Mary Jane Horty Lyons, beautiful, spunky soul

Mary Jane Horty Lyons of Greenville and Henlopen Acres passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

She was born Dec. 28, 1934, in Wilmington, to Margorie Dougherty and Frank Horty. Mary Jane was a devoted alumnus of Ursuline Academy Class of 1952, and a loyal University of Delaware Blue Hen and football fan. She married her high school sweetheart, Garrett B. Lyons Sr., the day after graduation.  

Mary Jane was a formidable competitor in any sport she engaged in from tennis, golf and bridge to fantasy football, beer pong and whack-a-mole.  

Beautiful and spunky, Mary Jane brought life to the party.  She was an engaging hostess and sparkled as a guest. She had a theme, costume and decorations for every occasion. Her extensive collection of photo albums captures many of these moments, and chronicles decades of travel with lifelong friends to Bermuda, the Caymans and Sea Island.

“Grandmom” to her grandchildren and “MJ” to her great-littles, they will remember her for her sherry-laced cream chipped beef, excursions to Delaware Natural History Museum, Easter egg dying and competitive bubble blowing.

A proud Delawarean, Mary Jane served on the alumni board at University of Delaware, Delaware Humane Society, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Delaware Dental Auxiliary, Heart Ball chairman, Child Inc., Auxiliary Board of A.I. duPont Hospital, Delaware State Arts Council and Town of Henlopen Acres Planning Commission.

The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation to the staff at Stonegates and the ICU team at ChristianaCare.

Mary Jane is predeceased by her son David Sr.; her sister Dorothy; and her husband Garry whom she celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing. She is survived by her grandsons, David Jr. (Anne) and Timothy; great-grandson, Logan Cabell; great-granddaughter, June Elizabeth; and daughter-in-law, Kate; her son, Garrett Jr. (Patricia); and grandchildren, Garrett III (Catherine), Meghan (Stuart), Faith (John), Patrick and Jane.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806.

Services and interment will be private.

For online condolences, visit chandlerfuneralhome.com.