Mary G. Van Veen

Mary G. Van Veen, age 88, passed away May 9, 2018 at the Compassionate Care Hospice in Wilmington, DE.

Mary was born in the winter of 1930 in West Chester, PA to the late George and Rita Gleason. She was the fifth of their seven children. Mary attended St. Agnes School and graduated in 1948. After graduation, she worked from 1948 to 1956 for the phone company in West Chester and later in Wilmington. From 1977 to 1995, Mary was the office manager for agent Charles P. Gooding.

In 1956, Mary married Joseph Van Veen. Joe and Mary shared 60 years of marriage. They had four children. Mary is survived by her sons, Joseph and his wife, Nancy of Hockessin, DE, Patrick of West Grove, PA; daughter, Rita of Wilmington, DE; granddaughter, Sarah of Hockessin, DE; brother, William Gleason and his wife, Dolores of West Chester, PA; one lifelong friend and sisterin-law, Jean Van Veen of Glen Mills, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph and daughter, Marybeth.

Mary liked reading, taking walks and the company of her exercise class at Hillcrest United Methodist Church. Mostly, Mary enjoyed the company of others, especially family. There was nothing she enjoyed more than huge family gatherings. She was very devoted to her entire family and will be remembered as a strong, caring and loving person.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 233 W. Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380 on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11am, where friends may visit with the family from 10am to 11am. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Compassionate Care Hospice, 701 N. Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805; or Operation Smile, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5017, Hagerstown, MD 21741-9716.

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