Mary Helen Breen

Mary Helen Breen, 92 of Thornton, PA passed away Sunday October 13, 2024.

Born July 4,1932 in Washington, DC she was the daughter of the late Joseph Hawley Breen and the late Mary McClellan Breen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her only sibling, Joseph F. Breen. Mary is survived by her nieces and nephew: Megan Breen, Patrick (Katie) Breen, Kathleen (Ken) Batchelor, Meredith Breen, Christine (Mike) Keffer and her 17 great nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Washington DC and attended Blessed Sacrament School, Holy Cross High School, and graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Immaculata Junior College. Upon graduating, she spent her whole career working in Washington DC. Initially she worked for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, (AFL-CIO). Then she worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers in various positions, ultimately working as the Health and Welfare Benefit Coordinator until she retired.

While living in Washington DC Mary was a member of Cathedral of St. Matthew’s the Apostle parish. She volunteered for years in the Monday Morning Ministry feeding the homeless. Additionally, she was involved in countless volunteer programs, running blood drives, coat drives, volunteering at women’s shelters, and teaching English as a second language. She was a tireless volunteer.

When not volunteering or helping friends and neighbors, she was a loving Aunt to her nieces and nephew, attending countless games, performances, concerts and graduations. As the next generation of nieces and nephews were born, she loved spoiling them as babies and enjoyed every minute getting to know them as they grew. This probably was the reason she made a questionable decision to move to West Chester, PA to live with her niece Kathy and her husband, Ken and their 6 children: Kevin, Jack, Nora, Danny, Timmy and Rosie. In 2017, she moved from her quiet apartment to a crazy house filled with 8 other people. She was never bored or alone again. She became a professional laundry folder, and her work was never done. She brought great love to the family and anyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church 15 East Pleasant Grove Rd West Chester, PA 19382 followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 am

Interment will be Saturday, October 19 at 11am at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s the Apostle-Monday Morning Ministry.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com