MARY MARGARET DURKIN

Mary M. Durkin, of Rio Grande, NJ (formally of Lansdale and North Wales, PA) was called home to the Lord on May 19th, 2017.  She was 92 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, on December 19th, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Paul G. and Irene M. (Hegadus) Lengyel, and was the eldest of nine children.  Mary was preceded in death by three husbands: Samuel J. Mancuso, John L Bowen and Anthony J. Durkin, son, Jerry Lengyel, grandson, Michael Kriebel and five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her sister Beverly A. Detweiler of Quakertown, PA and 9 children, 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was the beloved mother and step-mother of: Dee B.Kreibel (Jake) of Lansdale, PA, Aurora Cressman (Ronald Sr.) of Coopersburg, PA, Marge Riebsame (Bruce) of Warminster, P, Jerry Lengyel (deceased), Patricia M. Lewis (Robert) of Hatfield, PA, Barbara A. Bensen (Brian) of Rio Grande, NJ, Marianne Zielinski (Joseph) of Pensauken, NJ, Sandra L. Arbuckle (Paul) of North Wales, PA, Samuel G. Mancuso of Trappe, PA and Tina L. Berrios (Gilbert Jr.) of Perkasie, PA.

Raised on a farm in the Quakertown PA area, she graduated from Quakertown HS in 1943.  The first half of her adult life was spent in the Lansdale, PA area where she was a member of          St. Stanislaus, Corpus Christi and St. Rose of Lima RC churches.  Mary’s early work life was at Bell Telephone and Philco Ford, and concluded as long-time employee of Merck & Co, retiring in 1987, where she was the first President of the Merck Retirees Club.

After her retirement and relocation to Rio Grande, NJ she was later employed by Middle Township Recreational Dept. again retiring in 2002.  During her time in NJ she was actively involved with many organizations:  Family Promise of Cape May County; American Legion (winner of 2015 Russ Berrie – Making a Difference Award); VFW, and Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliaries; Women of the Moose; AARP of Cape May County, Middle Township – Senior Activity Center and Rent Control Board; and both the township and county Democrat clubs.  Moreover, she would often be seen volunteering in the CM county offices.

In addition, she was a member of Our Lady of the Angels RC church and was active in many of its’ ministries:  Lector; Bereavement Committee; Hope & Help (Treasurer); OLA Seniors; and Peach Festival (former Chairperson), to name a few.

Mary had a charismatic personality and took pleasure in her family, friends, the beach, and traveling.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, crocheting, reading, bowling, and a host of other interests.  Her vivacious sprit and “can do” attitude is a testament to her character and will be missed by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 35 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House, NJ where visitation is from 9:30 to 11:00 am prior to start of Mass.

Mary’s family will also receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 25th between 10:00 am and 12 Noon at Simcox-McIlvane Funeral Home, 532 E. Main St., Lansdale, PA followed by burial at George Washington Memorial Park in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Family Promise of Cape May County, 505 Townbank Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204.