Obituary for Mary F. Finlaw (Ryan)
Mary Francis Ryan Finlaw, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2021, surrounded by her family. Mary was so proud of her family and her Irish roots.
She was born in Philadelphia to Edward L. Ryan and Ruth (Drakeley) Ryan. She grew up in her beloved childhood hometown of New Castle, Delaware. She worked as a riveter at Balanca Plant in New Castle, and she also worked in the concession stand at Riverview Beach Park. After marrying, she worked as a waitress for Howard Johnsons on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Mary loved being a homemaker, a mother, and a grandmother (MomMom). Her family was her life, and spending time and being near them was essential. She enjoyed sitting on her porch, watching the birds, and speaking with neighbors. In her early days, she liked taking the Ferry from New Castle to Pennsville and skating at Riverview Park Skating Rink. This is where she met her husband, Bill.
Mary and Bill married on April 10, 1946, and they enjoyed 75 years of marriage. Mary was an active member of Queen of the Apostles Church in Pennsville, and it is where she and Bill raised their family.
Mary and Bill loved to travel by car on many road trips. They became lifelong residents of Pennsville, where they lived on Highland Avenue for 70 years. Only in the later years did Mary and Bill live in Newport, Delaware with their son, Edward, who was their caretaker.
She brought so much love, smiles, and laughter to everyone she met. She always held Jesus and the Blessed Mother close to her heart.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth R. Grube, with whom she had a special bond and together they brought so much laughter; her brothers, L. Edward Ryan, George C. Ryan, Joseph P. Ryan; her son-in-law, Tom Strader; her daughter-in-law, Lucille Finlaw, and her grandsons, Michael Strader and Franny Heverin.
Mary is survived by her children, Diane C. Strader of Pennsville, Edward L. Finlaw, Sr. of Newport, Mary R. Heverin (Frances) of Dover, and Joseph F. Finlaw, Sr. (Lora) of Pennsville; her brother, Francis E. Ryan; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 14, at 12 noon at St. Matthew R.C. Church, 901 East Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804. A visitation will take place at the church on Monday morning from 11:00 am to 12 noon. Burial will take place in St. Peter the Apostle Church Cemetery, 5th and Harmony Streets, New Castle, DE 19720.
Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
302.994.9614
She was born in Philadelphia to Edward L. Ryan and Ruth (Drakeley) Ryan. She grew up in her beloved childhood hometown of New Castle, Delaware. She worked as a riveter at Balanca Plant in New Castle, and she also worked in the concession stand at Riverview Beach Park. After marrying, she worked as a waitress for Howard Johnsons on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Mary loved being a homemaker, a mother, and a grandmother (MomMom). Her family was her life, and spending time and being near them was essential. She enjoyed sitting on her porch, watching the birds, and speaking with neighbors. In her early days, she liked taking the Ferry from New Castle to Pennsville and skating at Riverview Park Skating Rink. This is where she met her husband, Bill.
Mary and Bill married on April 10, 1946, and they enjoyed 75 years of marriage. Mary was an active member of Queen of the Apostles Church in Pennsville, and it is where she and Bill raised their family.
Mary and Bill loved to travel by car on many road trips. They became lifelong residents of Pennsville, where they lived on Highland Avenue for 70 years. Only in the later years did Mary and Bill live in Newport, Delaware with their son, Edward, who was their caretaker.
She brought so much love, smiles, and laughter to everyone she met. She always held Jesus and the Blessed Mother close to her heart.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth R. Grube, with whom she had a special bond and together they brought so much laughter; her brothers, L. Edward Ryan, George C. Ryan, Joseph P. Ryan; her son-in-law, Tom Strader; her daughter-in-law, Lucille Finlaw, and her grandsons, Michael Strader and Franny Heverin.
Mary is survived by her children, Diane C. Strader of Pennsville, Edward L. Finlaw, Sr. of Newport, Mary R. Heverin (Frances) of Dover, and Joseph F. Finlaw, Sr. (Lora) of Pennsville; her brother, Francis E. Ryan; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 14, at 12 noon at St. Matthew R.C. Church, 901 East Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804. A visitation will take place at the church on Monday morning from 11:00 am to 12 noon. Burial will take place in St. Peter the Apostle Church Cemetery, 5th and Harmony Streets, New Castle, DE 19720.
Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
302.994.9614