Mary Arwen Wood

Mary Arwen Wood, 73, of Waterloo, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Iowa City Rehab & Health Care Center.

She was born May 15, 1952, in Mason City, the daughter of Francis and Ida Zitzlsperger Conroy. She graduated from Waterloo Columbus High School in 1970 and attended the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She later attended the University of Hawaii where she obtained her master’s degree. She married Mark McAleer in 1975; they later divorced.

Mary was an English professor. Literature was her hobby and teaching it was her profession.

She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading and writing and spending time with family. Her faith was very important to her, and she attended mass daily.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Karen Schatz of Waterloo; son, Jeremy McAleer of Ashland, KY; her son-in-law, Timothy Schatz of Waterloo; step-son, Robert McAleer of Cedar Rapids; and two grandsons, Matthew and Cooper Schatz, both of Waterloo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two grandsons, Tyler Swyter, and Andrew Schatz.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo. Visitation for one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.