Mary Patricia “Mary Pat” (Ryan) Harper
March 15, 1950 - June 6, 2025
Mary Patricia “Mary Pat” (Ryan) Harper, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 75 after a hard-fought, two-year battle with lung cancer.
Born on March 15, 1950, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Mary M. (Mitsch) and Paul W. Ryan, where she graduated from Churchill Area High School. Mary Pat married John Joseph Harper in 1974 and began their family in Center Township, PA, before moving to Delaware in 1986. She worked for 28 years in the Red Clay Consolidated School District; retiring as guidance secretary from McKean High School before moving to Middletown, DE. She was a devout Catholic and taught religious education at St. John the Beloved for many years, sharing her deep faith with younger generations.
Her greatest joy in life was her five children and nine grandchildren. She also cherished spending time with the Ryan and Harper families. Mary Pat brought love, support, and laughter to every gathering. Though she may have arrived late, she was always the last to leave the party.
She enjoyed dancing with her late husband John, painting, drawing, playing cards, bowling, dinners with her neighborhood friends, and traveling—especially to visit family in Pittsburgh and on family vacations. Her warmth, smile, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, Mary Pat was preceded in death by her husband, John; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ann and William Harper; and brothers-in-law Bill, Arnold, Tom, and Rich Harper, Jim Kennelly, and Jerry Bell. She is survived by her children, Dana Sokolowski (Sean), Hannah Mangini (Mike), Shannon Casteel (Dan), John Harper (Rachel), and Joseph Harper; grandchildren, Sadie, Eli, and Mary Sokolowski, Anthony Mangini, Grace, Daniel, and Bradley Casteel, Ethan and Bria Harper; siblings, Libby Keough (Clifford), Paul Ryan (Pui), Rita Campbell (Ron), and Sheila Fries (Jim); sisters-in-law, Carol, Lorraine, and Vicki Harper, Mary Ann Kennelly, and Susie Bell; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 pm until 4 pm and from 6 pm until 8 pm on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Monday, June 23, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Parish, 371 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband, parents, and family, and may her memory and strong faith in God live on in all who knew her.
anne Biddle
Dear Joe and family, Sending our deepest sympathy and love at this difficult time. losing a parent is tough.Mom did a great job raising you for which we are grateful . please know you are surrounded by many who love you including us!
Anne and Rick Biddle & NCS Fan club
Christine Giglio Nanni
Deepest condolences to Mary Pat’s family. I’ll always remember her beautiful smile.
Kathy Garrett
Dear Joe and family
Bob and I are so sorry for your loss but know she’s in heaven and free of the earthly pain.
Nicole Jimenez
Dear Joe, Johnny and Family,
I’m very sorry for your loss. Thoughts of your Mom will always bring a smile to my face.
Sending you love and strength to help get through this difficult time.
Love always,
Nicole, Mila, Julian, James & Violet
Leanna Patterson
We are so sorry for your loss. We have been thinking of you the last few months! Relieved for you that school is over, so you can focus on your family. Take care! -Leanna Patterson (Brinley’s Mom).
Bob Massaferi
My sincerest condolences to the Harper family for their loss of Miss Mary Pat. She was so helpful and kind to everyone she came in contact with and worked so hard at McKean for so many of us. I am saddened to learn of her passing and hope that you can all find peace in all of the wonderful people who’s lives she touched. Much love!
Nancy and Marty Glynn
Dear Hannah and the Harper family. Our condolences on the passing of your mother. Mary Pat was the nicest person and always kind and loving. Sending prayers for you all to get you through this difficult time.
Amy Leary
Dear Harper Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Pat was such a wonderful friend and coworker to me. She was so knowledgeable and helpful and I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with her. Sending love to you.
Sirin p
Deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Ms Harper’s family.
Sirin Pandey
Edward kelley
Hi, Ed kelley I worked with John at chrysler, Joe mirable and myself went to visit his resting place wednesday june 25 and we were shocked to find mary pat was also there. I’m so sorry, I remember your family visiting my house in lancaster pa. My goat clobbered John. I have fond memories of your family, I wish you all the best. ED KELLEY
Jim Bradley
So sorry to hear this. I have fond memories of growing up with Mary Pat on the hill.
Marlene Patterson (Kress)
I remember her well. Condolences to her family
Jody Shapiro
Sheila and family, sending you our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved sister. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Laurie Scott
Dear Ryan and Harper families,
I am so sorry to hear of Mary Pat’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories with the Ryan family. Mary Pat babysat us when we were little. My sister and I in turn babysat Mary Pat and Libby’s children when they were babies. May happy memories bring you comfort. My sincere condolences.
Julie Ford Yajko
So sorry to hear about Mary Pat. So many memories on Geisler; playing jacks and jumping rope and coming home from school to watch American Bandstand.