Mary (Kleha) Oravitz

Mary Kleha Oravitz, born on April 19, 1943, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Kleha. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Oravitz, and her brother, Edward “Eddie” Kleha.

Mary was a graduate of Shenandoah Catholic High School, Class of 1961. She is survived by her devoted children, her son Gerald “Jerry” Oravitz and his wife Teresa “Terry,” her daughter Lisa DiStefano and her husband Shawn; her cherished granddaughters, Gabrielle and Brianna; her step-grandson Shawn; and her loyal grand-pup, Mila, who was always by her side. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Selgrade, and her husband Robert “Bo,” along with many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mary and her late husband Gerald made their home in New Castle, Delaware, until his passing in 2011. Afterward, Mary resided with her daughter and son-in-law in Bear, Delaware. 

She began her career as a school aide and later became a lead worker in the public school food service system, where she worked for many years before retiring after a dedicated career of service.

More than anything, Mary loved life. She adored her granddaughters and treasured time with her family. She loved warm weather and sunshine, loved to laugh, and never wanted to miss out on a good time. She enjoyed shopping, especially QVC, and had a special love for Christmas and the holidays. 

Some of her most cherished memories were made during countless summers in Ocean City, Maryland, sitting on the beach, hosting deck parties, picking crabs, heading to happy hour to listen to music, watching boats glide by as she enjoyed the drum roll to beautiful sunsets with family. 

Mary also had a deep love for sports, especially football, and never missed a game involving her children or grandchildren. A proud Philadelphia sports fan, she passionately cheered for the Eagles and Phillies, but her heart truly belonged to the University of Delaware Blue Hens. A longtime season ticket holder, Mary loved tailgating and cheering on the Hens year after year, including traveling with family and fellow fans to the 2003 championship game in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Travel was high on Mary’s life goals. She was fortunate to experience many memorable destinations, including Hawaii, Germany, Paris, Las Vegas, and more. In her later years, she embraced the snowbird lifestyle, escaping Delaware winters by spending January through May in Haines City, Florida, where she purchased a retirement home and formed many meaningful friendships that brought her great joy. 

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, Mary faced her illness with unwavering faith in God, the loving support of her family, and a strong will to live. She fought bravely until her final days.   May she now rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, while living on forever in the hearts and memories of those who loved her. 

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Delaware Hospice, especially her compassionate primary nurse, Valerie, and CNAs Erica and Christine, for their exceptional care, comfort, and guidance during Mary’s final days. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League. A cousin to Mary. 108 West Cherry Street Shenandoah, PA, 17976-2207. 

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 801 N. DuPont Hwy, New Castle DE 19720 on Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Christian burial will be held at a later date.

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