Mary Antonette Kok, age 98, passed away peacefully at Wilmington Hospital with her family at her side on December 31,2024.

Mary was born in Marcus Hook, PA on December 20, 1926 to the late Camillo and Concetta Fiorini Antonette. She resided there and worked at the Congoleum with a group of young women known as “The Jet Girls” named for the Jet Room where they operated instrumentation critical to the quality of Congoleum products. 

Mary met the love of her life, Nicholas M. Kok, and married in 1947. This prompted a relocation to Delaware in 1952 where she and Nick built a home and joyously raised their family. Mary was a doting wife and mother, a wonderful cook and maintained her loving home impeccably.

Her life should be remembered as a simple one of devotion. First, to God and church. She was a devoted member of St. Helena’s for 70+ years. You could always find her in the cafeteria during Carnivals and Bazaars serving, cooking or cleaning.  She enjoyed close relationships with the Sisters of St. Joseph and would avail herself to them at a moment’s notice whenever they needed a favor. She cherished the many friendships that were forged in her early years at St. Helena’s. The church was central to her life and how she lived it. 

Foregoing career opportunities outside of the home, Mary’s second devotion was her family. She was a wonderful cook and put a hot homemade meal on the kitchen table six nights a week. (Saturdays were for subs!) She operated a free Uber service 7 days a week taxiing her four kids and their friends wherever they needed to go. This frequently meant going out at midnight in the cold of winter to pick up hers and others from  weekend football games and dances.  She dressed her family impeccably with ne’er the sight of a wrinkle in anyone’s clothes because she ironed everything!  These are just a few of the “simple” things Mary did to show her love and devotion to family. Day in and day out she was there for them and never a complaint.  

Mary’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the caregiving role she played in the lives of so many other people. Countless numbers of relatives, friends and acquaintances counted on her for so much. She never said no to anyone. She convalesced friends and relatives in their homes and some came to her home. She grocery shopped, babysat, provided rides to the doctor, cooked meals, and more. Getting into her late eighties, Mary had to slow down and eventually stop driving which broke her heart. But she will be remembered for her generous spirit and compassion. For fun and adventure, Mary loved going on bus trips. She traveled much of the country in the company of life long friends who shared her interests. In her final days, Mary longed to go to the Lord and be reunited with her husband.  

Mary is loved dearly and will be missed by her children, Mary Jo Kok Barbato (Jim-deceased), Richard Kok (Maria), Robert Kok, Sr. (Mary Anne), Nicholas Kok, Jr. (Linda); grandchildren, Dena Lundy Padovani, Robert Kok, Jr., Allison Kok, Natalie Kok and Lauren Kok; great grandchildren, Stephen Lundy, Angelo Padovani, Lena Padovani, Nicholas Padovani; great-great grandchild, Waylon James Lundy; and many nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Nicholas Kok, Sr., and her brothers, Carmen Antonette, Samuel Antonette (Tessie), and Joseph Rosetti (Atty). 

A visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 10:30am until 11:30am, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30am.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Wounded Warriors.   

To offer condolences, please visit: 

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com 

302.798.7726