Antoinette Theresa Delaney

Antoinette (Angie) Theresa Delaney passed away peacefully at her home on October 18, 2025, in Potomac, Maryland, surrounded by family and the quiet grace that marked her life. She was 87.

Angie was born on July 16, 1938, in Absecon, New Jersey, to Joseph and Theresa Stoerlein. The youngest of five children, predeceased by Msgr. Joseph and Rita, and survived by Helen and Richard, she carried throughout her life the spiritual devotion and love of music of her early years.

Angie graduated from Holy Spirit High School (Pleasantville, NJ) and Immaculata University (Paoli, PA), where her love of language first took shape. She later earned master’s degrees in both French and German at Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Germanic Literature from the University of Maryland, where her scholarship reflected not only intellect but also a deep appreciation and understanding of her family’s German roots. Her doctoral thesis is entitled Metaphors in Grass's Die Blechtrommel about the works of German author Günter Grass. Her book analyzes the metaphorical language used in Grass's famous novel, The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel), and her research interests include the metaphorical statements in Grass's subsequent novels, as detailed in her publication.  

A natural leader with a generous heart, Angie previously served as President of the ARCS® Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit led by women committed to advancing American excellence in science and technology. Her leadership was characterized by clarity and a belief in the power of education to change lives. She inspired many young scholars and left an enduring legacy of mentorship, vision, and compassion. Earlier, Angie served as a French instructor at The Woods Academy, a Catholic co-educational school in Bethesda, MD, serving students from age 3 through 8th grade.

Angie was a woman of profound faith and quiet strength. A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy, she found daily renewal in prayer and service. Angie lived her faith—in her kindness to others, in her commitment to her family, and in her unwavering sense of purpose.

She will be remembered for her keen mind, her gentle humor, her love of books, classical music, and conversation—and most of all, for the way she made those around her feel at ease and cherished. Angie passed her love of reading and learning on to her children and grandchildren (who lovingly called her “Mutti”).  Whether gathered at the dinner table, immersed in a novel, or offering a loving hug, Angie moved through life with grace and sincerity. Many evenings after the family dinner, she would sit at the piano and lead singalongs of German folk tunes, popular music of the day, and classical waltzes. She loved reading the physical Wall Street Journal and actively discussing the political and cultural issues of the day. Angie especially loved large wood-burning fires in her family room and the warmth they kindled in her. Angie was a whirlwind in the kitchen. She baked her sons’ favorite birthday cakes every year, and her irresistible Christmas cookies were a huge hit.

Angie is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence Delaney, with whom she shared a lifelong partnership; and by their five sons — Lawrence (Sandra) Delaney Jr., Joseph (Ellen) Delaney, John Delaney, Eugene (Charlene) Delaney, and Christopher (Anne) Delaney, who carry forward her spirit of curiosity, generosity, and devotion. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Kane, Peter (Hayley), Christopher, Elizabeth, Claire, Brennan, Terry, Anna and friends who will miss her deeply.

Please join the family for a time of Visitation at 10am on Saturday, November 8th at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland; where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ARCS® Foundation (https://metro-washington.arcsfoundation.org/) or Our Lady of Mercy Parish (https://www.olom.org/), honoring Angie’s lifelong dedication to faith, education, and service.