Mary Ann DeLong

Mary Ann DeLong, 81, of Antwerp passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.

Mary was born in Rockford on June 29, 1938 a daughter of the late Leo George & Velma Edna (Hisey) Shaffer.

She retired from Magnavox but was most comfortable coaching the Buckeyes, the Reds & the Tigers from her couch and back seat driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, Nick, whom she married Jan. 9, 1976; children, Cindy (Todd) Deming & Chris (Melinda) Walters; sister, Martha (Jon) Sidenbender; sisters-in-law, Virginia Wendel & JoAnn Shaffer; 8 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren.

Mary was also preceded in death by her siblings, Glenn (Donna), Robert, Thurman, Basil (Wilma), Leland (Pauline), Don (Norma), Charles (Pat) & Leo "Butch" Shaffer.

Her funeral service is 10 AM with viewing 9 - 9:45 am on Thursday, July 11th at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

Viewing is also Wednesday, July 10th, 4 - 8 pm at Dooley Funeral Home.

She will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.

Memorials are to Community Health Professionals.

Fond memories of Mary may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

MARY'S LIFE STORY

All who came to know and love Mary Ann DeLong would agree she filled their lives with loving kindness and she inspired many through her giving and positive nature. Mary was a hard working, determined woman who was always up for an adventure, especially if it was alongside the family she loved and adored. Mary lived life fully and completely at every opportunity, and she did so with ways all her own. Through her strong willed demeanor, Mary persevered through the ups and downs that came her way, yet most important to her was her family who brought her the greatest joy. Gone but never to be forgotten, the memory of Mary remains in the hearts of many.

The year 1938 overflowed with mixed blessings in America. While the U.S made great economic strides after the hardships of the Great Depression, an unwelcome recession found unemployment rates once again reaching drastic levels. The struggles of this generation found relief from everyday worries enjoying the sounds of jazz. Superman made his debut in the comic strips, and movie greats filled the big screen. Amidst these changing times, Mary Ann’s story began on June 29, 1938. The daughter of Leo George and Velma Edna (Hisey) Shaffer

Born and raised in Rockford, Ohio, Mary was the youngest of ten children in the Shaffer household. As the baby of the family, she was often doted on by her older siblings including her only sister, Martha. With eight big brothers always watching out for her, Thurman, Don, Leland, Basil, Robert, Glenn, Charles and Leo “Butch” always had her best interest at heart. To support his thriving family, Mary’s father worked in the construction trade while her mother remained at home as a busy homemaker.

A young girl of her generation, Mary attended the area schools and was a friend of many. Always an outgoing and personable girl, in high school she was a member of her high school softball team and was on the cheerleading squad before graduating from Rockford High School with the Class of 1956.

Mary went on to marry after high school, eventually welcoming the birth of her two children, Cindy and Chris. Her children were everything to Mary and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Selfless in all ways, Mary remained positive and always had a good outlook on things.

On January 9, 1976 Mary married Nick DeLong. A very family oriented woman, Mary loved nothing more than having her family together. When grandchildren came along she was clearly in her element and loved them deeply.

For many years, Mary bowled on a Thursday night league and also served as treasurer for the Antwerp American Legion Post 253 Ladies Auxiliary. She absolutely loved to attend NASCAR races and after retiring from Magnavox, Mary was most comfortable coaching the Buckeyes, the Reds and the Tigers from her couch and back seat driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. It was always a joy for Mary to see her relatives from near and afar at the Shaffer family reunions.

Giving and ever loving, the very heart of Mary Ann DeLong will be remembered for all that she was and more. Although dearly missed, she will be fondly remembered.

Mary Ann DeLong, 81, of Antwerp passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Nick; children, Cindy (Todd) Deming and Chris (Melinda) Walters; sister, Martha (Jon) Sidenbender; sisters-in-law, Virginia Wendel and JoAnn Shaffer; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Glenn (Donna), Robert, Thurman, Basil (Wilma), Leland (Pauline), Don (Norma), Charles (Pat) & Leo "Butch" Shaffer. The funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 AM with viewing from 9:00 to 9:45 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Dooley Funeral Home - Antwerp. Viewing will also take place Wednesday, 4-8 PM at the funeral Home. Mary will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Memorials in her memory maybe directed to Community Health Professionals. Please visit dooleyfunerlhome.com to share a fond memory or photo of Mary and to sign her online guest book.