Maria (Mara) Dorothea Zupan

Maria (Mara) Dorothea Zupan, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025 in Columbus,  Ohio. Maria was born in Millesimo, Savona, Italy. Following high school in Sempeter, Slovenia, Maria earned a Diploma Engineer (MS) degree in Chemistry from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1955. After her wedding with Janez Zupan in 1957, she followed her husband to Rochester, New York, where, in 1964, she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester.

Maria was a member of the American Chemical Society, and Sigma Xi and Sigma Delta Epsilon honor societies. After earning her doctorate, she accepted an opportunity to work for Chemical  Abstracts Service (CAS), which led to a move by her and her family to Columbus, Ohio. After 32 years of service, Maria retired from Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in 1996 as a Senior Scientific Information Analyst and consultant in various areas of physical chemistry.

Maria loved gardening, traveling, photography, and, most importantly, she loved the time spent together with her grandchildren and family. Through her character and values she provided a terrific example to all of her loved ones.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Janez Zupan; son Dr. Andy Zupan; parents Hubert and Marija Mocnik; brothers Vladimir, Silvester, and Adolf Mocnik; and sisters-in-law Nikolina Mocnik, Sandra, and Judita Mocnik. She is survived by son Dr. Mark Zupan (Dr. Mary Gail Mercurio); daughter-in-law Lori Zupan; grandchildren William, Walker, Sydney (Jeffrey Arnold), Matthew, and Caroline Zupan; many relatives in Slovenia, Italy, and Canada; and many dear friends, especially Dr. Kathleen Brewer, who was a true angel to Maria and her family in Maria’s later years.

Since 1967, Maria was a parishioner at St. Timothy’s. A private family celebration of Maria’s life is planned for later this year with a Christian burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.

Contributions in Maria’s name may be made to the charity of your choice. To share memories or condolences, please visit legacy.com.