Mary Ann O’Connor, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by the warmth and love of her family on August 29, 2022 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Mary Ann, AKA, “Miraculous, & Unique” to her beloved Hopkins team, beat a 3 month cancer prognosis and fought on to enjoy 5 spectacular bonus years. This gift of time allowed her to participate in momentous family events … seeing grandchildren drive, graduate high school, enter college, and just recently, she danced with her daughter at her wedding.
Due to a unique treatment design, based on genetics and research, Mary Ann’s cancer growth was essentially paused. To Dr. Ross C. Donehower, MD and Dr. Isaac Chan, MD, you have our gratitude forever.
Mary Ann is survived by her three children, John (Christine), Patrick (Carolyn), and Erin (Ferris), their father John, and her pride and joys, her grandchildren, Raleigh, Rory, Abby, John Robert, Liam, and Sydney. Being raised by a woman like her was a daily gift. Our mother set the example of how to be. Family was her everything. The phrase, “When all else fails … ask Mimi”, was coined after her. She would move mountains to ensure you felt loved, had confidence and realized your worth … even if that meant the latest toy or new pair of shoes.
Mimi’s Holiday dinners were her trademark. Table settings would take days!! She would set her table with family heirlooms and collectables she cherished. Irish linen tablecloths and napkins, gold-rimmed china, individual silver salt wells and pepper shakers – multiple sets of silver candlesticks, Waterford crystal (even for the children) – She was sharing her passion and love. She would say if they (grandchildren) can dine with me they can dine anywhere. Forever the teacher.
Mary Ann was the oldest of the three “Manley Girls”, daughters of Thomas and Jane (McGill) Manley. Her sisters, Dr. Patricia Gorman (Douglas) and Virginia Manley (Charlie) were always there for each other and would talk daily. Fun family stories would be shared at family reunions and it seemed to always end with a photograph of the “Manley Girls” locked in each other’s arms doing their highkicks.
A graduate of East Stroudsburg University (BA), and Wilmington University (MA) Mary Ann pursued a career in teaching. She retired as a first grade school teacher at Castle Hills Elementary School after close to 30 years. She loved teaching and constantly shared stories about her class. The Castle Hills faculty became her “Castle Hills Family”; a group that would gather every year for lunches and celebrations. These have been lifelong friends that we all grew up with. She always felt blessed to have such a great core of friends, working together, and sharing all stages of their lives together.
Mary Ann established so many lifetime friendships – Her River Road / Edgemoor crew, her Washington D.C. crew, the Forty Acre / Highlands crew. These friendships developed into extended family (Gail, Ellen, Beth, Deirdre, Mary, Rick, Marty) and so many more. The time shared – The Ups & the Downs, the summer swim team events, Dewey beach weekends, a walk in Rockford Park, Mexico, SO many Shared family events and Holiday brunches. These friendships meant the world to her and continue to be a source of strength for us – Thank You!
Our mother was the epitome of elegance, grace, strength, and humor. We miss her dearly and take comfort in knowing she will forever live on within our hearts and souls.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10:30 AM at
Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville, Delaware. A visitation will be held prior from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Our Mother’s final wish was to help Dr Isaac Chan continue his life-changing research
In lieu of flowers or local donations, please consider donating to Dr.Isaac Chan MD, Research at the University of Texas:
https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/simmons-donate
IMPORTANT – In the designation box, choose “other” then type in the ” How would you like to direct your donation? ” field: “Isaac Chan Research”
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