Dr. Mary E. Dillon

Dr. Mary E. Dillon, 76, of Cape Canaveral, FL passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 30, 2026. She was born on May 26,1949 in Dunmore to Joseph and Elizabeth Hill Dillon. She leaves behind her devoted husband and best friend of 38 years, Dr. Andrew Cherry.  Their marriage was a testament of unconditional commitment, true love and devotion.

Mary showed a deep commitment to helping others, a calling that would shape both her career and life’s purpose. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Barry University, Miami FL and went on to receive her Doctorate from Nova University in 2007. Mary devoted her professional life to social work and women’s studies, tirelessly advocating for individuals, families and communities in need. Whether working directly with clients in her after-school care program (The Biscayne Institute) writing or publishing books/journal articles, or raising awareness on social policy, she was known for her empathy, integrity, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every person. In addition to her work in the field, Mary was a respected professor of Social Work at both University of Oklahoma and University of Central Florida, before her retirement in 2019. In the classroom, she inspired countless students with her knowledge, passion, and real-world experience. Mary mentored future generations of social workers including her daughter, instilling not only academic excellence but also a deep sense of responsibility and care for others.

Mary is survived by her adoring children, Shannon Bradican and husband, Bill, and son, Sean McLafferty, and partner, Amanda Matticks. She was the proud grandmother of Jake and Billy Gentile; Areianna, Liam, and Madison McLafferty; and Alec and Gavin Bradican. Also surviving are her sister, Joanne Bistran, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph P. Dillon and his wife, Eileen, and James P. Dillon Sr. and his wife, Barbara, as well as her nephews, James P. Dillon and Joseph P. Dillon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10am at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut St, Dunmore. Friends may call from 8:30am – 9:30am at Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, 318 East Drinker Street, Dunmore.

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