Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, beloved and devoted husband of VerNell T. Wright, and Father of three peacefully entered into heavenly rest at his home in Fort Washington, MD after a long debilitating illness. Also mourning his loss are his children; Rachelle Barnes (Mark), Edward Jr., and Shawn (Janela); eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister; and a number of  nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for a few years. He worked for the National Education Association(NEA) for 20 years and retired on September 6, 1996 at the age of 52.

Services will be held at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Friday July 9, 2021. Viewing 11 a.m. Service 12 noon. Interment at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.  


A graveside service will be held on at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Thursday, July 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., please arrive at the cemetery office by 10:45 am that morning. 

Daniel “Dan” Andrew Winsky, 58, a resident of Davidsonville, MD for twenty years and previously of Greenbelt, MD, died on Tuesday, June 22 after a short six month battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Born on December 13, 1962 in Washington, DC to Lucy and the late Andrew Winsky, Dan was a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Renee M. Bryan Winsky; his daughter, Gabriella “Gabby” Winsky; his sister, Denise (Alan) Royal and many in laws, cousins, nieces, a nephew, a grandniece, grandnephews, extended family and lots of loving friends. Friends are invited to celebrate Dan’s life on Sunday, June 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Monday, June 28 at 10:30 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to <a href="https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?4141.donation=form1&df_id=4141&mfc_pref=T&s_src=dr21+direct+response+-+april+donor+match+challenge&s_subsrc=dr21+direct+response+-+april+donor+match+challenge_pancan.org_sliver+banner+extension_website_general+public">PanCan (pancan.org)</a> or <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">Hospice of the Chesapeake (hospicechesapeake.org)</a>. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Mary Kathleen “Kay” Taylor, 71, a 42-year resident of Davidsonville, MD and previously of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2021 at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center.  Born on July 6, 1949 in Washington, DC to the late Paul and Kathleen Kelley, Kay graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  With a strong commitment to her Catholic faith, Kay enjoyed a successful career as a teacher in the Archdiocese of Baltimore at St. Mary’s School in Annapolis and St. Phillip Neri School in Linthicum Heights.  Kay was a devoted mother and wife who enjoyed cooking, painting, music, knitting and her cats, and was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville.  
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeremiah and John Kelley.  She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Patrick T. Taylor; two cherished sons, Timothy (Sarah) Taylor of Frederick, MD and Arthur (Anna) Taylor of Crofton, MD; her brother, Paul Kelley of Leonardtown, MD;  sister, Eileen Maybee of Nellysford, VA and three adored grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Kay’s life with her family from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035.  Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD.Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page


Ruth Christine Hutt, 88, of Brandywine Maryland, departed her earthly life on June 22, 2021 at her home surrounded by family and caregivers. Ruth will always be remembered as a most loving and caring Daughter, Wife, Mother, and Friend who touched many lives in her life’s journey. She was always there to help others in time of need, including caring for the neighborhood children.  Born and raised in Washington D.C., Ruth was a 1950 graduate of Eastern High School D.C. where she met her future husband Brad. They married in 1952 and Ruth became a Navy wife during the Korean War. After a tour of duty at Guantanamo Bay Cuba Naval Air Station, they returned home and raised their family in Oxon Hill, MD and later moved to Brandywine in 1981. An Eastern Star Member in her teens, Ruth was active in the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion teaching children, serving dinners, and working with the very active Teen Youth Group. She was an excellent swimmer and loved her cats and music. Ruth was a long distance operator and later an Administrative Assistant for Verizon in Northern Virginia and retired from there after many years of loyal service.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents John A. and Amelia C. Keithley, her brothers Vernon Keithley and Rev. Howard Keithley (Lois), and her sister Marian Jones (Tommy). She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Bradley  Hutt, her daughters Debbie Leukhardt (Larry) , Vicki Robey (Bill) and Patty Hutt, three grandchildren: Eric Leukhardt, Ryan Leukhardt, and Kelly Wathen, and four Great Grandchildren: Grace Peterson, Hailey Lewis, Gavin Leukhardt, and Ashleigh Leukhardt. A special heartfelt thank you to Maggie Bourguignon and Rita Mackall for the loving nursing care in her battle with dementia at home in her final years. 

Visitation will be at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The Funeral Service will be held at the New Life Church Chapel, 9690 Shepherds Creek Place LaPlata, MD 20646 at 11:30 AM Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers and plants the family requests donations to Seasons Hospice in Columbia, MD., and New Life Church.

Cristina (Tina) Dagdag Blancaflor was a loyal daughter, sister and friend. The oldest daughter of Gus and Cora Blancaflor, Tina lived on the west coast in California for a period of her life before returning to the east coat in Maryland to be the primary caretaker of her aging parents.  Tina’s caring nature benefitted her and those around her as she was employed for many years in the healthcare industry.  

Family was very important to Tina. She loved to plan parties and family get togethers.  She enjoyed planning her parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary hosted in the Philippines that brought together family members from Canada and the United States. She also had fun organizing her late Dad's 80th birthday party that turned the backyard of the home she grew up in into a festive and entertaining venue.

Tina had a passion for food and loved to cook as well as try new restaurants.  She would be the first to share news of a new Filipino café that just opened and loved to give her own personal review of the food.  

Even though Tina was taken too soon due to complications from diabetes, she lived a great life surrounded by people who loved her.  Her selfless and giving spirit will be missed by many.

Margaret L. Devlin “Peggy”, 88, a resident of Annapolis, MD for 54 years, died peacefully on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at her residence with family by her side. Born on August 1, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA to the late James and Catherine Trinity, Peggy was a graduate of West Catholic Girls’ High School. She was a homemaker and a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church since moving to Annapolis in 1966. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Athletic Association and the Royal Blue Club and always supported her children and the Saints athletic program. Peggy enjoyed bowling, golfing, going to the Jersey shore and traveling the world. She loved time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she also valued the time spent with her large group of friends in the Annapolis area. Peggy will always be remembered for her big family dinners with her many specialties including spaghetti, beef stroganoff, coleslaw and cheesecake (not necessarily all together!). She will also be remembered for her sharp wit and warm smile. The family would like to express our appreciation to the team at Sunrise of Annapolis for their loving and compassionate care in her final years. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Joseph T. Devlin and her siblings, James and John Trinity, Mary Herzog and Kass King. She is survived by her children, Joe (Beth) and Tom (Lisa) Devlin both of Annapolis, Michael (Stacey) Devlin of Margate, NJ, Kathleen (Mike) Dollard of Hershey, PA and Anne (Les) Morelock of Lake Wylie, SC; her brother, Monsignor Bernard J. Trinity of Havertown, PA; her grandchildren, Conor (Melissa), Thomas, Kayla, Molly (Matthew) and Ashley Devlin, Tim (Gillian) and Brian (Lindsay) Dollard, Arley (Nikki) and Jack Morelock, Sarah (Paul) Hiester, Becca (Michael) Spresser, Rosalie (Jack) Dembowski and Caroline (Teddy) Szyperski. She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Peggy's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 24 from 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD on Friday, June 25 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to <a href="https://www.royalblueclub.org/">Royal Blue Club at St. Mary's</a>, C/O Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish & Stone, PA, 888 Bestgate Road, Suite 310, Annapolis, MD 21401. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

A memorial service for Benjamin will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at  11am at Edgewater Bible Church, 1716 Shadyside Drive, Edgewater, MD 21037. 

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

A celebration of life for Tyler will be held at a date and time to be announced.  The family is writing an obituary which will be posted soon.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guest book at the link on this page.

Betty Louise (Rosati) Moreland, 87 years old and a lifelong resident of Annapolis, died of natural causes on Saturday, June 19th. Betty was born in 1933, the eldest daughter of Thomas Guy and Nettie May Rosati. Betty grew up in Eastport where she spent her entire childhood along with her grandparents and numerous extended family members. Her father and grandfather both worked at the Naval Academy for over forty years and her grandfather was a clarinetist in the Naval Academy band. 
Betty attended Eastport Elementary school where her love for reading began and continued throughout her life. She attended Annapolis High and served as a majorette in the Elks Club Marching Band. 
Growing up on the water, Betty loved to jump off the old wooden Eastport bridge and swim in Spa Creek with her siblings. She further enjoyed fishing and crabbing during her youth. While working at the candy counter at G.C. Murphy’s in downtown Annapolis as a teenager, Betty met a young man from south AA county and fell in love. She and David Moreland Sr. were married in 1952. After a short stint in NC while her husband was in the Marine Corps, Betty and David made their home in Eastport from 1954 – 1968. They welcomed their two sons, David Jr. and Steven Wayne into that home, followed by a daughter, Cynthia Louise. David and his sons then built a custom home in the community of Annapolis Roads where they moved to in 1968, one week after Betty gave birth to their fourth child, a daughter, Judith Anne. 
Betty and David were married for 56 years until David’s death in 2008. Betty remained in the house in Annapolis Roads even after her husband died, not wanting to leave the home they loved so much. The good Lord granted Betty her final wish of staying in that home until she drew her last breath. 
Betty worked many years as a telephone operator for C&P Telephone. She was the consummate homemaker and took extreme care of organizing and cleaning the family’s home. Betty enjoyed cooking for her family and especially making her father’s Italian recipe of homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce that everyone loved. She was a dedicated mom, making sure her children were well-dressed, well- feed and well-mannered. She attended many school field trips and insured her children did their best in school.
Betty and David were members of Eastport United Methodist Church since 1953. They were actively involved with the Young Adults, church bowling league, annual Peach Festival and supported the many youth programs their children were involved in over the years.  
Betty was preceded in death by her granddaughter Rebecca Lynn, in 1993, her husband, David Sr. in 2008 and her brother Raymond Rosati in 2020. 
Betty is survived by her four children, David Moreland Jr, of Arnold, Steve Moreland of Chester, Cynthia Councell of Annapolis and Judi Pitko of Ladera Ranch, CA. In addition she had nine grandchildren, Steven Moreland II, Michele Whitehead, Gregory Moreland, Courtney Hardie, Ashley Moreland, Haley Moreland, Alex Stroud, Colin and Lucas Pitko and thirteen great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her older brother Harry Rosati to whom she was extremely close to while growing up and several sisters, all from Annapolis. 
Betty will join her husband at rest at Hillcrest cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held in August for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Betty’s memory be made to Eastport Elementary School’s PTA via their website: eespta.org. 


Anna "Ann or Memaw" Claire Chandler, 85, a 40-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Landover, MD, died on June 19, 2021 at her home following a 2-year illness.

Born May 2, 1936 at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC to the late Carl Haston and Louise Junine Haynes, she worked as a rental agent for Southern Management and Extra Space Storage.  Ann loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Walter Chandler.

Ann is survived by three sons, Jeff, Steve, and Mark Chandler, all of Edgewater, MD; a brother, Paul Haynes of Edgewater, MD; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Chandler of Annapolis, MD, Nicole Fletcher of Edgewater, MD, and Jillian Chandler of Bowie, MD; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held at a later date.

Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

Garfield Mathis, Jr (Bobby) was born to the late Garfield Mathis, Sr. and Gertha Lou Murphy Mathis in Magnolia, North Carolina. They reared their children in a Christian home filled with an abundance of love. Bobby was the second eldest of ten children. Theodore, Inez, Eddie, Carnell, and Jean preceded him in death.  In his formative years he was a member of St. James AME Zion Church.  In his latter years, he joined Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland where he often volunteered.

Bobby graduated from Magnolia Industrial High School in Duplin County, North Carolina.  Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served an overseas tour in Frankfurt, Germany. After completing his time in the armed forces he relocated to Washington, D.C. where he pursued further educational opportunities that included a certification in master barbering. In 1959 Bobby met and later married the love of his life Joyce Fuller. The Lord blessed them with two daughters. Bobby’s heart was completely shattered upon the passing of his beloved wife Joyce. Despite his grief he forged ahead and was determined to raise his daughters to the best of his ability which he did successfully always making them his priority.

He worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing for 37 years.  Bobby was an active member and the treasurer of his retirement club. After retirement Bobby continued his business ventures in the real estate industry. With his brother Robert Playto by his side, he owned and developed commercial and residential properties in Washington DC, Maryland, and North Carolina. 

Bobby was a kind-hearted, soft spoken man who always had a ready smile.  He was the patriarch of his family who always put family first.  He was a loving, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.  He was the ROCK - the one that everyone came to and leaned on.  His generosity was legendary. His greatest fault was his inability in so many ways to say “no”.

We are grateful and thankful to God for blessing us with Bobby for so many beautiful years.   

He is survived by his two daughters: LaDonna (Kevin) Perkins, Washington, D.C. and Tawanna Freeman, Brandywine, Maryland five grandchildren Marcus, Ellis, Taylor, Elissa, and Jessica, two great grandchildren, Jayce and Kaysen. Two brothers Robert Playto, Suitland, Maryland, Jarvis Charles, Magnolia, North Carolina, two sisters Estell (Stella) Lloyd, Washington, D.C., and Gertrude (James) Jarman, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.


Robert Timothy Hurley, “Timmy” a resident of Mayo and  St. Leonard, MD passed away at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore on June 18, 2021. Timmy was 68.

Timmy was born on August 9, 1952 in Washington, DC to the late Robert and Darlene Hurley. He proudly served his country for four years in the US Navy and worked as a steamfitter for Local 602 Steamfitter’s Union.

Timmy is survived by his wife of 13 years, Carla Hurley, his children Jason Hurley and Misti Hurley, both of Hagerstown MD, his siblings: Gregory Hurley of Owings, MD and Patricia Dixon of Howardsville, VA.  His is also survived by his four grandchildren, Trenton Hurley, Laci Fisher, and Carson and Kayla Hurley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 6 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd, Edgewater, MD. Interment will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, MD..

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Timmy's name, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

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

Barbara Jean Glass Sullivan, 72, of Annapolis, MD, passed away at home on June 17, 2021. Born in Washington, D.C. on December 22, 1948 to the late Charles F. Glass, Jr. and Opal Doxon Glass, Barbara graduated from Annapolis High School in June 1966. 

Barbara leaves behind her two sons and their families: Jeffrey, his wife Kristen, and children Mason, Regan, and Avery of Clarksburg, MD; and Kevin, his fiancée Alison, and daughter Lennox of Baltimore, MD, along with two sisters Carolyn Klakring of Crofton, MD and Marilyn Wagner of Denver, CO.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Regan and Lorene Southwick.   

While spending most of her life in the Annapolis area, Barbara also resided for short periods in Long Beach, CA, Norfolk, VA, and Northern Virginia.  She enjoyed a very challenging and successful 35-year in federal service, retiring in 2004 as a supervisory security specialist with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Washington DC. Barbara also served in positions with the Department of Agriculture, Department of State, and NASA Headquarters. Since her retirement she served in security positions with Computer Sciences Corporation, managing Air Force and U.S. Marshals contracts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  She was recently employed as an independent contractor with the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service. 

Barbara enjoyed her grandchildren, renovating her condo, playing golf, serving in her church, Riva Trace Baptist, and providing encouragement and support to her many friends and coworkers.

Friends are invited to join Barbara's family at a memorial gathering on Tuesday, June 22, from 3PM until her memorial service begins at 5PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.  Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: www.samaritanspurse.org 

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


Lillie Mae Byrd, 84, of Gettysburg, PA and previously of Upper Marlboro, MD passed away on Thursday June 17, 2021. Lillie Mae was born on June 11, 1937 in Washington, DC to the late Benjamin and Birdie Vaughan. 

In addition to her parents Lillie was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; granddaughter, Brittany Nicole Neimiller; siblings, Wilbur Lee Vaughan, and Mary Virginia Goins.

She is survived by her children, Carol Keeney of Venice, Fl, Norma Neimiller of Savage, MD, Joy Lobo of Gettysburg, PA and Becky Duelley of Littlestown, PA as well as eleven grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Lillie Mae's life with her family on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 5-8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday at 1 pm at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD

Arlene T. Palasik, “Are”, 82, a 33 year-resident of Annapolis and a previous resident of 22 years of Davidsonville, passed away on Monday June 14, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Arlene was born on June 8, 1939 in Scranton, PA to the late Frank and Edna Kozloski. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers; Frank and Leonard Kozloski.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years Anthony Palasik, her children, Trish Palasik of Alexandria, VA, Ray Palasik of Severna Park, MD and Kathleen Rasicot of Annapolis, MD, and one sister, Loretta Parker. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Brittany Palasik, Eric Palasik, Rachel Rasicot, and Theresa Rasicot. 

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Arlene’s life on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 2pm to 4pm and again from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 where a funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arlene’s memory can be made to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 online <a href ="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now">here</a> or to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206 North Hollywood, CA 91607 <a href = "https://give.myeloma.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30112b?idb=2084514345&df_id=3436&mfc_pref=T&3436.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=36111B18E9DDB54D2D10964FDA43D1E0&3436_donation=form1&_ga=2.249282496.697773591.1623790153-642474965.1623790153&_gl=1*r153vq*_ga*NjQyNDc0OTY1LjE2MjM3OTAxNTM.*_ga_2EJEFWRS4D*MTYyMzc5MDE1Mi4xLjAuMTYyMzc5MDE1Mi4w"> Online here</a>


Sigrid (Sig) Carla Beecher, a retired Hospice nurse and active church member, of Annapolis, MD, died on June 14, 2021. The cause of her death was a combination of heart and kidney diseases.     
Sig was born December 21, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI to William and Carla (Johnson) Pierce.  She and Gary Beecher were united in marriage Aug 4, 1962, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI. In August of 2019, she and Gary joyfully celebrated their 80th birthdays together with family and many friends.

Sigrid attended schools in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Rufus King High School.  She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and Madison (WI) General Hospital School of Nursing.  Sig served as a Registered Nurse in hospitals in Madison WI, Manhattan KS, and Baltimore and Laurel MD.  She worked in several specialties, but especially enjoyed working in Labor and Delivery and with new moms and newborns.  She was a member of Mayor William Donald Schaefer’s ‘trial’ Hospice-Home Health Care program in Baltimore where she learned many of the hospice principles outlined by Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Rossof Great Britain.  Subsequently Sig worked as a Hospice Nurse with Montgomery County (MD) Hospice and with several Visiting Nurse Associations in the greater Washington, DC area.  She dearly loved her interaction with hospice patients and their families, regardless of the hour of day and the weather conditions. Her efforts and compassion as a Hospice Nurse were highlighted in a Montgomery County (MD) Journal article in 1985.  She retired from active nursing in 1998 for health reasons.  

Sig balanced an active nursing career with family and church life.  She and her husband, Gary, raised three daughters.  Sig was an active member of Lutheran and Methodist churches wherever they lived. Sig loved to sing and passed that love to her children and community. She started her singing avocation in high school, continued at St Olaf College, and in church and community choirs throughout her life.  Sig was often a soloist and a member of small ensembles that offered special music.  Sig also enjoyed knitting, creating countless sweaters, both baby and adult, and passed that love to others, teaching her daughters and even medical fellows the art.  Sig and a fellow member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Bowie, MD started a Prayer Shawl Ministry; ten years later this group had prepared over 500 prayer shawls that were distributed by clergy, sent to friends and relatives, or donated to churches in disaster areas in America. 
Sig was a ‘people person’.  She loved to be around and interact with people which attracted her to the nursing profession.  Sig adored babies, not only her grandchildren but all babies – neighbor’s babies and friend’s babies; she even substituted as a ‘grandmother’ during delivery by a friend from New Zealand.  She loved to travel; she and Gary toured Canada and much of America especially when they were ‘snowbirds’ in Arizona.  Sig also accompanied Gary on several overseas business trips where they took time to tour the region and adjacent countries.     

After moving to the East coast in 1971, Sig and her family resided in West Laurel, MD.  In the early 1990’s, she and her husband designed and built their home in Southern Anne Arundel County, MD, where they resided for 25 years before moving to Annapolis.  

She is survived by her husband, Gary, of 58 years; daughters, Julie Beecher (Patrick Costigan) of Severna Park, MD, Jennifer Lastova (Mark) of Columbia MD, Jody Beecher (VJ Sahi) of Oakville, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Scott and Kathyrn Lastova, Mira and Ethan Sahi; sister Kristine Schoonenberg (Don) of Mequon, WI; brother-in-law Craig Beecher (Elizabeth) of Belgium, WI; sister-in-law Carla Baudais (Frederick) of Elkhorn, Wi; several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William Jr. and her sister-in-Law, Diana LaTonders Pierce.

Celebration of Life Services will be held August 7, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Rd, Annapolis, MD.  Interment at St Martin’s Lutheran Church Peace Garden will follow the service.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 <a href= https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">Online Here</a> or to St Martin’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD  21403 <a href="https://www.stmartinsannapolis.org/giving/">Online Here</a>

The family expresses its thanks and gratitude to the nurses and medical staff of Anne Arundel Medical Center, the caregivers of Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the medical support of the greater Annapolis community,
Sig’s Legend: “A Nurse is One who Opens the Eyes of a Newborn & gently Closes the Eyes of a Dying Man.  It is indeed a huge Blessing to be First and Last to Witness the Beginning and End of Life.”  Anon.   




Eugene J Siko, 87, of Gambrills MD passed away on 12 June 2021 due to congestive heart failure. Eugene was born on March 27, 1934 in St. Louis Missouri. He served in the Army in 1957, and was retired from Clarklift of San Jose where he was a rental manager.  He was an avid Dodgers baseball fan, even before they were in Los Angeles. His early life was devoted to his work, his wife Rosalie, raising his family and his passion for sports. Later in life, he loved traveling with Amelia and her sister-in-law Lynn and being surrounded with her loving family and all the children and grandchildren, both his and hers.
 
His wife of 40 years, Rosalie C Siko, predeceased him on July 25, 1997. In addition, his companion of 14 years, Amelia Musgrove of Virginia, predeceased him on Feb 16, 2017. He is survived by his three children, Elaine Cariacciolo of Modesto CA, Janelle Vreeland of Edgewater MD and Eric Siko of Seattle WA and his beloved grandsons Nikolas, Ryan and Justin Vreeland, all living in the Annapolis MD area.

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Stephen Frank Vricella (Steve), passed away Friday, June 11, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Steve was born August 15, 1961 in Long Island, New York, the fourth of five children to Jerry and Esther Vricella.  The family moved to Maryland in 1964, where Steve attended Fort Foote Elementary and Oxon Hill Junior and Senior High Schools.  He also attended Prince George's Community College.

During his decades-long sales career, Steve was the recipient of numerous Salesman of the Year awards, as well as many bonus trips; Japan, Germany, and a cruise aboard the QEII were among his favorites.  He was able to fulfill his career goals by becoming a business owner, and later an independent sales representative.

His passions included coaching his children's sports teams, ping-pong, drumming, and cooking, especially making homemade pasta with the hand-operated machine his beloved Aunt Rose and Uncle Vincent gave him.  He cherished time spent with his large family and many friends, a good debate, and the sharing of ideas.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Esther, and his brother Paul.

Surviving family members include his children Nick and Stephanie (John), sister Dina (Andre), and brothers Rob and Gene (Jill), numerous nephews and nieces, Donna, and many other loving family members.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Steve's life on Wednesday, June 16 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 17 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Caring Health, 3180 Fairview Park Drive,  Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Online tributes and condolences can be made by using the link on this page.

Roger Melvin Vales, 82, of Annapolis, MD passed away on 10 June 2021. Roger was born on 2 May 1939 in Rochester, Minnesota to the late Melvin and Hazel Vales. After graduating from the ROTC program at South Dakota State University, Roger joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961.  A distinguished and interesting career followed as a navigator in the Air Force, highlighted by a tour in Vietnam; flying dignitaries all over the world including Sec. State Henry Kissinger, the Apollo 17 Astronauts, Gov. Ronald Reagan, Sen. George Bush, and President Gerald Ford; and working as an intelligence officer in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Roger continued to serve his country for another 15 years working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, even returning post retirement to support his country after 9/11. He served in many leadership positions at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, overseeing the addition of the Fellowship Hall and the CrossRoads Child Development Center. Roger enjoyed boating, golf, fishing, especially with his grandkids and traveling. 

In addition to his parents Roger was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Dennis. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vonda; sons, Jeffrey and his wife Nicole from Charlottesville, VA, and Christopher and his wife Kerry from Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ; sisters, Joyce Wagner of Grinnell, IA, and Nancy Paczosa of Orland Park, IL; his beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Patrick, Benjamin, Lucas, and Audrey Vales. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Roger’s life on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 6-8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 18 at 10 am at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, 819 W. Central Ave, Davidsonville. Interment with military honors will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation in Roger’s name may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at <a href="http://fightcf.cff.org/goto/TeamFeets2021">TeamFeets</a>.  

Helen Howard Kane, 65 of Edgewater and previously of Riva, MD passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 11, 2021. Helen was born on July 25, 1955 in Washington, DC to the late Robert and Jane Howard. She was retired from the State of MD Central Payroll Bureau as well as the Howard County Department of Finance. Helen enjoyed the experiences with her family and friends whether camping in their motor home or relaxing by her pool. Spending time with her grandchildren, and her lunch and shopping dates with her daughter will be held as cherished memories for all. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Michael Howard Kane. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Michael; her daughter, Michelle Mitchell of Edgewater; sisters, Terri Estep of Riva, Dot Wood and Lisa Gaskins of Edgewater, and Tracy Howard of Odenton; grandchildren, Dylan and Chase Mitchell as well as Michael, Mason and Adriana Kane. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Helen's life with her family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 17 from 5 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 18 at 11 am at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church, 377 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD.  

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

Mary Riley “Minnie” Scherff, 91, a resident of Annapolis, MD for twelve years and previously of Fenwick Island, DE, died on Friday, June 11 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Born on April 30, 1930 in Washington, DC to the late Lloyd and Mary Burrows Kuster, Minnie was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a homemaker and a great cook. Her family always came first and she loved to host them for dinners on holidays and birthdays. Minnie enjoyed gardening and was accomplished in embroidery, cross stitch and crochet. She bowled in a league for many years, loved to dance the jitterbug, was an avid Redskins season ticket holder and fan and enjoyed spending time at her beach house in Fenwick Island, DE.

Minnie was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, William Robert Riley and her husband of 13 years, Roger Scherff and her brother, Robert Kuster.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Kathleen Gibala of Denton, MD, Betty Anne (John) Huntley of St. Helena Island, SC and Sharon Riley (William) Jawish of Annapolis, MD; her stepdaughter, Alison (Alan) Eidsmore of Havre de Grace, MD; her siblings, George Kuster, Harold Wright and Barbara (Steve) McMahon; her grandchildren, William Riley Jawish, Kathleen Riley (John) Kluesner, Kathleen Gail (Rick) Easterling, Sharon Lynn (Tony) Donatelli, Molly Anne (Mustafa) Alrubiee and Ashley Eidsmore; her great-grandchildren, Carson, Colt, Liam, Riley, Sophia, and William.

Friends are invited to celebrate Minnie’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 24 from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Rockville, MD.

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

Obituaries

Edward Wright

Marian Thomas

Daniel Winsky

Kay Taylor

Ruth Hutt

William Dettling, O.P.

Cristina Blancaflor

Margaret Devlin

Benjamin Shadrick

Tyler Martin

Elizabeth Moreland

Anna Chandler

Garfield Mathis

Robert Hurley

Barbara Sullivan

Lillie Byrd

Arlene Palasik

Sigrid Beecher

Eugene Siko

Steve Vricella

Roger Vales

Helen Kane

Mary Scherff

Carolyn Brooks