Marie Josephine Townsend

With full hearts, we celebrate the life of Marie J. Townsend, who passed away at the age of 95. She was a woman whose life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep devotion to her family.
Marie was the daughter of late Josephine (Francesconi) and Frank Ferretti. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Norman D. Townsend, Sr., in 2001; her son, Norman D. Townsend, Jr., in 2021; her siblings and their spouses Ida McMillin (Arthur), Louis Ferretti (Elva), Emily Colicchio (Nick), Francis Ferretti (Judy), Lena DeAngelo (Sal) and Theresa McGinness (Dave) all of whom shared a lifetime of love and laughter together.
Marie is survived by her children and their spouses, David (Anita), Craig (Debbie), Donna Paoli (Nick), Frank (Dawn) and daughter-in-law Joyce Townsend, host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; her cherished grandchildren, Angela, Norman III, Lindsey, Jessica, Kristin, Ashley, Brandon, Brittany, Frank Jr., Andie, Stacia, Nelle and Vincent; her step grandchildren, Eve, Katie, Melissa, Kelly, Angela, and Paulie; and her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and joy, Colby, Brady, Camryn, Liam, Markus, Luke, Josie, Sully and Cecilia.
In her later years, she found special companionship with Louis Gallo, spending 14 happy years dancing at Delaware Park, attending family gatherings, and enjoying each other's company.
Family meant everything to her. Her greatest joy was having everyone together under one roof-especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and delight. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, filled with the aroma of her famous spaghetti dinners and her cherished holiday pizzelles. She gave of herself through her cooking, her laughter, and her presence, creating traditions that will live on for generations.
She also treasured time with her sisters and friends-sharing coffee, conversation, and card games that often lasted for hours. She loved dancing, beach days with her family, and cheering on her grandchildren at their school activities.
Her life was a beautiful example of kindness, love, and joy in the simple things. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the warmth she brought to every room and every heart she touched.
Her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. Every shared meal, every story told, and every family gathering will carry her loving presence.
A special thank you from the family to Marie's Brookdale family that supported her over the past 4 years.
A visitation will be held on Friday October 24th at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road Wilmington, DE 19808 from 11 A.M to 12 00 P.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 12 P.M. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Marie's memory to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX, 75284 and the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.