Marie J. McCann, 74

DOVER - Marie J. McCann, nestled in the arms of her family, passed away on Sept. 6, 2009, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 74. Born Marie Jeanette Flanagan in Drexel Hill, Pa., to William and Anastasia Flanagan. On May 7, 1960, she set off on her greatest adventure with her marriage to Walter A. McCann. While Mr. McCann flew with the United States Air Force Mrs. McCann took on the duty of corralling and nurturing five small children. Having successfully met the challenge Marie decided to pursue a career in education. Receiving a bachelor's degree in education from DSU and completing a Master's program at UD, she became a teacher at Holy Cross School in Dover. Upon her retirement Marie, with her husband Walter, sought to enjoy the fruits of their labor. With a love of the water and a preference for warm weather the two become world class adventurers. Packing a bundle of books and a bale full of humor no road went untraveled. Summertime always brought a return to home port and the embrace of friends and family. Spending time with family, children and grandchildren was her true joy. Marie had many dear and close friends. Of special note are Jean Wode, Abby Feierstein, Bruce Lorenz, and a multitude of Air Force and beach friends. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Connor Hill; and many other loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Walt McCann; her daughters, Claire Hill and husband David of Huntingtown, Md., and Frances Miller and husband Scott of Landenberg, Pa.; sons, Kevin and wife Kathy of Winter Springs, Fla., Kenneth of Dover, and Brian of Philadelphia; and grandchildren, Jordan, Ben, Garrett, Frances Alexandra and Avery. Marie is also survived by her sister, Dorthy Gibbons of Phoenix, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews. We wish Godspeed to a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, S. State St., Dover, where friends may call starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Family suggests donations in her memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover. Condolences may be forwarded and Guest Book signed via www.ambruso.com.