Erna R. Mulrine, age 94, of Newark, Delaware, passed away February 3, 2026.
Erna graduated from Olney High School in 1949 before spending a year at Pierce Business School. She began working as a part-time PBX operator and receptionist at Kitson while attending Pierce. After Kitson she worked as a stewardess for TWA, then Pan American Airlines in the same role. After her airline career, she worked for McArdle Clooney Plumbing as a PBX operator and receptionist. Over the course of her career, Erna held several receptionist positions, including work at Standard Chlorine in Delaware City and later for several law firms in Wilmington.
During the years 1953 to 1955, Erna traveled by ship (SS United States) several times to Germany to visit her mother’s and father’s family. Between 1961 and 1962, Erna met her future husband, Vincent, through her work at McArdle Clooney while Vince was ordering plumbing supplies. They began dating and were married on August 1, 1964.
Erna was an active member of the Delaware Saengerbund Club in Newark, a member of Eastern Star Chapter #10 in Newark, and a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newark. Her interests included sewing, cooking, and baking. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Phillies and the Eagles. She also enjoyed music by Mario Lanza, Helmut Lotti, Andrea Bocelli, and Elvis Presley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent H. Mulrine (George); her father, Hugo Roessle; her mother, Clara Roessle; and her brother, Erwin Roessle.
She is survived by her son, Vincent L. Mulrine; her grandchildren, Nikolas Mulrine, Sydney Mulrine, and Alex Brown (step-grandchild). She is also survived by several cousins, close friends, neighbors, and extended family, including family in Germany.
The family extends special thanks to Maureen (Mo) Buckworth who has been a great help and saving grace during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of both Acute Care and Accent Care at Christiana Hospital for their excellent care of Erna while she was with them.
Services will be held at 5:30 PM on Friday, March 27th at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808). Friends may call beginning at 4:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Saengerbund Club, 49 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713.
