Mary Jean Ripoll, age 80, of Felton, DE, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of the late Sara (Gillespie) and Lewis Steptoe. She graduated from St. Peter's High School and was a dedicated homemaker for her family. Mary had an incredible work ethic and could be found doing a variety of jobs over the years, such as driving a school bus, waitressing and restaurant management, to support her family. She loved to bake and was well known for her famous cheesecakes. She enjoyed traveling and trips to Florida and Texas over the years, and more recently, spending time at the casino. She had a close relationship with her four sisters, with friends and family referring to them fondly as 'the sisters'.  Most of all, Mary enjoyed making people happy and will be dearly missed by those closest to her.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, John M. Ripoll; and her brother, Garfield Steptoe. She is survived by her children, William Hinkle, Christina Tharp (Jim), Elizabeth Remondi (David), James Loncki Hinkle, and Sara Negron; her stepsons John Ripoll (Martha), and Tom Ripoll (Nora) 25 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and her sisters, who she was particularly close with, Diane Steptoe, Jackie Walls, Cynthia Mangini, and Sally Schweiger.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:00AM at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A funeral ceremony will begin at 11:45AM. Burial will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.