Mary James Legatski, 63, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2016. She was the daughter of the late William L. James Jr. and Dorothy Turley James, both formerly of Richmond, Va.
Born in Harrisonburg, Va., Legatski grew up in the Richmond area. She graduated with honors from Huguenot High School in 1971, where she served as secretary of the student government and was also a cheerleader for the varsity sports teams. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 1975, with a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and a minor in English. She moved to Northern Virginia immediately after graduation.
After moving to Northern Virginia, Legatski was employed in government affairs by several corporations, as well as trade and professional associations, including GATX Corporation, the American Petroleum Institute, the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
When her husband, Richard, retired from NOAA in 1992, the couple moved to their home near the beach in Dagsboro, where she become very active in numerous volunteer activities and made many friends.
Legatski is survived by her husband, Richard A. Legatski of Dagsboro; her brother, Bill James of Dumfries, Va.; and numerous cousins and close friends.Friends wishing to make memorial contributions are being encouraged to support the work of the Food Bank of Delaware; 1040 Mattlind Way; Milford, DE 19963 or www.fbd.org. Legatski’s body will go to the Maryland State Board of Anatomy for body and organ donation. Any usable organs will help other living people in need. Remaining tissues will be used for scientific research or teaching.