Mary Anne Gildea, 71, of Lafayette Hill and East Falls, Pa., died January 2, 2025. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a proud alumna of Little Flower High School and Temple U Graduate School of Social Work.
Mary Anne is predeceased by parents Theresa (nee Shields) and James Gildea.
She is survived by sisters Patricia (Charles) Pelletreau, Theresa (Carl) Weissinger, Eileen (Leah Chaplin) Gildea, Anne (Dave) Williams, and brother Dennis (Susan Turlish) Gildea. She is also survived by nephews Andrew Pelletreau, James (Dana Cohen) Weissinger and nieces Claire (Ernesto Tagwerker) Pelletreau, Sarah (Matt) Taylor, Elizabeth (Sean) Duckworth, Carrie Williams, and great nieces and nephews Luli, Teo and Emilio Tagwerker, and Finley Grace Duckworth, her cherished friend, Betty Manley, along with many cousins and friends.
Mary had many talents. Her work took her from the PA School for the Deaf where she became fluent in sign language, to the Shared Housing Agency, Child Guidance Center and Mustard Seed. She also volunteered at Penn’s MS clinic and for Centurion Ministries Innocence Project.
Despite decades with MS and then a devastating stroke that robbed Mary of her mobility and her voice, she remained the same smart, feisty, funny and loving person. Her family was of utmost importance to her, but her sports teams were a close second. We are so grateful for all the joy the Phillies and Eagles have brought her over the years.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Lafayette Hill and Keystone Hospice, along with private agency caregivers, who provided loving care to Mary over many years. Our special thanks go to Deon Reid Johnson whose love and friendship has made all the difference.
Burial is private with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Papermill Food Hub, 3110 Martha St., Phila, Pa 19134, Centurion Ministries, 1000 Herrontown Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540 or Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor, PA 19038.