Mary Lynn Cocco

Dr. Mary Lynn Cocco, a devoted educator, compassionate leader, and beloved member of the Morgantown and Follansbee communities, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 74, at Mon Health Medical Center.

Born on January 6, 1951, in Follansbee, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Betty Pelluchette Cocco. Mary Lynn’s lifelong commitment to service and education was rooted in her early years, having attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and graduating from Follansbee High School in 1968. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University in 1972, later completing both her Master’s and Doctorate in Education from her alma mater.

Mary Lynn began her distinguished teaching career in Culpeper, Virginia, and Wellsburg, West Virginia, before joining Monongalia County Schools as a Reading Specialist. In 1976, she became principal of Core Elementary, and later served in leadership roles at Riverside, Mount Pleasant, and Oak Grove Elementary Schools. In 1992, she was appointed principal of Cheat Lake Elementary School, where she faithfully served until her retirement in 2010. A respected figure in public education for over 40 years, she was a strong advocate for students, especially those facing adversity. Her leadership was recognized through her involvement in the West Virginia and Monongalia County Principal Associations and Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society of women educators.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Mary Lynn was an active parishioner of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City, where she served as a lector and member of the Hospitality and Fellowship Committee. She was also a former Regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Ursula #594. Her generosity of spirit extended beyond the Church into the broader community, where she gave her time, talents, and resources in service to others.

Mary Lynn had a passion for life that radiated through her love of family, friends, sports, and service. She was a proud supporter of WVU Athletics, a member of the Mountaineer Women in Athletics, and an unwavering Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments and civic engagement but for her humor, independence, and enduring loyalty to those she loved.

She is survived by her brothers, Dr. Alex Cocco (Nancy) of Grove City, Pennsylvania, and David Cocco (Linda) of Spokane, Washington; nieces, Dr. Abigail Cocco and Alexis Cocco; nephew, Paul Cocco (Aimee); and great-nephew, Miles Leo Cocco. She is also lovingly remembered by her extended family of close friends, especially Tanya Musick, Donna Talerico, Maryann Wyatt, and Frank Vitale.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Star City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday with Reverend Father John McDonough as celebrant and Reverend Father John DiBacco as concelebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Mary's Peace Garden Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Trust Fund for the Poor or to Court St. Ursula #594, Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.