Mary Prospero Fox, 38 years of dedication to Delaware youth

We are saddened to share the passing of one of our own, Mary Fox, the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware. She leaves a strong legacy that has paved the way for all of our LGBTQ Bigs, Littles, and programs. Mary served as Director of Program Services for two decades and was Executive Director for nine years. Within her tenure, Mary developed one of the nation’s first School-based mentoring programs for LGBTQ youth, and became part of the nationwide LGBTQ pilot initiative in 2017. Her dedication and passion for all of our Littles was apparent and inspiring, but her focus on LGBTQ youth helped to project the struggles and issues of this often overlooked group of young people.

After hearing a 2011 CDC report that half of the suicide attempts by teens in Delaware identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, Mary knew she had to do more. In an interview Mary said, “It was clear that there was an urgent need to reach out to the most vulnerable kids in our state. While our basic motivation has always been to ensure all kids achieve success in life, I truly believe that our service to LGBTQ kids is about saving lives.” As we look back on all of the accomplishments of trailblazer Mary Fox, let us continue to be inspired by her strength and compassion.

She was married to her best friend and love of her life, Tim Fox for 33 years and has two loving children, Nathan Prospero Fox and Evan Dominic Prospero Fox.

Mary received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and started her career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBS) in 1982. She spent the next 38 years at the organization, caring and creating programs for at-risk youth across the state. She was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Delaware Foster Care Review board, a role she held for 5 years.

Mary loved spending time with her family - relaxing at their beach home, going to local music shows to watch her son, Evan, perform, and hanging out at the Hadley Compound. She loved classic movies, reading, shopping, and going for bike rides. Additionally, she spent her personal time serving as a Big Sister mentor to several children. Anyone who knew Mary will remember her for her unselfish nature, contagious smile, and uplifting personality, all of which made it such a joy to be around her. Mary will be sorely missed but lovingly remembered by many.