't hit me. I miss her very much. She was such a strong woman, always helping me learn, in dancing and in life. She was so happy to teach. Rest in peace Mary. Gone from earth, always holding a place in our hearts. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say she was a great dancer and a great person. My condolences to her kids, husband, other family, friends, and anyone who knew her. I love you....God bless.

"A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best." Mary, your dedication and support of my daughter will always be appreciated. Your letter of recommendation and kind words will last us a lifetime. She was so proud to be a student of the Mary McInerney School of Irish Dance....We are so proud to have known you. You will never be forgotten. The accomplishemetns that you have made in such a short lifetime are inspiring. Rest in Peace Mary.

I have known Mary Mac for 25 years and my best memories are the fun times we had at all our old stomping grounds in Worcester. The Tipperary Pub, Casey's, Leitrum's, Scallywags, The Firehouse Cafe, and Margueritaville to name a few. Oh, what fun we had!!! Mare, we sure knew how to paint the town green, didn't we? I love and miss you, doll. Somewhere, in the faraway distance from up above, I am sure I hear the faint sound of Irish music drifting down on all of us. And, I am certain, that YOU are holding God in the hollow of HIS hand, teaching him how to perform a reel like no other (and...you are both laughing)! Your legacy will love on forever, my dear friend. xoxox - me

I've known Mary for over 30 years. She loved to be heard (I blame that on the Bronx) like when we would take bus trips with the Smith Academy to Delaware or the Catskills. We must have heard miles & miles of "The Rattlin' Bog" & "My Mother's Makin' Me Marry Mary Mac". I remember up in New Hamshire at the Oireachtas when Mary, in her cream jumper with the green satin blouse, would practically dance her whole set (with her hands) in front of Pat King or Jimmy Early. Only then proceeding to the floor to find out she still had to slow it down. Even last year, in Nashville at the Nationals, when we broke out into the "hand jive" we did when a great reel or jig would be played. Mary Mac......A dancer, a fellow teacher, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, & a dear friend to all of us. I'll miss you.

Maureen Donachie

14 years ago

Pat, you brought back such vivid memories of Mary for me... especially the "cream colored jumper with the green satin blouse." YIKES! We were much younger then, weren't we? And what about the trip to the World's in Dun Laogohaire??? Mary was great fun ~ always!!! And her smile lit up the room whenever she entered... and that laugh, that infectious laugh... She will be greatly missed...

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family and friends as well as the McIerney School. She always had a smile on her face when I saw her at the feises. Kaitlin Member of the Haley School of Irish Dance

I first met Mary several years back at an Irish dancing competition. She was so warm and caring, from the moment I met her. She always had a smile on her face and something good /positive to say. We've met several other times over the years and my initial impression of her never changed - so positive - so happy. I always loved seeing her with her dancers. It was clear she was a great teacher, positive role model, and loved what she did. I'm so sad to hear of her passing and would like to pass along my deepest condolences to her family and friends. God Bless... Denise Keane-Gillette, Irish Dancing & Culture Magazine

I just got back from vacation for my mom to tell me the horrible news. She knew that hearing about your loss would leave me in a place where all I got think about was you,and she is right. Every time I think about Irish Dance, I miss it with all my heart. It was the one thing that I had that was like an escape from everything else in the world. Where I could see my dance friends, hear the irish music, and see you, always there to sidetrack and tell a ridiculous story then the next minute scold me for bending my knees as I danced. You have touched so many, and no one I meet in my life will ever measure up to the strong, powerful, and kind-hearted woman that you are. I know somewhere up there in heaven you are dancing away, looking down on us all who miss you so dearly. I love you Mary and wish you and your family the very best at this difficult time. I will never, ever forget how you changed my life.

Our deepest sympathies to the Zona and McInerney families. What a wonderful tribute the McInerney Dancers are to Mary. The McInerney dance group compete against each other, but more importantly support and encourage each other. A true testimony to Mary's spirit. Mary, you will be greatly missed.