Mary Zuro

Mary B. Zuro 1926-2010 Mary B. Zuro, 86, a resident of Gulf Breeze for the past 35 years, died August 22, 2010. Born Oct. 9, 1923 in Doerun, GA, she was the only daughter of John William Batts Sr. and Mary Lou Fain Batts, who also had two sons, John William Jr., and David Henry, both of whom predeceased Mary. She grew up in Doerun and later attended Norman Park Junior College for two years, after which she began a career in banking and worked for banks in both Georgia and Florida. In 1953, while working for the First State Bank in Albany, GA, she met and married a young Air Force lieutenant, Joseph E. Zuro, the love of her life. They were married for 57 years. During 22 years as an Air Force wife, she supported her husband as he progressed to the rank of Colonel and received a Ph.D. from Purdue University. She became involved in Women's Toastmasters as a result of her husband's involvement in the national Toastmasters organization. She served as president of Women's Toastmaster groups in Omaha, NB, and in England. She typed both his master's thesis and Ph.D. dissertation. After her husband's retirement from the Air Force, she supported him in his second career as director of Troy State University Florida region. She also started a hobby and gift shop, Gifts from A to Z, in Gulf Breeze. She loved dancing with her husband, was an avid bridge player and a gifted hostess. She will be missed for her unfailing good humor, her southern charm and unfailing devotion to her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Joseph E. Zuro, Col. USAF (Ret.), children Owen Zuro (Betsy), Jan McConnell (Brad), Alan Zuro, Carol Monroe (Rick), six grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Linda Zuro and a granddaughter, Jennifer. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 26, from 6-8 p.m. and services held Friday, August 27, at 11:45 a.m. at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

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