Mary Esther Hastings Moore peacefully passed away on Feb. 9, 2026. She had stated that she wanted to live to age 100, and she achieved that goal. Mary was born in Delmar, Md. to Lillian and John S. Hastings. She resided in Bridgeville and then in Bethel, before moving to Pennsylvania.
Mary worked as a poultry grower and later at Milford Memorial Hospital as a nurse’s aide. She loved working in the garden and the flowers, fishing and crabbing, and listening to country music. Mary also loved to cook; she hosted many family dinners, contributed to bake sales and church dinners, and was known for her homemade pies. She attended Sailor’s Bethel United Methodist Church and was active in its United Methodist Women and Count On Me clubs. After moving to Pennsylvania, Mary was active in the Wayne Senior Center. Her family appreciates the support and tender loving care provided by members of these organizations, by SarahCare of Malvern, by Ephrata Manor, and by neighbors, family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Andrew Moore, Jr., her son Gary Dale Moore, her granddaughter Melissa Moore Sylvia Jones, her parents, and her one sister and two brothers. She leaves behind to cherish her memory Barbara Sylvia (Fred) and Andrea Simone (Tony) of Florida, Cindy Moore (Mike) of Pa., nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Family requests no flowers, but would appreciate cards, especially with recollections of their memories of and fondness for Mary. She epitomized the Maya Angelou saying, “…people will never forget how you made them feel.”
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Mary can be made to Sailor’s Bethel United Methodist Church, P O Box 187, Bethel, DE 19931, to Georgetown SPCA, 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947, or to United Church of Christ Homes Ephrata Manor, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.
Internment will be private. Family will plan a remembrance celebration for sometime in the future.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.