Melva Marie Delaney

Melva Marie Delaney, 78 of Perry Hall, Maryland, passed away on June 17, 2023.

Melva was born in Canton, Maryland on February 21, 1945, to Anna and Melvin Blankey. She loved her neighborhood and spent much time in Patterson Park as a child. She attended Patterson High School and graduated in February of 1963. High School is where she met her sweetheart and husband, Frank Delaney. Melva and Frank united in marriage on November 7, 1964, at St. Patrick's Church in Fells Point.

Melva always had a strong creative and entrepreneurial spirit that she carried throughout her life. Early on as a newlywed, she opened Melva's Fabric House in her home. Her passion for sewing and crafting led to a life of creating many things, from scrapbooking, home décor, to costumes, and fashion. Her family often jokes that she was the Pinterest of the 70's and 80's.

Melva also had a career in service to others less fortunate and in need. She was a volunteer services manager at the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.

Melva began building her family in 1972 with the birth of her first child, Frank Thomas. And added a second child in 1975 with the birth of Erin Lynn. She was an active and spirited part of her children's lives and could often be found coordinating bake sales, volunteering at school, or designing and sewing Halloween costumes and often winning awards for the ensemble.

From polka to disco and then country line dancing, Melva and Frank loved "cutting a rug" together. They were avid country line dance enthusiasts and had a great friend group that traveled and spent many evenings dancing and having fun together.

However, Melva's true calling was as a loving and doting grandmother. She was affectionately called "Meemaw" by her first grandchild and the name stuck. Melva has 3 grandchildren, Sophie, Nate and Delaney. She has been actively documenting their lives with scrapbooks, pictures and notes from every birthday, holiday, and milestone. She was always happy to baby-sit, repair a hem or just support her grandchildren with big hugs of love. Meemaw's home was always warm and cozy.

Melva is survived by her husband Frank Delaney, her son Frank Delaney Jr., her daughter-in-law Melissa Delaney, her grandchildren Sophie and Nate Delaney, her daughter Erin Golis, her son-in-law Jason Golis, and her granddaughter Delaney Golis.

Melva will be missed by her family and everyone who knew her. She may be gone but will never be forgotten.