Mary Elizabeth McNeal Charnock, age 82, of Middletown, DE passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family. Mary was born in Boothwyn, PA to the late John & Dorothy (Smith) McNeal.

She is survived by her daughter, Sally Rifenburg and husband, Douglas of Middletown, DE with whom she lived; grandchildren, Matthew Rifenburg and wife, Gina (Graham) of Clayton DE, Jonathan Rifenburg and wife, Audrey (Hausig) of Philadelphia, PA, Mary Elizabeth Rifenburg Pieri and husband, David of Newark, DE, Brianna J. Charnock of Media, PA and Tracy L. Charnock of Swarthmore, PA; great grandchildren, Rebecca, Nicholas, Drew, Dillon, Brittany, Joseph and Justin; daughter-in-laws, Joanne (Stubbe) Charnock and Patricia (Tracy) Charnock; brother, Howard McNeal of Honeybrook, PA and sisters, Janet Nasko of Bear, DE, Margaret Nacrelli of Chesapeake, VA, Bernadine Whayland of Yukon, OK, Dorothy Boney of Townsend, DE and Lynn Burns of Ft. Myers, FL. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred H. Charnock, Sr., sons, Gary L. Charnock and Fred H. Charnock, Jr., and siblings, Betty McNeal, Dolores Hanna, Jean Sandifer and Jack McNeal.

Mrs. Charnock was a graduate of Chester High School. She served as the President of the Women’s Federation of Delaware County for many years and President of the Home Owners Association at Summit House in West Chester, PA. She owned a fabric store in Media, PA during the mid 70’s. Mrs. Charnock was a fabulously talented seamstress and made clothes for many people including her daughter and niece’s wedding gowns. She studied interior design and created wonderful draperies and curtains for many homes in Delaware and Bucks Counties, PA. She was a volunteer Ombudsman for the State of Delaware visiting residents in many local nursing homes.

She loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener. African Violets bloomed profusely in her care. Mrs. Charnock loved the seashore, mountains, holidays and spending time with her family. She and her husband took many wonderful vacations throughout their marriage and had retired to Little River, SC before her husband’s death in 1994.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice and Your Own Home for all of their care, kindnesses and support over the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter or Heartland Memorial Fund c/o R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 310 George Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915. Burial will be private.