Mary Josephine "Mary Jo" Faulkner

Mary Josephine “Mary Jo” Faulkner, 82, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 17, 1943, in Glasgow, Scotland, to Peter and Annie Moore Lavery, Mary Jo’s life was defined by an adventurous spirit and a tireless commitment to others. After graduating from Notre Dame private school at 16, she began her studies in childcare at Langside College. In 1963, she followed her heart to America, where she worked as a nanny and at the local Girls Club.
A lifelong learner, Mary Jo put herself through Delaware Technical Community College, graduating at the top of her class as a Registered Nurse. Her nursing career was as diverse as it was impactful, beginning in the St. Francis Emergency Room and continuing through roles as an ENT nurse for Dr. Valdez, a nurse educator at Forwood Manor, and a caregiver with Bayada. She ultimately found her calling at Little Sisters of the Poor, where she served until her retirement.
Mary Jo’s faith was her cornerstone. A devout Catholic who attended daily Mass, she lived her values through service. While at St. Francis, she co-founded the "Teddy Bear Clinic" to help children overcome their fears of hospitals. She also spent years teaching CCD at Holy Angels, coaching basketball at St. Paul’s, and leading countless community fundraisers.
Beyond her professional life, Mary Jo was the heart of every gathering. She was the life of the party, often found at the piano singing with the children. Her adventurous soul frequently led her on road trips that—by design or by accident—veered off the planned route. She found joy in her garden, loved a "frosty beverage" at the beach, and was famous for her Christmas shortbread and celebratory cream puffs.
She is survived by her loving children, Patricia Faulkner (David Cunningham) and Andrew Faulkner; her brothers, Peter (Barbara) Lavery and Sam (Kathleen) Lavery; and her cherished grandchildren, Amanda Sulecki, Rachel Sulecki, Annie Faulkner, and Gavin Faulkner. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews: Ricky and Chris Olivere, Tracy Argo, Angela Hahn, David Fielder, Julie Ciarmella, Maureen O’Dell, and Peter and Brian Lavery.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Anne Olivere, Jane Fielder, and Margaret Lavery, and her brother-in-law, Rich Olivere.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Corleto-Latina Family Center located at 807 North Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19805. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM.
The family extends a special thank you to Accent Hospice for their compassionate care. Mary Jo’s laughter, music, and legacy of kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers Mary Jo's family suggest contributions to The Little Sisters of the Poor,  Click Here to Donate to Little Sisters of the Poor 

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