Marie A. “Mae” Piazzie Greve
Marie A. “Mae” Piazzie Greve, age 97, passed away at home on December 24, 2025.
Mae was “born and raised in Freeland, Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining town, and am damn proud of it.” Her family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, while she was in her early teens, and she married the boy next door, William H. Greve, in 1955. As a Navy family, they made their home in Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia and even Morocco, settling for good in Delaware in 1970. Mae dedicated her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. When asked how many children she had, Mae always said she had “three beautiful daughters and three handsome sons.” She is also lovingly remembered as a “second mom” to several of her children’s close friends. Mae was an original member of Holy Family Church in Newark. She loved a good book, puzzles and her McDonald’s coffee. Above all else, she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mae was pre-deceased by her husband, Lt. Cmdr. William H. Greve (USN, Ret.), parents Joseph and Johanna (Corra) Piazzie, her sisters Theresa M. Driesen and Jean M. Hurst, and her brothers Joseph and John Piazzie. She is survived by her brother, William L. Piazzie of Los Angeles, CA; her children, Kathlene M. Brittingham (Wayne) of Landenberg, PA; Marie A. Krauss (John) of Wilmington, DE; William R. Greve of Newark, DE; Donna M. Perrotti (Guy) of Newark, DE; Robert L. Greve (Mary) of Newark, DE; and Thomas E. Greve (Kimela) of Hartly, DE. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rochelle M. Brittingham (Nicholas Santella), Cori L. Howard (Matt), Alissa M. Brittingham, Jenna M. Krauss, Gabrielle M. Perrotti, Jessica DeMoss (Jesse), Dawn Bennett, William Bennett (Bekah Guernsey) and Thomas E. Greve, Jr.; great-grandchildren Juliette M. and Magdalen M. Santella, Colton N. and Kinsley M. Howard, Alyssa Hayes, Aleksander, Tobias and Sara Bennett, and a number of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark DE, 19713; or to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 301, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0301 or online by clicking here.
MaryRuth Pierce
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing!! I enjoyed visiting and bringing her McDonald’s coffee, while Kathlene was there caring for her, over the years. She was a sweet lady and very gracious. I know she will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to all her family, especially Kathlene,Wayne, children and grandchildren. God bless.
Sherrie Shaffer
Aunt Mae has always been the sweetest and kindest soul I’ve ever met. My mom, God rest her soul, was always proud to call her sister in law. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness to be passed on through her children, grand children and great grandchildren. If we strive to live and love as she did, the world will be a better place.🩷
Donna (Yacabell) Crescenzo
Donna,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, may your memories of her bring you comfort.
With sympathy to you, Guy and Gabrielle.
Donna
Anne and Patrick Costello
Mae was a lovely, sweet and dear friend to our family and especially to my dear mother in law, Mary. The 2 ladies had so much in common including their love of God, Holy Family Church and McDonalds breakfast.
Mae and Mary attended Holy Family church together often, followed by McDonald’s breakfast, which I and my daughter’s attended as well.
Mae will always be remembered as a sweet, kind and beautiful lady with a wonderful family!
Pat and I are so sorry for your loss!
Fondly,
Patrick and Anne Costello
Paddi Ciranni
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was always a bright spot in my day. Sassy and sweet! I will miss her visits! Paddi
Harry and Karen Winward
So sorry to hear of Mae’s passing. She will be missed in the neighborhood. She was a sweet and kind person.