Mary Ann Kile Torkelson of Seaford passed away on Aug. 29, 2023 at TidalHealth Hospital. She was born in Swoyersville, Pa., daughter of the late Valentine and Mary Gavlick.
Mary Ann attended schools in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Fort Worth, TX, and Delaware Technical and Community College. She was employed as a secretary, piano teacher, and church organist for many churches with the last position as organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown where she was also a member. Mary Ann was a member of the Sussex Festival Chorale, The American Guild of Organists, a board member of the Old Christ Church League, as well as secretary of the Seaford Community Concert Association. Mary Ann also served as a volunteer for Delaware Hospice and many other volunteer positions throughout the community. She was an avid supporter of the arts, particularly music.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her second husband, John Torkelson; her sons, Lawrence Kile (Marcia) and Timothy Kile (Venus); her sister, Ruth Golias; and her brother, Richard Gavlick. She is survived by her sons, Randall Kile (Megan Cleary) and Brian Kile (Mia); six grandchildren: Monica Levine, Cody Kile, Erika Dower, Heather Thomas, Logan Kile, and numerous step-grandchildren; four siblings: Valentine Gavlick, Jr., Lorraine Cannon, Joseph Gavlick, and Arlene Adamchak; and numerous great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service and reception to follow will be held at a later date at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 122 E Pine St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mary Ann’s memory to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church organ fund, P.O. Box 602, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Yates Funeral Home and Crematorium, a Parsell Family Funeral Home in Seaford.
Please visit Mary Ann’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.watsonyatesfuneralhome.com.