MaryLee LeCates

MaryLee LeCates, 97, of Seaford and formerly of Laurel, earned her wings and was called home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior where she was reunited with her loving husband, Norman, on Monday, October 28, 2024. She had resided at the Manor House over the last several years. She was born on January 19, 1927, in Richfield, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Ralph and Bessie Wagner. MaryLee married her high school sweetheart, Norman James LeCates, on July 4, 1945, and they built a life together on their farm, raising a family and making lasting memories for 73 years of marriage. After her children were raised, she joined Sussex Trust, which later became Wilmington Trust, where she worked diligently as an assistant trust officer for over 30 years. After retirement, MaryLee went to work on the farm with her husband, enjoying the simple pleasures of rural life. She was a longtime member of King’s United Methodist Church in Laurel where she served as secretary of the church board and sang in the choir. She was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Orioles and bowling in the Laurel Women’s Bowling League. Fishing and family camping trips to Assateague, Chincoteague and their summer home in Crisfield were always fun for the whole family. She and her husband also enjoyed spending many winters in Florida. MaryLee's optimistic spirit and unconditional love for her family were evident to all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Shirley Figgs, Jim LeCates and wife, Fran, and Diane Brubaker and partner, Al Huff, all of Laurel; grandchildren, Troy Travatello, Timmy Travatello, Teresa Travetello, Jamie LeCates and his wife, Jenn, and Tara Lynch Banks and her husband, Jeffrey; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Benjamin, Josh, Daniel and Caroline. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Norman James LeCates; brother, Lonnie Wagner; sister, Nadine Mitchell; identical twin sister, Martha Holshouser; and son-in-law, William Dale Brubaker. An interment will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm. Also on Sunday, a visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:30 to 2pm followed by a Celebration of Life to begin at 2pm all at the Manor House-Perdue Chapel in Seaford, followed by refreshments and fellowship with the family. Special thanks to the staff at Delaware Hospice and the Manor House for their comforting care of MaryLee. In memory of Mrs. LeCates, contributions may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to Acts Legacy Foundation, c/o Manor House, 1001 Middleford Road, Seaford, DE 19973. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

MaryLee LeCates

January 19, 1927 - October 28, 2024