Mary LeBude

(1944–2026)

Born in Mount Holly in 1944 to Charles and Mildred Gaskill, Mary was raised in Maple Shade with a younger sister, Linda and she graduated from Merchantville High School in 1962.

Mary was full of life, incredibly vibrant and spunky. She didn’t sugarcoat the facts; she offered the truth you needed to endure your most difficult moments. A devoted Philly sports fan, Mary didn’t just watch the Phillies and the Eagles; she coached them from her living room. She expected perfection on the field and wasn't afraid to yell at the TV when they fell short. When she wasn't demanding a better bullpen, she was likely at the beach with a mystery novel or a love story in hand, listening to oldies on the radio. She checked in daily with her friends on the Bold and the Beautiful and Young and the Restless and even solved a few cases with Law and Order. She stayed active with her friends and was a member of the Maple Shade Senior Citizens Club. At her happiest, you would find her hosting a family dinner or holiday event.

She found her soulmate late in life in Ronald LeBude. Though their marriage lasted only a few years before cancer took him, Mary's devotion was absolute. As a mother and grandmother, she was the family’s protective anchor—loving and supportive.

Mary is survived by her son, Donald Kirk (Dana Durso); her daughter Karen Kirk; her granddaughter, Casey Heath (Connor); and her beloved cat, Miller.

Come celebrate 81 wonderful years, Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Mark Tilghman Funeral Home where there will be a 7:00 PM service.