Mary Mac Gown Del Vecchio left this earthly life on December 16, 2020 to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was born on May 16, 1925. She liked to think of herself as a "Maniac" signifying her life in her formative years in Turner, Maine. Mary graduated from Leavitt Institute at Turner Center in 1942 and then from Ballad School of Nursing (in New York City) in May of 1948. In that same year she and Joe Del Vecchio vowed a life together at the Congregational Church in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. That Commitment came to a close on April 6, 2011 when he preceded her in death.

The 1950's were remarkable years together. Four children graced their home. They started a 4-H club for the young people of their 600 home community. They were active in the Parent Teacher Organizations where their children attended school. They established CROP WALKS in the Sayreville and South Amboy area in New Jersey and raised $25,000 to fight world hunger. They were a Christian family and were active in both church and community.

Mary returned to work during the college years of the four young people and continued to work at J.F.K. Medical Center until 1982. While Joe was active in the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly, Mary was active in the U.P.W. (a 43 church group of Presbyterian Women) taking on the presidency from 1970 to 1973. It seemed no time at all when the nest was empty again.

Neither did it seem possible that 35 years of working went by and it was time to retire. Volunteering seemed to be a way of life during the working years and continued into the retirement years. They opened a craft business (MAJOCRAFTS) with Joe making wooden toys for children and Mary making note cards using her photography for covers. Craft shows became a habit for them. They resumed their activity in CROP and led the walks in Indian River County in Florida, raising another $100,000 for World Hunger. Then in January of 2003 they departed America to become volunteer missionaries in Papua, New Guinea for two and a half years. "To do what is right'' was the password in both Mary's and Joe's life. They served as Managers of the Shipping Center Lae, PNG. All of the goods that arrived or departed into and out of the country for Wycliffe came into and left from Lae. They had a staff of seven Nationals working for them and for whom they provided spiritual nourishment.

On March 9, 2009, the little family closed their home and moved to Florida Baptist Retirement Center. Still desiring to volunteer, Mary played the piano for morning devotions and led The Women's Bible Study Group in scripture study.

The family will be hosting a memorial service to celebrate Mary's life during her journey on the planet at a later date. From here on out, eternity will be without tears or stress or sin; and only joy, perfect love and praise to the Almighty God will be the norm.