Janet Lorraine Leary, age 76, of Wilmington, Delaware, formerly of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania passed away with loved ones by her side Monday, May 6, 2024, at Christiana Hospital. She was reunited in heaven with her daughter, Karen Leary who passed away in 2011.
Janet was born and raised in Marcus Hook, PA and is the daughter of the late Katherine (McKnight) and Charles Kelly Sr. Janet married her teenage sweetheart, Ed, and were together for 59 years.
One of her first occupations was a cook at the Holiday Lanes Bowling Alley Café, Claymont, DE. Then, for many years, she was a bus driver for M&K Bus Service, St. Helena’s, and Friends School. Janet then became a caregiver in her later years. Not one to have grass grow under her feet, she worked for the Brandywine School District as a Bus Aide.
Janet had a heart of gold, an infectious smile, magnetic personality, loved to make others laugh, quick witted, was the “life of the party”, and just loved to socialize making friends everywhere she goes.
Janet looked forward to getting up early and meeting her brothers, sisters and friends for breakfast at the Sungate Diner and the Chi Café. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan at all of their sporting events, cheering them on and was always so proud of them all. Janet loved to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to her grandson, Alassan, and in return, he always called her “Sunshine” his entire life, which she just loved. One thing she loved to do is surprise her son with a lunch at work and the smile on his face in return made her day.
Janet was always excited to go to the beach every summer, always requesting the same room at her favorite hotel in Fenwick Island with early morning coffee in the gazebo. She loved swimming, going to the water parks, walking & people watching on the boardwalk and eating funnel cakes & crabs. Janet looked forward to hosting Sunday dinners with family and loved to bring everyone together on holidays and birthdays. She always had the house decorated for every single holiday, especially Christmastime.
She enjoyed watching the Sixer’s and Phillies games. Janet always looked forward to attending the annual St. Elizabeth’s Christmas Bazaar, and it became a tradition to attend with her family. She enjoyed playing Bingo at Holy Rosary and St. Helena’s. Janet always loved playing the lottery, playing scratch off tickets and going to Delaware Park.
She bowled at the Conchester Bowling Alley in leagues when she was younger. Janet loved having a cell phone and enjoyed learning social media. She enjoyed playing Pokeno with family and along with friends sitting around the dining room having fun. Most of all, she was always thinking of others; generous and never expecting anything in return. To give to others, always made her feel so happy and complete.
Janet is survived by her husband Edward Leary Sr.; son, Edward Leary, Jr. (Gretchen); daughter, Renee Leary; siblings, Mildred “Mickey” McGinnis (Mike) and Edward Kelly, Sr. (Margie); grandson, Alassan N’Diaye; granddaughters, Abby Leary and Katie Leary; great-grandson, Jacob (Brian) McGovern; two great-granddaughters, Breeana McGovern and Jordyn Hohberger and a sister-in-law, Barbara Kelly.
Along with her daughter and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Alice Marshall, Charles Kelly, Katherine (Kitty) Kelly, Donald Kelly, David Kelly and a grandson, Brian McGovern.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 9:30-11:00 am at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Janet’s name to Claymont Fire Company, 3223 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 or www.claymont13.com/donate. Please note Janet’s name in the memo.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
