Mary Lynn Meloni
March 31, 1963 - October 1, 2025
On October 1, 2025, Mary Lynn finally lost her life to ovarian cancer. She was 62 years old. Mary Lynn did not casually accept her fate but fought her cancer battle heroically for three years. Through it all Mary Lynn maintained her grace and dignity. She was never willing to give up the fight.
Mary Lynn leaves behind her husband of nearly 28 years, David; her son, John; her mother, Joan Stephenson; her sisters, Regina and Joan Stephenson; her sister-in-law, Sharon Meloni; and nieces, Kristen Mathews, Melissa Mathews, Nicole Watt and Lisa Page; as well as three grandnieces, Rori, Caroline and Elle; and two grandnephews, River and Forest. Her father, Lyle Stephenson, preceded her in death.
Mary Lynn was born to Joan and Lyle on March 31, 1963 in Milford, Delaware. Growing up in Wilmington, she attended elementary and middle school at St. John the Beloved followed by high school at St. Marks. Following high school, Mary Lynn attended Villanova University graduating, Cum Laude in 1985 from the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Following graduation from Villanova, Mary Lynn sold radio advertisements at the Delaware and Maryland Beaches, became a Real Estate Agent and finally a Real Estate Paralegal working at a number of law firms in Wilmington.
Mary Lynn met the love of her life, David, through the Personals section in the Penny Saver Magazine. Something she shared proudly and was often amused by. Mary Lynn and David married on October 11, 1997. On February 15, 2003, Mary Lynn and David’s son John was born and completed the family that Mary Lynn had always dreamed of.
Mary Lynn enjoyed reading and doing puzzle books. She enjoyed taking neighborhood walks with her dog Queenie and later Baby while singing her favorite songs. Out loud! She also loved traveling as much as possible. But her favorite place of all was the beach. Nothing made Mary Lynn happier than the sun on her face and the sand between her toes.
Even at the end of her life Mary Lynn was a positive and generous soul. She decided to donate her remains as an anatomical gift to the University of Delaware’s Physical Therapy Program so that some good could come from such a tragic ending.
Mary Lynn would want her family and friends that survive her not to remember how she died but instead how she lived. This is a quote she loved and believed embodied her life; “Never measure your life by your possessions. Measure it by the hearts you touched, the smiles you created and the love you shared.”
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Lynn’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here or to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 or online by clicking here.
Lisa Page
Uncle David and John I am so sorry for your loss. I am so happy that Mary is home and not in pain anymore with her beloved family on the other side. Uncle David, you know how I feel you are a strong, loving husband, the two of you endured this battle together by yourselves until the end, I would not wish that on anybody, but I’m so glad Mary was with the love of her life until her last breath John, you had an amazing beautiful mom that loved you before you even came into this world. You made her biggest dream come true we are always here for you guys Love and light🙏❤️😇
Shannon Liew
Marilyn, your smiling face and your love for your family. Your son and your husband and friends was so evident throughout your life. Will be dearly missed. I’m so grateful that you were in my life before you went home to our Lord.
Seth
I will miss you . God bless the family when we were kids she always had the brightest smile.
Suzanne Shaw & family
Mary Lynn you will so be missed. I was lucky to have known you and be a friend, after meeting you during our boys preschool fun. You were a very strong woman, and put up the greatest fight ever. Dave and John: Our family sends deepest condolences to you both. We are all so sorry for the loss of Mary.
May you both know you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP my dear friend Mary Lynn. 🙏🏻💞🙏🏻💞
Annette
Sending love and hugs to you and your family Regina. I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful sister.
Pat and Steve Comley
Dave,
Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Denise Downer
My condolences to her husband, children and extended family, RIP. Prayers to her and the family at this difficult time.
Bonnie Altland
So very sorry to hear of Marylynn’s passing such a sweet kind lady . She will be dearly missed by many. Sending our deepest sympathy to her family. ❤️🙏🏻. RIP dear Mary
Carol Sottili
We just heard of Mary’s passing. She was such an important part of the Sunset island community for many years. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.