Diane Sparks - Obituary

n Thursday, July 21, 2011 of Edgewater, MD. Beloved mother of Colleen (Ray) Albrecht of Eugene, OR and Catherine (Barry) Gruber of Oakton, VA. She was a native and long-time resident of the Washington, D.C. area, including a 30-year career with the Federal government as a computer systems analyst. She was also a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She was a devoted and self-less family member who placed the support and needs of her family above her own and loved to share in the joys and successes of her family and friends. Diane found solace and respite in the beauty of the ocean, -was a dedicated fan of the Redskins and Nationals and an ardent devotee of learning and books. She is survived by her four brothers, John (Betty) Allen of Davidsonville, MD, James (Mary) Allen of Rockville, MD, Stephen (Penny) Allen of Edgewater, MDL and Paul (Susie) Allen of Berkeley Springs, WV and five grandchildren. A funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 West Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD 21035, followed by a luncheon reception in the Social Hall.