Mary C. McCollum, age 80, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at her home in Wilmington, DE. She was born on December 3, 1938 in Wilmington, DE to the late Kasmir and Josephine Cholewicki Smolka. Mary worked for a while as a typist for a Wilmington publishing company but laterContinue Reading
Mary C. McCollum, age 80, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at her home in Wilmington, DE. She was born on December 3, 1938 in Wilmington, DE to the late Kasmir and Josephine Cholewicki Smolka.
Mary worked for a while as a typist for a Wilmington publishing company but later worked in food services at Salesianum High School for many years. She also worked at the concession stands at Delaware Park and receptionist at H&R Block. The job she enjoyed best was being a mother and grandmother. She was known as “spirited woman who always placed the family first.”
A passionate sports fan, Mary loved and cheered the “Fightin Irish” football team of Notre Dame University. After the retirement of her husband, John, the couple decided to travel the world, visiting Antarctica on a cruise, and Ireland several times as well.
Mary was a member of St. Hedwig’s Parish. She was also a member of the “Women’s Club,” “New Castle County Irish Society,” “Claymore Senior Center” and St. Hedwig’s Church “Holy Rosary Society.”
Mary is survived by her daughter, Debragh Smith (Brian) of Newport, DE; sons, Tim McCollum (Phyllis) of Rehoboth, DE and Matthew McCollum (Danielle) of Port Penn, DE; daughter-in-law, Barbara McCollum of Newark, DE. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Smolka; sisters, Bernadette Brittingham and Cass Nagowski; nine grandchildren, Erin, Shane, Shannon, Brian, Shaun, Casey, Connor, Callie, and Luke; five great-grandchildren, Barry, Remy, Jack, Gianna, Sean and one great-grandson due in June.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, John McCollum; and son, Sean McCollum.
Family and friends are being called to visit from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2019 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at St. Hedwig’s Church, 408 South Harrison Street, Wilmington DE 19805. Family and friends are being called to visit one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made payable to “New Castle County Irish Society” or “Claymore Senior Center,” and sent in care of the funeral home.
Kathy Clark
left a message on February 12, 2019:
So sorry to hear about Mary's passing, she was a terrific woman and loved her children, grandchildren with all of her heart. She had her unique personality and was not afraid to help anyone she knew.
Kathy Smith
left a message on February 11, 2019:
Sending lots of love your way from Cali.
Love, Kathy,Olivia,Kaitlyn and Amelia
WE LOVE YOU!
Love, Kathy,Olivia,Kaitlyn and Amelia
WE LOVE YOU!
Beth Haney
left a message on February 8, 2019:
Debbie and family - Very sorry to hear of your moms passing. I always enjoyed the presence of both your mom and dads company and was honored to have been invited to their 50th wedding anniversary. I also remember the love Mania had for her kids and grandkids and never missed an opportunity to express her love for them.
My sincere condolences.
Beth Sklodowski Haney and Family
My sincere condolences.
Beth Sklodowski Haney and Family
Jackie Prettyman
left a message on February 7, 2019:
My sincere condolences to Debbie, Matt, Tim and their families on Mania's passing. I have many fond memories of our families getting together, those were always fun times. So many kids running around and that was just our two families, often there were many more! Whether it was at the Gerry and Jack Burns house in Klair Estates, at your cool apartment on Maryland Avenue or the Polish Festival, good times were always at the forefront. I especially remember the epic cook outs, burning cattails on your rooftop deck, Debbie's wonderful Barbie collection and especially the sunny energy of your mom. 'I know she's bringing that with her to brighten heaven with my mom and all the others who went before her. Love and hugs.
Joanne Leigh
left a message on February 7, 2019:
Well Mary, this time when you say "Oh, My God" - He will answer "Yes, Mary, it is Me" and welcome home.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeanette (McCollum) Robinson
left a message on February 7, 2019:
Back in 1954, I peeked down the stairs to spy on my brother, Jack, who had 3 friends stop over when my parents were not home. I thought Mania was so pretty and I admired her hair and her navy-blue peacoat. Jack and Mary wed a year later and I'll never forget her in her gorgeous dress, handmade with rows of lace, by her lovely sister, Bernie. Mary and I were close in those days; I wanted to be just like her. When I had my first baby, I relied on her for all kinds of advice because she was such a loving and attentive parent. She even baby-sat my precious daughter. We had a lot of laughs and good family times whenever Jack and Mary and the kids were present. She stepped bravely over the rough spots and never lost sight of the unconditional love in her heart for her husband, for each child and grandchild and then great-grandchild. She embodied loving-kindness and I hope we all appreciate that and will carry some of that with us on our journey. -Jeanette (McCollum) Robinson, Wilmington
Margaret hartwell
left a message on February 6, 2019:
You will be missed, Mary, but the memories of the laughter and love you shared will be cherished and remembered.
Love, Margaret (Margi) Hartwell
Love, Margaret (Margi) Hartwell
Joanne Leigh
left a message on February 6, 2019:
To Mary's Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your precious Mary. I will miss talking with her. Mary and I were classmates from day one at St. Hedwig's, through Wilmington High School and our reunions and forever. Mary was a very special person who loved her family and was so proud to be a Mom, Grandmother and /Great Grandmother. We spent many conversations talking about all of you. I always told her that she was a tough lady who overcame many health obstacles in her life. May the wonderful memories that you all shared help you through this difficult time. Please know that all of her friends also have those wonderful memories. May she rest in peace. I love you Mary.
With love and God's Blessings, Joanne Leigh
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your precious Mary. I will miss talking with her. Mary and I were classmates from day one at St. Hedwig's, through Wilmington High School and our reunions and forever. Mary was a very special person who loved her family and was so proud to be a Mom, Grandmother and /Great Grandmother. We spent many conversations talking about all of you. I always told her that she was a tough lady who overcame many health obstacles in her life. May the wonderful memories that you all shared help you through this difficult time. Please know that all of her friends also have those wonderful memories. May she rest in peace. I love you Mary.
With love and God's Blessings, Joanne Leigh
JOSEPH MANNO
left a message on February 6, 2019:
We are so sorry to hear of Mary's passing, prayers for the McCollum family.
Michael Holiday
left a message on February 6, 2019:
I was saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Although I can't know the depth of sorrow her immediate families must be experiencing, my wife Judy and I champagne-toasted her life and spirit last evening. I think what I remember most clearly about my sister-in-law goes back to my childhood, and those memories helped me to learn an important life lesson. Growing up in a large family (in my case, one of eight children) inevitably has its share of chaotic times. But I recall very few things that cut through that chaos more than the announcement from one of my parents that "Jack and Mary are coming over" --a disclosure that consistently gave rise to a unified response of "YAY!" from myself and my younger siblings. Mary and Jack would arrive, children in tow, and above the din of children yelling and laughing and the adults' lively chatter, it seemed that there was always some point at which we would hear Mary's boisterous laughter above all the babble, which she often followed up with with an unrestrained "Oh My God!" (I thought at the time she coined the phrase) or a loud "Oh you're KIDDING me!" I feel that Mary had a strong and indomitable spirit, and I always liked her lively attitude and unflinching outspokenness. Her presence often gave off a kind of "Eat, drink, and be merry" vibe that somehow always made me feel better. For me, she exhibited the kind of spirit that always reminds me that life is not just about our struggles--whatever they may be--it's also about LIVING and laughing and doing our best to maintain some lightness of being in the face of the fact that each of us must one day die. I thank Mary for that childhood lesson, which has helped me get through some of the rough patches in my life. If there are any Heavens, I'm certain she's in one.
Faith Okoniewski
left a message on February 6, 2019:
My condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Faith Okoniewski
Julie Caputo
left a message on February 5, 2019:
I love and miss you, Aunt Mary.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Kathy Clark
left a message on February 12, 2019:
So sorry to hear about Mary's passing, she was a terrific woman and loved her children, grandchildren with all of her heart. She had her unique personality and was not afraid to help anyone she knew.
Kathy Smith
left a message on February 11, 2019:
Sending lots of love your way from Cali.
Love, Kathy,Olivia,Kaitlyn and Amelia
WE LOVE YOU!
Love, Kathy,Olivia,Kaitlyn and Amelia
WE LOVE YOU!
Beth Haney
left a message on February 8, 2019:
Debbie and family - Very sorry to hear of your moms passing. I always enjoyed the presence of both your mom and dads company and was honored to have been invited to their 50th wedding anniversary. I also remember the love Mania had for her kids and grandkids and never missed an opportunity to express her love for them.
My sincere condolences.
Beth Sklodowski Haney and Family
My sincere condolences.
Beth Sklodowski Haney and Family
Jackie Prettyman
left a message on February 7, 2019:
My sincere condolences to Debbie, Matt, Tim and their families on Mania's passing. I have many fond memories of our families getting together, those were always fun times. So many kids running around and that was just our two families, often there were many more! Whether it was at the Gerry and Jack Burns house in Klair Estates, at your cool apartment on Maryland Avenue or the Polish Festival, good times were always at the forefront. I especially remember the epic cook outs, burning cattails on your rooftop deck, Debbie's wonderful Barbie collection and especially the sunny energy of your mom. 'I know she's bringing that with her to brighten heaven with my mom and all the others who went before her. Love and hugs.
Joanne Leigh
left a message on February 7, 2019:
Well Mary, this time when you say "Oh, My God" - He will answer "Yes, Mary, it is Me" and welcome home.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeanette (McCollum) Robinson
left a message on February 7, 2019:
Back in 1954, I peeked down the stairs to spy on my brother, Jack, who had 3 friends stop over when my parents were not home. I thought Mania was so pretty and I admired her hair and her navy-blue peacoat. Jack and Mary wed a year later and I'll never forget her in her gorgeous dress, handmade with rows of lace, by her lovely sister, Bernie. Mary and I were close in those days; I wanted to be just like her. When I had my first baby, I relied on her for all kinds of advice because she was such a loving and attentive parent. She even baby-sat my precious daughter. We had a lot of laughs and good family times whenever Jack and Mary and the kids were present. She stepped bravely over the rough spots and never lost sight of the unconditional love in her heart for her husband, for each child and grandchild and then great-grandchild. She embodied loving-kindness and I hope we all appreciate that and will carry some of that with us on our journey. -Jeanette (McCollum) Robinson, Wilmington
Margaret hartwell
left a message on February 6, 2019:
You will be missed, Mary, but the memories of the laughter and love you shared will be cherished and remembered.
Love, Margaret (Margi) Hartwell
Love, Margaret (Margi) Hartwell
Joanne Leigh
left a message on February 6, 2019:
To Mary's Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your precious Mary. I will miss talking with her. Mary and I were classmates from day one at St. Hedwig's, through Wilmington High School and our reunions and forever. Mary was a very special person who loved her family and was so proud to be a Mom, Grandmother and /Great Grandmother. We spent many conversations talking about all of you. I always told her that she was a tough lady who overcame many health obstacles in her life. May the wonderful memories that you all shared help you through this difficult time. Please know that all of her friends also have those wonderful memories. May she rest in peace. I love you Mary.
With love and God's Blessings, Joanne Leigh
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your precious Mary. I will miss talking with her. Mary and I were classmates from day one at St. Hedwig's, through Wilmington High School and our reunions and forever. Mary was a very special person who loved her family and was so proud to be a Mom, Grandmother and /Great Grandmother. We spent many conversations talking about all of you. I always told her that she was a tough lady who overcame many health obstacles in her life. May the wonderful memories that you all shared help you through this difficult time. Please know that all of her friends also have those wonderful memories. May she rest in peace. I love you Mary.
With love and God's Blessings, Joanne Leigh
JOSEPH MANNO
left a message on February 6, 2019:
We are so sorry to hear of Mary's passing, prayers for the McCollum family.
Michael Holiday
left a message on February 6, 2019:
I was saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Although I can't know the depth of sorrow her immediate families must be experiencing, my wife Judy and I champagne-toasted her life and spirit last evening. I think what I remember most clearly about my sister-in-law goes back to my childhood, and those memories helped me to learn an important life lesson. Growing up in a large family (in my case, one of eight children) inevitably has its share of chaotic times. But I recall very few things that cut through that chaos more than the announcement from one of my parents that "Jack and Mary are coming over" --a disclosure that consistently gave rise to a unified response of "YAY!" from myself and my younger siblings. Mary and Jack would arrive, children in tow, and above the din of children yelling and laughing and the adults' lively chatter, it seemed that there was always some point at which we would hear Mary's boisterous laughter above all the babble, which she often followed up with with an unrestrained "Oh My God!" (I thought at the time she coined the phrase) or a loud "Oh you're KIDDING me!" I feel that Mary had a strong and indomitable spirit, and I always liked her lively attitude and unflinching outspokenness. Her presence often gave off a kind of "Eat, drink, and be merry" vibe that somehow always made me feel better. For me, she exhibited the kind of spirit that always reminds me that life is not just about our struggles--whatever they may be--it's also about LIVING and laughing and doing our best to maintain some lightness of being in the face of the fact that each of us must one day die. I thank Mary for that childhood lesson, which has helped me get through some of the rough patches in my life. If there are any Heavens, I'm certain she's in one.
Faith Okoniewski
left a message on February 6, 2019:
My condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Faith Okoniewski
Julie Caputo
left a message on February 5, 2019:
I love and miss you, Aunt Mary.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.