Mary Eleanor Vernon, served church, community
Mary Eleanor Vernon, 72, of Lewes, formerly of Bowie, Md., passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, peacefully with her loving family at her side. She was born in Riverdale, Md., Oct. 12, 1943, daughter of the late Francis E. and Jessie (Helmick) Springmann.
Mary graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Va. After high school, Mary moved on to a long, successful career with the Federal Home Loan Bank board followed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She was also the co-owner of the Rita’s Italian Ice in Milford.
In retirement, Mary kept herself busy with family and church, and community activities throughout Lewes. Mary was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and organized the prayer line. She was also a former member of the Lewes Red Hat Society, and in the past volunteered regularly with Reach to Recovery. Mary continued to participate in various Relay for Life events as part of Team Proud Mary, which was named after her.
Mary loved spending time with her family, friends and her dogs (Sandy and CiCi), as well as spending time at the beach and getting pedicures and lattes with her “girls.”
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded by her sister, Martha. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Glen Vernon of Lewes; her four children: Carrie Bell, Tiffany Skintges, Bryan Vernon and Jennifer Carle; 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters: Charlotte Hardman, and Helen Pometto; and her four brothers: Frank, Patrick, Jimmy and Donny Springmann.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 27, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (http://www.debreastcancer.org).
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Mary’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfunerahomes.com.
