Mary “Jean” Oneschuk

Born: 7/15/1932
Died: 9/17/2012

Mrs. Mary “Jean” Oneschuk, age 80, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012.
A native Delawarean, Jean was born in Wilmington on July 15, 1932, daughter of the late Charles Joseph Heckler and Harriet Louise Lux Heckler. She was a talented homemaker and devoted her life to caring for her beloved husband, sons, and grandchildren.
Jean was a leading voice in the Delaware fire service community for over 50 years. A Life Member of the Good Will Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, she served as past president and currently held the position of secretary. She also held the positions of secretary (1969-70) and president (1973-74) of the New Castle County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Ladies Auxiliary and had been the president (1981-82) of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association Ladies Auxiliary. A gifted teacher, she assisted in the training of emergency personnel as an instructor for EMS at the Delaware State Fire School. She also taught fire prevention and good safety practices in the well-regarded children’s instructional program, Safety Town.
Jean greatly enjoyed singing and lent her musical talents to the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association choir from its inception. A devout Catholic, she was a proud and devoted member of St. Peter the Apostle parish choir and also served as a cantor.
In the mid 1960s, Jean coached the Castle Hills Ladies Softball Team to several undefeated seasons. Her other hobbies included gardening, canning, cheering each season for the Phillies, and bowling. She also delighted in out-fishing her husband and sons!
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward J. Oneschuk, in 2003. She is survived by her sons, Edward J. Oneschuk, Jr. and wife Lois E. of New Castle, Kenneth J. Oneschuk of Odessa, Bryan J. Oneschuk of New Castle, and M. Jeffrey Oneschuk and wife Lori of New Castle; brother, Charles Joseph Heckler of New Castle; sister, Sandra L. Bowden and husband Barry of New Castle; grandchildren, Leigh Alexander, Melissa Subasic, Matthew J. Oneschuk, Bryan J. Oneschuk, Jr., Mark W. Oneschuk, Ashley Oneschuk, Megan Oneschuk, and Lauren Oneschuk; five great grandchildren; goddaughter, Michele A. Garcia; several nieces and nephews; and her faithful pet dog, Toby.
Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, September 21st, at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Fifth and Harmony Streets, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am on Saturday, September 22nd, at St. Peter’s. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Organ Restoration Fund, c/o St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 521 Harmony St., New Castle, DE 19720.