Mary Jean Zamboni, 98, Owatonna
Mary Jean Zamboni, age 98, of Owatonna, died June 11, 2023 at Cottagewood Senior Communities, Rochester.
Mary “Jean” was born Oct. 21, 1924 in Owatonna to Silvy I. and Edith A. (Theimer) Zamboni, 15 minutes ahead of her twin, Sister Edith Zamboni (known from childhood as Dede). They graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Owatonna, in 1938 and OHS Class of 1942. Jean went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and an MA degree from the University of Minnesota. She continued further study at State Teachers College in Willimantic, Conn.; Mankato State College; and Javeriana Universidad in Bogota, Colombia.
She served in her hometown of Owatonna as well as in many other cities throughout the United States and in South America with wit, enthusiasm, and love for 98 years.
Jean served as a secretary, art teacher, rural mail carrier, and with her OZ PRESS partner, Alice Ottinger, created original cards and hand-screened serigraphs. Their OZ PRESS building stands at the Village of Yesteryear, another generous contribution of Jean's to an organization she loved.
Jean was active with the Owatonna Arts Center and Steele County Historical Society and was well known for her philanthropy, her presence and participation in the arts and religious and civic communities in Owatonna, as well as a supporter of worthy causes throughout the United States and in Tanzania. She and her twin, Sr. Edith, were highly involved in the Owatonna community, including serving as marshalls of the Harry Wenger Marching Band Parade.
Jean was a faithful member and lector at Saint Joseph’s Parish, Owatonna, a member of “Grandparents for Education” and a Cojourner Emeritus with the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester.
She is survived by her twin, Sister Edith Zamboni, niece, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Bill and Betty, and two half-sisters, Sylvia Morrison and Grace LeBarge and half-brother, Karl.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church in Owatonna on Thursday, July 6 at 11 a.m. Friends may greet the family one and a half hours prior to the funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery upon the completion of medical research as Jean donated her body to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.
For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to megercares.com.