Althea Mary (Miles) Desmond
November 10, 1942 - September 17, 2018
Althea Mary (Miles) Desmond, age 75, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018, at St. Francis Hospice due to complications from Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
Born in Reading, PA on November 10, 1942, she was a daughter of the late William J. and Mary (Gift) Miles. Althea retired from New Castle County 15 years ago where she spent her career working in the library system. She loved reading, gardening, cooking and the many dogs and cats she shared her life with over the years.
In addition to her parents, Althea was preceded in death by her husband, James Desmond. She is survived by her son, Mark (Amy) of Wilmington; daughter, Lisa of Wilmington; brother Bill (Kate) Miles of Rising Sun, MD; sister, Helen Nancekievill of Oshowa, Ontario; and her beloved grandchildren, Nora and Jimmy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family would like to thank the excellent and compassionate staff at St. Francis Hospice, the wonderful caregivers from Comfort Keepers, particularly Jakari, whose care and assistance allowed Althea to remain in her home until August of this year and dear friend and neighbor of 52 years, Kathy McDonald for her love and support.
A visitation for friends and family will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, September 24, 2018 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Althea’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Ste. 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or to Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.
Sandra Hogaboom
Dear Lisa and Mark words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of your mother and my good friend for many years. Such a wonderful woman. Sorry she never got to move to Vermont as she had hoped in her younger years. She will be missed….
Stacey Baldwin
Lisa,Mark, and family…
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you..
I had the pleasure of meeting your mom, and enjoyed our time together when I did her hair. She was a pleasure. Thank You for sharing her.
Stacey
Emily Bowman Brown
Rest in peace, Althea.
Nancy Mallerdino
Althea was the best. I met her 21 years ago when I came to work for New Castle County. She took me under her wing and taught me so much. We became friends and introduced our moms who became friends as well. I also had the privilege of meeting her children Mark and Lisa. Rest easy Althea; you’ve deserved it.
Janice Baldwin
Dear Lisa,Mark,&Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Althea at the Kirkwood Highway Library in the early 70’s and started a friendship that lasted many years. We spent many fun times together at work but also away from work. There were many trips to Atlantic City with Mary, Bill Sr., and Goldie to cash in our coupons for free food & quarters. Also I remember fondly the times Mary &Goldie tried to teach me to play Pinochle. Not very successfully! We all will miss her. Love,Janice.
Rosemary Aument
Althea was a great neighbor and friend who will be greatly missed! She made a cat lover out of my husband with her cat Codey AKA Calvin. He decided their were too many cats at home for his liking and decided our home was his new home! We had no idea that he was her cat and started to feed him. He decided to make my husband a cat lover for which he succeeded to do! When his health turned for the worse due to Feline Aides and we had to take him to be humanely put down my husband cried like a baby! I pray that you are reunited with the love of your life Jim and also reunited with the many cats and dogs you rescued and gave a loving home at The Rainbow Briidge.