Obituary of Mary C. Stagner

Mary C. (McLaughlin) Stagner, age 90, of Delaware County, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Mary finally experienced what she always called the “last big mystery of life, - death”.

Mary was born in Chester, PA to Joseph and Mary Sweeney McLaughlin, Sr. She attended Glen-Nor High School before beginning her career as a secretary for Boeing.

She married Neil A. Stagner, Sr. in December 1957, and started their family. Her first love was being a mom and creating a nurturing environment where her children could grow and thrive.

Mary’s two favorite vacation spots were the shore (Wildwood, NJ) and Walt Disney World. She visited both multiple times in her life, and was ready to go again at a moment’s notice to either location. When she could no longer travel, Mary would reminisce about her favorite vacations and the memories they would evoke. She could often be heard singing or whistling, “On the Way to Cape May” or “It’s a Small World”. These tunes became a household phenomenon, ones even the neighbors came to expect and enjoy daily as she sat on her beloved side porch. Mary also loved watching her Philadelphia sports teams on TV with her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary McLaughlin, Sr; her husband, Neil A. Stagner, Sr.; her siblings, Madeline Guiltinan, Joseph McLaughlin, Jr., and Catherine Nangle; her niece, Karen Wenstrup; and her grandson, Justin Hertz.

Mary is survived by:
Daughter: Lisa (Bill) Stagner Hertz of Aston, PA
Sons: Neil (Lori) Stagner, Jr of Jacksonville, FL; Glen Stagner and Carl Stagner of Brookhaven, PA; Paul (Jeanie) Stagner of Republic, WA; and Patrick (Mary Beth) McKeefery of Sea Isle, NJ.
Grandchildren: Paul Stagner Jr (Maria), Matthew Stagner (Alyssa), Neil Stagner III (Julie), Alana Read (Scott), and Verick Stagner.
Great Grandchildren: Aidan, Aria, Joshua, Julia, Theodore, Dominick, Cecily, Silas, Howard, and Clara Anne.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services and Interment will be private.