Obituary of Mary E. Derrick

Mary E. Derrick, formerly of Morristown, more recently of Mount Arlington, passed away on August 8, 2024, at St. Clare’s in Dover.

Born in Lykens, PA, Mary raised her family in Morristown before she moved to Mount Arlington 18 years ago.

Mary graduated from Lykens High School in 1955. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Lykens, PA.

Mary is survived by her devoted children, Diane Derrick and her husband, David Jones, of Warrington, PA, Joanne Derrick and her husband, Thomas Schiller, of Morris Plains, NJ, Donald Derrick, Jr. and his wife, Evelyn, of Chester, NJ, James Derrick and Oxana Karpenko, of Denville, NJ, and Mark Derrick, and his wife, Barbara, of Flanders, NJ. She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Ethel Evans, of Lykens, PA, Elaine Antes, of Lykens, PA, Judy Stickler, of Jonestown, PA, and Paul and Sidney Hoffman, of Lykens, PA; as well as her adored grandchildren, Nathan and Steven Schiller, Cassie and Donald Derrick, III, and Sarah, Emily, and Julia Derrick. Mary was predeceased by her dear siblings, Lester Hoffman, Roy Hoffman, and Dolores Stroup, her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hoffman, and her brothers-in-law, John Stroup, Ralph Evans, Charles Antes, and Roy Stickler.

Memorial Visitation for Mary will take place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 5-8pm, with a Celebration of Life at 7:30pm, at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. Interment of Ashes will be near Lykens, PA at a later date.

Mary's biggest job was single handedly raising five children. She also provided day care for her grandchildren. Mary’s house in Morristown was a hub for friends and family. Many have cherished memories of fun in her yard, pool, and sitting around the kitchen table.

Mary had a deep passion for arts and crafts, which she expressed through her talents as an experienced and creative quilter and painter. She enjoyed needlework, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Mary once sold her handmade items in the Morris County Mall, and she also taught classes, sharing her love for crafting with others. She made quilts mostly as a hobby for her family and grandchildren, each one a treasured keepsake.

Mary was an avid reader, cook and gardener. She was also a proud Yankee and football fan, where she had several favorite quarterbacks. Mary was also tech-savvy, often doing puzzles on her computer with friends and staying connected with her grandchildren. She frequently spoke with her sisters and family in Pennsylvania, keeping close ties through regular phone calls. She was the heart of family gatherings, hosting all of the holidays with delicious family favorites. Mary taught us everything we know, and her legacy of creativity, love, and connection will always be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations may be made in Mary's memory to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).