Mary Jean McCloskey

Mary Jean McCloskey (nee Jacobi) of Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022 surrounded by family and love.  Born in Darby, PA on December 2, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Jean Jacobi, who instilled a strong foundation of family and loyalty.  After graduating from East Stroudsburg University, she became a sixth-grade teacher until she left the teaching world to focus on raising her children.

Mary Jean was the beloved wife of John P. McCloskey for more than 44 years - the two shared a commitment to family and a deep love of exploring new towns and traveling, leading their son-in-law to nickname them the “day trippers”.  She was the loving mother of Lauren (Bill) Hofmann, Carolyn (Dominick Chillemi) McCloskey, and Andrew (Rachel Craven) McCloskey.  She supported her children and daughter/sons in-law in all aspects of their lives, including their careers and parenthood.  She is also survived by her siblings Ginny Hecksher, Vincent Leo Jacobi, Michael Jacobi, Patti Costello, Theresa Olivastro and Donna Czaplicki, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who affectionately called her “Mimi”.  As family matriarch, she was incredibly proud of her close relationship to her siblings and nieces/nephews, always serving as a sounding board to discuss any worry or concern, celebrate successes and milestones, and gossip about the Bachelor!  Her most important role was devoted Mimi/grandmother to Jamie, Sophia, Will, Chase, Luke, Hunter and Evelyn, who viewed her more as a third parent than a grandparent.  She knew each of their unique talents and personality traits and taught them resilience, strength, the importance of cleaning and a few bad words.  Her devotion and connection to each of them was matched only by the amount of sugar and junk food she fed to them. 

Mimi had an incredible ability to quickly and easily build connections.  She was a fantastic listener who celebrated the unique talents of everyone she met while offering her solution-oriented “Italian Mother” advice.  She made new “friends” on the train, at the grocery store, her grandchildren’s preschools and in the neighborhood.  She had an enormous smile, infectious laugh and a curiosity that drew people to her for comfort, advice and laughs.  Mimi excelled at supporting her family - and friends that she felt were family – through the many passions, joys and difficulties of their lives.  Whether it was someone she met a few moments ago or a friend for many years, Mimi made it her mission and purpose to diminish their pain, enrich and improve their lives, and help them navigate difficulties.  Over the months she battled illness, many friends and family noted that she was their confidant – “my person” – spending hours providing unofficial counseling, guidance and support.  She ALWAYS answered her phone and sprung to action when needed. 

Mimi filled every room she entered with her joyful presence, vibrant clothes, and beauty.  She never shied from honest opinions.  Her loud voice and infectious laugh were her signatures.  But the incredible support she showed family and friends will be her legacy – often answering the phone with “what do you need” instead of hello. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Thursday, October 20^th, 2022 at 9:30 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA, as well as to attend the funeral at 11:00 am. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Jean’s memory may be made to Hold the Door for Others, https://holdthedoor.com/  - an organization Mary Jean held close to her heart.