Mary Charnik

Mary Charnik, age 86, of Wilmington, formerly of Newark and Dover, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Mary left quite a legacy. As a single Mom, Mary

worked diligently to provide a safe home for her children, as well as sending them to Parochial School. Mary was able to provide her children with unforgettable holiday memories.

It is important to remember that while raising 5 children alone with no public assistance, Mary was able to put herself through the Delaware Barber School and became legendary, often working solo for her outstanding Shagg & Layer cuts, even for those who could not pay. Mary also worked as a Barber-Stylist in several Delaware locations and had her own shop called, “Avant Garde”.

Mary had an eclectic career including Bartending, Working in High Fashion, Waitressing at fine dining establishments such as the Hotel DuPont. Mary also learned welding but used her professional & personal skills to become a City of Wilmington Police Department Meter-Maid for which she drove a Harley Davidson Trike. In addition, Mary’s other occupations included driving a Taxi, and driving an ice cream truck for Jack & Jill. She often gave ice cream to children who could not afford it & pay out of her own pocket. Mary retired when she married her last husband.

Mary was preceded in death by her Mother, Mary Charnik, Father, Joseph Charnik Sr., Son John Paul Corrigan Felsburg, Son, Anthony Alan Felsburg Charnik,(Wanda), Joseph Lee Felsburg, Joseph Felsburg’s daughter, Jessica Felsburg, Husbands Harry “Boom Boom” Felsburg, Gary Moderhak, & Lee “Poppie” Goldberg.

Mary left many relatives behind, including: Daughter Alicia Martin (Gerald) and children: Crystal Myers, Amber Murphy (Joe), Petra Myers, & Joseph Martin (Angela). Mary is also survived by daughter Beverly Ash-Hall & sons Anthony Ash (Susan), & Nick Ash. Mary is also survived by daughter Elaine Hoffman & sons Brandon Wallace (Ashley) & Christpher Wallace (Francesca)

Mary is survived by her caring siblings Barbara Carney (Robert Sr.), Joseph Charnik (Sharon), Charlotte Charnik-Grant, Nancy Bargstadt (Paul). Mary left behind many nieces and nephews.

In addition, Mary had 9 great Grandchildren including Wyatt, Elara, Jasper, Joseph Jr., Joshua, Hayden, Evelyn, Demetrius, Sophia, Gianna, & Isabel.

Services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, February 6 at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 East Justis St. Newport, DE 19804 where visitation will begin at 11:30am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.