Mary Ann D'Onofrio

Mary Ann Cahall D'Onofrio, age 81, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022. Mary Ann was born in Wilmington on May 23, 1941, daughter of the late William Kenneth and Mary Elizabeth Cahall. Mary Ann attended Wilmington High School and enjoyed roller skating and basketball. After graduating in 1958, She married Walter Gifford and had three children, which were her world. After her divorce, Mary Ann left her footprint throughout her career working at several large retailers beginning with Kennards as a buyer, Macys (Macys by Appt) and even owner/manager of her own ladies’ fashion store “Ladies Image “which she owned with a life-time friend. Mary Ann finally ended her retail career retiring from Boscov’s. She then became a caregiver to elderly individuals who needed care or companionship. Mary Ann loved her family and enjoyed family vacations at Myrtle Beach and OBX. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the beach or an amusement park. Mary Ann also enjoyed getting to spend holidays, especially Christmas, with her family. She loved traveling with the love of her life, William D’Onofrio, whom she married in 1971 and spent 38 years with until his passing in 2009. They visited Italy, Germany, Bermuda and the Bahamas. Mary Ann had accepted Jesus Christ into her life and loved her church congregation deeply. Mary Ann was a long-time member of Lighthouse Baptist Church of Newark. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, William D. D’Onofrio; stepson, Mark E. D’Onofrio; and her siblings, William Cahall and Janet Cahall Sutton. Mary Ann is survived by her children: Susan Strunk, Johnna Gifford Godwin (David) and Walter L. Gifford Jr. (Jen Frederick); seven grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Strunk, Sarah and Alison D’Onofrio, Ryan and Matthew Gifford and Lauren Godwin: as well as four great-grandchildren; and her friend,co-worker and roommate of many years, Eleanor Boyland, who helped care for her during her illness. A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2023, from 10-11 AM at Lighthouse Baptist Church 1842 Otts Chapel Rd Newark DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of Mary Ann’s life at 11 AM with a luncheon immediately following in the church hall. Burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you contribute in memory of Mary Ann to either St Jude Children’s hospital which she always made donations to for their outstanding work or to Delaware Hospice Kent County for their outstanding care over the last few months. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Mary Ann D'Onofrio

May 23, 1941 - December 23, 2022

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