"Your Mom was a wonderful lady. I remember going to your cabin with Aunt Helen (Penny). We had such a great time. Mary was a great nurse that didn't only take care of her patients. Also of the family. Treasure your memoirs. Sorry to hear your lose of Jim as well. Prayers for you all. "
In loving memory of
Mary Ellen Delaney
August 5, 1921 - August 28, 2019
Mary Ellen Delaney, 98, of Keokuk, gained her wings Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at her home surrounded by family and loved ones.
Mary Ellen was born August 5, 1921 in Sonora Township in Hancock County, to Gabriel and Ellen Moffitt Wilkens. She was united in marriage to Francis Delaney on June 1, 1943 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 24, 2011.
Mary Ellen has been a lifelong resident of the Nauvoo/Keokuk area. She went through RN training at St. Joseph Hospital, later known as Keokuk Area Hospital. Mary Ellen worked at St. Joseph Hospital and Graham Hospital. She worked at Dr. Benjamin Van Werden's office for approximately 8 years before retiring to be a full time homemaker. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 41 year. She was a member of The Church of All Saints, very active in Birthright in Keokuk and was also very active in the ostomy club. She and Franny were winter Texans in Corpus Christi for many years.
Mary Ellen is survived by three children; Frank (Ann) Delaney of Corpus Christi, TX, Mary Lynn (Don) Walters of Ft. Madison, IA, Kathleen (Ed Jr.) Blindt of West Point, IA, twelve grandchildren; Steve (Amy) Johnston, Stacey (Vicki) Johnston, Andrea Levine, Frank (Karen) Blindt, Rick Blindt, Rob (Monica) Blindt, Melissa (Josh) Plate, Colleen (Steve) Etka, Ryan (Morgan) Delaney, Shannon (Jarrett) Goodell, Anya (Derek) Morales, Christopher Delaney, sixteen great grandchildren, one sister; Margie Blindt of Burlington, IA, one sister-in-law; Ann Wilkens of Nauvoo, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Ellen will be greeted with open arms by her parents, her loving husband, Francis, one son; James Edward who passed on August 14, 2019, three sisters and one brother.
Celebration of Mary Ellen's life will be Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at 10:00 am at All Saints Church with Reverend Dave Brownfield, PhD officiating, 310 South 9th Street, Keokuk with burial following at Oakland Cemetery. Friends and loved ones are welcome to join the family at KC Hall following the interment.
Visitation will be Monday, September 2, 2019, from 4 to 7 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers, 1212 Concert Street, Keokuk with Christian Wake at 7 pm with Trevor Pullinger leading the Wake
Memorials may be made to Birthright of Keokuk, St. Vincent's Catholic School, or The Church of All Saints.
Tributes and condolences may be entered at dejongsfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Prayers to family. A great lady she and mom Joyce Kavanagh worked together great people and great nurses!!"
"Frank, so sorry to hear about the death of your mom--and also your brother. There is never a good time to lose those we love. Prayers for you and your entire family. Joan Maerz Wood"
"I am sure Heaven is even more beautiful with you there! Thank you for being such a great inspiration to us all.Love you always"
"We are so thankful to have known Mary and to have been invited into the Delaney family. We are better people for having you in our lives. Vaya con Dios, Mary. "
"Mary was such a loving and caring nurse. I worked at Graham Hospital when she was a nurse there. Prayers and blessings to the family. I know she will be missed by all that knew her. Diane Kearns "
"Love you Grandma! We will miss you greatly. So lucky to be your granddaughter ??"