Maryanne McGonegal
We will carry on without Maryanne. We will in part because she showed us how over decades, day after day, in battle after battle, regardless of the entrenched interests and traditions of ignorance arrayed against the people’s interest. She knew many losses but in the alchemy of her compassion they became the incentive to keep on, to never relent. And so did her victories.
and Delaware Way
It is an indictment of ‘The Delaware Way’ that someone like Maryanne was viewed by far too many in Dover as part of a fringe element.
Her victories were achieved in spite of the ‘permanent government’, both the elected officials and the self-appointed grown-ups (Ed Friel, Bobby Byrd, Gary Patterson, Joe Farley, et al) who never allow discourse to stray beyond the bland (and blatantly self-interested) center.
Maryanne battled to the end for equality and justice. I can not think of someone else locally who battled as hard as she to solve the big problems.
Maryanne Mourningstar McGonegal
Maryanne, 69, passed from this life on April 5, 2008 from multiple myeloma and leukemia, nearly three months after the passing of her beloved daughter, Susan Mangini.
Born in Wilmington to the late James J. and Anne Winkler McGonegal, she graduated from St. Patrick’s School, Ursuline Academy, Goldey Beacom and the University of Delaware (1976).
Maryanne worked at the old Wanamakers, Hercules, University of Delaware Womens Studies, DuPont Company, New Castle County Finance and Personnel departments, Lt. Gov. S. B. Woo High Tech Task Force, General Assembly Joint Sunset Committee and for State Senator Karen Peterson.
Over the years, she was active in Mothers for Peace; Common Cause of Delaware; 9th Ward Federation; Agenda for Delaware Women; Northern Delaware Greenway Council; Christ Our King Church, Social Concerns; Friends Society of Brandywine Park; Delaware All-Star Football Game; New Castle County Library Advisory Board; Delaware Library Association Legislative Action Committee; Women’s Correctional Center Arts Workshop; Wilmington United Neighbors; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME); founder & editor Union Eyes newsletter; Delaware Affirmative Action Association, newsletter editor; Tangent, Newark newspaper, writer & editor; Phoenix Rising, United Campus Ministry, writer & editor; Womansong, University of Delaware radio station, writer.
One of the joys of Maryanne’s life was enjoying the beauty of Winterthur and Longwood Gardens. She also patronized area parks and spent numerous hours transforming her garden into her place of enchantment.
Maryanne loved her family beyond all measure and cherished the support of her friends. She was happy to have had the opportunity to make a difference and to make her small part of the world better than she found it. She also cherished the early help and love provided by her grandparents who owned Winkler’s Restaurant in Wilmington.
She is survived by her friend and companion John Flaherty whose help allowed her to live at home and avoid additional hospitalization; daughters Nina Neville, Amy Dworek and husband Steven; sons, Allen Neville and wife Michelle; John NevilIe and friend Karri Powers; grandchildren, Ashley Neville, Avery and Autumn Dworek, Danielle and Georgia Neville, Tony Mangini, Jr. and Rory Neville Jordan. Also by her sister Nina and brother James.
Maryanne was also predeceased by her brother Gerard.
The family thanks Dr. Pamela Simpson for her special care in Maryanne’s time of need and the staff at Odyssey Health Care for their compassionate home care.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Strano & Feeley Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Christ Our King Catholic Church, 2810 N. Monroe St., Wilmington.
A celebration of Maryanne’s life will be held immediately after the Mass from 12-2 downstairs at Christ Our King Church Hall.
Internment will be at Christiana Presbyterian Church in Christiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Christ Our King Church St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2810 N. Monroe St., Wilmington, DE 19802
Online condolences may be sent to http://www.Strano-Feeley.com
Strano & Feeley
Family Funeral Home
302-731-5459
Dana
Thanks so much for giving these words about Maryanne. In addition to all that has been said, permit me to add my thoughts. She was supportive of the poetry community, especially activist poets. She was a great neighbor. Her yard, and treasured roses are a beacon in the neighborhood. Rest now, dear friend.
Beverly
she was one of the strongest women ive ever know. you dont know how proud iam to actually be able to call such a great couragus crusader for the good my grandmother