Creeslough native made life lighter, brighter, and simply more fun
THE death has taken place in the US of Creeslough native, Mary Teresa McGlynn.
She passed away on Friday, May 23, just two days short of her 95th birthday.
Mary grew up on the Harkin family farm in Derryart, Creeslough, as the eldest of five siblings.
From an early age, she filled every space with her vibrant spirit, a spark that never dimmed.
To say she loved to dance would be an understatement. Mary danced with pure joy, from the rolling hills of Donegal to the lively floors of America, effortlessly moving through the traditional Irish steps of the Maggie Pickens and the Hornpipe to the rhythms of Michael Jackson, any beat, it just didn’t matter! For her, no party was complete without dancing, which meant bystanders were quick to hide under tables and behind drapes to avoid getting pulled onto the dance floor when she was on the prowl.
It was at a dance in the Creeslough Dance Hall that Mary met the love of her life, Joe ‘Sonny’ McGlynn. Their connection was instant, their bond unstoppable.
Together, they set out for America, building a life filled with love, family, and unwavering devotion to their five children, Joe, Hugh, John, Sharon and Deirdre. Though she embraced her new home in Pennsylvania (after an initial bout of home sickness), Mary’s heart never strayed far from Donegal.
She made it her mission to ensure her children carried its legacy with them, fostering deep and lasting relationships to their Irish heritage and cousins across the sea.
Mary’s strength, work ethic, and unwavering positivity made her a role model to all who knew her.
Non-judgemental, never a negative word approaching life with an open mind, she was the heartbeat of The Glen-Nor Butcher Shop, a family business she and Joe founded in 1968, where she earned the affectionate nickname ‘Mary the Butcher’.
Later, they acquired Ithan Food Market in Villanova, remaining a beloved volunteer long after selling the business in 1997.
She shared her ‘Mentos of Wisdom’ (as she ate a lot of Mentos) only when asked — always practical, always filled with common sense.
She made life lighter, brighter, and simply more fun, leaving her loved ones with endless funny stories, among them a playful parody song about her, “Step It Out Mary” being especially dear to her heart.
Though she will be deeply missed, Mary’s spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and friends who will be endlessly grateful for the love, laughter, and unwavering support she gave so freely.
Mary was the beloved wife of the late Joe ‘Sonny’ McGlynn; loving mother of Joseph McGlynn (Debora), Hugh Michael McGlynn (the late Terri), John McGlynn, Sharon Paff(Tom), and Deirdre Kelly (Brennan); proud grandmother of Bryan McGlynn (Kristen), Kristin Maitland (Danny), Erin D’avanzo (Joey), Shanna Goldenbusky (Tony), Michael McGlynn (Emily), Courtney McChesney (Sean), Joseph Thomas Paff (Jen), Aidan Kelly, Pearse Kelly and great-grandmother of Jamisyn McGlynn, Gavin McGlynn, Mason McGlynn, Maeve Goldenbusky, Nori McGlynn, Nial McGlynn, Gracie McChesney, Brooklynn Maitland, Bryce Maitland, Frankie D’avanzo and Lucy Rose McChesney; dear sister of Nora Butler (the late Jerry) and Hugh Harkin (the late Mary); and caring sister-in-law of Dymphna Harkin and Tessie Harkin.
She was predeceased by her brothers, John Harkin and Seamus Harkin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A Mother’s Wish Foundation (please specify donation is in honor/memory of Mary McGlynn), which is a local organization that supports individuals and families battling Crohn’s Disease where 100% of your donation goes to the cause. https://amotherswishfoundation.org/donate/
Relatives and friends attended her Visitation and Funeral Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Rosemont Chapel in Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 29.
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