Mary Ann Hammell

Mary Ann Hammell (née Tosh), of West Grove, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, August 28, 2025. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of the late Thompson Tosh and Williamina (Donald) Tosh. Mary was the devoted wife of the late Belford B. Hammell.

As a young woman during World War II, Mary proudly supported the war effort, working in the Philadelphia Navy Yards and along the Philadelphia Main Line in factories that produced vital military equipment. She carried this same tireless work ethic throughout her life. Mary and Belford were active members of the O’Mahoney Social Club in Philadelphia, and she was also a dedicated member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and the Luther House Rosary Group. In their retirement years, Mary and Belford both enjoyed working part-time at ACME Markets in Kennett Square, PA, where they continued to stay active in their community and formed lasting friendships.

The oldest daughter in a family of eight children, Mary’s caring spirit shone brightly as she helped look after her younger siblings. She faithfully prayed the rosary daily and found joy in simple but meaningful traditions: crocheting, reading, ceramics, baking, and preparing large family meals—often inspired by her trips to the Italian Market in Philadelphia. Mary and her sisters also formed Tosh’s Angels, a group of the Tosh women dedicated to charitable giving at Christmas. That tradition continues today, as their extended families still gather each year to give in the same spirit of love and generosity.

More than anything, Mary loved being with her family. Whether enjoying quiet conversations, daily phone calls with her sisters, or lively gatherings filled with food and laughter, she poured her heart into the people she loved.

Mary is survived by her children: Joseph T. Hammell; Gregory P. Hammell and his wife Barbara A. (Marsh) Hammell; John Hammell and his wife Joyce (Szymanski) Hammell; and Marianne (Hammell) Donaghue and her husband Louis F. Donaghue. She will be deeply missed by her many grandchildren: Joseph T. Hammell and his wife Debbie (Wadsworth) Hammell; Matthew D. Tideman and his wife Kimberly Tideman; Nicholas J. Hammell; Brian J. Hammell and his wife Candace (Forcier) Hammell; Jessica Hammell; Christine (Hammell) Guest and her husband John Guest; Allison (Hammell) Eberle and her husband Austin Eberle; Suzanne (Donaghue) MacGregor and her husband RobRoy MacGregor; and Louis F. Donaghue and his wife Kathryn (Azzara) Donaghue. Mary was blessed with many great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Belford; her parents, Thompson T. Tosh and Williamina (Donald) Tosh; her siblings James Tosh, Thompson Tosh, Catherine (Tosh) Botts, and Williamina “Honey” (Tosh) Cantwell; her son, Robert Hammell; and daughter-in-law, Cathy (McMahan) Hammell.

Mary’s family will forever remember her for her unwavering faith, her deep love for family, and her boundless generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and cherished traditions that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life at a Funeral Mass to be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, West Grove, PA on Monday, September 8th at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, 460 S. Union Street, Kennett Square, PA. A visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 10:15 am–11:15 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Mary’s legacy by carrying forward the spirit of kindness and generosity she embodied—especially through Tosh’s Angels, the cherished tradition of giving she and her sisters began—by donating to those less fortunate during the Christmas season.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.