Mary T. McQuilkin

Mary T. McQuilkin, lovingly known as “Mare” to her family and friends, peacefully passed away on August 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 20, 1950, to the late John and Regina (nee: Lafferty) McKeown, Mary was a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia. For many years, she worked in retail, including time with both Toys “R” Us and Lowe’s.

Mary lived life on her own terms and always knew exactly where she stood. Strong-willed, loyal, and never afraid to share her matter-of-fact opinion, she was a woman who loved deeply and fiercely, especially when it came to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and the countless memories they created together will forever remain among their greatest treasures.

She especially enjoyed trips to the casino, where she could often be found trying her luck at the slot machines. Mary also loved traveling and cruising throughout the Caribbean, enjoying the opportunity to get away and make new memories. She was also the proud fur mom of her beloved Duncan.

While Mary will be remembered for her strength, determination, loyalty to family, and straightforward approach to life, her grandchildren will especially remember the softer side of their grandmom—a loving, caring, generous, and fun woman who treasured every moment spent with them.

Mary is the beloved wife of the late James “Foxxy” McQuilkin. Loving mother of Raymond (Dominique) McQuilkin, James F. (Jessica Hanas) McQuilkin, Patty (Joe) Wilson, Chrissii McQuilkin, and the late Janet LaFever, Donna McQuilkin, and Jamie (Paul) Hill. Dearest grandmom of Taylor (Brandon Etzler), Sean, Rayna, Nadia, Skylar, Emily, Jimmy “Lil Foxx,” Jaime McQuilkin, and Edward Nemergut III, and cherished by her many additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is the sister of Jean (late John) Perpiglia Carey, Stephen (Lynn) McKeown, Michael (Alice) McKeown, Sister in Law Sylvia McKeown, and the late Suzanne McBride, Jacqueline McKeown, John (Margaret) Perpiglia, and William McKeown. Mary will also be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, August 20th—her birthday—from 8:00 to 10:10 AM at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Sts. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Burial will be private.

The Family would like to thank her brother Stephen for spending every night with her for the last few years!

Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be made to The Katie Kirlin Fund, 229 Wolf St., Philadelphia, PA 19148.