Mary L. Gillespie

Mary Louise Gillespie passed away, surrounded by her loving family, January 12, 2024.  Beloved daughter to the late James Francis and Margaret (nee Bolger) Burke.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Margaret “Peggy” Lyons (Bob), Michelle Roberts (Seth), John “Jack” Gillespie, Janine Baldino (Roger); Grandchildren, Jessica Gillespie (Matt Libber), Brady Lyons, Sean Lyons, Burke Roberts, Jordan Lyons, Ryan Baldino, Tyler “TJ”  Baldino, Zachary Baldino, Alex Baldino and Hawaiian grandchildren, Hope Takeda, Isaac Takeda, Jonah Takeda; Sisters, Janet Takeda (twin), Linda Burke MD and Sheila Weisberg; Brother, Chris Burke; Sisters-in-law, Bhabi Burke and Diane Burke. She was predeceased by her dear husband, John “Jack” Gillespie; Brothers, Joseph “Joe” Burke, James “Bim” Burke MD, sister Ellie Burke and sister-in-law Barbara Burke.

Mom was an avid photographer and videographer.  She was always the one to capture family memories.  She preferred to be behind the camera instead of in the spotlight. Mom was a bank teller for many years – starting in the Upper Darby branch of Greater Delaware Valley Bank.  She stopped working to raise her 4 children only to return to the same bank now called Alliance Bank which would become WSFS after her children were grown.  She worked for them for a total of 25 years.  Everyone knew Mary Lou and she knew them.  Her line was always the longest, as the customers were also her friends.  Mom was a caretaker to many including her husband, her parents, her Aunt Teresa, and her English friend Irene only to name a few.  If you were in need and she knew about it, she was there to help. She was always active and loved to play tennis in her heyday and later years by walking her dog Riley (whom she adored) all around the neighborhood. She enjoyed going to the pool at Briarcliff Swim Club every summer and trips down the shore as well. She loved spending time with her family and was a devoted sister, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mary Lou’s Visitation on Saturday, February 3, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1 Fatima Drive, Secane, PA, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Road, Yeadon, PA.