Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

CPO James E. Ercole, USN(Ret.) passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born on December 18, 1935 to the late Victor and Sara Ercole in Youngstown, OH. After graduating high school Jim enlisted in the US Navy. He retired from the Navy in 1974 and then went to work for the US Postal Service. He retired in 1994. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jane Dimauro and his grandsons, Preston and Frankie. He is survived by his wife, Kathe Ercole, his children, Patricia Ercole, Christine (Benjamin) Coates and James (LaToya) Ercole, his grandchildren, Weston, Parker, Jenny, Anthony, Mary and David. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Independent Baptist Church, 9255 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following the service at Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

The Rev. Kenneth Alexis Polglase, 89, most recently of Heritage Harbour, Annapolis died March 26, 2021. He was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY on September 10, 1931, and graduated from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY in 1953 and from The General Theological Seminary, New York City in 1956. He was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1957 and began his forty-year active ministry as an assistant at two churches on Long Island, NY. Fr. Polglase then moved to northern New Jersey where he was Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Maywood for four years and then Rector of Church of the Epiphany (now Trinity Episcopal Church), Allendale, NJ for twenty years. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Family Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ. In 1984 the family relocated to Long Valley, NJ and Fr. Polglase cut back to part-time ministry. Fr. Polglase and his wife, Carolyn, relocated to Maryland in 1998 where he continued to do part-time supply ministry until health problems made that no longer possible. Fr. Polglase enjoyed caring for his tropical and Koi fish, refinishing old furniture, crabbing, and photography.

In addition to his parents, Alexis Talmadge Polglase and Hazel Ruth Griesemer Polglase, Fr. Polglase was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Carolyn Honeycutt Polglase, and his brother, Donald Lloyd Polglase. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Donna and Stephen (Randy) Haselton of Glenn Dale, MD; Christopher and Mary Margaret Polglase of Frederick, MD; Geoffrey and Paula Polglase of Harrisonburg, VA; and Andrew and Carolyn (Carrie) Polglase of Long Valley, NJ; plus grandchildren Hannah Polglase and Colin Pinkham, David and Stephen Haselton, and Timothy, Zachary, Matthew, Benjamin, and Samuel Polglase. 

Arrangements for a joint service celebrating the lives of both Fr. Polglase and Carolyn Polglase will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Fr. Polglase's name to The General Theological Seminary or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Nancy Ann Garner Horkan of Odenton, MD, passed away in her home on March 26, 2021 at the age of 70. She was raised in Forest Heights, MD with her four siblings and attended high school at the Immaculate Conception Academy in Washington, DC. She then graduated from the University of Maryland and pursued a career in the Federal Government, working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice.  She was admired and respected by her colleagues and received many awards throughout her career. She retired after 43 years of service.
Nancy and her husband, Tim, married in 1980 and moved to Harwood, MD where they raised their two children, Allison and Michael, and lived there for 37 years. They attended St. James Episcopal Parish in Lothian and became an integral part of the church family. Nancy was an ardent supporter of the St. James youth program and enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as Senior Warden, and participating in numerous committees. She was also active in the Maryland Episcopal Cursillo and served on the Episcopal Diocesan Council. She was truly devoted to the church and was known for always having the perfect prayer or blessing for any occasion.
Nancy’s warm, loving nature could connect with anyone instantly and make them feel welcome. She was the life of the party, and nothing brought her more joy than singing and dancing to old songs with loved ones. She treasured her family and friends and loved hosting and baking for family gatherings, spending summer family vacations in Rehoboth Beach, seeing Broadway musicals and concerts with her sisters, participating in her book club and Bible study group, and spending time with her children. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother in 2019 and cherished her time with her precious granddaughter, Livie. She touched so many peoples’ lives and her positive spirit made everyone feel better just by being around her.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 41 years, Tim Horkan, daughter Allison Rowsome (Rob, granddaughter Olivia), son Michael Horkan, siblings Jimmy Garner (Colleen), Kathy McGowan, Patty Garner, and Bob Garner, as well as countless family members and friends who love her dearly. 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nancy’s life on Thursday, April 1 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. A Memorial Service will be held outdoors on Monday, April 5 at 11 am at St. James Episcopal Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711.  Please bring your own chair. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to St. James Parish will be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com.



Nancie Roop Kennedy, 81, a resident of Annapolis for more than 25 years and formerly of Rochester, NY, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on March 25 at her home in Annapolis.

Born July 24, 1939, in Christiansburg, VA, the daughter of the late Vivian Inez Graybeal and Ralph Goodwin Roop, Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Randolph-Macon Women’s College in 1963 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. A consummate performer and artist, she sang professionally for nearly 5 decades in operas, musical theater, and stage shows with the London Symphony Orchestra Chorus, ArtPark in upstate New York, Opera Theater of Rochester, and many other arts groups in the U.S. and Europe. 

In 1979 she received her master’s degree in Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Her immense love of classical music led her to become a voice teacher at the Eastman School of Music’s Community School, Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore, and at Peabody’s Annapolis campus at Maryland Hall. After her teaching days, she enjoyed sharing her immense knowledge about opera and the performing arts with fellow patrons at pre-concert lectures to provide insight and context for each upcoming performance.

She sang as both a featured solo artist and lead choral soprano on multiple recordings with the LSO Chorus and while at the Eastman School of Music. Her passion for turn of the century musical repertoire led her to perform with fellow Eastman faculty member, pianist Howard Spindler, as “Kennedy & Spindler” across the country for nearly 20 years and release a series of popular recordings of period Americana music.

Nancie met her late husband, Duncan C. Kennedy III, while at Randolph-Macon in Lynchburg, VA and they were married in 1963. They moved to London in 1969 while Duncan was working for General Electric, before returning to the U.S. in 1975 to Rochester, NY. The couple then moved to Annapolis in 1995. Both were members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis and the Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester. 

Mrs. Kennedy was an ardent supporter of the arts and many community organizations including Annapolis Opera Company, Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis Horticultural Society, Unity Gardens, and many local women’s groups. An avid gardener, she took great pleasure is cultivating each season’s blossoms and blooms to the delight of her neighbors. A proud resident of Rugby Hall and then Heritage Harbor, Mrs. Kennedy took many local initiatives to heart and supported her community with great energy and commitment.

Surviving are her two sons; Duncan C. Kennedy IV of Greenville, SC and Scott C. Kennedy of San Diego, CA; sister Patterson Roop Webster of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada; and granddaughter McKayla, who is happily continuing in the footsteps of Mrs. Kennedy as an aspiring singer and musical theater performer.

Due to the difficulties of travel and various restrictions in place during the pandemic, the family will be holding a virtual memorial service and online celebration of life. Mrs. Kennedy will join her husband at the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA where they started dating while singing in the choir together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Annapolis Opera Company (www.annapolisopera.org) or the cultural arts organization of your choice within your own community. SUPPORT THE ARTS!!!

An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

The Annapolis Fire Department regretfully shares the news of the passing of Retired Captain Leonard A. Clark, Jr. on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Captain Clark was hired as a firefighter with the Annapolis Fire Department in 1966.  He worked his way up through the ranks to Captain, receiving accolades from citizens, assisting as the Emergency Medical Officer and Public Information Officer, serving as the Chairperson on the EMS Subcommittee of the FIre Chiefs Council and the Officer in Charge of the Honor Guard for 14 of the 18 years he was a member.  He retired on December 1, 2006 after 40 years of career service to the AFD and City of Annapolis.

His brothers, Battalion Chief C. Richard Clark, who predeceased him, was retired from the Annapolis Fire Department and Captain Thomas Clark is retired from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. 

Retired AFD Captain Robert J. Daywalt is the liaison for the family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Leonard's life on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 10 am until his service begins at 11 am at the  Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.

Interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville 

Please keep Captain Clark's family and friends in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Condolence may be left by using the memory tab on this page..

Dorothy C. Baker, 94, of Sherwood Forest, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 25, 2021, after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 12, 1927, in Takoma Park, MD, where she grew up with her parents, the late May Perkins and Russell B. Cole. Dottie graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where she earned a BS in Physics and met her husband of 73 years, Jim.  The University of Maryland College of Science and Engineering honored Dottie and Jim with the publication of an article, which was also posted on the college’s Facebook page, acknowledging Dottie and Jim as being their oldest living married couple. Dottie and Jim lived in Bethesda, MD for 25 years and after visiting her Linthicum relatives in Sherwood Forest, they built a cottage in 1954 where they began spending their summers. In 1975 they rebuilt the summer cottage into their permanent and current year round residence. They later became “snow birds” spending winters in Indialantic, FL. As a member of the Sherwood Forest Club, Dottie enjoyed swimming, tennis and bowling. She loved to travel by way of cruises to Europe and South America along with cruising in the Virgin Islands on chartered sailboats. They enjoyed many trips on their sailboat, Tandem, heading down the Intracoastal Waterway into Florida and continuing on to explore the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Dottie also enjoyed attending antique auctions but spending time with her beloved family brought her the most joy. She was successful tracing her roots back on her mother’s side, Perkins/Thomas, to the year 1680 in Kent County, MD and to the 1620 landing of the Mayflower in Plymouth. She worked in the offices of Congressman Newton Steers in the late 70’s and in 1981 on the Republican National Election Committee and in the Annapolis offices of Senator Howard Denis of Montgomery County, MD. Dottie is survived by her husband, James L. Baker; her children, Dolly E. Baker of Chestertown, MD and J. Russell (Laura) Baker of Sherwood Forest, MD;  her 5 grandchildren, Dr. Brian R. Baker, M. D. and his fiancé Heather O’Neill, Nicholas C. (Lency), Brendan R. (Katie), Robin L. and Dr. Patricia B. Baker, D. O.; her 10 great-grandchildren, Molly, Megan, Brian, II, James (Jake), Natalie, Benjamin, Brody, Banx, Teagan and Remi Baker; her 2 step great-grandchildren, Emma (Cameron) Bailey and Chloe Matheu. Additionally, Dottie received wonderful care for the past four and a half years from her caregiver, Mercy Addo. Burial will be private in the Historic Baker Cemetery in Aberdeen, MD.  A memorial service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sherwood Forest Boys & Girls Camp Program, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405. Condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Julian “Jay” Russell Tucker, 68, of Edgewater, MD passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at his home after a lengthy battle with Leukemia.

Jay was born to Polly and Page Tucker at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC on October 30, 1952.  He worked for Tucker’s Market (his father’s store), Sheehy Ford, Brandywine Auto Parts, as well as owning his own fire gear fit testing company, Emergency Education, during his lifetime.  

Jay joined the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department in 1970 and was one of the original members of Company 45.  He moved to Cedarville in 1976 and joined the Baden Volunteer Fire Department.  In 1980, he moved to Brandywine and joined the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department.  When he returned to Maryland in 1991 after being in Florida for his job, he rejoined the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department.  He has held the positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Vice President and President. He also was elected to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire Commission and he was currently serving as President of the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department. 

Jay truly loved being a fireman but always loved his family first.  He met his wife Debbe at the PGCVFRA convention in 2001 and they married in 2004.  As a loving family man, he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his wife, his daughter, Leslee, son, Keith, son, Guy, his wife Michelle and his five grandchildren, Ashleigh, Bethany, Madison, Guy V and AJ.  

Jay was one of the most selfless and funniest men around and changed the lives of everyone who met him.  He will always serve as a great example of how to live your life to the fullest and to take example of every moment.


A visitation will be held for Jay on Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 1 to 3 pm at:

Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department
14815 Pratt Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Fire Department Service by Invitation Only
 	Saturday, April 3, 2021 3:00pm
	Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department

Masks are mandated and social distance protocols are in place.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society <a href="https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate">donate here</a> 
or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation <a href="https://www.firehero.org">donate here</a>


On line condolences may be left by using the memory tab on this page.

Janet M. Adkins of Annapolis, MD passed away on March 24, 2021 at the age of 77. 

Born in Mt. Vernon, IL, Janet graduated from Collinsville High School. After moving to Maryland, she worked at Sealy briefly but spent nearly 27 years of her career at Nevamar in Odenton. Making her way up the ranks in marketing, Jan was proud to be promoted to Vice President – Advertising / Merchandising in 1987, becoming the first female to achieve a VP title. In 1990, the company became a division of International Paper which later provided the opportunity to create a new position for herself, Manager, Cultural Change and Communications, which she held until retiring from IP in 1999. Jan transitioned the role to a Consultant position with Rapid Change Technology. When she decided to step away from corporate life, Jan joined Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat and was thrilled to be surrounded by an ever-changing abundance of dogs. Being an avid reader, she also worked part time at Anne Arundel County Public Library. Other hobbies included sewing, skiing, crafting, traveling and volunteering.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Eva (Garrison) Borland; her brother, Jerry Borland and her sister M. JoAnn Mayo. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Adkins of Ellicott City, MD, as well as her niece, nephews and extended family across the country.

A private burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis.

Donations can be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County where she adopted several faithful companions.

Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the link on this page.

Geraldine L. Bonnette, 92, of Annapolis, MD and previously a 35-year resident of Holiday, FL, passed away at her home on March 23, 2021, surrounded by her family.  Born on October 7, 1928 in Norfolk, VA to the late Claude W. and Jessie F. Whitehurst, Geraldine graduated in 1946 from Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, VA and retired as a switchboard operator from Bell Telephone.  Until last year, when Geraldine moved to Annapolis to be closer to her family, she was a charter member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Holiday.

Geraldine is survived by two sons, Richard (Lynda) Bonnette of Annapolis, MD and Rodney (Pamela) Bonnette of Herndon, VA.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marshall and George Whitehurst.

Inurnment will be scheduled in the fall at Meadow Lane Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey, FL.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above



Marie Null Sims, a 6-year resident of Brightview South River in Edgewater, MD, passed away on March 23, 2021 at the grand age of 100.  Born on June 8, 1920 in Byron, IL to the late Robert and Agnes Null, Marie graduated high school and went on to attend business college.  

A World War II veteran, Marie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942.  She rose to the rank of 2nd lieutenant and was assigned to lead the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) Recruiting Office in Richmond, KY and then statewide in Indiana.  After her discharge in 1944, Marie married and pursued her life’s vocation as wife and mother.  She worked in a variety of administrative positions including serving as the church secretary at several churches and volunteered at many charitable organizations including the Annapolis Senior Center. Marie was a charter member of the Women in Military Service Foundation in Washington, DC.  In addition to volunteering, Marie loved to sew; however, her greatest joy came from simply spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, John Granville Sims, Jr. who passed away in 1985; a grandson, Joshua W.S. Dale who passed away in 2007; infant granddaughter, Jennifer M. Sims who passed away in 1976; and by her sister and both of her brothers.  She is survived by her son, John G. “Skip” Sims III of Front Royal, VA and her daughter, Jo Carol “Jody” Sims Dale of Davidsonville, MD; two grandsons, John G. Sims IV and Alexander Hawthorne Dale; three granddaughters, Amanda Sims Finstad, Parry Kristin Dale Kaufmann and Courtney Kathrine Dale Kremer.  She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

Inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastport United Methodist Church, 926 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.


Paul Littleton Herring of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, died peacefully at the age of 99 on March 23, 2021 at Ginger Cove Retirement Community in Annapolis, Maryland. He was born in Washington, DC on November 19, 1921 to Dr. Paul Supplee Herring and Margaret Welsh Herring. He lived until the age of 3 with his parents and grandparents, Charles Henry Welsh and Fannie Barker Turner, in Hyattsville until his parents built a house on 42nd Avenue. He attended the local elementary school through 7th grade, then went on to Hyattsville High School, the Peddie School, and graduated from McKinley Tech in 1939. He enrolled at the University of Maryland in the fall of 1939. In the spring of 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps already having received a pilot license at the College Park Airport. He trained as a B-17 pilot until September 1944 when he flew a new plane to England to join the bombing missions over Germany. He flew 8 missions until he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Gerolstein on Christmas Eve 1944. Lt. Herring was captured and taken prisoner on Christmas Day and spent most of his captivity in Germany and Poland until the Russians invaded and liberated him. He returned home in May of 1945 and enrolled at the University of Maryland in September.  He graduated from Maryland in May of 1946 and married Aline Naisby Waller of Princess Anne, Maryland in September of that year. He then attended George Washington University Law School, graduating in 1949. Upon graduation from law school, they bought an historic house in the Town of Upper Marlboro where they raised their two children. Mr. Herring was a partner in the law firm of Lancaster, Bland, Eisele & Herring where he worked until January 1979 when he retired to enjoy his many hobbies.

Mr. Herring was active in his community, an avid and very talented golfer, hunter, fisherman, crabber and builder. He always had a project to do for himself or a friend. He served as a town commissioner for the Town of Upper Marlboro. He was one of the founders of Queen Anne School and a member of the board of the Marlboro Swimming Pool for years. In his later years, his passion was fox hunting. He was a very active member and past Master of the Marlborough Hunt Club where he spent many hours clearing trails, working with fox hounds and fox hunting with his many friends.

Mr. Herring was predeceased by two wives, Naisby Waller Herring and Mary “Mousie” Purdon Herring and is survived by his blessed friend Edith “Gibby” Edson. Mr. Herring was a devoted father to Paula Herring Sothoron (Richard) and Peter Naisby Herring (Josephine). He was blessed with six grandchildren, Benjamin Naisby Herring (Cara), Tilghman Rice Herring (Krysta), Sarah Bowie Herring, Naisby Wallop Camponeschi (Eric), Turner Harrison Sothoron (Elizabeth), Carling Naisby Sothoron and seven great-grandchildren, Katherine Naisby Herring, Emory Edward Herring, Charlotte Anne Herring, Harrison Cash Sothoron, Hadley Denison Sothoron, Bennett Wallop Herring, and Margaret Rea Herring.  

Mr. Herring will be remembered by his family and many friends as a true Southern Maryland gentleman of the highest integrity. A very small, private family service and burial will be held. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, any memorial donations may be given to the Marlborough Hunt Preservation Foundation, 621 Traveller Court, Lothian, MD 20711.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Marcianna (Marcy) Fonseca Pena, age 89, a resident of Temple Hills, MD for 41 years and previously of Lanham, MD, passed away at Angel’s Heart Nursing Home in Waldorf, MD due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.  She had been sick with this disease for the past 11 years.

Marcy was born June 5th, 1931, in North Falmouth (Cape Cod), Massachusetts, to the late Manuel and Mary Grace Fonseca Oliviera.  She was fortunate to have been raised by her loving Stepfather Theophilus Olivera.  She was also preceded in death by her brother Theodore Fonseca.   

Marcy was raised and lived in Cape Cod, Massachusetts the majority of her life. She graduated in 1949 from Lawrence High School, North Falmouth High School where she excelled in academics, basketball, softball, and was associated with numerous clubs.  

She married the love of her life, Roland Prescott Pena in 1950. She and Roland resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  From this union, they had two children, Robert Alan Pena, and Deborah Ann (Pena) Reid.  
Marcy worked in factories during the early years of her marriage.  In the early 1950, Marcy and Roland moved to Washington, D.C. for better career opportunities. This is where Marcy became employed as an EEO Specialist with the Department of Navy (Navy Annex) in Alexandria,VA. She retired after 34 years of service.  During her tenure with the Department of Navy, she received numerous awards and accolades.  
She was a member of  St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Temple Hills, MD, the Women’s Red Hat Club, and the Cape Verdean Association (DC Metropolitan area.)

She spent the majority of her retirement time being creative and vending her craft. She loved creating baskets, flowers, painting figurines, which she sold at flea markets, and the local military bases.  She enjoyed traveling, playing pinochle with her friends.  Most of all, she adored spending time with her family.  If she had any free time after that, she loved crossword puzzles, sewing and adding to her collection of angels and owls.

Marcy was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Prescott Pena; her parents and stepfather, Manuel and Mary Grace Fonseca Olivera and Theophilius Olivera; her brother, Theodore Fonseca.

Marcy leaves to cherish her memories her son, Robert Alan Pena (Daughter-In-Law Vivian Pena) of Waldorf, MD, Deborah Pena Reid of Fort Washington, MD.  Her grandchildren, Dorian Alan Pena (Wife Gorgette Pena) of Waldorf, MD, Danielle Chapman (Husband Damian Chapman) of Hughesville, MD, Darcelle Caballero (Husband Michael Caballero) of Stuttgart, Germany, Robert Pressey of White Plains, MD, Deanna Reid of Greenbelt, MD, Victoria Reid of Fort Washington, MD, Jade D. (Pena) Watkins (Husband Keith Watkins) of Waldorf, MD, and 14-great grandchildren.  As well as a host of relatives and friends who adore her.          

Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Pena's Life Celebration on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Quantico National Cemetery will be held at 2 p.m. that same day.


Ailani Victoria Grace, known affectionately to her family as “Mama”, passed away at her home in Odenton, MD on March 23, 2021, following a 26-month battle with cancer.  She was 5 years old.  Born on October 29, 2015 at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Ailani was the daughter of Willie E. Grace II and Abby Jiannie Grace.  She was a loving daughter and enjoyed all the typical childhood pastimes including playing with her toys and iPad games, and watching movies.  Her favorites were Trolls, Frozen and Sing.  

In addition to her parents, Ailani is survived by her brother, Willie E. Grace III; her grandmothers, Linda “Nana” Grace and Shirley “Awewa” Reyes; an aunt and uncle on her father’s side, D’Asia and Deelorean Moore of North Carolina; two uncles on her mother’s side, Jamie Rivera-Reyes of Pennsylvania and Jason Rivera-Reyes and his wife, Sarai River-Reyes of New Mexico, and a big loving family who will always adore and remember her.  Ailani was preceded in death by her grandfather, Willie “Pop Pop” Grace.

All funeral events will be private.  The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD for all their support and kindnesses throughout Ailani’s illness.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.


Paul was born on January 17, 1947 at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.  The mantra that best describes my Uncle Paul is: EVERYTHING MATTERS, NOTHING IS IMPORTANT.  He lived a simple life. He worked hard, loved his family and friends, and he helped people when he could. He did not announce it on social media or expect anything in return.  People who passed him on the street would not know how important he was to the people who intimately knew him. But to the people who knew and loved him, he mattered, he was important, and he will continue to be an influence in their lives. Like the guys on his bowling league Bedrock team, where he was named Grand Puba. The employees who worked at the U.S. Department of The Interior, where Paul worked for 17 years. He was a member of Local 99 and was a maintenance operator for boilers, chillers, generators, and automated or computerized building systems. During his 17 years of employment, he received many awards.  He was a special friend to Brenda, Jean and Bella. For Jerren and Benjamin Coleman, Paul was the only father figure they had.  He was the number one fan of the Washington Redskins. The Washington Football team will always be the Redskins to him. Maybe now that Paul is in heaven, he will have some influence on how they play! I certainly hope so!
I know for certain that God had a purpose and plan for my Uncle Paul. When he was just 18 months old, he fell out of a second story window and was found dead. He was resuscitated but had to learn how to talk and walk again. In his late sixties, he was hit by a car while delivering papers and almost lost his leg. About 5 years ago, my Uncle Paul beat colon cancer even when the doctors did not think he would! God helped him overcome these challenges to allow Paul to finish what he needed to finish on earth. And when Paul did, God took him home where he is now reunited with his mother, Miriam Juliette Duty; his father, Edward Robert Hangliter, III and his sister, Judy McIver
Paul is survived by his two older brothers, Edward Robert Hangliter, IV and George Hangliter, Sr.; his nieces, Sherry, Debby, Ronda, April, Stacey and Jeannie and his nephews, George, Kenny, Raymond, Edward Robert Hangliter, V "Bobby", Robert "Bobby", Mike and Grant "MG"
*A small intimate gathering will be planned in May*

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

Buck Jackson, Jr. of Temple Hills, MD, age 77, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 in Arlington, VA.  He was born on April 29, 1943 to the late Buck Jackson and Frances Virginia Bright in Orange, VA. After graduating high school Buck joined enlisted in the US Army for four years.  Upon his discharge from the Army he decided to become a police officer for the US Supreme Court. He retired after 20 years and married Marie Joyce Jackson. 

He is survived by his wife Marie Joyce; his sons, Keith Houston and Kevin Ali Jackson; his step-daughter and her husband, Nina and Marlon Moaney and his grandsons, Nathan Echevarria and Julian Moaney. 

Buck's Life Celebration and burial will be private. Please leave a condolence for the family.

Jill Marie Nieman Palmer, also known as Jilly, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2021.   She was born on January 30, 1965 in Takoma Park, MD to Kathryn and the late Darrell Nieman, Sr.  Jill was began working in the event industry in 1983 when she joined National Trade Productions in Lanham, MD. There Jill honed her show management skills and earned the prestigious event industry designation of CEM, or, Certified Exposition Manager. In 1993 Jill was recruited by Production Group International, an event management firm located in Arlington, VA. It was there she began working with NBC4 Washington to produce a Health & Fitness Expo. While working with NBC Washington, Jill recognized the opportunity to share this successful event model with other television stations and replicate the program in new markets. Jill co-founded Network Events, Inc. in 1999 and served as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and was affectionately referred to as “Chiefie” by her team. As an NEI executive, Jill was able to pursue her passion and dedication to health and fitness through her work with NBC and the many health and fitness expos her firm supported across the country. In her spare time, Jill enjoyed relaxing at the beach and spending time at her Ocean City home, especially in the evenings when she would take beautiful photos of the moon.

In addition to her mother, Jill is survived by her two children, Justin Palmer of Edgewater and his companion, Amy, and Hailey Schackelford of Crofton, MD and her husband, Jeff.  She is also survived by four siblings and their families: Margie Smith of Ridgely, MD, her husband, Stephen, and their children, Katy (Brent); and Jeff (Hannah); Darrell Nieman of Mt. Airy, MD, his wife, Chrissy, and their children, Blair, Rylee, Grace and Ryan; Charlie Nieman of Nags Head, NC, his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Jon, Brittany and Chris; and Penny McClay of Odenton, MD, her husband, Jimmy and their children, Zach, Kennedy, Jake and Delaney.  Jill is also survived by a great-nephew, Roran and great-niece, Caroline.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jill’s life with her family on Saturday, March 27 from 9AM to 11AM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.

James P. Oberholtzer, 92, a long-time resident of Anne Arundel County, died on Monday, March 22 at home in Ginger Cove. Born on April 28, 1928 in Indianapolis, IN, James was a graduate of Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, a proud member of the US Naval Academy Class of 1950 and held a Master’s Degree in Vocational Education from Purdue University. He served in Korea and Vietnam and was a Naval Aviator for most of his career in the Navy. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1970. After retiring from the Navy and earning his Master’s Degree, James taught aeronautics and acrobatics at Purdue University before becoming a simulator and ground instructor for Allegheny Airlines, US Airways and Flight Safety International. He was an avid sailor on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoyed cycling and travel, including a bicycle ride from California to Florida at the age of 68. James was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Whittington Oberholtzer who passed in 1991. James is survived by his three sons, Michael Oberholtzer and his wife, Karla of River Forest IL, Stephen Oberholtzer and his wife, Laura of Dallas TX, and David Oberholtzer and his wife, Elisa of West Orange NJ; nine grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren.  He will be inurned at the US Naval Academy Columbarium and a memorial service to be held there later this year when conditions permit. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to <a href="https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm">Doctors without Borders </a> or <a href="https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246">Wounded Warrior Project</a>

Condolences may be offered on line using the Memory Wall tab above.

Christine was 95 years old when she peacefully left this earth on March 21st. She was affectionally called Bubba by family and friends alike.  Living in Mt. Rainier, MD for 60 years, she was a fixture on her front porch, either waving to people who passed by or fussing at them to pick up after their dogs.

Christine’s full time job was raising her family of 9 children. She did quite a bit of it on her own after her husband, Aurelio, passed away 40 years ago. Her children include Linda (married to Warren), John (who gave his life in Viet Nam), Francesca (married to Saul), Carla (married to Billy), Marcus, Michael (Married to Diane), Tina, Mary Margaret and Anna Marie. From all these children came the grandchildren - Chrissy, Elena, Julia, Nora, Annie, Larissa, Jason, Aurelio, Matthew, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Ashley, John, Michael, Daniel and Dulcinea. And from the grandchildren came great grandchildren - Jordan, Brooke, Gabrielle, Isadora, Annabelle, Dutch, Marisol, Bailey, Peyton, Avery, Olivia and Savannah.

Christine enjoyed working in her garden, tending to both flowers and vegetables. As the seasons changed, so did the decorations on her front porch - many neighbors would come by to see how she and her children would show off the latest holiday/seasonal ornaments. During the Spring and Summer, her flower boxes were overflowing with bursts of reds, yellow, pinks and white.

Christine was a great wife and a good sport. When her husband, who never got a driver’s license, came home with a 1965 4 door Lincoln Continental, fondly called ‘The Boat’, she willingly got behind the wheel. She became quite the cook, preparing Aurelio’s favorite dishes - paella and oyster stew. The two of them would dance in the living room to the song ‘Bessa Me Mucho’, while their children watched and cheered them on.

Ah....the children. What can you say about a woman who raises 9 children? She was a doctor, a chauffeur, a master chef, a seamstress, a domestic goddess, a social worker, a counselor and a referee. When someone commented “I don’t know how you raised 9 children” her response was “I don’t know, either”. The fact that none of her children spent time in jail is a testament to her parenting skills.

Christine was a fabulous grandmother/great grandmother. Throughout the many years of time spent with her grans, you could walk into the house and find a variety of things going on: wrestling on the TV, video games being played on the dining room floor, bowls of cereal at bedtime, quilts on the floor for sleepovers, badminton being played in the back yard or a card game going on. If you were lucky, you might even see her do a cartwheel on the front lawn.

We will miss her smile, her contagious laugh, her support and the great love she had for her family and friends. We will carry those things in our hearts and find them there when we think of her. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Christine's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, March 31 from 1 pm until her funeral service begins at 3 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Horizons, 16000 Trade Zone Ave., Ste. 109, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 or St. Anne's Center for Children, Youth and Families, 4901 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20782. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.

Ramona J. Fusco, age 90 and a resident of Davidsonville for 50 years, died at her residence on March 20, 2021 of end stage dementia.  Born July 19, 1930 in Waynesboro, PA, she was a homemaker who loved gardening and animals.  Ramona is survived by her daughter, Toni Stroud, of Davidsonville and her grandson, Aaron Stroud.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Joyce Lenharr, and her husband, Donald Fusco.

Relatives and friends are invited celebrate Ramona's life on Thursday, March 25 from 10-11 AM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomon's Island Road, Edgewater, with a funeral service to follow at 11.  Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD


Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left of this page.

Donald "Don" Ray Colbert, 92, a 35-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of New Carrollton, MD, died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on March 19, 2021.

Born October 7, 1928 in North Carolina to the late Wilson and Gertrude Colbert, he served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  Don worked as a communications engineer for most of his career at Booz Allen, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Computer Sciences Corporation.  He was a longtime member of Riva Trace Baptist Church and enjoyed golf and traveling.

Don is survived by a son, Donald Colbert, Jr. of Bowie, MD.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Colbert; and a daughter, Lee Ann Colbert.

A service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 2:30 pm at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville. 

 Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his family by using the tab on this page.

Obituaries

James Ercole

Kenneth Polglase

Nancy Horkan

Nancie Kennedy

Leonard Clark

Dorothy Baker

Julian Tucker

Diane Lee

Janet Adkins

Geraldine Bonnette

Marie Sims

Paul Herring

Marcianna Pena

Ailani Grace

William Hangliter

Sydney Gaarder

Buck Jackson

Nicanor Manglapuz

Jill Palmer

James Oberholtzer

Christine Avelleyra

Ramona Fusco

Robert Stearns

Donald Colbert