Mary Lenox Obrecht

Mary Lenox Obrecht, 87 of DeLand, passed away on March 8, 2025 at the Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler care center in Orange City. Mary was born on June 19, 1937, in DeLand, FL. Affectionately known as “Cricket”, she lived a long and active life. Her nickname came from her grandfather who noted that she was on the move and let the world know at a very young age. She grew up in DeLand, FL on N. Orange Ave, daughter of Robert and Virginia Lenox. After graduating from DeLand High School in 1955, she attended the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in Iowa City, IA. Post graduation in 1959, she wed James A Obrecht Sr. and moved to Ames, IA to start a family. James Jr., Michael, and Jennifer completed the family. Mary and James began careers working for James’ Stepfather Philip Walter at Walter Rexall Drug on Main St. Cricket juggled being a full time Mom while continuing her pharmacy career. Cricket and James divorced in 1985, and Cricket relocated to Atlanta to be near extended family and re-start her career with the VA Hospital. She spent 19 years with the VA, retiring in 2003. Retirement included moving back to DeLand in the Victoria Gardens complex. She reconnected with lifelong friends and made many new acquaintances. An avid card player, her schedule revolved around card games three times per week with her close friends. She traveled the world in retirement. Cricket was a faithful and devoted member of the First Church DeLand where her parents attended for many years. She was active in the local PEO chapter, Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Cricket kept busy baking cookies for events, counting the church donations on Sunday morning, and offering rides to appointments for those in need. She loved her family deeply and cherished holiday gatherings. She was preceded in death by son James A Obrecht Jr (Sandra), brother Robert Lenox Jr, and parents. She is survived by son Michael (Julia), daughter Jennifer Zhai (Robert), daughter-in-law Sandra Obrecht (James Jr), granddaughters Kelsey (Kay) and Alison (Gruszczynski), great granddaughters Ava (Kay), Emma (Kay), and Margaret (Gruszczynski), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She left her impact on many as a trusted, servant-based being and will be missed. A memorial service has been scheduled at First Church DeLand on Monday, March 24th at 11AM. A celebratory lunch will be held at the church immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, Cricket avidly supported the Residing Hope Florida Children’s Home and the American Cancer Society.

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