Mary Cecelia Freeman

Mary Cecelia Zizzo Freeman passed away June 17, 2025, at her home in Yukon OK, surrounded by her loving family. She filled her 76 years with the joy of helping others and caring for her family.

Mary was born July 30, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, to Nicholas George Zizzo and Cuma Eudora Roberts Zizzo. The family moved to Midwest City OK in 1950, where Mary attended St. Philip Neri Catholic School. At Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School in Oklahoma City, she excelled in music. She was a soloist in the choir and earned the lead in the school's production of Jane Eyre. Despite her small size, she played on the school basketball team.

Mary earned her Nursing degree from Saint Anthony School of Nursing in Oklahoma City in 1969 and later her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Saint Mary of the Plains College in Kansas in 1989. She spent many years as a hospital nurse in Oklahoma, including a stint in Ardmore. She finished her career working from home as a nurse case manager for health insurance companies.

In 1970, she married Jimmie Freeman and the couple enjoyed 40 years together, raising three children. They lived for several years in Germany, where Jimmie was stationed with the US Army, allowing the two to enjoy traveling Europe.

Throughout her life, family and togetherness were a focus for Mary. Whether it was helping raise her younger brothers growing up in a family of seven, or relishing and guiding her own children, Mary was the gravity that drew the wider family close. She loved following her children and grandchildren in their sports and artistic and other pursuits. Mary enjoyed trips to the lake and watching sports, especially college football, and especially her OSU Cowboys, (which her OU brothers begrudgingly tolerated.) She would later find love and happiness again with Ken Farrell, of Yukon. The two enjoyed many years traveling, playing cards and dancing with friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, George Michael Zizzo. She is survived by her three children: Amy Michelle Wells (Bryan), Elizabeth Ann Gallivan (Jason), and Paul Michael Freeman; three brothers: John Zizzo, David Zizzo (Debbie), and Paul Zizzo (Linda); and seven grandchildren: Kenedy Wells, Camryn Wells, Keiran Gallivan, Deacon Gallivan, Lillian Freeman, Josephine Freeman and Katherine Freeman. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, special friend Ken Farrell and her beloved cat Charlie.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2 p.m.