Mary Frances Gessford - Obituary

ary Frances Gessford, 96, of Shady Side, passed away at her home on Monday, July 18, 2016. Mary Frances was born at home in Brentwood, MD on March 28, 1920, the only child to the late Herman and Ina Shifflett. After graduation from Mt. Rainier High School, she went on to a career at C&P Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. Mary left the work force to raise her children but returned to work for BG&E in technical services. She was a member of Living Word Bible Church and the Ladies Elks where she served as past President. Mary Frances was a fierce duckpin bowler participating in league play way into her 90's. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard Gessford; two grandsons, Scott Gessford and Shane Gessford. She is survived by four sons, Richard (Pam) Gessford of Iowa, Bill (Dee) of Greensboro, MD, Harry (Ginny) of Edgewater, and Kenny (Stephanie) of Shady Side; a daughter, Cathy Thomas of Harwood; fifteen grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held today from 11 AM until a service begins at 1 PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will follow at Mayo United Methodist Church Cemetery, Edgewater. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SCPA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403.