Nellie Ray Mackie

Nellie Ray Banfield Mackie, age 90, of Hockessin, Delaware, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Rockland Place, with her children by her side.

Born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1932, Nellie Ray was the daughter of Thomas Vincent Banfield Sr. and Nellie Ray VanMetre Banfield.

During her lifetime, Nellie Ray loved learning and excelled in education, graduating from Fayetteville Elementary School, Chambersburg High School, Dickinson College, and Wilmington University, along with being a student for many years at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

She had a long career as a clinical laboratory scientist, working at various medical centers including Salem Hospital, Riverside Hospital, Wilmington Hospital, and ChristianaCare.

As a single mother with 4 young kids, Nellie Ray for years worked the late shift at Riverside and then the first shift at Wilmington. After earning her master’s degree, she managed both laboratory departments.

She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Phi Mu Fraternity, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and she was dedicated to several nonprofits, including her time as campaign chair and board member for Delaware Easterseals.

In her retirement years, Nellie Ray enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, and being alongside her longtime companion Ray Ciesinski, with whom she loved tailgating at UD football games, swimming in the Senior Olympics, and enjoying the daily crossword puzzle. She much enjoyed spending time with Ray’s family, including his children Kathy, Kris, and RJ, and granddaughters Alexa and Nicole.

Nellie Ray was a role model and mentor to her family, friends, and many folks who knew her in life. She often gave a great deal for her loved ones, and she will always remain present in their hearts and minds.

Nellie Ray was preceded in death by her loving parents, her longtime companion, her half-brother Thomas V. Banfield Jr., and her great-grandson Elliott Spaniol.

She is survived by her brother Thomas V. Banfield II; her children Maryde Hand (Jim), Jeff Mackie (Tina), Tom Mackie, and Blythe Anne Lundstrom (Scott); her grandchildren Shannon Spaniol, Blythe Maynard, Alyssa Crawford, James Hand, Austin and Denver Lundstrom, and Brendan, Kevin and Luke Mackie; her great-grandchildren Callie, Adaline, Amelia, Natalie, Baylor, Faye, and Hollie; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Rockland Place for providing the highest level of professional and personal care. The family is equally grateful for BAYADA Hospice’s compassion and care during such an emotional time.

Visitation will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 10-11:00 am. A funeral service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 900 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, on Thursday, June 30, at 11:00 am. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nellie Ray’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/site/donation.