Mary Popovich, enjoyed treating guests

Mary Popovich, 94, of Lewes, formerly of Wilmington and Landenberg, Pa., passed away Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, David and Cynthia Popovich. She was born Nov. 12, 1926, into a large, extended Irish family in Wilmington to Timothy and Jenny Toomey. 

Mary will be remembered by family, friends and neighbors as an unceasing baker of cookies, cakes and pies. All who stopped in to see her were offered a cup of coffee and one of these treats to eat and/or take home. In addition, she was born with a green thumb, and enjoyed hours and hours planning, planting and nurturing the flora in her home and yard. She was never as happy as when she was baking in her kitchen or puttering around in her outdoor gardens.

Mary was a graduate of Brown Technical High School class of 1944. After high school she worked at Gimbel’s department store sewing soldiers’ uniforms during WW II.  In the 1960s and 1970s she also was a teacher at St. John the Beloved school in Wilmington, and a reading teacher in the Wilmington School District. On Nov. 25, 1950, she married Peter Popovich at St. Joseph's on the Brandywine. After 66 years of marriage, Peter preceded her in death. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary is predeceased by her sister, Jane Best; her brothers: John Toomey, Joseph Toomey, and James Toomey; and her great-granddaughter, Mabel Popovich. Mary is survived by her sons: David (Cynthia) of Lewes and Tom (Lynne) of Lewes; her daughter, Sue (Burt) of Strasburg, Pa.; her seven grandchildren; her 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary's name to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, or the charity of your choice.

Please visit Mrs. Popovich's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com