Mary Jane passed away peacefully on December 1, 2022.
She was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Margorie Dougherty and Frank Horty on December 28, 1934. Mary Jane was a devoted alumnus of the Ursuline Academy Class of 1952, and a loyal University of Delaware Blue Hen and football fan. She married her high school sweetheart, Garrett B. Lyons, Sr. the day after graduation.
Mary Jane was a formidable competitor in any sport she engaged in from tennis, golf, and bridge to fantasy football, beer pong, and whack-a-mole.
Beautiful and spunky, Mary Jane brought life to the party. She was an engaging hostess and sparkled as a guest. She had a theme, costume, and decorations for every occasion. Her extensive collection of photo albums capture many of these moments and chronicle decades of travel with life-long friends to Bermuda, the Caymans and Sea Island.
‘Grandmom’ to her grandchildren and ‘MJ’ to her great-littles, they will remember her for her sherry-laced cream chipped beef, excursions to the Delaware Natural History Museum, Easter egg dying and competitive bubble blowing.
A proud Delawarean, Mary Jane served on the Alumni board at the University of Delaware, The Delaware Humane Society, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Delaware Dental Auxiliary, Heart Ball Chairman, Child, Inc., Auxiliary Board of A.I. duPont Hospital, Delaware State Arts Council and Town of Henlopen Acres Planning Commission.
The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation to the staff at Stonegates and the ICU team at Christiana Care.
Mary Jane is predeceased by her son David, Sr., her sister Dorothy, and her husband Garry—with whom she celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing. She is survived by grandsons David, Jr. (Anne) and Timothy, great-grandson Logan Cabell, great-grand daughter June Elizabeth and daughter-in-law Kate; her son Garrett, Jr. (Patricia), and grandchildren Garrett III (Catherine), Meghan (Stuart), Faith (John), Patrick and Jane.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19806.
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