Marion Jean Neal

On Monday, April 10, 2023, Marion Jean Neal, née Buckley, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away after a short illness at the age of 89 at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Newark, DE, where she had resided for the past five years. Marion was born in Mt. Storm, WV, on June 27, 1933, to Lena Mason and Harry Buckley. She was known within her family by her middle name, Jean. Marion graduated from South Union Township High School in PA, where she loved reading books and writing, and then Point Park Junior College in Pittsburgh, PA. She worked as an administrative assistant in Pittsburgh before moving her children and mother to Dover, DE, in 1968. In Dover, she worked for many years at Delaware State University, and, while there, also attended the university as a student and earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business. Marion and Fred, whom she married in 1974, bowled together and loved outdoor activities such as camping, traveling, exploring scenery, gardening, hunting, fishing, watching wildlife, growing flowers, and attending family gatherings. Their photo albums were legendary for their variety of scenery and locale. Together they visited more than 40 states. Marion was always ready with a hug and a word of admiration and encouragement. Her favorite phrase was “I love you” because she never wanted anyone to be in doubt about how she felt about them. She took up painting in recent years and produced several pieces with outdoor scenes. She took pleasure in interacting with the support animals that visited the residents and enjoyed friendships with the wonderful staff at Jeanne Jugan Residence. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the attentive and compassionate care that Marion received from the Little Sisters and staff at Jeanne Jugan Residence, especially over the last few months. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Whiting Widdison (Monte) of West Bountiful, Utah; son, John Whiting (Beth Padalino) of Newark, Delaware; two grandchildren, Hayley Whiting (Delaware) and Jenna Whiting (Delaware); and brothers James Buckley (Florida) and Larry Buckley (Delaware). She is also survived by a step-grandchild, Brooke Widdison Cassidy (Drew, Utah), and by two step-great-grandchildren. Marion is also survived by four stepchildren with her husband Fred Neal (deceased): Michael Neal (Florida), Stephen Neal (Massachusetts), Lisa Fletcher (Florida), and Susan Moralez (Florida). Together, they gave her ten step-grandchildren, as well as step-great-grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Harry Buckley. A visitation will be held 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE, 19702, with memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. In order to protect the immunocompromised, the family asks that attendees please take a COVID test before attending. Masks are optional. For those unable to attend in person, please go to the following link to view webcast. https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1264214 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in the name of Marion Neal, to the Jeanne Jugan Residence, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE, 19713. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com