Mary M. Patton, 69

NEWARK - Mary M. Patton of Newark passed away Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, in Heartland Hospice House, surrounded by her loving children and family. She was 69.

Born on Dec. 17, 1937, in Willliamstown, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Dale C. and Lillian M. Cullen.

Mary enjoyed bingo, traveling, reading, collecting antiques and collectibles.

Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, who loved her more than any words could express.

Mary worked for the New Castle County School District as a school crossing guard for several years.

She also had a shop at Old Tyme Antiques in Newark for many years.

The main job she had and did with excellence and unconditional love was being the most beautiful and wonderful mother three children could have ever hoped for.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Earl Whaley.

She is survived by her three children, Judy Graham and son-in-law Walter of Middletown, Thomas Patton Jr. and daughter-in-law Barbara of New Castle and Robert Patton and daughter-in-law Gail of Newark, with whom Mary lived; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a brother, Dale Cullen Jr. of Greenwood; two sisters, Fay Mitsdarfer of Wilmington and Donna Bobby and brother-in-law Mike of Virginia Beach, Va.; and her longtime very dear friend, Sue Hepbron of Quinton, Va.

Mary's children would like to thank Christiana Care, Select Specialty Services and Heartland Hospice House for their loving care and support during the last three and a half months.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where a visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Port Penn.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made in Mrs. Patton's memory to Heartland Hospice Services, The Stockton Building, 261 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702.