Mary Stevenson Stow passed away at the age of 101 on May 10, 2022 in Hockessin, Delaware. She lived a long, healthy and happy life and was able to reside in her own home until the final weeks before her death.
Mary was born at home in Philadelphia on December 19, 1920 to James Hazlet Stevenson and Mabel M. Stevenson. When Mary was a young child, her family moved to Wynnewood, PA. She graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1938 and from Connecticut College in 1942. Throughout her life, summers were spent at the Jersey Shore, particularly in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, a place dear to Mary’s heart. Mary married her husband, Frederic S. Stow, Jr., in 1943. They lived in New York City before moving to Delaware in 1945 where they raised four children, first in Coopers Farm and then in Hockessin. Politics were a passion beginning in college and culminating years later as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party for New Castle County. She was a traveler, often to distant and unique destinations. Mary also enjoyed the game of bridge, an ace player even in her 100th year. She loved her large family and adored her pet cats. Mary will be remembered as a kind, smart lady with a big, easy smile.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother James H. Stevenson, Jr. (Elizabeth); her sisters, Elizabeth S. Patterson (Wallace) and Suzanne S. Morgan (John); her husband of 49 years, Frederic S. Stow, Jr.; her son, Richard B. Stow, and his wife, DyAnn Miller; and her second husband of 11 years, Herbert S. McCutchan. Mary is survived by three of her children, Susan S. Bebon, Frederic S. Stow III (Patricia) and Martha H. Stow (Tim Bunnell); seven grandchildren, Nathan J. Elton (Molly), Jeffrey W. Elton (Robin), Meredith L. Markwell (Adam), Ryan M. Stow, Derek M. Stow, Matthew S. Bunnell and Jessica D. Bunnell (Luis Lipchak); seven great-grandchildren, Jacob W. Elton, Maverick J. Elton, Cassidy D. Elton, Olivia J. Elton, James F. Elton, Grant F. Markwell and Joaquin H. Lipchak in addition to nieces, nephews and their extended families.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, 2800 Duncan Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society or to your favorite local animal rescue agency.
