SAVANNAH, GEORGIA -Mary Jo vonWaldner Whalen, 87, of Savannah, Georgia, widow of William F. Whalen, died Tuesday afternoon, August 10, 2010, at her home under the care of Hospice Savannah.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Charles Lewis vonWaldner and the late Josephine Roquemore vonWaldner. Mrs. Whalen was an active communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for over sixty years. She was past President of The Council of Catholic Woman of Savannah, served as Regent for of Royal Chapter of the Daughters of The Confederacy, a member of the Savannah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Savannah Chapter II, a member of the Daughters of the American Colonists, St. John’s Chapter and was active for many years with the Legion of Mary in Savannah. Mrs. Whalen was known for her phenomenal memory and was always proud to share her memories of growing up on Springfield Plantation Dairy in Savannah, sharing memories of her life, and early lives of Savannah residents and the events that shaped and molded the local area. It will always be remembered that she never met a stranger and loved her community and heritage.
In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles Lewis vonWaldner, Eugene Egan vonWaldner and Joseph Aloysius Rockmore “Bucky” vonWaldner.

Surviving are one daughter, Mary Frances “Frankie” Whalen Fleming; two sons, Charles William Whalen and his wife, Staci, and John J. “Jack” Whalen all of Savannah, Georgia; two grandsons, Patrick Harris Whalen and William Hunter Fleming and his wife Jennifer all of Savannah, Georgia and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7:00 o’clock Friday evening at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Avenue with the rosary service being held at 7 o’clock in the funeral home chapel.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning in Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
1707 Bull Street, Savannah, conducted by The Reverend Jeremiah J. McCarthy. Interment will be private.

The family would like to thank the following caregivers for their support and help during this difficult time,
Hazel Lurry, Beth Conaway and her dear friend, Joan R. Griffin.

Remembrances:  St. Vincent’s Academy – 207 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, Hospice Savannah - Post Office Box #13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0190 or Benedictine Military School – 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406.