Jane Long Dilley
May 30, 1930 - July 29, 2026
Jane Long Dilley passed away in her home in West Grove, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, of natural causes. She was 96 years old. She led an active life right up until her final days, participating in the community, attending performances and supporting multiple charitable causes. She is survived by her three children – Frank Brian Dilley, Carol Jane Dilley and Kathryn Dilley Maycock – as well as six grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Her husband, Frank Brown Dilley, passed away in 2018.
Jane was born on 30 May 1930 in New Kingston, NY. She spent her early years on her father and mother’s dairy farm in the Catskills, attending school in a one-room schoolhouse, of which her father was superintendent. She left home at a young age under the guardianship of her music teacher, who took her along with his family to study music in Athens, Ohio. She stayed in Athens to attend Ohio University, where she eventually graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy.
She first met her husband, Frank Dilley, in chemistry class when she was a Senior in High School in Athens. They later began seeing each other regularly through their church group at Ohio University. She recounted that they knew each other for several years before they started dating and eventually became engaged. Frank returned with her to her family’s farm to work on the farm during the summer before their marriage.
They began married life in New York City, where Frank attended Seminary at Columbia University and Jane worked at Riverside Church. Although they relocated to Northampton, Massachusetts after Frank got his degree, they retained a strong connection to the city throughout their lives. Brian and Carol were both born in Massachusetts; Kathryn was born shortly after the couple relocated to Decatur, Illinois. The couple moved to Newark, Delaware in 1965, where they remained for many years.
Following Frank’s retirement, the couple moved to a vibrant retirement community in West Grove, Pennsylvania where she remained for the rest of her life. Jane’s extensive network of friends, active social life and active engagement in the performing arts kept her busy throughout.
Jane is remembered for her community service, expressed through her participation in numerous public organizations. She and Frank were founding members of the Newark United Church of Christ, where Jane directed the church choir. She played a leadership role in Inter-Faith Community Housing of Delaware, a non-governmental organization that develops, builds, rehabilitates and manages affordable housing for families in need. She volunteered for the Newark Empowerment Center, which provides a safe space and vital services for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. She also volunteered tutoring adults to learn to read. Jane was an active member of the League of Women Voters and co-chaired the League’s Land Use/Transportation Committee. She was a member of the Conservation Advisory Committee for the City of Newark and served on the Delaware State Human Relations Commission from 1972-1975. In 1989 she was named the University of Delaware’s Woman of the Year.
Jane’s family feels incredibly fortunate to have had such an extraordinary figure in their lives. She was unfailingly positive, supportive and kind – finding joy in the well-being of others as a source of meaning in her life. Throughout her life she moved through the world with dignity and grace. She was a role model for her family and for all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 15th, at 10 AM at the New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark, DE 19711.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane’s memory to the Newark Center for Creative Learning, 401 Phillips Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 or online by clicking here.
Mary (Mumz)
Jane was a wonderful person. When you were with her you couldn’t help smiling because she had this contagious smile that made you smile. In fact she was a real sweetheart!
Ann Brown
Since coming to Newark in 1970 as wife of a new philosophy professor, Jane was an amazing mentor and friend throughout my life. She always was there at important times and quietly stepped up to help with serenity and purpose. The Dilleys were one of the founding families of NCCL and helped it to thrive as a progressive school. When I was being treated for breast cancer, she was there to support me. Soon after in 1995 she encouraged me to join Newark UCC, which helped me recover in my final years In Newark. From 2001 on I have returned every summer and always included a visit with Frank and Jane and then Jane. Her life was a constant gift to us all and her presence has made this world a better place.
Arlene Eckell
I knew both your mother and your father, originally as our customers in Newark Newsstand. We also knew them through various affiliations in the Newark community at large. My husband and I would also run into them at Delaware Symphony Orchestra concerts. I actually saw your mother there not too long ago and I went over and chatted with her. They were both the sweetest people. Please accept my condolences on your loss. May their memories always be a blessing.
Mary Wilcosky
I met Jane (and Frank) not long after I moved to this area from Washington DC in 2005 at many concerts I attended. I got to know them better when I started working at OperaDelaware in 2008. They were always gracious and kind and I looked forward to their greetings at all the concerts we both attended over the years. Jane was still attending Market Street Music performances this spring. She will be missed.
Peggy Schultz
Jane left a remarkable legacy of grace. I don’t think I’ve ever known a person who so steadfastly insisted on the goodness of her fellow human beings, as did Jane. She loved her life at Jenner’s Pond, and occasionally encouraged me to move there as well. When just this year I decided to move to a retirement community in Chicago to be near my wonderfully caring daughter and son-in-law, she was happy for me. She wanted me to have what she had, not only in terms of a fine living situation, but also frequent opportunity to be with beloved family members. I was grateful for her kind offer to help me pack, giving us yet another occasion for reminiscing and fun. I was grateful for her final call to me when she encouraged me to think of the love that inspired the jewelry gifts I had thought I’d lost in my move, instead of focusing on the material objects. I am grateful for the years we shared leadership of the League’s Land Use/Transportation Committee, where Jane fully participated in the research and day-to-day details of the job. Jane was a splendid extemporaneous speaker, and often served as the public representative of our group. She had an unlimited vocabulary, effectively using it to showcase our causes and to put at ease committee guests. Jane truly lived her life as a blessing.
Betsy Shieh
Jane lived a beautiful life and has made a deep impression on me since I was just two years old. And I’m so glad I had a chance to see her thriving until the very end. What a light she left in this world!
Beverly J Futrell
I admired Jane from our first meeting. She was always kind and it was very easy to just sit in her company when you were with her.
Pam McLaughlin
Jane was a sweet, soft spoken woman whom I took exercise classes with. We would sometimes chat after class about all the travels she had taken around the world. My sincere condolences to Carole and her family. Pam