Janet R. (née Rickley) McQuale, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Wilmington on September 20, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Walter C. and Camille F. (née Kotis) Rickley.
A lifelong resident of Wilmington, Janet graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955 and went on to earn her Registered Nurse (RN) license from the Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia in 1958. She began her nursing career at A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital, later working in various doctors’ offices before finishing her career as an Occupational Health Nurse at the DuPont Experimental Station, retiring in 2002.
Janet was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a caring friend to all who knew her. She lived her life guided by her faith and was dedicated to serving others. For the past 27 years, she was an active member of Brandywine Valley Church, volunteering in many capacities: caring for children in the nursery, assisting in the church office, helping maintain the sanctuary, and participating in small group Bible study.
Janet enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including gardening and visiting gardens, cooking, baking, bird watching, and solving puzzles. She especially loved spending time with her family, going on beach vacations, and visiting with friends and relatives. Her greatest joy came from being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who always lifted her spirits.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, compassionate spirit, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. Her calm, patient nature put those around her at ease, and her warm, friendly demeanor made everyone feel blessed to know her.
In addition to her parents and her sister, Joan Devenney, Janet was preceded in death by Donald Kilvington, who passed in 1975, and her beloved husband of nearly 45 years, Robert (Bob) McQuale, who passed in April 2025. She is survived by her children: Carol Ross (Mike), Tom Kilvington (Patrice), Sharon Kilvington, and Jessie Kirkman. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren—Blake (Catherine), Brian (Chelsea), Keighley (AJ), Shelly (Sam), Kevin (Carlie), Kyle (Katie), Brett, Aleksey, Garrett, Gabby (Jared), and Sierra—along with seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses of Compassionate Care Hospice for the exceptional support they provided to their fellow RN, Janet.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janet’s memory to one of the following: Brandywine Valley Church (Love in Action Fund) – https://brandywine.church Compassionate Care Hospice – https://compassionatecare.com
For online condolences please visit: mccreryandharra.com
To join the live streaming click this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/janet-r-mcquale
