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Mary Larkin Dugan

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Unionville High School University of Delaware

Mary Dugan Obituary

Mary Larkin Dugan of Marlborough Village Retired teacher, local historian, helped found Kennett Underground Railroad Center, Mary Larkin Dugan of Marlborough Village, East Marlborough Township, died peacefully at Linden Hall, Kennett Square, on Monday, April 8, 2013, after a battle with lung cancer. She was 78. The daughter of Joseph Palmer Larkin and Verna Hess Larkin, she was valedictorian when she graduated from Unionville High School, and later a teacher in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, retiring in 1993. Several weeks ago she was placed on the Wall of Honor in the high school. She had bachelor and master degrees from University of Delaware. Following retirement, she remained active in local history work. She was a charter member of the East Marlborough Township Historical Commission, and was a past president of Southern Chester County Historical Society, and did contract work, writing comprehensive histories of many local houses, commissioned by the present owners. With friend and fellow historian Ella Sestrich, she wrote a history of Kennett Square's East Linden Street neighborhood. But most of her time and passion were spent on the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, which she helped found and of which she served as president. She led tours for visiting groups, set up a museum, and was in the process of preparing for a new home for the center to be located in Pocopson Township. She was a member of London Grove Friends Meeting and a memorial service is planned there for April 27th at 1 pm. All are welcome. She had married and divorced James Dugan, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She is survived by a sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Solomon of Philadelphia; and four sons, Patrick of San Diego, Calif., James (Jimmer) of Rockland, Maine, Ben of Philadelphia, and Owen of New York, N.Y.; and five grandchildren, Max, Larkin, Emma, Luther and Quentin. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, KURC, PO Box 202, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

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Published by The Daily Local from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Dugan

24 Entries

Jordan Langelier

October 16, 2022

Thank you, Mrs. Dugan.

Cheryl Hood Francis

April 6, 2022

I often think of Sister Mary. She was such a wonderful person always willing to share her knowledge about the history of the Underground Railroad and providing me with resources. We talked about my possibly joining her at the Kennett Underground Railroad Center one day. Rest in peace!

Gene Pisasale

February 29, 2020

Mary was a wonderful, generous and loving woman who founded the Kennett Square Underground Railroad Center and gave numerous tours of the local historic sites to all who had an interest. I was blessed to know her; she was very kind to me, spending time to take me on a tour of local Underground Railroad sites. I took her to lunch and we chatted about the URR; it was a lovely time together. I had no idea that she was ill. Sadly she passed away a month later. I am fortunate to have been able to call her a friend. Mary, thank you for all you have done for history and our community... rest in peace... You are very much missed... -Gene Pisasale

BILL MONSON

April 29, 2013

A WONERFUL TEACHER,ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGING,SHE BROUGHT SHAKESPEARE TO LIFE FOR ME IN SCHOOL AND WAS A DEAR FRIEND IN LATER YEARS.SHE WOULD ATTEND OUR PICNIC ALONG THE BRANDYWINE AT SCOTT RONEY'S BARN AND WE ALWAYS HAD A GOOD TIME.ONE YEAR SHE BROUGHT HER GRAND-DAUGHTER WITH HER.FAREWELL!YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART!

Mary Tharp

April 21, 2013

Mary has been a cherished friend to our family for many years! She taught with my husband, Roger, for over 25 years on the Patton Middle School Red Team. As a self-proclaimed "aunt" to our two children,she even made burlap Christmas stockings for them when they were newborns! Mary and I enjoyed keeping in touch in recent years through the Kennett Historical Society.
Her passion for life and learning was an inspiration to all!

Charlie Gracie JR.

April 16, 2013

I was honored to call Mary a friend and I am deeply saddened by her passing! God Bless Her Soul! I teach US History at the Chester County Youth Center. Mary was so generously kind to visit my classroom numerous times upon request---providing enriching and engaging presentations covering the Underground Railroad and Chester County History in general. I will always have deep respect for her and I valued our friendship. On behalf of my students, thank you Mary for your service and devotion to the community! Again, I have lost a good friend. God Bless You Mary and my sentiments and prayers go out to her family and friends. Charlie Gracie JR

Lois Demchak

April 15, 2013

Mary was a wonderful person. On behalf of the Old Caln Historical Society we wish to express our deepest sympathy. Mary researched over 30 historical properties for us and was
always available to go the extra mile
if we had questions. Mary was not only a member of our historical society but also a good friend.

Linda Walton Currie

April 15, 2013

It is a blessing to have known Mary through many years. Our families have been linked over the years through school, greenhouse, Meeting, and friendship. May warm memories surround you all as you celebrate Mary's life and mourn your loss.

April 14, 2013

Hello Betsy,
Even though I did not know Mary, my thoughts are with you at this time.

Lolly McCardle, Huntingdon, Pa
your Unionville classmate

Tony Talamonti

April 13, 2013

Mary was a wonderful lady and our community is blessed for all she has done for us. Take care Jim.

April 12, 2013

Mary shared her knowledge for many years. I had the honor of her UGRR knowledge and tour of the hot bed of safe houses in Chester County. In the last year we have been working with the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and the Harriet Tubman Byway. Because of Mary's knowledge, we will be able to be part of both programs soon. Mary was unwaviering in her efforts to honor the many brave people involved on the road to freedom on the Underground Railroad. I personal will miss my friend.
R.E. Seeley [ Garrett Family ]

Sarah Wesley

April 12, 2013

I met Mary at the Chester County Historical Society where I was employed for several years. She loved going into the library to do research...There were times she would be so excited that she had to share her findings of historical facts. She loved Chester County history and loved the UGRR site and its purpose to keep those interested in the rich history of her town and the county. She will be sadly missed by family,friends and the many young people she has inspired.

Sarah Wesley

April 12, 2013

I met Mary at the Chester County Historical where I was employed for quite some time....She was always so excited about research and her findings. She loved to share the many historical facts. I know she will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Donna Moore

April 12, 2013

Mrs. Dugan was such a kind and encouraging teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. She was such a positive influence on me and I have no doubt that holds true for countless other of her students.

Phil and Gloria Palmer

April 11, 2013

My wife and I spent an unforgettable afternoon with Mary in late 2009. She gave us a tour of Underground Railroad sites, East Linden Street and Marlborough Village, including a private visit inside the 1801 Marlborough Friends Meetinghouse, as well as a stop at her house for cookies and tea. For several years my mother and Mary were teachers together at Unionville High School, and Mary and my father were friends after he moved back to Chester County after retiring to Arizona. When I was growing up near West Chester, the historical emphasis was on the Battle of the Brandywine. Great credit is due to Mary for her leadership in reviving the legacy of Chester County's role in the Underground Railroad. After our 2009 visit, it was always refreshing to get her periodic emails about the latest activities of the Underground Railroad Center. She will be missed.

Andrea Burrage

April 11, 2013

Unforitunely I have lost several friends in the past few months. Several things they all had in common. Beautiful spirit, soul, heart, and a big smile that light the dark spot on. When you where feeling bad, just seeing their smile. You know everything was going to be alright.

Margaret Woodward Ostrom

April 11, 2013

Mary was an extraordinary human being who did so much to keep alive the history of southeastern Chester County. I shall miss her very much and am so glad we had a pleasant lunch together on Valentine's Day. There was nothing maudlin about this Mary and she left me as she always did...excited about our local history.
Margaret Woodward Ostrom

Charlie Gracie, JR.

April 11, 2013

Susan Pevar

April 11, 2013

My deepest condolences to Mary's family on their loss, which is also a loss to the entire community. Mary had such energy and passion, and her many contributions to the community -- of which the Underground Railroad Center is only one -- will live on as her legacy. I saw her most recently at the semi-monthly Shakespeare group meetings at the Friends Home that I attended with my mother until we both moved to Wilmington -- Mary was always so upbeat and cheerful and thoughtful of others. I will miss her, as will all her family and many, many friends.

Cheryl Hood Francis

April 11, 2013

To the Dugan Family,

My prayers are with you during this time of loss. Sis. Mary was truly a blessing to me. I had the great opportunity to meet her when my church group travelled to PA. She was so passionate and knowledgeable about the histroy of the Underground Railroad. She shared with me her vision for the future in restoring the landmarks. We shared much about the history in the area. Our passions were very similar. God bless you and may she rest in peace. Cheryl Francis - Greater Allen AME Cathedral of NY.

Penny and Bob Davies

April 11, 2013

Mary was a unique individual who made a huge impression on the community and will never be forgotten.She had her goals in life and worked extremely hard to succeed which she did with eloquence and professionalism.She will be greatly missed.She was a super friend.

Carol A. Little

April 11, 2013

Dear Patrick, Jimmer, Ben and Owen,
Your mother's legacy will live on in so many ways- through you and your families, her former English students, admirers of Shakespeare, and especially the Kennett Area Underground Railroad. The Unionville area will feel her loss, passion, and wit. May fond memories replace your sorrow. Best, Carol A.Lehr Little

Barb Johnson

April 10, 2013

Ben, Owen, Partrick and Jimmer,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a treasure to the community and such a good friend to our family. She was such a help to Mom and Dad during Mom's battle with cancer. A wonderful caring neighbor is such a gift, and your Mom was truly that, a gift. I will remember her with much love. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hugs, Barb

Lua Southard

April 10, 2013

I know that Mary was prepared to go to her maker. What a wonderful lady and teacher she was. She had both of our sons at Unionville. Im so glad I got to see her receive her Wall of Honor award at the Unionville High School recently. God bless you Mary.

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