Marie Ann Marco, age 97, of Newark, DE, passed away on August 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born December 11, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Guitano Anthony Thomas Valenti and Mary Zarello Valenti.

Marie was born and raised in South Philadelphia, PA.  From an early age she loved to dance, play basketball, roller skate, horseback ride, sing and sew.  Following her passion for sewing, she graduated from Fleisher Vocational High School, where she was trained to become a professional seamstress.  Throughout her early years she worked as a professional seamstress for several of the large Philadelphia Department Stores.

Marie met the love of her life, Robert, marrying in 1949, settling first in Philadelphia, then to Glenside, PA, where she centered her life around her family.  She was an amazing cook, baker, homemaker and seamstress.  Her house was full of love.  In 1974, when Bob was offered his dream job with DuPont, Marie happily relocated to Newark, DE, where she continued her dressmaking business.

In Newark, Marie and Bob enjoyed ballroom dancing, bowling, traveling and golf.  They were active members of Holy Angels Catholic Church.  She joined the Newark Senior Center, singing Thursday mornings with the Songbirds choir and then dancing with her Thursday afternoon friends.  She cherished her participation with her dear friends of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, including a trip to Lourdes, Spain.  She then extended her sewing profession to doll making and collecting.  She created numerous dolls, their clothes and accessories, all becoming part of her treasured collection.  Every visitor enjoyed the story behind each special doll.

Marie touched the lives of all she met.  Her neighbors were a very special part of her life, where she was considered the Grandmom of the block.  Marie will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  She always said; “I am Blessed”.  She never had a bad day and was always cheerful to see and talk with family and friends.

Marie is survived by her dear sister Barbara Sonzogni; daughter, Diane M. Hare, and Robert D. Lehman, M.D., of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter Janice K. Mockaitis and husband Dennis T., of Ambler, PA; son Frank L. Marco of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and daughter Christine M. Herman of Newark, DE; grandchildren, Kelly Grimshaw, and husband Chad; T. Mark Herman; Justin Herman, and wife, Isabel Hernandez Garcia; Stacy Massaconi, and husband Trevor; Martha Behan, and husband James; Sara Mockaitis and fiancé Tyler Conlan; Matthew Mockaitis, and wife Jessica; Meghan Hare and fiancé Michael Moon; and Eric Hare; great grandchildren, Joshua, Kaylin and Mikayla Grimshaw; Samantha Massoconi; James and Ella Behan; Teagan and Wesley Mockaitis; Emma, Lucia and Alyssa Herman; and a large extended family and  friends.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Robert V. Marco, her siblings Michael Valenti, Josephine Pomponi, Rita Manning and Rosalie Mikulski, brother-in-law Eugene Marco and his wife Emma May Marco, and her son-in-law Timothy Herman.

Marie’s family wishes to thank the staff at Newark Manor for their compassionate care and support.

Friends and family may arrive at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc. Funeral Home, 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE, for visitation from 8:30 AM until 10:00 AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 20, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE, 19711.    Burial will be held at 1:00 PM at the Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to assist with end-of-life expenses, payable to “Christine M. Herman”, mailed to R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE.  Your support and kindness are greatly appreciated.