Joan J. Mahlmann - Obituary

oan Josephine Ferrara Mahlmann “Joanie”, 93, passed away on Tuesday, March 31 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Silver Spring, MD. She was born to the late John Ferrara and Mary Scazzaro on June 5, 1932, in Manhattan, NYC. Joan was a 75-year resident of MD. Following her graduation from high school, Joan worked as a solicitor for Purple Heart, an executive assistant for Marriot Corporation and later Potomac Electric Power Company. She retired from Pepco after 20 years of service. Outside of work, Joan was an advocate for the mentally ill. She engaged with various self-help organizations to educate herself on issues of schizophrenia. In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her brother, John Fererra. She is survived by her children; Frank Mahlmann Jr. of Wichita, KS, John Mahlmann of Malaga, Spain, Daniel Mahlmann of Olney, MD, Maureen Ramsey of Dunkirk, MD, and Suzy Mayes of Linden, VA; her brother, Charles Ferrara of Gilbert, AZ; her grandchildren, Justin Mahlmann, Joey Ramsey, Kathleen Ramsey Crowley, Shannon Ramsey, Olivia Mahlmann Eckroade, and Ariel Mahlmann Sonn; as well as five great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Thursday, April 9 at 12:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org). Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.