Mary H. Lengle

Mary H. Lengle (nee Higley), 80, a lifelong resident of Wilmington, DE, died peacefully on August 8, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, Mary was the youngest daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Gibbons) Higley. She was predeceased by her husband, James; her son, David; and her sister, Sr. Catherine Higley of the Benedictine Sisters. She is survived by her children Jim (Kathie), Kristin DeSimone (Joe), and Catherine Campbell (Jim); her brother Tom Higley (Anne Marie); grandchildren Colin, Evan, Joey, Katie, Mark, Matt, Marianna, and Jimmy; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Mary attended St. Matthew’s grade school and graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School. Following graduation she worked at the Delaware Safety Council. For many years while raising her four children, Mary was an active volunteer at St. Catherine of Sienna, the family’s parish and school. She crocheted  countless baby blankets, afghans, sweaters and more for friends, family, and to donate yearly to the church’s Christmas bazaar and she would often be seen watching her children’s basketball games while crocheting in the stands. Mary enjoyed baking, and her homemade cakes were eagerly anticipated by family and friends as well as at the carnival bake sale.

As her children grew, Mary went to work as a legal secretary, first for Green, Green & Godowsky, followed by Prickett, Jones, Elliott, Krystol & Schnee, where she spent most of her working years.   Here she truly was part of a family and made friendships that lasted throughout the years. Most notably was her boss, Paul Lukoff, Esq., whose family has been family to her, and whom she followed to join at Wilks, Lukoff and Bracegirdle, where she worked until she retired. 

Mary loved to read, play bingo, and go to breakfast and lunch with friends. She was able to travel, mostly on cruises, with her sister, Cas, and loved the family  vacations most summers to the Outer Banks. She was always up for a trip to an amusement park or the beach with her children, nieces and nephews. Most of all, she loved to laugh, and those close to her certainly knew that well.

Mary had deep friendships that lasted for decades. Her friends from childhood, high school and work have been a constant in her life and she cherished all of the time she spent with them. She had a knack for people everywhere she went, and even those who helped care for her over the past few years really connected and cared about her. 

Mary had a lifelong love for dogs and cherished so many over the years.

Most of all, Mary loved her grandchildren. Whether near or far, she would travel to help care for them, attend their performances, sporting events and milestone celebrations, and truly relished when all of the family would get together at Christmas and in the summer.  

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, 19713. Interment will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider a donation to: the Benedictine Sisters, 25 Gender Road; Newark, DE 19713. Their welcoming arms, especially in times of need, have been instrumental in Mary’s health and healing over the years. 

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