Marie C. (Connor) Bifferato

Marie Connor Bifferato died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the age of 82. She was a mother, grandmother, lawyer, and civic leader. 

Born in Wilmington on December 21, 1936, she was the daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth (Tidwell) Connor. She attended St. Elizabeth High School and the University of Delaware.

In August 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, Vincent Bifferato. Marie began her career at the DuPont Company while “Biff” was in law school. Then, with three children at home, she returned to school and received her law degree from Delaware Law School. She graduated at the top of her class, all while raising her family. 

On November 22, 1977, Marie was the 42nd woman ever admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware. Throughout her career she was a dogged advocate for her clients, and strong in her convictions. She served on many boards, but was most proud to chair then-Senator Biden's military Service Academy Selection Board.

Marie was a self-taught gourmet cook, long before it became popular to be a 'foodie'. She loved to entertain guests in her home, and her door was always open, with an extra seat at the table. She wanted to help people who were struggling, when she had the ability to lighten their load. Marie was a passionate activist and loyal Democrat, including serving as a delegate for Hubert Humphrey to the 1968 DNC Convention in Chicago.

In her retirement, she loved to travel to Italy with her family. She also adored her grandchildren, who called her Candy, and especially loved to go clothing shopping for them. She will be remembered as brilliant, loving, and a force to be reckoned with.

Marie was predeceased by her husband of nearly 55 years, Vincent A. Bifferato, Sr., and her sisters, Joan Wright and Eileen Acton. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, all of Wilmington, and six grandchildren: Vincent and Kelly Bifferato; Katy and Chip Connolly and their children, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Gil; and Connor and Karen Bifferato and their children, Lilliana, Rocco, and Gianni. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Marie's family would like to thank Cynthia Wray for her outstanding and loving care, as well as Compassionate Care Hospice. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th& DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Friday, January 18 at 11:00AM. Interment will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make contributions are asked to consider Children and Families First, 809 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 (www.cffde.org).

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