NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Mary Keevil Dailey passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. She was 89. Mrs. Dailey was born July 18, 1921, in Versailles, Mo., the daughter of Mara Thomas Keevil and Gladys Hubbard Keevil. She grew up in the tiny town of Syracuse, Missouri and graduated from nearby Stephens College. She and her husband, Gene Dailey, were married in Missouri during the final years of WWII, and later moved to Tulsa, Okla., where their two children were raised. In 1965, Mary and her family relocated to Dover, Delaware where she and Gene lived happily for many years. They both worked for Caesar Rodney School District, Mary as office manager at Star Hill Elementary School. Mary's faith was a central part of her life. She was an active and involved member of the Presbyterian Church of Dover where she served as a deacon. Mary belonged to Dover's Century Club, and enjoyed participating in the Downtown Dover Days. She was actively involved in social welfare issues, was a member of the Democratic National Committee, and at the age of 79 participated in The Million Moms' March for stricter gun control. Mary's love of nature gave rise to two hobbies: bird watching and pressing flowers. For the past four years Mrs. Dailey resided at Mennowood Retirement Community in Newport News, Va., where her friends there remembered her sweet, fun-loving and feisty nature in an informal service held on Saturday, December 18. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene, who passed away in 1993. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Anderson of Newport News, Va., and her son, Tom Dailey of Seattle, Wash.; three granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at the Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State Street, Dover, Del. A private graveside ceremony will be at the Old Presbyterian Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Mary Dailey in a donation to your favorite charity. Condolences will be appreciated at www.fariesfuneralhome.com.