Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

A celebration of Neil's life is currently being planned. We will update this page when we have a confirmed date.

You may leave a message for Neil's family by using the memories tab on this page.

All services locally will be private. Paul will be buried in his home county of Greece. 

Please leave the family a message by using the memories tab on this page.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

Alrich “Al” Nicholas Koster, 90, died on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Severna Park, MD. Born on November 24, 1934 in New York City to the late Alrich and Elizabeth Mulligan Koster, Al lived in New York until moving to Maryland in 1967. He served in the US Army and later worked as a printer/ proofreader for the Government Printing Office. Al was a Jaycee, a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and a Faithful Navigator. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening and woodworking. Al is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan Amelia Koster; his children, Craig N. (Shirley) Koster of Waldorf, MD, Adrienne A. (Paul) Batten of Winchester, VA, Diana L. (Jeff) Clise of Queenstown, MD and Joanne (Ed) Burton of Millersville, MD; his siblings, Robert (Bernadette) Koster of Bridgewater, NJ and Audrey Schultz of Bellmore, NY; his grandchildren, Kyle and Jake (Lauren) Clise, Andrew and Erik Burrows, Nicholas Koster, Dayna (Doug) Sutherland, Kendall (Alan) Higgins, Jessica (Vinnie) Lusby, Colin, Kayla, Kristen Burton and 7 great-grandchildren.  Friends are invited to celebrate Alrich’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, May 5 from 5 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

A full obituary will be posted here soon.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Funeral arrangements are pendinG. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Catherine Marie (Liguori) Wagner, known affectionately as Kate, passed away on April 28, 2025, in Edgewater, Maryland, at the age of 80. Born on April 9, 1945, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter to Eris Lehman and John Liguori, and wife of 37 years to Thomas Wagner, before his death in 2016. Catherine grew up in a close-knit family environment which shaped her into a loving and caring individual.

Kate spent her life nurturing her family and was a pillar of strength and love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters, Jamie Phillips (Robert) of Edgewater, MD, and Christine Hammel of Hazleton, PA; sons, James Wagner, Sr. of Swiftwater, PA, and Jon David Wagner (Trista) of Berlin, NJ; sister, Dorothy Anderson (Andrew) of Conyngham, PA; brother, David Lehman (Cheryl) of Mountaintop, PA; grandchildren, Justine Dixon (Benjamin), Amanda Wagner, David Sutkus (Kayla), Jenna Sutkus, Thomas Phillips (Allison), Meghan Phillips, Alexandra Toohil, Abigail Wagner, Emma Wagner, James Wagner, Jr., and Connor Durant;  great-grandchildren, Victoria, Aidan, Charlotte, Zoey, and Jack along with several nieces and nephews; and her Beloved dog and constant companion, Rosebud.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Wagner; her children, Joseph Hammel and Jesse Hammel; siblings, Laura Ashman, Joan Evancho (John), and Norman Lehman; and her mother, Eris Lehman.

Kate was a devout member of SS Cyril & Methodius Parish in Hazleton, PA, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater, MD, where she participated actively in community and spiritual activities. Her faith was a significant part of her life, and it reflected in her dedication to her community and family.

An avid enthusiast of bingo and puzzles, Kate also enjoyed frequent visits to casinos, cherished family vacations, and took great pride in her gardening skills. These hobbies brought her much joy and allowed her to share wonderful moments with her family and friends.

Kate Wagner's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kate’s life on Saturday, May 31 for a gathering at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am at Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, 604 N Laurel Street, Hazelton, PA 18201. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to Kate's heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others, especially children.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Jean Johnson Cox, a vibrant soul who touched countless lives, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on November 11, 1928, in Buffalo, New York, Jean lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and love. As a devoted teacher for over 30 years, she inspired generations of students with her wisdom, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm. She built a legacy serving the students who needed it most, from teaching in a one-room schoolhouse to supporting children with cerebral palsy and ultimately spending 22 years helping remedial readers access the world of words. Her classroom was not only a place of learning, but a place where dreams were nurtured.
Affectionately known as Mummsey, Meme, and Grammy, Jean was the heart of her family. She met her husband, Don in middle school and, throughout their seven decades together, they were devoted parents to their three beloved children, instilling in them values of compassion, resilience, and curiosity. Her family grew to include eight wonderful grandchildren and four cherished great-grandchildren, each of them a testament to her enduring legacy.
Jean approached each day with energy, grace, and a zest for life that never diminished. Endlessly curious, she traveled to over 65 countries and was a voracious reader, often finishing a book and several newspapers in a day. She also served St. Stephens Episcopal Church faithfully for over 25 years, finding joy and purpose in her community.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all those she touched with her remarkable life.
Jean is survived by her husband of more than 70 years, Donald S. Cox; her three children and their spouses, Courtney and Lisa Cox, Catherine and Scott Stasny, and Curtis and Dolly Cox; her eight grandchildren and their spouses, James Cox, Jeffrey Cox, Annemarie and Cody Barnett, Jason Cox, Elizabeth and John Real, Alexander Cox and Arwin Wang, Jordan Cox, and Natasha Cox and Mason Walsh; and her four great-grandchildren, Cameron Cox, Hannah and Justin Barnett, and Theodore Real.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 2 at St. James’ Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page

Faye Sherbert passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Faye was born on October 30, 1939, in Wilson, North Carolina. Her parents were Robert and Daisy Bass, both from North Carolina. She moved to Maryland in 1956 where she met her husband, Paul. Faye and Paul married in June of 1958 and have resided in Mayo, Maryland ever since.

Once their youngest child started school Faye went to cosmetology school and got her license. She loved doing hair. Even after she retired, she could be found at the salon at South County Senior Center.

Faye belonged to the South County Senior Center and the Londontowne Peppers. She very much enjoyed her time there, especially on bingo days. She loved playing cards, especially golf, all types of games, watching anyone play basketball, her beloved Orioles but her favorite thing to do was bake chocolate chip cookies. 

 Faye is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Paul, her sister and best friend Florence Ingram and her husband Bob of Mayo, MD, her brother Roby Bass and his wife Paula of Charlestown, RI, her three daughters Paula Gingell of Mayo, MD, Elaine Smith and her husband Bob of Pasadena, MD, Robin Greulich and her husband Billy of Mayo, MD. She also had 6 granddaughters, Jaime Gingell, Jennifer Bone, Angie Rogers, Katie Galaska, Chrissy Clow and Kara Ranjitkar. Faye also had 9 great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Cayla, Madalyn, Nicole, Devin, Caitlyn, Bradley, Caleb and Jonah. She was expecting a great-great grandson this summer.

 Relatives and friends are invited to Faye’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 30 from 11a.m. until 12 noon followed by a memorial service at noon at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 2973 Solomons Island Rd Edgewater, MD 21037.



Please check back at a later time for a full obituary.

Louis R. Cardenas, native son of San Antonio, Texas, entered rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the age of 98.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Kiki Angelique Perikles Cardenas, his mother, Josephine Ramos Cardenas, and his father, Leonardo Cardenas de Hoyos. Although he and Kiki had no children, Louis is survived by his nephews, John Perikles and George Perikles, and his nieces Lori Enriquez, Lisa Littleton, and Victoria Bickford.  Uncle Lou was the quintessential uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Whether he was driving nieces to the mall without complaint or driving across several states to bring furniture to a nephew starting a career in a new town, he did whatever was needed for his family.  Louis retired from the Department of Transportation-Federal Railroad Administration.  Previously he worked for the Maritime Administration in Washington D.C.  He was a member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, Maryland where he resided for fifty six years.  Family and friends are invited to celebrate Louis's life at his funeral on Wednesday, May 7 at 11:30 AM at Ss Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis. Burial to follow at 2 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD, where Kiki is already resting.

Margaret Lee Couto born August 1st 1948 and raised on a farm in Spotsylvania, Virginia with ten siblings, loved by her parents Clifton and Viola Coppage and influenced by Baptist faith surely gave her a zest for experiencing life.

She was a devoted wife to Henrique Couto just shy of 60 years this November.  Mother of two boys, Wayne and Nelson and Mother-in-law to Trisha and Elaine.  Nana to five grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Hannah, Hope and Blake and her great granddaughter, Clara.  Plus step-Nana to Lauren and Ryleigh Wilson cause that’s what great Nanas’ do…share the love.

Margaret and Henry worked hard to build and enjoy a simple yet complete life in Maryland. A seamstress by trade and an avid gardener and crafter, she so enjoyed crocheting, making and collecting jewelry, sewing quilts and the best Halloween costumes for the entire Couto Crew.  In fact, Margaret was always surrounded and inspired by her love of all the “Grands”.  An adventuresome spirit meant she got in the pool (even though she couldn’t swim well), played games on the floor (even at the age of 77 struggling with cancer), went for a nature walk, and fought for a good spot on the sidelines of any lacrosse, rugby, football, basketball game, hockey rink or wrestling match.   

Over the last 10 months, Margaret navigated a terminal, metastatic cancer diagnosis comforted by family, friends, and a dedicated medical team. Her battle ended the morning of Friday, April 25 with God’s grace and love as Henry held her hand and reaffirmed it was time for eternal peace.

We will all surely miss her smile, thoughtfulness, detailed conversations, embracing hugs and dedication to this family. When “they” say good things come in small packages, it meant our Mamma Couto, all 4’11” of her!

May God continue to bless and uphold her loving spirit!


Antigone Piera Loizou, 93, of Annapolis, passed peacefully on April 24, 2025.  She was born December 12, 1931, in the village of Yialousa on the Island of Cyprus, to the late Athanasis and Maroulla Piera. Antigone was the youngest of six siblings. As a young girl, Antigone’s love of learning was inspired by her father.

In 1951, she moved to London, England.  Her outgoing personality and adventurous spirit were first fueled by her time in London during the 1950s, one of the happiest periods in her life.   

In 1959, Antigone married Louis Loizou in London.  The newlyweds first moved to Toronto, Canada, for a year before settling in Annapolis in 1960.  They were welcomed into the Annapolis Greek Cypriot community and more broadly into the Greek community, which was centered around Ss. Constantine and Helen Church.  Annapolis was also the home of two of her siblings, Mike Piera and Anna Christodoulou.  Their three homes in Annapolis were less than a mile apart from each other, half a world away from where they started their lives in Cyprus. 

Antigone went on to raise her children and grandchildren as a single mother in her Annapolis home that she kept for forty-six years.  She created a lifetime of memories in that home.  Her children, grandchildren, and extended family are so grateful to her for doing that.

Antigone never lost her adventurous spirit and loved to travel.  Her many trips, some with friends and others solo, gave her much joy and new friendships.   Ports of call for her included: Hawaii, Caribbean cruises, England, Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Ireland, and even a Canadian Rail trip by herself because it was on her bucket list.

Antigone served as a fifty-plus-year member of the Ss. Constantine & Helen Agia Anna Philoptochos Society, as well as a member of the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Auxiliary.  

In her later years, Antigone moved to the Ginger Cove Retirement Community in Annapolis, where she enjoyed her daily walks on a beautiful path, a book club where she could share her love of reading, and outings to local symphony and theatre productions.

Antigone was preceded in death by her siblings, Christina, Kyriacoulla (Koulou), Angeliki, Anna, and Mike. She is survived by her children: Joanna (John) Smith, Dean Loizou (Robin Varnado) and Winnie (Kevin) Mitchell; her grandchildren: Andrea Smith (Aryn Freeman), Adam Smith, Conor Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell, and Madeline Mitchell, along with many relatives and friends in the area and around the world.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, April 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Kalas Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2973 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis. Interment will follow at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Annapolis. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Children's Agape Foundation, P.O. Box 341881, Bethesda, MD 20827 or @ https://agapefoundationdc.org. This organization assists children of the Orthodox Christian faith with medical-related expenses not covered by insurance.


The Norris Family is sad to announce the passing of Joseph A. Norris, Jr., at 101 years of age. Joe passed peacefully at home on April 23 after a long and happy life. He was born at his childhood home in Northeast Washington, DC in 1923 to the late Joseph A. Norris, Sr. and Grace B. (Whalley) Norris. He is preceded in death by sisters Dorothy Norris (age 5) and Margaret Elizabeth “Betty” (Norris) White (age 95). He was a devoted husband and preceded in death by his late wife, Teresa A. “Tess” (Erlenbach) Norris.

Joe attended school at St. James Catholic Elementary School in Northeast Washington DC and is believed to be the last surviving member of Gonzaga College High School, Class of 1941. Following high school, Joe attended Georgetown University but his college education was interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Army. While in Europe, Joe was assigned to Company B, 110 Infantry Regiment 1st Battalion 28th Infantry Division. On December 17, 1944, he and his fellow soldiers were captured at the Battle of the Bulge. They arrived at Bad Orb, Germany ten days later and were incarcerated at Stalag IXB prisoner of war (POW) camp until April 1945 when they were liberated by allied forces. After proudly serving his country in WWII, he completed his formal education at Georgetown Law School with degrees in Social Sciences and Law.

After his marriage to Tess in 1950, Joe worked briefly as a lawyer in private practice then joined the federal government at the Civil Service Commission, now the Office of Personnel Management. While he and Tess raised their four children, Joe was also involved in the Boy Scouts, President of the District Heights Boys & Girls Club, and completed many hours of volunteer work with Meals-on-Wheels.

To fulfill the wish of his deceased wife that her aging mother not be put into a senior/nursing home, Joe lovingly and graciously moved his mother-in-law Mary (Ryan) Erlenbach “Grandma Erlenbach” into his home. Joe became the caregiver for “Grandma Erlenbach” for seven years until her death in 1989.

Joe’s passions were far and wide. He had a zest for discovery and adventures, planning outrageous projects and organizing large family vacations, making for fond and loving memories for all. As a widower, he developed an interest in square dancing which later included all kinds of dancing: round dancing, ballroom dancing, line dancing. Joe and his favorite dance partners were passionate about dancing and it was not uncommon for them to dance three and four nights a week as well as Saturdays and Sundays. When not dancing, they would travel and cruise internationally and take cross-country driving vacations.

Joe was a great story teller and jokester. Once he learned how to maneuver his way around his computer back in the early 1980s, he became an internet/email enthusiast. He spent countless hours each day surfing the web, sending out jokes via email, reading borrowed library books online, documenting memories from his childhood, youth and prisoner of war time and researching and recording his family genealogy. Up to the end of his life, he had an incredible memory, was an articulate speaker and had an ability to recall vivid details of his youth, adolescence and his traumatic ordeal as a POW.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Nancy A. Walter, Joseph A. Norris, III, (Beth), the late Charles “Chip” A. Norris (Valerie), and Teresa “Terri” E. Wood. Grandsons: Evan Wood, Neil Wood, Bryson Norris (Shelly), Samuel Norris, Luke Norris. Great Granddaughters: Kennedy Norris and Peyton Norris. Uncle Joe will be missed by many nephews and nieces and their families.

It was Joe’s wish not to have a visitation, funeral or service; a private inurnment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the organization of your choice or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 9500 Medical Center Drive, Suite 250, Largo, MD 20774, www.hospicechesapeake.org




James Earle Hughes, Sr, “Dick”, 94, a resident of White Plains, MD and previously a resident of Annapolis for 20 years and Lancaster, PA for over 13 years, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born on October 29, 1930 in Roanoke, VA to the late William and Mary Hughes. Dick served his country in the US Army and worked for PEPCO for 35 years.

He was a member of the Elks and Moose Lodges and the American Legion. Dick was an avid golfer, who also enjoyed fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife of 39 years, Patricia Noone Hughes and his son, David K. Hughes.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Beulah “Peggy” Payne, his son James E. Hughes, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Stevensville, MD and his daughter, Debra A. White and her husband Craig of Riva, MD, his step-children; John R. Payne and his wife Beverly of LaPlata, MD, Michael J. Payne of Poolesville, MD and Mary Ann Hall and her husband Kirk of Jefferson, MD. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dick’s life on May 5 from 9 to 11 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.

 Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on this page.   

Allan was a man of many interests: all forms of soccer and lacrosse; race cars, stemming from early soap box racing and racing with his uncle to watching dirt track and Formula 1; dogs, especially sheep dogs; trading cards, Legos and Playmobile where they intersected with his other interests; gardening; woodworking and most of all, his Native American heritage. 

William Allan Hall Jr. was born in Washington, DC on September 9, 1952 to the late William Allan Hall Sr and Charlotte Mae Thomas Hall. He spent most of his life in the Oxon Hill area, graduating from John Hanson Middle School and Oxon Hill High School and attending the University of Maryland. By trade he was a woodworker/cabinet maker. His love of soccer carried him into volunteering for DC United and the early forms of the Washington Spirit. He eventually took over the job of referee liasion for DC United which he continued until 2018. Interest in all things Native found an outlet in volunteering for the National Museum of the American Indian where he helped with special events and offered his knowledge and research skills in the reference library. Allan was always ready to help, be it sharing Lego soccer sets with scouts, offering resources, using his construction skills for Habitat for Humanity or helping with the Bread Ministry at Oxon Hill United Methodist. 

Allan is survived by his partner of 17 years, Cindy Cobleigh and her sons and their families, his mother Charlotte Hall, his younger brothers Rob Hall (Sarah) and John Hall (Kathy), numerous nieces and nephews and four adult children, Josh, Seth, Sarah and Jessie. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD at 11:00 am, visitation at 10:00 am, fellowship following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that you plant a tree, grow some vegetables, offer an act of kindness to someone or make a donation to Oxon Hill United Methodist Church Bread Ministry or to the Pamunkey Tribe for the renovation of the tribal museum  <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=R9XREJX4ED23L">Pamunkey Tribe</a>  and select "Museum".

In Loving Memory of Dr. Vidyadhar Akkaraju, MD  (retired)  

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of beloved husband, father, brother, and friend Vidyadhar (Vijju) Akkaraju. He passed away peacefully at his residence in the presence of his wife Parvathi Akkaraju and younger brother Jayachandra Akkaraju on 20 April 2025. 

Born in Chennai, India on 19 March 1950, Vijju spent his childhood and formative years in Hyderabad, India. He was homeschooled until 1960 when he joined St. Paul’s School in 6th standard. In 1966, he completed his pre-university studies at Nizam College. He attended Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) in Karnataka, India from 1967 to 1968. He returned to Hyderabad to attend Gandhi Medical College where he earned his M.B.B.S. in 1972. After his internship years from 1972 to 1974, he joined his father’s eponymous medical practice - A.V. Ramamurthy Clinic in 1975. He immigrated to the United States in 1976, where he built a successful career as a well-respected physician, a much-loved family man, and an active community member. 

Upon his arrival to America with his wife, he initially settled in Norfolk and then Charleston, Virginia, where he completed his medical residency and fellowship respectively. Moving to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1981, he began his professional practice at what was then Lafayette General Medical Center, becoming known affectionately as ‘Doc Akk.’ Towards the end of his career, he opened his independent radiology practice. He touched many lives through his mentorship and empowerment of fellow professionals. The American Society of Neuroradiology elected him as a Senior Member in 1997, acknowledging his skills and expertise in the neuroradiology subspecialty. He was also a member of the American Board of Radiology. He retired in 2016. His practice, spanning four decades, has been instrumental in diagnosing and treating countless patients in Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
 
Outside of his professional dedication, he was an adored member of the Lafayette community and its Indian community. In its founding year in 1991, he served as the Acadiana Indian Association’s (AIA) first Vice President and then as President the following year. For several years, he served on the cultural committee that planned and executed Lafayette’s well-known Diwali Festival program. He performed beautifully in cultural shows both singing and playing the mandolin to classical and popular Indian music. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Parvathi Akkaraju, his three children- the joys of his life- Nikhil Akkaraju, Vyshali Akkaraju Grote, and Haritha Akkaraju Vasat, his sons-in-law Keenan Grote and Peter Vasat, his four grandchildren, Kieran, Elina, Devin, and Aethan, and his two brothers Seshagiri Akkaraju and Jayachandra Akkaraju and their families in addition to many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews from his wife’s side. 

He is not only deeply loved but equally revered for his unbreakable spirit and contagious ‘joie de vivre’. Vijju uplifted people’s hearts and spirits with his sincerity, charming personality, and sense of humor. A musician, a philosopher, a great friend, gifted physician, and a dare-devil in his own right, he lived his life to the fullest. He never missed the opportunity to brighten the spirits of those around him. A man of impeccable integrity and steadfast resolve, he never faltered on his better judgement and kept a clear conscience, which earned him the admiration and respect of many. He dutifully adhered to his dharma without imposing the same on others and without deviating from his own purpose. He was an example to live by for those who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout any part of his beautiful life. While he will be missed, he is loved in perpetuity. 

Lead me from untruth to truth, lead me from darkness to light, lead me from death to immortality
Aum Peace, Peace, Peace

Asatoma Sadgamaya, Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya, Mruthyorma Amrutangamaya
Aum Santhi, Santhi, Santhihi



James Patrick Raftery, Jr., 89, of Annapolis, Maryland (formerly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) died April 19, 2025. He was born on February 27, 1936 to the late James Patrick Raftery, Sr. and Anne Casey Raftery both of Mayo, Ireland and later Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

James served in the United States Air Force in Japan. He graduated magna cum laude in 1962 from Saint Joseph’s College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics and in 1974 with a B.S. in Chemistry.

After a career in the federal government, James retired in 1996 as an International Trade Analyst for the U.S. International Trade Commission in the Office of Industries, Energy, Chemicals, Textiles Division.

He is survived by his step-children, Charles (“Chuck”); his wife Lori Mackey of Annapolis, Victoria Mackey-Spring, and her husband Thomas Spring of Pinson, Tennessee, and Jacqueline Mackey and her husband Garrett Preis of Great Falls, Virginia; grandchildren, Joshua Mackey of San Diego, California, and Christopher Mackey and his wife Angie Mackey and their children Connor, Laila and Kaylin Mackey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Francis Raftery and his devoted and loving wife, Barbara Ann Raftery. He was well loved by his long-time and caring helpers, Sally, Kady, Maggie and Titilayo.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of your choice. Funeral services are private.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Mrs. Edna May Adorney (Daubert), age 94, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, while surrounded by family and in the comfort of her home in Columbia, Maryland. Eddie, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 6, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of the late Elmer Frederick and Edna May Daubert.

Eddie was raised in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, and graduated from Glen Burnie High School. After attending business college, she found immediate employment at Fort George G. Meade Army base. As much as she enjoyed working with her colleagues in the Army, it was a Navy midshipman who finally captured her heart. She and Ensign Frank Adorney were married in the Naval Academy Chapel on June 7, 1953.

Eddie was an exemplary mom and wonderful person. She embodied the best of humanity: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in how she cared for family and friends. When not sharing special moments with her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, sports and playing the piano.

As a woman of faith, Eddie instilled her strong values and religious beliefs in her family. She led by example, volunteering with the Red Cross, visiting children at local hospitals, and serving with the Altar Guild and Navy Wives Club. She truly lived life to the fullest, and it was her faith that sustained her through life’s challenges. She aged gracefully, maintaining the kindness and dignity with which she lived her entire life.

In addition to her parents, Eddie was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Daubert Franco, brother Elmer Daubert Jr., and her daughter, Mary K. Adorney. Left behind to cherish her memory is her husband of 72 years, Cdr. Frank Adorney, USN Ret., her children Sandra (George) Gillis III of Columbia, MD., Barbara (Joe) Lambert of Bowie, MD., and Frank (Arlene) Adorney Jr. of Voorhees, N.J. She will live forever in the hearts of her four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on May 7, 2025, at Kalas Funeral Home in Edgewater, Maryland. Funeral services will be on May 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Davidsonville, MD. She will be laid to rest at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of her generosity, donations may be made to the
following charities:
Alzheimer’s Association
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
Wounded Warriors
Fisher House Foundation

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Ellen Williams Byrd, a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, April 18, 2025. Born in the District of Columbia on January 23, 1939, to the late Al Williams and Helen Thomas Williams, she was the seventh of nine children. Ellen married the late Otis N. Byrd Sr. on August 28, 1958.

Ellen received her education through the District of Columbia Public Schools. Her first career as a wife and full-time mother to her nine children was deeply fulfilling. After her youngest child began elementary school, she pursued a second career in nursing, working at several facilities including Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Washington, D.C., Carrol Manor in Hyattsville, MD, and J.B. Johnson in Washington, D.C. Recognized as a dedicated and conscientious worker, Ellen was forced to retire early due to a work injury. Following the passing of her daughter JoAnn, she embraced the role of full-time caregiver to her grandchildren, raising them until they became teenagers and moved in with their Aunt Yolanda.

Ellen accepted Christ during her early years and later renewed her faith. She was a member of New Season Ministries Church in Laurel, MD.  A compassionate, thoughtful, and loving person, Ellen cherished the company of her family and friends. On weekends, she delighted in attending family cookouts, birthday parties, baby showers, and even gatherings to watch football games, despite her limited knowledge of the sport. Always ready for an adventure, she really enjoyed car rides.  In addition, she enjoyed sitting on the front porch, people-watching, and listening to old time gospel music.

Ellen’s light will forever shine upon her family. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 107 descendants as well as a host of nieces and nephews.  She is survived by her eight children: daughters Priscilla R. Pierre (Jean), Frances A. Byrd, and Yolanda Y. Kenrick (Adrain); sons Otis N. Byrd Jr., Kenneth E. Byrd Sr., Walter A. Byrd, Kevin Byrd, and Frederick W. Byrd; as well as 25 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Addie L. Hall (the late Dr. Leroy Hall) and her devoted niece Druscilla R. Robinson (Becky).

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Helen Williams; her husband, Otis N. Byrd Sr.; her daughter, JoAnn Elizabeth Byrd; one grandson, Kenneth E. Byrd Jr.; two great-grandsons, Desimon “Julio” Richardson and Nathaniel Hampton III; and siblings Reatha Ames, Weaver Williams, Albert Junior Williams, Henry P. Williams, Pearlie Mae Waddell, Nelson L. Williams, and Dorvella L. Alexander.

Relatives and friends are invited to Ellen's Life Celebration on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church, 4101 1st St SE #31, Washington, DC 20032. Interment to follow at Harmony Memorial Park, 7101 Sheriff Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20785.

Flowers may be sent to the Church. Please use a local florist.

Obituaries

Robert Duncan, IV Janna Lornson

Neil Gordon

Paul Dermatis

Alrich Koster

Donna Kachura

Richard Treanor

Wendy Creasey

Catherine Wagner

Jean Cox

Faye Sherbert

John Machin

Louis Cardenas

Margaret Couto

Antigone Loizou

Joseph Norris

James Hughes, Sr.

Brendan Foley

William "Allan" Hall, Jr.

Vidyadhar Akkaraju

Peter Ifurung

James Raftery, Jr.

John Dowd

Edna Adorney

Ellen Byrd