Mary Jane DeMatteis was raised up on eagle's wings to our Lord on Friday, November 12, 2021. She died peacefully in her sleep following 18 months of declining health. Mary Jane was born on September 18, 1932, to Charles and Theresa Walker, the second oldest of six children. She met the love of her life, Conrad John DeMatteis, Sr., at Wilmington High School, from which they both graduated in 1950. They married on her favorite day May Day, May 1st, in 1954. After celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, Conrad died tragically of a heart attack on May 10, 1974, at just 42 years of age. At the young age of 41, Mary Jane was widowed with six children, ranging in age from 19 to 4 years old. She raised her children, putting them through college working as a judicial secretary for Family Court of Delaware and then Superior Court. After working more than 20 years for the State of Delaware, Mary Jane retired from state service when she turned 65 years old and proceeded to work for the next 22 years, including nearly 20 years with the Diocese of Wilmington at All Saints Catholic Cemetery. Her greatest gifts passed onto her family are a deep faith in God and deep commitment to family. She had a will of steel, heart of gold and faith strong enough to move a mountain. Mary Jane was honored and humbled to be named Delaware Mother of the Year in 2000. She remained very active with the Delaware Association of American Mothers for many years. Staying active well into her eighties, Mary Jane volunteered with the St. Francis Junior Board, serving as President of the charitable organization from 2018 – 2020. In 2015, she received the Delaware State Bar Association's Myrna L. Rubenstein Professional Support Recognition Award. After she retired from All Saints Cemetery in 2020, Diocesan leaders presented her with an Apostolic Blessing from the Most Holy Father, Pope Francis, to honor her many years of devotion and service. In addition to working for the Catholic Diocese, Mary Jane also volunteered as a CCD religious education teacher for 20 years at St. John the Beloved, teaching young adults about the Old Testament to prepare for their confirmation. Prior to her passing, Mary Jane had celebrated her 89th birthday surrounded by her family. She also enjoyed one final Halloween celebration, one of her favorite traditions. As her family, former co-workers and friends know, Mary Jane celebrated every holiday with special decorations, festive candy dishes, decorative desserts and holiday outfits. To pass on her love for the Delaware tradition of Maypole dancing on May 1st, she successfully worked with members of the Delaware General Assembly to pass a resolution designating the Maypole Dance as the State's official dance. Mary Jane is survived by her six children: John DeMatteis, Sr. (Noreen); Barbara Testa (Anthony Jr.); Thomas DeMatteis, Sr. (Theresa); Claire DeMatteis (Michael Marquardt); Michele Adams (Matthew); Conrad DeMatteis, Jr. (Kathy). She also is survived by her 10 grandchildren: John "JR" DeMatteis, Jr. (Megan Cassidy); Jessica Testa; Elizabeth DeMatteis Obold (Daniel); Anthony Testa, III; Thomas "TJ" DeMatteis (Jaclyn); Melissa Testa; Michael Testa (Taylor Fenton); Mackenzie Adams; Carly Adams; Anna Adams. She is survived by three great grandchildren: Jacob and Mia Obold and Isabelle DeMatteis. She also is survived by her sisters Betty Caldwell and Judy Grillo. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Theresa Walker, her older brother Charles Walker, and her younger brothers John "Jack" and William "Bill" Walker. Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 5 pm - 8 pm at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 North DuPont Street, on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 11 am. She will be buried at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, next to her beloved husband. In Memory of Mary Jane, contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Saint Francis Hospital: 701 N. Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, Attn: Philanthropy, MSB 7th Floor. The family extends sincere gratitude to Delaware Hospice professionals (Faith, Kathy, Joelle and Jamie), as well as her wonderful Home Instead caregivers, Valentina and LaVerna.