Mary Loretta Short

Mary Lou Short

Age 84 of New Castle

Mary Lou Short of 101 E. 3rd Street, New Castle, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on May 23,2023. She was born in the house next door and always loved to joke “she never got very far in life”.

Mary Lou attended St. Peter’s Grade and High School. She was a member of the 1957 graduating class and many friendships made in school would last her entire lifetime. Her St. Peter Girls Monthly Luncheons with Rose Marie, Patty, Bernadette, and Lois were always cherished times. On September 8, 1962, Mary Lou married the love of her life, W. Robert Short. Together they would share 61 beautiful years together, living and raising their family in New Castle.

As a young adult, Mary Lou went to work for Getty Oil and then the Hercules Company before finding her calling with the City of New Castle. She worked as the City Administrator for 18 years. Mary Lou facilitated many community programs throughout her tenure all for the betterment of its citizens. After leaving the city government Mary Lou went to work as a legal secretary for Beverly Bove retiring in 1990 after several years of dedicated service.

Mary Lou was an active parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Parish. She was a member of the church council, school advisory board, the Blessed Mother Sodality, and several other committees throughout the years.

Mary Lou was a collector and was always on the lookout for unique pieces. Her favorite collections included her paper weights and teddy bears. She was an avid “yard saler”. Many weekends were spent looking for all the best bargains. Mary Lou also enjoyed trying her luck at many of the local casinos and she was very lucky. In her down time, she loved to read and watch old time movies. She was a lover of all animals especially cats and dogs. But most of all Mary Lou will be remembered for her cooking. She was a fabulous cook and she made sure anyone who visited never left hungry.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Veronica Maden (James), and her niece, Nancy Maden.

Mary Lou will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Bob Short; her children, Joseph Short (Georgeann), Lisa Short Bayko (Ralph), and W. Robert Short, Jr (Lisa); her 10 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her nieces, Meg Balance (Richard), Jody Lyle (Paul), Susan Beaver (Rob), and Barbie Winner (Kevin), and her furry friend, Nelly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 521 Harmony St., New Castle, DE 19720, on Wednesday, May 31 at 12:00noon. Burial will follow mass in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Mary Lou’s name to St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church.