Obituary for Annamay C Claffey
Annamay C. Claffey
Age 88 of Wilmington
Passed away on Thursday, Jun 22, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital. She was born at St. Francis Hospital on August 25, 1934 and baptized at Christ Our King Church in late August 1934.
Annamay was a lifelong resident of Wilmington. She attended St. Paul's Grade School, graduating from 8th grade in 1948. She then attended St Paul's Commercial, graduating in 1950. She attended Goldey Beacom College.
In the 4th grade, Annamay started piano lessons. She did very well and liked playing the piano for school activities. In the 7th grade, she started organ lessons at the convent with the Sisters of St. Francis. She was so talented that she began playing weddings for the parish. She was highly in demand with family and friends and other churches in the community. Everyone was impressed with her skill!
Annamay was also one of the three majorettes in St. Paul's School band. They performed almost weekly for volunteer fire companies in parades for 30 years. She was a charter member of the ICCD and secretary for the club for many years. She served on St. Paul's Parish Council and several committees greeting new Puerto Rican members to the parish.
Recently St. Paul's Parish, Annamay's lifelong parish, celebrated 150 years of existence. She received an award for her 50 years of playing the organ and her devout membership to the parish.
After graduating from Commercial, Annamay started her business career working at Brandywine Plymouth Auto for two years. She then worked for Atlas Powder Company in the mail room. She quickly moved up to the Steno Pool, then to the shared secretary for two sales representatives, then to private secretary to another sales representative, and finally as private secretary to the vice president. She retired after a 40-year career.
While at ICI, through all the name changes, Annamay played several seasons on the Women's Softball team. She performed in several shows at the Women's Club spring lunches. She also sang in the Zeneca Mixed Choral Group till its closing many years later.
In retirement, Annamay enjoyed her stays at the summer home in North Wildwood, NJ. When not taking advantage of the sun rays on the beach, she rode her bike around the island, attended afternoon shows, or reclined on the back deck of her home.
Annamay was an avid reader and always had a book close by. She loved to travel. Her favorite locations included Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Alaska, Chicago, Idaho, and all the states of the West Coast. Now Annamay is on her final trip to heaven.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Claffey, and her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Harry Seaberg. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Leo John Sweeney; and her three goddaughters, Michelle Jackson, Karen Hayes,Paula Savini; and her dear friend, Pat Callahan Siani.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth R.C. Church, 810 S. Broom St., Wilm., DE 19805, on Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 am. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am-11:00am. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery.
Age 88 of Wilmington
Passed away on Thursday, Jun 22, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital. She was born at St. Francis Hospital on August 25, 1934 and baptized at Christ Our King Church in late August 1934.
Annamay was a lifelong resident of Wilmington. She attended St. Paul's Grade School, graduating from 8th grade in 1948. She then attended St Paul's Commercial, graduating in 1950. She attended Goldey Beacom College.
In the 4th grade, Annamay started piano lessons. She did very well and liked playing the piano for school activities. In the 7th grade, she started organ lessons at the convent with the Sisters of St. Francis. She was so talented that she began playing weddings for the parish. She was highly in demand with family and friends and other churches in the community. Everyone was impressed with her skill!
Annamay was also one of the three majorettes in St. Paul's School band. They performed almost weekly for volunteer fire companies in parades for 30 years. She was a charter member of the ICCD and secretary for the club for many years. She served on St. Paul's Parish Council and several committees greeting new Puerto Rican members to the parish.
Recently St. Paul's Parish, Annamay's lifelong parish, celebrated 150 years of existence. She received an award for her 50 years of playing the organ and her devout membership to the parish.
After graduating from Commercial, Annamay started her business career working at Brandywine Plymouth Auto for two years. She then worked for Atlas Powder Company in the mail room. She quickly moved up to the Steno Pool, then to the shared secretary for two sales representatives, then to private secretary to another sales representative, and finally as private secretary to the vice president. She retired after a 40-year career.
While at ICI, through all the name changes, Annamay played several seasons on the Women's Softball team. She performed in several shows at the Women's Club spring lunches. She also sang in the Zeneca Mixed Choral Group till its closing many years later.
In retirement, Annamay enjoyed her stays at the summer home in North Wildwood, NJ. When not taking advantage of the sun rays on the beach, she rode her bike around the island, attended afternoon shows, or reclined on the back deck of her home.
Annamay was an avid reader and always had a book close by. She loved to travel. Her favorite locations included Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Alaska, Chicago, Idaho, and all the states of the West Coast. Now Annamay is on her final trip to heaven.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Claffey, and her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Harry Seaberg. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Leo John Sweeney; and her three goddaughters, Michelle Jackson, Karen Hayes,Paula Savini; and her dear friend, Pat Callahan Siani.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth R.C. Church, 810 S. Broom St., Wilm., DE 19805, on Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 am. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am-11:00am. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery.