Mary J. Downey (nee Thornton), 90 of Mullica Hill, NJ, formerly a longtime resident of Collingdale, PA passed away peacefully at home on January 10th, 2022. Born in South Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Irish immigrants, the late Patrick and Theresa Thornton. She was one of nine children. She graduated from Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in 1949. She played the viola in the school orchestra and continued to enjoy music throughout her life. She had a love for anything Irish. She was a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan. She was a devout Catholic, a parishioner of Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Darby and admired Saint Padre Pio living by his motto "pray, hope, don't worry." Mary raised her eight children in Collingdale. She was always willing to volunteer at her children's school, Blessed Virgin Mary School in Darby. She was a Cub Scout den leader and volunteered at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. She was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Post 1583, in Darby, and received Woman of the Year award. She worked various jobs throughout her life but her most important position was being a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Survived by her children Patrick (Stephanie), Maureen McKellar (Mark), Theresa Flaherty (Michael), Robert, Monica, Mary Maiale (Michael), Sheila Winas (Matthew), Christopher (Melanie). Also survived by fourteen grandchildren: Jessica, Robert, Deanna, Lauren, Ryan, Sarah, Victoria, Aileen, Ethan, Michael, Delia, Aidan, Molly and Emma, and eight great grandchildren: Anthony, Madison, Olivia, Haley, Kayla, Jordana, Jackson and Ophelia. Predeceased by her brothers William, James and Brother John Thornton C.S.C and sisters Winifred Friel, Rita Gallagher, Ann Conboy, Catherine Wendel and Patricia Dever.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing, Thursday from 6 to 8 PM and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Marvil Funeral Home, 1110 Main Street, Darby. Funeral Mass Friday, 11 AM at Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 1101 Main Street, Darby. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brothers of the Holy Cross, 495 Maple Lane, Valatie, NY 12184-9509, or to the Lustgarten Foundation – Pancreatic Cancer Research https://events.lustgarten.org/give/192132/?c_src=googleads&c_src2=search-brand#!/donation/checkout .