Mary Ellen May

May, Mary Ellen (Nee Bovidge), of Centreville, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 18, 2023 at the age of 102.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Bernard J. May for 59 years before his death in 2007. Devoted mother of Sandra (Joseph) Kestner and Judith (Bruce) Godick. Mary was predeceased in death by her parents, Nicholas and Eustina (Wallace) Bovidge. She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren Dr. Heather Kestner Green, Drs. Christopher (Christy) Kestner, Meghan Kestner, Rebecca (Evan) Humble and Ross Godick along with her adored great-grandchildren Brenner, Charlotte and Abby Green.

Lovingly referred to as Baba by relatives and friends, when asked what she attributed her longevity to, she answered without hesitation, “buckets of blueberries every day.” Baba lived a very full and happy life. She enjoyed music, laughter and spending endless hours with her children, grandchildren & great- grandchildren at home and the Jersey Shore. Baba attended as many school functions and sports events as possible and devoted her time to others, being the first to assist in any way she could.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, Delaware. A viewing will be held prior at church beginning at 9:30am. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Baba’s memory to UPENDO, a charitable foundation, which supports orphans and at-risk children with education, food, clothing, shelter, and medical needs. Additional information can be found at www.upendounitedfoundation.org.    PayPal: info@upendounitedfoundation.org or checks payable to: Upendo United Foundation, 147 Quigley Blvd, Suite 11822, Wilmington, Delaware, 19850.