Martha Jean Delay Sefchick

Martha Jean DeLay was born on August 16, 1950 in Watseka, Illinois to Charles Edward and Lois Gene (Harris) DeLay.
In December 2010, Jean was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer. Throughout her journey Jean courageously fought the demon. Jean lost her battle with cancer on October 29, 2016.
Jean leaves behind her husband and best friend of 43 years, Richard; two daughters, Cara Sanderson and Brooke Kelman, sons-in-law Joseph Sanderson and Michael Kelman; two beautiful grandchildren, Benjamin and Jolene Kelman; her mom, Lois DeLay; sister, Cheryl Burks, and brother-in-law, Tim Burks from Indiana; as well as other family and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Charles DeLay and brother, David DeLay.
“Jeannie,” as she was called growing up, lived in Brook, IN until she moved to Washington, D.C. at age 19 where she met her best friend and future husband. She worked for the Federal Government for more than 35 years, starting as a clerk typist with the CIA, and completing her career at the top of the ladder as the Chief of Procurement for the Federal Trade Commission. Jean attended classes in the evening while working full time, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Procurement from American University in Washington, D.C.
One of Jean’s greatest joys was spending many years as a Girl Scout leader for each of her daughters. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with family on summer vacations in Wisconsin. After retirement, Jean spent many hours researching and documenting her family history and appreciating all that nature has to offer. She also enjoyed tennis and walking. Jean was a member of the Brook United Methodist Church, a book club, several garden organizations and other social groups.
A special thanks to Daynelle Dedmond, MD and Pranav H Parkih, MD for their compassionate and professional care during Jean’s journey. Also, a special thanks to the infusion center staff at Mary Immaculate and Sentara Williamsburg hospital as well as Gentiva Hospice.
There will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ at Bucktrout Funeral Home located at 4124 Ironbound Road, in Williamsburg, VA on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 11:00am. Per Jean’s request, as this is a celebration of her life, please wear her favorite colors of lime green or purple.
The funeral will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Gerts Funeral Home located at 129 E Main Street, Brook, IN 47922.
In addition, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or Williamsburg Hospice, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at bucktroutfuneralhome.net.