MARY THEISEN

Mary Duggan Jornlin Theisen

Mary Duggan Jornlin Theisen, age 80, of Greenville, DE passed away on August 17, 2007.

Mary was born in Minnesota in 1927. She graduated from St. Louis Park High School and then The McConnell School. Mary became a professional model in 1946 and in 1949 married Francis M. Jornlin, who was employed by the DuPont Company. They had 7 children. Mary and Francis' son William Duggan Jornlin died in 1956. They were also foster parents to Michael. Her husband Francis, who was a DuPont executive, Wilmington City councilman and state representative, died suddenly in 1975. She married Vincent Theisen in 1981 and enjoyed many wonderful years with Ty before losing him in 2005. Mary led a very full life and was active in many organizations. Most of all, her life revolved around her family, whether it was organizing large family gatherings, shuttling her 6 children to activities or handing out leaflets and shaking hands during political campaigns in neighborhoods throughout the State. She was a devout Catholic and mother and brought that sense of commitment to her work with the State. Her nature was to serve and empower others whether that meant serving her children, the State or a person she had just met.

Prior to her life as a public servant, she served in many volunteer positions. Five of her children attended the Tower Hill School where she became a trustee on their board. She supported the Wilmington Swim School, was president of the St. Edmond's Mother's Guild and worked in various positions for the Junior League of Wilmington, Ursuline Academy Association, Archmere Mother's Guild and St. Ann's Church. Mary served on the Board of Directors for the Wilmington Trust Company, AAA, Greenville Country Club, Blood Bank of Delaware, Family Service of Delaware, Opportunity Center, the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Heart Association and the University of Delaware Women's Center. In 1980, she was appointed by President-elect Ronald Reagan to the Women's National Policy Board and was also the Delaware Woman of the Year in 1980. She was a member of the NAACP and was also a foster parent. Mary was inducted into the Delaware Womens Hall of Fame. Mary was elected State Treasurer in 1972 and became chairperson of the National Conference of County Republicans. She was running for the United States Congress when her husband died in 1975 and instead she decided to run for New Castle County Executive. After her election to NCC Executive, she made many positive changes to county government, including implementation of the 911 alert system. Mary later accepted a position with Hercules as Vice-President.

Her parents were Mary Ellen Loftus Duggan and John J. Duggan. She is survived by brother, Richard and his wife Mickey Duggan; sister, Kathleen Duggan; sons, Frank, John, Kevin and Len Jornlin; and daughters Mary Ellen Keyes and Therese Jornlin; their spouses Ann, Janet, Ginger, Sally and Paul; and grandchildren Kevin, Carly, Ryan, Michael, Paige, Scott, Matthew, Andrew, Caitlin, Luke, Daniel, Carrie, Ellie and Robert; and step daughters, Deborah Clough, Pam Morss and Barbara McGonagle.

Mary was a woman of incredible accomplishments, poise and charisma. We are grateful for her life and the life she gave others. The family wishes to recognize the outstanding care given by the Stonegates staff, D.J. Johnson and Delaware Hospice as we traveled a challenging road these past couple of years.

Family and friends may call from 7-9 pm, Tuesday, August 21 at the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine,10 Old Church Road, Greenville at 10:30 am. A reception at the Greenville Country Club will follow the funeral service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Ministry of Caring, 506 N. Church St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

www.chandlerfuneralhome.com

302-478-7100