Mary Bridget McInerney-Zona, 44, of Shrewsbury, MA, died peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2009, surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Mary was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She leaves behind her devoted husband and best friend Robert Zona, two adoring children, Dillon J. and Keeley M., her loving parents, John and Bridget (McCarthy) McInerney, of Worcester, MA (originally from County Clare, Ireland), and her supportive siblings, Ann McInerney of West Boylston, Sean McInerney of Worcester, and Clare and her husband Steve Gentilucci of Worcester, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Born on July 10, 1965, in Bronx, NY, Mary moved to Worcester in 1977 before settling in Shrewsbury in 1996. “Mary Mac”, as all affectionately knew her, graduated from Burncoat High School in 1983 and Assumption College in 1987. Mary was the founder and Director of the McInerney School of Irish Step Dance. She was a certified teacher with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission), IDTANA, and IDTANE and a former Irish step dancing champion. She was involved in Irish dancing since the age of 4, winning numerous regional and national awards and attending world championships in Ireland.

Mary had been active throughout the community and received many awards for her dedication to preserving the tradition of Irish step dance. She was an active member of the LAOH (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians). Her awards included the St. Patrick’s Parade Good Citizenship Award, the 2008 Irishman of the Year from the Worcester County Firefighters Pipe & Drum and most recently chosen as the Grand Marshal of the 2009 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Worcester.

Mary cherished her time with her family and friends. As an avid sports fan, she especially enjoyed cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots. She will be remembered for her genuine kindness, warm personality, zest for life, and was a role model to everyone who was fortunate to have known her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 27th, in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St. Mary’s celebration of life will be held Tuesday from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ZONA TRUST FUND c/o Shrewsbury Credit Union, 615 Main St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545