Maryann McGinnes McVey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, January 24 , 2026. Maryann grew up in Wilmington’s Ninth Ward, attending Christ Our King and P.S. DuPont High School. She attended nursing school at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital. Maryann became a LPN and worked at the former General, Memorial, and the Delaware hospitals. She retired in 1997 after finishing her career at the Christiana surgery-center. She was loved and respected by many.
While raising three young sons alone, Maryann took an extra job as private duty nurse for Nelly Peoples McVey. Nelly had a son Frank who owned a pet shop In Graylyn Crest, she was curious. One day she loaded up the kids and drove to the pet shop to “check him out”, she liked what she saw, and they were happily married for 46 years.
Frank and Maryann made their home in Marshallton Heights. They enjoyed their place on the Sassafras River early in their marriage, eventually camping and settling at Tall Pines in Lewes DE. They were always together and loved each other’s company.
Frank loved his railroad lanterns and she loved her quilting. Maryann loved Christmas and collected Santas and Dept 56 Dickens village. They hosted many Christmas Eve parties, and everyone loved singing around their player piano!
Maryann loved travelling, but Frank would not fly so she went on her own traveling through Europe and Ireland. They enjoyed their road trips with the Burtons. Being retired, they really cherished the time they spent with their grandchildren.
Sadly, she lost the love of her life just short of one year ago.
Franklin Peoples McVey, age 90, passed away on January 31, 2025.
After Frank’s passing, Maryann did not want to go into a nursing home, wishing to be surrounded by the memories they made in their home. When she entered Hospice care in October 2025, she moved to her son Steve’s home in Bear and was cared for by family until her passing.
Steve and Danny wish to thank Linda for being willing to provide such wonderful and compassionate care for their mother in the comfort of their home.
Maryann was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Clyde McGinnes and her son’s Joseph and Christopher Hess. She is survived by her sister Elaine Syva (Mike).
Frank was predeceased by his parents, George and Nelly McVey and sister Laura Smith.
Frank and Maryann are survived by their sons, Steve Hess (wife Linda) and Dan McVey (wife Nicole) both of Bear; daughter, Rena McVey of Kill Devil Hills; grandchildren, Amanda Cooper, Andrew Hess, Jimmy Morgenroth, Justin D’Angelo, Matthew McVey and Caleb Brechbiel; great grandchildren, Mason, Jaxon and Emma as well as many nieces and Nephews.
Frank and Maryann were honored in private by family members.
