Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Friends are invited to celebrate Betty's life on Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 8 pm at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD where Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 23 at 10 am. Interment will be private. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page. 

Family and friends are invited to Greg's visitation on Sunday, October 25 from 1-4 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.

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.

Joanne “Jodi” Cunningham, an 8-year resident of Edgewater, Maryland and previously of Stevensville, Maryland, passed away at her home on October 10, 2026 due to natural causes. Born on December 12, 1934 in Washington, DC, Joanne graduated high school, going on to start a family and establish a career as a bartender and caregiver. She was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW. Joanne’s family and friends were incredibly important to her. She was a mentor to many family members and friends, with many people calling her “Mom”. Joanne was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Crook. She is survived by her sons, Chris Cunningham of Edgewater, MD, John Cunningham of Edgewater, MD, Joe Sullivan of Lakeworth, FL, and Bob Cunningham of Bethany Beach, DE; her daughter, Terri Lane of Bowie, MD; four grandsons; eight granddaughters, and nine great-grandchildren. 

Family and friends are invited to Jodi's life celebration on Wednesday, October 21 from 5-6 PM, followed by her memorial service at 6, at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  

Arrangments for Kathy are being planned.  Please check back for updates.  Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on this page. 

A complete 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.

Kerry Muse, Realtor and Charter Boat Captain, passed away on Monday, October 5th, 2026.
He was a native of Westminster, MD, and resident of Edgewater since 1974. A graduate of Westminster High School and the University of Baltimore College of Commerce, Kerry spent 11 years in journalism, working for the Baltimore News American, The Carroll County Times, and owning and publishing the Adams County Illustrated Press. In 1973, he transitioned to public relations for the State of Maryland, serving as Deputy Director of the Seafood Marketing Authority.  He then served as the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Development Foundation, and Exhibit Director for Seafood USA. He waalso co-owner of Capt. Kelly's Seafood in Annapolis and President of SeaMart.

Kerry enjoyed a distinguished career in real estate starting in 1974, working with Long & Foster and Re/Max in Edgewater. He was an Associate Broker, GRI, CRS, and a lifetime member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of Anne Arundel County and the Anne Arundel Masters Club. He also operated Kerry Muse Property Management and served as President of KD Realty, Inc.

A lifelong boater and licensed USCG 100-ton Captain, Kerry operated the charter boat Darlene II out of Deale for over 20 years and was a 50-year member of the Maryland Waterman's Association.

Deeply committed to public service, Kerry was a JCI Senator (#16325) with the Jaycees, a 40-year volunteer firefighter/EMT and Life Member of the Edgewater Vol. Fire Dept., and an Ambassador with the Southern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. He was also commissioned as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and served on President Reagan's National Export Council. He also served as Director and the Vice President of the London Town Property Owners Association (LTPOA). He was a coach and member of the Mayo Athletic Association, a member of Annapolis Elks #620, the Annapolis Moose, the Knights of Pythias, and the Mayo United Methodist Church. He received the Outstanding Community Service Award in 1990 from the LTPOA. 

He was a longtime sponsor and member of Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed duck and goose hunting with his yellow lab, Sandee. His favorite pastimes included crabbing, fishing, playing poker, visiting Ocean City, and showing his car “Yellow Bird.” Most importantly, he cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  

Kerry was predeceased by his first wife Darlene and granddaughter Erika Grice. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter Kelly Plantz (Robert), sons Todd Muse (Cindy), and Chad Muse (Elisabeth); grandchildren Haley (Bryan), Chase, Austin, Reed (Bethany), Garrett (Lillian), Hunter (Claire), Ally, Carter, and Sarah; and great-grandchildren Maverick, Shepherd, Phoebe, Wren and Wesley; sister Barbara Muse Myers; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kerry's life on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 10 am until 12pm at the Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will be private.


 

The Orioles baseball season ended September 27, 2026. With their elimination from a chance at the playoffs and tech challenges hindering her ability to regularly watch the Ravens, our mom Judy let her guard down and passed peacefully after a short illness on October 5, 2026. 

Judy/Mom/Rev. Judy/Jude/Nana was born April 22, 1947 to Betty and John Morris. She was the youngest of four girls born in 6 years, the last attempt at a boy, and despite her sister Jean’s best efforts at teaching her to throw a baseball (apparently with some permanent damage inflicted on her elbow in the process, oops), not overly athletic. Musical theater and performance were her jam, and she figured out how to knit those skills together throughout her life. After a successful career as a journalist that earned her a Pulitzer nomination, she followed her husband out to the Left Coast and settled in Berkeley, California. She fought for social justice: El Salvadoran refugees and migrant workers in the 1980s, food banks and shelters for the unhoused throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and always for the poor, disenfranchised, and systemically oppressed.

Her children, Jeanne and John, were her favorite props in the early years. While they sometimes chafed at it (Did Jeanne really have to play “Golde” from Fiddler on the Roof in the church lip sync contest? Was it appropriate for John, a non-Jewish person, to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah?), Judy's values and her ability to connect with people are her greatest legacy to them. She always stopped to know the individuals others might ignore, inviting them into her house for a bath, washing their clothes or giving them a ride, and always talking with them, offering them the worth and dignity that she believed everyone deserves. She credited her older sister Sue for teaching her from the very beginning how to always hold a generous heart. 

For her second career, she earned her Masters in Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry, working with some of the theological greats of the day. She went on to be the founding minister of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Sacramento, serving there 9 years before heading into a series of interim ministries with her loyal German Shepherd Samwise, in Florida, Virginia, and Texas. Each Spring, the Sunday before opening day of baseball season, she would preach “baseball theology,” annually crafting an entirely new service around the morality, spirituality, ethics, and love embedded in baseball. These efforts are immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, where one of her sermons is installed. 

Along the way she loved and lost and loved again and lost again. Our mom was an eternal optimist and a constant flirt– she had a wicked sense of humor and loved to say the thing that would shock the most. She toned it down in recent years, or perhaps what was shocking in the 1980s became less shocking by today’s standards. Either way, until her final days she was the consummate storyteller, regaling her family with tales from her apartment building, Victoria Park, which she named the “Victoria Park Secrets.” She built a deep community there with her beloved Westie, Sally Eleanor, named for her oldest sister, and lived her final years surrounded by love, laughter, and sisterhood. 

Her final illness burned hot and fast, much like her. Before slipping into a coma, all she wanted was a cold beer, and her final meal at home was a glass of sauvignon blanc and half a wheel of brie cheese. She would always show up for a good steak with shrimp or a sausage and mushroom pizza. She loved playing games her whole life, and her kids grew up hearing indignant stories of Great Grandma Ruby, who would cheat her own grandchildren at cards! Imagine our surprise when Nana started flexibly interpreting the rules of every game, and somehow managed to win every time. Apparently the apple did not fall far from the tree.

She moved out East 15 years ago, following the allure of kids and grandkids. She started in southeast Washington, DC and when the family moved to Maryland, she followed, moving into Victoria Park, a senior apartment building up the street from Jeanne. Though she had initially resisted the idea of living in a community of seniors, because she loved being around children, she found her tribe there. She was the President of the Tenants Association, coordinated the free food delivery for the seniors living there, and was an active planner or participant in Rummikub, Mah-Jong, the bookclub, Bingo, and virtually any other activity happening.  

Judy was a “yes and” kind of person– always down for an adventure or a creative undertaking. One time, when John and Jeanne were 8 and 11, she let them pound about 100 nails into the garage to string Christmas lights. Surely there was a better way, but she wanted to see how it would turn out. Another time she let them adopt two kittens, and promptly bought leashes for them so they could “explore the outside.” The cats were delighted, as one might anticipate, by the kids merrily dragging them around the neighborhood. She took a hamster on a road trip to someone else's Thanksgiving, because the kids asked, and adopted two dogs from a friend who needed help. She was always late, refused to let her kids turn on “find my” on her phone to keep tabs on her, because “I don’t want you to know if I’m at the bar!” and could get lost driving down a straight road, as evidenced by an aborted effort to visit John at work that took her through Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. In her final years, she did know the route to her grandkids, and would show up at the house with sweet treats for them, embarrassing t-shirts that they would never wear, or so she could tag along to a soccer game, a horse show, or a swim meet. 

She preached what would be her final sermon in July of this year at her church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. It was entitled, “The Irreligious and Their Love of God,” and it wove three threads: 1) the story of her days as a hospital chaplain helping people come to grips with their own mortality, 2) the teachings of James Luther Adams, a contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologian, who wrote extensively about being human and how the love of God fits into it, and 3) her own religious understanding of the meaning of life and the place of God in it. She closed her sermon by writing: 

“Some people live with the comfort of knowing that God is their answer. I, who once called myself an atheist but no longer can, believe that the word God is the Ever Elusive Question. Each day I awaken and choose to live, some larger mystery that I am free to call god–  liberated boldly from the box of my narrow childhood definition– is the answer. My answer to the meaning of human existence. My answer to whether there is something more sacred than I am. 

Because the answer is clear: Life Itself is most sacred. All kinds of life. 
And for me, at least for today, at least in this moment, that is enough. Blessed Be. Amen.”

She is survived by her children John Bayer and Jeanne (Christian) Contardo; her three grandchildren Audrey, Charlotte, and Elliott; and her nieces and nephews, Connie (Glenn) Fontaine, Larry (Shannon) Coomes, and John Coomes. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Morris; her stepmother, Lois Morris, who raised her from the age of 14; and her three sisters, Sally, Sue, and Jean.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 2:30-4:30 in Edgewater, Maryland. Please <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenzozb_UTut8x_rhhHn69ki2MfTjjh57rYkIbUUO57J1meMA/viewform?pli=1">RSVP here</a>. In lieu of flowers, we ask that the next time someone asks you for help, you think “WWJD?” (“What would Jude do?”) and you offer assistance without judgment or expectation of return. Over and over again, she provided meals, a handful of dollars, a blanket or a coat from the car, or whatever else she could provide, even when she didn’t have much herself. Be generous. Be like Jude. 

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

John Arthur McClary, 86, passed away on October 5, 2026.
Born on September 15, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, John was the son of the late William McClary and Mildred Rasnick McClary.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army and after his military service, John built a career in HVAC ductwork. 
He loved visiting his family, $3.00 crossword scratch-offs, and playing musical spoons.
These simple pleasures were among the things that made him special and brought moments of joy to those around him. 
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest McClary, Robert Lusby, and Donald McClary, and his sister, Dolores Conrad. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews, who will remember him in their own special ways.
Inurnment will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where John will be laid to rest in recognition of his military service.
Online condolences may be shared through the Memories tab on this page.

Nancy A. Monacelli passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on June 15, 1930, in Medina, New York, to Daniel and Mary (Pope) Monacelli.

The family moved to Washington, D.C., when Nancy was young, and she later enjoyed a long and successful career as a graphic artist with the Naval Research Laboratory, a job she truly loved. She was also a talented artist and photographer. Nancy traveled extensively to destinations such as Japan, Canada, and many other fascinating places around the world. She loved creating artwork for others to enjoy and share.

Nancy was also a devoted caregiver to her family and was known for her kindness, creativity, and generosity.

She is survived by her loving niece, Catherine McCarthy; her nephew, Paul Monacelli; her grandnieces, Mary (Ryan) Melton and Meghan McCarthy; and her great-great-nephew, Thomas, whom she adored. She is also survived by several cherished friends and extended family members.

Dr. James Stewart Kehler, 89, of Annapolis, MD, died on October 2, 2026 at home, surrounded by family. He was the loving husband of 13 years to Elana Byrd Kehler and was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Joan Ogden Kehler. 
James (Jim) was born on June 1, 1937 in Michigan but lived most of his late childhood and young adult life in Cincinnati, OH. He was the son of Eleanor Chace and Stewart White Kehler and brother to Thomas C. Kehler and the late John G. Kehler. 
Jim graduated from Princeton University in 1960 and Cincinnati University Medical School in 1965. He moved to Annapolis in 1970 and was a psychiatrist in the Annapolis community for over 45 years, serving as Chief of Psychiatry in 1981 and 1991 at Anne Arundel General Hospital. 
Jim was a dedicated and hardworking doctor who valued his patients and found deep fulfillment in his work. Jim loved and cherished spending time on Martha’s Vineyard, where boats and sailing became his passion. He was a longtime member of the Annapolis and Edgartown Yacht Clubs. A lifelong learner, he loved to read and was always juggling projects around the house. He was also an avid listener of opera and classical music. Jim was proud of his family and the life they shared and will be missed. 
Jim is survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Katherine and Ted Farnham of Portsmouth, RI and Eloise and Paul Mahoney of Providence, RI and his four grandchildren, Meghan and Stewart Farnham and Eliza and Maddie Mahoney. 
A private memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Arundel Lodge, Edgewater, MD. 



<p style="text-align:center">Larry Miller</p><html><p style="text-align:center">December 2, 1937 – October 1, 2026</p>

Larry Miller lived 88 years defined by family, hard work, loyalty, and a belief in doing things the right way. He grew up surrounded by family, including his sister Carol, brother Bob, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those relationships and the importance he placed on family stayed with him throughout his life.

Larry proudly served in the United States Army before beginning a career with Foster Wheeler that lasted more than 40 years. His work took him around the world, including significant time in Turkey, Kuwait, Venezuela, and Chile. No matter where he was, Larry approached his work the same way. He worked hard, took responsibility seriously, and expected things to be done correctly. He did not need to talk about work ethic. He lived it.

At the center of Larry's life was his family. He and his wife, Mary, shared 63 years of marriage and built their life around their son, Bobby and their daughter, Lynne and her husband, Mike. Their family grew to include six grandchildren, Morgan, Michael, Shawn, Patrick, Macy, and Maggie and Larry took enormous pride in being their grandfather. He showed that love by being there. He loved attending their games and became a Lycoming lacrosse season-ticket holder. He was also a loyal Buffalo Bills, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Phillies fan, but watching his grandchildren always meant more. Larry retired to Lake Norman in North Carolina. He loved hosting, and all were welcome. We all had memorable vacations taking boat rides, tubing, horseshoe tournaments, and the day always ended with a cookout and a game of cards. 

Larry remained close to his extended family, especially his nieces, nephews, Aunt Dorothy, his sister-in-law, Barbara; his brother-in-law, Ron and his "Maine people." In his later years, his family circle also included "Team Larry." Mary, Bobby, and Lynne were joined by Haja, Mohamed, Antoinette, Hawa, and “his dog” Izzy, who cared for Larry and the entire family with patience, dignity, and genuine love. They became far more than caregivers, and the Miller family will always be grateful for them.

Larry's legacy is not difficult to define. He worked for what he had, took care of his family, showed up for the people he loved, and believed in doing things the right way. He was Mary's husband, Bobby and Lynne's father, Mike's father-in-law, a grandfather to six, and a man whose example will remain with his family for generations. That is the life Larry built, and that is how he will be remembered.

Friends are invited to celebrate Larry’s life on Friday, October 9 from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11 am at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville. Condolences may be made by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Angelo Laurence's Life Celebration on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.

 If you’re able, please visit the GoFundMe page to donate or share it so Gelo’s loved ones can honor him without added financial stress. 


<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-gelo?attribution_id=sl:615c233a-7fd1-499d-a070-3981728572da&lang=en_US&ts=1790961895&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=native_options">In Loving Memory of Gelo</a>






Nancy B. Gagnon, 74, died peacefully on September 29, 2026, following a brief and sudden illness. She most recently resided in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Nancy was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on June 24, 1952, daughter of Florence Nixon and John Cummings, and twin to Neal. Nancy was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps when she met Chuck, her loving husband of 47 years, at the Officers’ Club at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on their first day of active duty. A dedicated flight nurse, she and Chuck spent a few years together at both Rhein-Main and Ramstein Air Bases in Germany before getting married on January 6, 1979, in San Diego, California. 

She served her country on active duty for almost ten years before starting her family with the birth of her daughter Megan. Her sons Michael and Sean followed, at which time she transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserves Nurse Corps. Nancy’s dream of seeing the world was fulfilled as the Air Force brought her family to Germany, Maryland, Rhode Island, Nevada, Hawaii, and Massachusetts before settling in Virginia. Nancy ultimately retired from military service as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Following her time in the Air Force and while raising her family, she continued her career as a registered nurse, working at Franconia Family Medicine for almost 30 years with brief stints as a civilian flight nurse.

Nancy’s adventurous spirit was contagious, and her smile, bright blue eyes, and laughter brought light and joy into every room she entered. She had incredible love for everyone and everything, but her prankful and humorous nature never kept anyone safe from a well-timed practical joke. Her childhood in San Diego instilled a lifelong love of the beach, which did not preclude her from being mesmerized by the changing leaves every autumn nor from enjoying every thunderstorm and snowstorm. 

A two-time breast cancer survivor who also had several replaced joints, back surgery, and experienced chronic pain, her hardships never dimmed her devotion to her family, her friends, her patients, and the world. She was our beloved matriarch, a humble, generous, joyful rock upon whom we all relied. As a matter of ordinary habit, she frequently exemplified many of humanity’s greatest virtues.

To her last days, she was the most loving and caring wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love and care for her family were so universally recognized that she was awarded the 1988 Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada Military Mother of the Year Award, amongst many other accolades. She will be missed by everyone, including those who were blessed enough to know her as well as those who did not.

Nancy is survived by her husband Raymond C. Gagnon, Jr.; three children, Megan Guzman (Robert), Michael Gagnon, and Sean Gagnon (Emily); two grandchildren, Eleanor and Jack Guzman; and sister Susan Hoover (David) and brother Ian Cummings (Ann). She is predeceased by her parents John and Florence Cummings, and her twin brother Neal Cummings.

Relatives and friends are invited to Nancy's viewing on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Service at Old Post Chapel & Burial at Arlington National Cemetery to be held at a later date. Please check back for updated information.

Donald “Jerry” Phillips, 85, a lifetime resident of Maryland, passed away on September 28, 2026.  Jerry was born on August 12,1941 in Dora, Alabama to the late Eldoree Defore and Jefferson Van Phillips.

He attended Bladensburg High School and enlisted in the Navy after graduation. He served in the Navy from 1960-1964 and was proud of the discipline and purpose he found during those years.

After his service he built a career as an HVAC technician.  He owned and operated several businesses.  As operations director at Arundel Mills, he retired in 2009.

He is survived by his beloved wife Meg, of 48 years, as well as his children Katelyn (Chris), Kimberly (Rodney) and Kelly (Keith).  He was also blessed to have 7 grandchildren, Sean, Luke, Hunter, Brooke, Kendall, Hayley and Trevor as well as 9 nieces and nephews and multiple great nieces and nephews.  Jerry and Meg shared a loving bond based on their strong faith, commitment and enduring love.  They spent many years travelling throughout the United States, camping in their motorhome, visiting family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his brother Wayne (Patricia) and preceded in death by his brother Michael (Janice) and sister Maryanne (Joseph).

Jerry and Meg have been parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church in West River Maryland since 1980.  They have served as Eucharistic Ministers and Parish Council members.  Jerry had a strong desire to help others in the community.  In this capacity he served as director of the board at Opportunity Builders, a nonprofit organization to support youth and adults with disabilities.  In addition, he served as an advocate in the CASA Program where he worked to protect the best interests of children in the foster care system.

Jerry’s memory will live on through his family, whose lives have been enriched by his unwavering love and support.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life on Friday, October 2, from 4 to 8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 3 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Road West River, MD 20778. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Cherie J. Waesche, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at the age of 85.

Cherie was born on May 14, 1941, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Coleman J. Archambeau and Irene Packard Archambeau. She attended the Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Miami, Florida, where she pursued her passion for caring for others.

Cherie was deeply devoted to her community. For many years, she volunteered at the National Lutheran Home in Rockville, Maryland, where she became a longtime Auxiliary member. She was especially known for her monthly birthday dinners for the residents. Each month, she created a special theme and brought joy, celebration, and warmth to the residents she cared so much about.

At home, Cherie’s greatest joy was her family. She loved preparing family favorites, especially chicken divan, and no holiday was complete without her famous cinnamon bread and cherry nut bread. She loved baking with her grandchildren, visiting bookstores with her granddaughters, and reading. But above all, Cherie had a special love for babies and treasured her family more than anything.

Cherie married Frank M. Schlor, and together they had three sons: Steven, Richard, and David. She later became a foster parent and adopted her only daughter, Amy. She opened her heart and home to many children over the years, providing them with love, care, and a place to call home.

On April 27, 1991, she married John L. Waesche, beginning another cherished chapter of her life where they resided in Upper Marlboro, Md. They shared lots of good times together going to classical concerts and having many fancy dinners together. 

Cherie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Steven and daughter in law Terri, Richard and daughter in law Tracy, David and Megan and Amy and her son in law Jason. Her grandchildren, Paulina, Sara, Susana, Amanda, David, Logan, Austin, Ryan, and Aleiah; and her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Penelope, Lucy, Wesley, and Arthur. As well as her sister Beth Morgan, and other family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Stark and Jim Stark. 

Cherie will be remembered for her caring heart, her love for her family, and the many lives she touched throughout her years. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Rest peacefully, Mom. Your love will remain in our hearts forever.


A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. Interment at a later date.

 Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on this page. 


Joyce Edinberg, lately of Annapolis, died peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the Baywoods retirement home.

Joyce was born on June 26, 1928 in Los Angeles, California, where she grew up and later graduated from UCLA with a degree in political science.  In 1951 she took on an internship at the U.S. Department of State, and it was in Washington, D.C. that she met her future husband Norman, who was an economist at the Department of Commerce. They married in 1952.

The following year Joyce left her job in Washington to pursue a Master’s degree at Columbia Teachers College in New York. The newly married couple moved to Barranquilla, Colombia, where Norman had been sent to set up a factory for an American company.  They then relocated to Caracas, Venezuela, where Norman started his own business and where they would live for the next thirty years.  

For many years Joyce taught history at the American school in Caracas.  She eventually gave up teaching to become the president of the Venezuelan-American Association of University Women, and she also began to write a regular column about the arts and culture for the English-language newspaper in Caracas. 

Joyce and her husband moved in 1983 to New York City, where Norman took up work as a consultant to the United Nations and Joyce pursued her journalistic career, elucidating the arts and the “American way of life” as a columnist for the city’s Japanese newspaper.

Ten years later the couple settled in Truro on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where Joyce covered the local art scene as a regular contributor to the Provincetown Banner. She also served on the Education Committee of the Cape Cod Symphony and became involved with a project for a new building for the Truro Public Library, where Joyce continued to volunteer her services. 

When Norman died in 2017, Joyce moved to Annapolis, where she spent her last years close to two of her children, David and Sara, who survive her. Another son, Jim, lives in Vienna, Austria.  She also leaves three grandchildren, Sara, Emily and Robert.  

Joyce’s immediate family will have a memorial gathering in her honor at a later date.   

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

At age 66, “Nanners” earned her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at Yong Studios in Washington, D.C. That says a lot about how she lived her life!

Born November 20, 1938, Barbara Fugel Byorick outlived her parents and three siblings. The youngest and only girl, she was a fierce competitor and never backed down from a challenge. Growing up she competed in Roller Derby and pairs Roller Skating and played every sport she could. Barbara was also a talented artist and crafter… known for her delicate eggshell Christmas ornaments and intricately crocheted afghans. If you were lucky enough to have received one as a gift – you were lucky enough! Barbara was also proud of her work as the Office Manager for OVER 40 YEARS in a Mental Health practice in Washington D.C. She used to joke that the patients came in early to see her! In fact, she never wanted to retire but a bad fall forced her hand. Nanny loved her sweets, especially ice cream which she ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner at times. She enjoyed being a mom, a grandmother, and her best role ever – a Great Grandmother. Her quiet strength, her calming presence and her sense of humor will be missed by all.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Barbara was preceded in death by her son-in-law Jeffrey Blauvelt. 

She is survived by her children: Vicky Shaffer (Rusty), Kim Blauvelt Sodeman (Todd), Edward “David” Byorick, Jr. (Susan), four grandchildren: Erica Walling (Damien), Brooke Widmann (Steve), Zachary Blauvelt (Sarah), Caitlin Johnson (Greg), and seven great grandchildren: Peyton, Teagan, Quinn, Hazel, Jeffrey, Steven and Michael. At Barbara’s request, there will be no service at this time.

In lieu of flowers you can honor Barbara by donating to APDA, American Parkinson Disease Association. <a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/">Online Here</a> 

Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on the left of this page. 

Julia Lee Lane McCahill of Riva, MD passed away on September 25, 2026. She was 87 years old. She was born on July 17, 1939 in Olney, MD to the late John and Winifred Lane. 

She was a writer, thinker, philosopher, theologian, and a scholar, reading and reflecting on an extensive assortment of authors and topics.

A creative and prayerful woman of deep conviction, Julia wrote and published books of family history, poetry and musings. Daringly, she homeschooled her children when there was little public support for that practice, returned to college to study theology while in her late 50s, and served with grace and aplomb as the music director for a family choir for many years.

She received a Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University from Spokane, WA, then a Master of Theology from Ecumenical Institute of Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD. 

Before her marriage, she taught high school history at Palotti High School in Laurel, MD. She would then excel at raising her family, serving as a dedicated military wife during her husband’s 20 active duty years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. She successfully maintained a household in Spain and London during that time, including during her husband’s 2 years of service in Vietnam. 

Julia was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD where she founded and taught for many years in a Bible study program, and sang in the choir for 25 years. 

She lived her life with a persistent awareness of the extraordinary wonder and awe our world and this life can provide. All who knew her held her in genuine esteem and respect. Indeed, we counted ourselves fortunate to be in dialogue with the petite deep-thinker with her radiant smile and lively sense of humor. 

Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Michael and her sister, Sharon.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Dennis McCahill of Riva, MD, son Michael McCahill (Deidre Silva) of Seattle, WA, son Sean McCahill of Baltimore, MD, son Kevin McCahill of Knoxville, TN, daughter Colleen McCahill (Tom Hyatt) of Baltimore, MD, grandchildren Conor Hyatt (Reiko Arai) of New York, NY, Eamon Hyatt of Baltimore, MD, Theo Hyatt of Baltimore, MD, Molly Hyatt (Joey Vives) of Baltimore, MD, Mel McCahill of Seattle, WA, Tony McCahill of San Francisco, CA, and Sofia Falcone of Baltimore, MD, brother John of Westminster, MD, sister Terre of San Diego, CA, and sister Mary of Columbia, MD. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 2 at 5 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W Central Ave Davidsonville, MD 21035. Reception to follow. Inurnment will be private at a later date. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting the Memories tab on this page.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Rosemarie DeCesaris Long, of Bishopville, MD, found everlasting peace, surrounded by her family. She was a lover and a fighter. She had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest for as long as she was able. 
Rosemarie is survived by her husband, Steve Long; her daughter, Natalie Walter (Jason); her grandchildren, Kayla Marie, Madelyn Rose, Joshua Mark, and Luke Oliver; her great-granddaughter, Francesca Lorraine, her mother, Josephine DeCesaris, her siblings, Annette DeCesaris (Jeffrey Steinour), Maryann Twohig (Francis, Sr.), and Anthony DeCesaris, Jr. (Kelly); her brother-in-law, Mike Long (Bettina); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony DeCesaris, Sr. her brother, Marco DeCesaris, Sr., and her parents-in-law, Lee and Dorothy Long. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rosemarie's life on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 10am until 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Entombment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Support Heroes, Inc:
HEROES, Inc.
5404 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 910
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
<a HREF = "https://heroes.org/donate-now/" >Heroes, Inc.</a>

or to the Movement Disorders Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center:

UMMS Foundation 
110 South Paca Street, 9th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
<a HREF="https://www.umms.org/ummc/giving">UMMS Foundation</a>





























 Please take a moment and leave a message or condolence for the family by using the Memories tab in this page.

Robbie Bernard Toogood, born on May 10, 1968, in Washington, DC, was a cherished husband, son, brother, and friend whose presence brought light, humor, and wisdom to everyone who knew him.

For 31 years, Robbie shared a loving and steadfast marriage with his wife, Tia Toogood. Their bond was one of deep companionship, loyalty, and enduring affection.

Robbie was the beloved son of Vondell E. Ward, and the devoted brother of Charlotte Yvette Thomas (Calvin) of Odenton, MD, and Derek Manuel Toogood (Elizabeth) of Ruther Glen, VA. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Edward D. Ward, and his brother, Mansfield Michael Toogood. He is also survived by his mother in law, Alene Daley, father in law, Reverend Timothy Davis, Sr., sisters in law Crystal Clemmons and Taneise Johnson (Nicholas), brothers in law Timothy Davis, Jr. and Tyrus Davis (Kristina), devoted nephews Ralph Jones and Keleye Jones (Connie), goddaughter Bria Brown and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Raised in Forestville, MD, Robbie attended and graduated from Suitland High School. An exceptional student, he excelled academically and embraced learning with enthusiasm.  Professionally, Robbie spent more than 30 years as a government contractor supporting several agencies within the Department of Justice. During his early years at the Drug Enforcement Administration, he met the woman who would become his beloved bride.

Robbie’s passion for technology made him the family’s trusted IT expert. Whether troubleshooting a computer issue or explaining something complex with patience and clarity, he was always ready to help. His sharp intellect was matched by a delightful sense of humor and a unique, thoughtful wisdom that made conversations with him both memorable and comforting.

He was an avid Geocaching enthusiast and member of the Maryland Geocaching Society, a devoted fan of the musical icon Prince, and a proud and spirited Dallas Cowboys fan.

Robbie will be remembered for his kindness, his insight, his laughter, and the steady support he offered so freely. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to Robbie's Memorial Gathering on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11 A.M. until the start of the Memorial Service at 12 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.      

Thomas “Tom” Rice, 76, a lifelong resident of Maryland, passed away at his home on September 23, 2026 after a 2-year battle with brain cancer. Thomas was born on June 30, 1950 in Cumberland, Maryland to the late Louise Rice. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland before establishing a career as a certified public accountant. He ran his own business, Rice and Baldwin, before retiring. In his spare time, Thomas could be found golfing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Steve. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Christine; his children, Jeffrey and Jessica; and his grandchildren, Jake and Kaitlyn Thomas and Ryan and Reagan Rice. 
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Thomas’ life on Monday, September 28 from 4 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. They are then invited to join the family at 7:30 pm at Renditions Golf Course, 1380 Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Burial will be private. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online <a href="https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=incentivehubdefaultmedia&_gl=1*l5x7xm*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3OTAzNDQyMzguRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1Jc09LUmd2Q0psd01WRDFGSEFSM0VXU0s4RUFBWUFTQUFFZ0psWFBEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE3OTAzNDQyMzguRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1Jc09LUmd2Q0psd01WRDFGSEFSM0VXU0s4RUFBWUFTQUFFZ0psWFBEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTM5NDIwMzcyOS4xNzkwMzQzNTM2*_ga*MzgwMjk1ODQxLjE3OTAzNDM1MzM.*_ga_CYE4LBPKXN*czE3OTAzNDM1MzMkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTAzNDM5NjIkajYwJGwwJGgw">here</a>).
Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Barbara Jean Adkins Keeney, age 93, born in East Lynn, West Virginia, lived a life devoted to family, service, creativity and her Appalachian heritage.

She was the daughter of Charles M. Adkins and Ella Lee Vaughn Adkins, and the sister of Charles M. Adkins II. She shared her life with her husband, Charles W. (Bill) Keeney, and was the devoted mother of Cheryl Ann Keeney Kraus and mother-in-law of Bill Kraus. She was especially proud of her grandson, Daniel Kraus, with whom she shared a close relationship—and, as grandmothers often do, she regarded him as convincing evidence that the family had saved its best work for later.

Barbara began her career as an accountant at Huntington Gas Company, where she kept the numbers in line. She later became a full-time, stay-at-home mother—a promotion involving longer hours, fewer coffee breaks, and clients who occasionally refused to wear shoes.

As Bill’s promotions moved the family through several states along the East Coast, Barbara turned each new address into a welcoming home. She and Bill eventually settled in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and she later moved to Sunrise Senior Living in Severna Park, Maryland. Wherever they lived, Barbara brought comfort, style, and the quiet certainty that a room could always be improved by moving one chair six inches to the left.

Barbara’s generous spirit reached well beyond her own household. She volunteered with charitable organizations including Meals on Wheels and PEO—a group that focuses on empowering women through educational philanthropies and community support—and she provided support to expectant, new and experienced parents as a counselor at the Tri-City Life Center, one of the roles she cherished most. She was a member of the Altar Guild and long time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oakmont.

She loved interior design, painted in acrylics and watercolor, made wreaths, and tried nearly any craft that promised beauty, satisfaction, or a reasonable excuse to buy more supplies. She was also an excellent cook and accomplished baker.

Barbara was a staunch Democrat, a devoted viewer of MSNBC, and an enthusiastic follower of the news. She believed every citizen should vote and that anyone who skipped an election surrendered the right to complain afterward. This was both a civic principle and, potentially, an excellent way to shorten some conversations.

She will be remembered for her devotion to family, generosity toward others, artistic eye, welcoming homes, good meals, firm opinions, and unwavering belief that civic participation is not optional.

Barbara's memorial service will be held on Monday, October 26 at 11 AM at All Hallows Episcopal Brick Church, 3600 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Barbara by voting in the upcoming elections—and, in keeping with her standards, by arriving informed, or by a donation to PEO or The United Way of West Virginia.

Henry Roscoe Garufi, Jr., 81, left his beloved family and friends on September 22, 2026. Born on June 15, 1945, in Washington DC, Henry moved to Prince Georges County, Maryland at eight years old and later lived throughout Maryland with his wife, Patricia, in Odenton and Salisbury for many years before moving to Edgewater, Maryland for the past year to be closer to family.

Known to his six siblings as “Junior,” Henry grew up in Bladensburg, MD, graduating from Bladensburg High School in 1963. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, guarding missile siloes in interior of the country.

Following Henry’s time in the Air Force, his vocations that followed all centered on going to where people were, serving their needs, and making friends along the way. Henry enjoyed a 30-year career as a letter carrier in the United States Postal Service, where he held many walking routes which afforded him the opportunity to walk “hundreds of thousands of miles”. He often stopped and made conversations with his customers. 

Always a joy to be around, Henry was part of the “Luney Tunes” DJ service, along with wife Patricia, for many years. He was never shy to take the mic and lead on the dance floor at various weddings, dances and events, rousing the crowd for a great time.

Following his retirement from the Postal Service, Henry drove for a shuttle service, performed residential pest control with his son-in-law, Joseph, and tended to the landscaping needs of many of his former postal customers. He could always be counted on for a huge smile, a laugh, and to show up when needed.

Henry enjoyed many hobbies throughout his lifetime, including golf, tennis, running, bowling, and pool, where he played often at the Bowie Senior Center and won several tournaments. He was involved in many activities with his children, coaching t-ball, soccer and basketball and teaching them how to bowl and play tennis. He was also a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia Garufi; his daughter, Regina McMahon, and son-in-law, Joseph McMahon, of Edgewater (Mayo), Maryland; and his son, Vincent Garufi, and daughter-in law, Kristen Garufi, of Yardley, Pennsylvania. “Junior” being the oldest of seven children, is also survived by his sisters, Roseanne Hankins of Stevensville, Maryland, and Mary Burneston of Stevensville, Maryland, and his brother, Kenneth Garufi, of Glenwood, MD.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Garufi, Sr.; his mother, Helen Carrigan (Karayanis) Garufi; and his brothers James, Nicholas, and Thomas Garufi.
Henry was a loving grandfather to five grandsons (Thomas, Justin, Alec, Devin, and Leo) and he was also blessed with four great-grandchildren (Jack, Olivia, Sophie, and Gabriella).

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Country Home in Harwood, MD for making Henry’s last days the best for the best father, grandfather, and husband that anyone could hope for.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Henry's life on Monday, September 28 from 11 AM to 12 PM, with his memorial service beginning at 12 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037. Immediately following, all who are able to attend are invited to a reception in Davidsonville, Maryland.

Flowers are warmly accepted at the funeral home. Alternatively, memorial contributions can be made in Henry’s honor to the Bowie Senior Center. Please make checks payable to The City of Bowie and note “Bowie Senior Center Donation” in the memo section. Please mail to: Bowie Senior Center, Attn: Katrina Holmes, 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD 20744.

To view the Livestream of the memorial service, click <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84883480996?pwd=LqT5FFkRTY99H64QqLgwVU9PecsXJx.1">Here</a>


Lilly M. Crampton, 86, a longtime resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of District Heights, passed away on September 22, 2026. Born in Washington, DC in 1940, she graduated from Suitland High School in 1959, going on to have a 30-year career as an administrative assistance with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union. She was a parishioner of Chesapeake Christian Fellowship in Davidsonville, and enjoyed gardening and arts and crafts. Lilly is survived by her nieces, Tracey (Rick) Barrick of Prince Frederick, MD and Katie (Dan) Bailey of Loudon, TN, and her nephew, Richard (Mary Alice) Usmiller of Edgewater, MD. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Lilly’s life on Wednesday, September 30 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, where her funeral service will be held the following day, Thursday, October 1 at 11 am. Interment to follow at Epiphany Episcopal Cemetery, 3111 Ritchie Road, District Heights, MD 20747. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Obituaries

Betty Kelly

Gregory Duszynski

Joanne Cunningham

Kathleen "Kathy" Alarie

Carl Caricofe, Jr.

Kerry Muse

Judith Morris

John McClary

Nancy Monacelli

James Kehler

Larry Miller

Angelo Laurence Acosta

Lt. Col. Nancy Gagnon, USAF(Ret.)

Donald "Jerry" Phillips

Cherie Waesche

Joyce Edinberg

Barbara Byorick

Julia McCahill

Rosemarie Long

Robbie Toogood

Thomas Rice

Barbara Keeney

Henry Garufi, Jr.

Lilly Crampton