Mary Ann B. Horning

Mary Ann B. Horning, daughter of the late Washington Irving Bullard and Eleanor Gaither Clark, died on December 29, 2022 at home in Hockessin, Delaware. She was 90 years old.

Mary Ann graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1950. She attended Duke University where she received a B.A. degree in History in three years. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Phi Beta Kappa. Later she studied Art Appreciation at The Barnes Foundation and writing at The University of Delaware.

In 1952, Mary Ann married Dan Horning, also of Charlotte. They moved to Martinsburg, VA where he worked for Dupont. After adopting two children, Danny Jr and Sally, they were transferred to Wilmington, Delaware. Their stay in Delaware was interrupted by a brief sojourn to Providence, Rhode Island. Soon thereafter, Mary Ann gave birth to their daughter Ann before their final transfer back to Wilmington, Delaware in 1966.

Mary Ann was a homemaker who also volunteered in many varied fields, some sponsored by The Junior League of Wilmington, others by The Colonial Dames, Old Swedes Church Foundation and The Wellness Community. She was most proud of her work with breast cancer patients from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mary Ann was vibrant. She had a zest for life, people and adventure. She loved traveling, playing tennis, reading, art, cooking, genealogy and gardening. She was known for her intellect, passion for learning, generosity, and love of fashion. Mary Ann had life long friends from around the globe and frequently hosted themed parties to nurture relationships. She was a brilliant conversationalist with charm and southern hospitality. Mary Ann was strong, wise and energetic. She was full of life, chocolates and laughter.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, her son Danny Horning Jr and daughter Sally Ziegler. She is survived by her sister Sarah Lucey, her niece Jessica Bixler, nephew Brian Luce, daughter Ann Tralka, grandchildren Ann Claggett, Christine Goodwin, Hannah Tralka, Matthew Tralka and her great grandchildren Kaydin Claggett and Olive Joe Goodwin.

Her family is most grateful for the compassionate care given by Joyce Cale, a long time family friend, Nurse Practitioner Suzanne Ransehousen and the entire Cokesbury Acts Hospice Team. Their care was outstanding during this difficult time.

Her family will have a small, private ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina when they are able.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary Ann’s memory to The Wellness Community at 4810 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, Delaware,19807 or The Old Swedes Foundation at 606 N. Church St, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801.