MaryAnn R. Spence of Newark departed this life on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in her own home knowing family was near.
MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents and step-parents “Jean” and Joe Sikorski and Joseph A. and Theda McVey, Jr. Her husband John F. “Jack” Spence, Sr.; her brothers Joseph A. “Mickey” McVey, III and John E. “Jackie” McVey, and two nieces Jodi and Michelle McVey.
MaryAnn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Lynne and Michael Betts of Seaford, her son and daughter-in-law John “Jackie” and Jan W. Spence, Jr. of Bear; her grandchildren Samantha Ramsey (Josh) of Washington, Ashley Mangene of Seaford, Chad Spence (Kate) and Kyle Spence (Regan) of New Jersey and four bonus grandchildren Mike Betts, Jr., David Betts, Sarah Betts, and James Betts (Lauren). “GG” was delighted to have Dillon and Sofia Mangene, Haley Spence, and Finley as great-grands.
MaryAnn’s siblings include Barbara McCarter (Sonny), Jimmy McVey (Jan), and her baby brother Ralph McVey (Linda), as well as her step-sister Donna Duphily. She is also survived by a host of loving nieces and nephews. Mrs. Spence was proud that her grandfather wore Badge #2 on the initial Delaware State Police force. Her father spent time on the Wilmington Park Police force. Her mother was part owner of “Jean and Joe’s” (Beer Garden) in Wilmington.
MaryAnn was an avid doll collector, enjoyed Fenwick Island, and particularly loved gathering her family and friends together. She was a deli clerk, who many will remember from working at Nelson’s delicatessen on Kirkwood Highway and Shop-n-Bag.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 6 from 6–8 p.m. at the McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. A graveside service will be held the following day where everyone is welcome, Friday July 7 at 11 a.m., at All Saints Cemetery, located at 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.
To send a condolence please visit: www.McCreryandharra.com
In lieu of flowers, MaryAnn had a very generous heart, and if you’d like, donations in her memory can be sent to The Society of St. Vincent dePaul at PO Box 7266, Wilmington, DE 19803; funds will directly impact those in need locally.