Mary Sewell
Age - 87
December 5, 2023
Mary Lily Marner Sewell, 87, known as "May" to friends and family, passed away in the comfort of "her own wee house" on December 2, 2023 after a brief but valiant effort, facing her illness head on. Up until the end, May maintained her strong spirit, her delight in the little things, her appreciation of beauty, and her love of family and friends. May expressed gratitude for her full and long life, filled with wonderful and varied experiences. Her loss will be felt by many, especially her two daughters, Tracy and Shelby, who loved and continue to love her so dearly. May was born on April 12, 1936, Easter Sunday, to Charles and Margaret Marner in Greenock, Scotland. She was the older sister to Rita, and her "wee" brother Charles. As the oldest, May completed her education while dutifully providing needed support to her working parents. As a young woman, May embraced the adventure of emigrating to America to become a domestic worker. She departed Southampton upon the Arcadia, part of the Cunard Lines, on its 11-day final voyage across the Atlantic, stopping in Le Havre, France and Halifax, Nova Scotia along the way. May quickly discovered her placement as a mother's helper in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, was not her "cup of tea". Instead, she turned her sights to New York City, working days as a clerk at both Chase Manhattan Bank and Bloomingdales, while dancing her nights away. In her time there, May met kindred spirits that became lifelong friends. On a trip back to Greenock to visit family, May met an American sailor which changed the course of her life. They married November 12, 1963 in Charleston, South Carolina. Within a year they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Tracy. The Navy moved the family to Gourock, Scotland, then back to Charleston, where their second daughter, Shelby, was born. After a few years in Rota, Spain, they finally settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which became May's home-away-from-home since 1976. There, May raised her two daughters, Tracy, who would marry T. J. Ahearn, and Shelby, who married George Culver. May cherished spending time with her extended family which included her sister Rita, brother-in-law Maurice, niece Linda, and great-nephew, Kaynon. Distance was no barrier to a strong bond with her family back in Scotland, whom she visited when she could, and communicated with often. Throughout this time, May took pride in creating a beautiful home which was welcoming for her family. Her most special blessings were her grandchildren, Marleigh, Chayce, Thomas, and Mary Grace, for whom she had tremendous pride and unmeasurable love. May delighted in her role as "Nana". May was known, and complimented often, for her uniquely beautiful powder-blue eyes. She was a social butterfly; sweet, with strong opinions, and a great sense of self. Born with the "gift of the gab," she never met a stranger, and had an exceptional memory for personal details, many of which she learned while standing in a checkout line. Throughout her life she continually surrounded herself with the best of friends, enjoying every "blether", lunch date, shopping or group outing. Many of her best pals hail from Scotland as well, which was no surprise because of May's pride for, and devotion to, all things Scottish. Aside from being a dedicated homemaker, devoted Mother and Nana, May's talents and interests included sewing outfits for her girls, creating beautiful handknit scarves and sweaters, and welcoming babies with one-of-a-kind crocheted blankets. She displayed a number of trophies from her bowling league days, excelled at board games, and was a worthy opponent when it came to a game of cards. She used her office skills as a volunteer for mental health services and served as a member of the local garden club. As a practicing Catholic, May attended Chapel of the Good Shepherd, and St. Gregory the Great, before finding the right fit at Holy Spirit, especially as a member of the Sunshine Club. May was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Margaret Marner of Greenock, Scotland; her sister, Margaret (Rita) Getter; brother-in-law Maurice Getter; and niece, Linda all of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister-in-law, Patricia (Pat) Marner of Gourock, Scotland; and son-in-law, Thomas (T. J. ) J. Ahearn of Granger, Indiana. She is survived by her daughters, Tracy Ahearn and Shelby Culver (George); grandchildren, Marleigh, Chayce (Katie), Thomas (Stephanie), and Mary Grace; brother, Charles; nieces, Lynne and Lesley; nephew, Ross, and their families in Scotland; as well as great-nephew, Kaynon Hoggan of Norfolk, Virginia. The funeral Mass and reception will take place on December 9, 2023,1:00 p. m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church,1396 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA.Show more
%2Ffit-in%2F200x300%2Ffilters%3Afill(white)%2Fprod%2F1514%2F391564%2FHmLAqmMTyzwOrtrySCCandlePic.jpg&w=256&q=75)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
