Mary Ann Kile Torkelson, organist, community volunteer
Mary Ann Kile Torkelson of Seaford passed away Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, at TidalHealth Hospital. She was born in Swoyersville, Pa., daughter of the late Valentine and Mary Gavlick.
Mary Ann attended schools in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Fort Worth, Texas, and Delaware Technical and Community College. She was employed as a secretary, piano teacher, and church organist for many churches with the last position as organist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Georgetown, where she was also a member. Mary Ann was a member of Sussex Festival Chorale, American Guild of Organists, board member of Old Christ Church League, as well as secretary of Seaford Community Concert Association. Mary Ann also served as a volunteer for Delaware Hospice and many other volunteer positions throughout the community. She was an avid supporter of the arts, particularly music.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ann is preceded in death by her second husband, John Torkelson; her sons, Lawrence Kile (Marcia) and Timothy Kile (Venus); her sister, Ruth Golias; and her brother, Richard Gavlick. She is survived by her sons, Randall Kile (Megan Cleary) and Brian Kile (Mia); five grandchildren, Monica Levine, Cody Kile, Erika Dower, Heather Thomas and Logan Kile; numerous step-grandchildren; four siblings, Valentine Gavlick Jr., Lorraine Cannon, Joseph Gavlick and Arlene Adamchak; and numerous stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 122 E. Pine St., Georgetown, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mary Ann's memory to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Organ Fund, P.O. Box 602, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Yates Funeral Home and Crematorium, a Parsell Family Funeral Home, Seaford.
Visit Mary Ann's Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at watsonyatesfuneralhome.com.
