Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

A celebration of life for Shawn will be held at a later date. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the link on this page.

The LaValley Family of Fort Washington MD is deeply saddened to announce the loss of Lorraine LaValley, who died at her home June 19, 2020.  She was a Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and matriarch of the Sinnott family of Saugertiers, NY, as well a Girl Scout leader and constant taxi driver when her children were young.  Born in Troy, NY January 10, 1922, she was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Ernest A. LaValley, Jr., Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) in 1986, her daughter Patricia Lee LaValley in 2018, and her parents Harold J. Kruse and Alice Sinnott, and brother Donald J. Kruse.

Lorraine graduated from Catholic High in Troy, NY, volunteered as a nursing assistant in Saugerties, NY, attended many family functions at West Point military academy and married Ernest A. LaValley Jr. of Waterveliet, NY upon his commission into the US Army Air Corps in 1944.  As a military wife Lorraine, her husband and growing family changed residences periodically and traveled the globe extensively.  Lt. Col LaValley’s family relocated from station to station within the United States and overseas during the US ballistic and strategic missile development programs until his USAF retirement.  While her husband was deployed, on various assignments, Lorraine would singlehandedly pack the family and household contents and often drive cross-country with young children to tow to their next duty station.  Her last military relocation in 1965 from Vandenburg AFB, in CA to Fort Washington, MD was when her husband was assigned to the Pentagon supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Fort Washington, MD remained her home until her death at age 98.  

Lorraine's St. Ignatius Parish Community of Fort Washington, MD will dearly miss her.  She was a member of the Ladies of Charity, a parish volunteer and a generous benefactor to many local and national catholic charities and organizations.  Lorraine was a member of the Andrews Air Force Base Officer’s Wives Club, and at one time worked tirelessly for Woodward & Lothrop.  Her many sporting interests included being an avid Washington Redskins fan since 1966, a fan of tennis champion Roger Federer, a keen follower of US and international ice-skating competitions, and a WIBC mixed doubles bowling league member.  

Lorraine was a woman of intelligence, beauty, grace, and compassion.  Always soft spoken but with a great sense of humor she always had a kind word for everyone she encountered.  Her wide circle of friends will feel the void of her passing but remember the times they traveled extensively by bus, rail and cruise ships to attend broad-way musicals, luncheons in picturesque locations, shopping excursions, museums and grand garden estates, as well as touring international capitals and far-away lands.  Her national and international travels consisted of voyages aboard the SS United States and the Queen Mary 2 among other ocean vessels.

Her loving memory will be continued in life by her devoted children Carol Ann Genese of Hamilton, NJ, Theresa Joyce Levy of Melbourne, FL, Brian Joseph LaValley of Ft. Washington, MD, and her faithful grandchildren Danica Lyons,-Genese of Hamilton, NJ, Louis James Levy III of Haymarket, VA, and Kerry Genese of New Orleans, LA.  Additionally, Lorraine will be missed by her family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends across the country.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 2:00pm in the St. Ignatius School Auditorium, 2315 Brinkley Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744 preceded by a viewing at 1:00pm on Friday, June 26, 2020. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

Nancy June Wilkinson, 67, a lifelong resident of Arnold, MD died on June 19, 2020, at her home. Born July 1, 1952 in Arnold, MD to the late Winston and Lucielle Phelps, she was employed at the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a seed analyst.  Nancy was a longtime member of Crosspointe Church and enjoyed gardening and camping.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 24-years, Bill Wilkinson and a sister, Lucy Ann Chebat. 

Nancy is survived by four children, Chris Williams of Church Hill, MD, Rebecca Allen of Chesapeake, VA, Steven Wilkinson of Lakewood, CA, and David Wilkinson; four siblings, Frank Phelps of Trappe, MD, Winifred Paige Zeigler of Williamsport, PA, Sandy Champ of Ocala, FL, and Lora Blandford of Edgewater, MD; and seven grandchildren, Jackson, Isabella, Liam, Winston, and Elias Williams, Daniel Allen, and Kora Wilkinson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 11 am at CrossPointe Church, 365 Jones Station Rd, Arnold, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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

Frederick A. Crow, Jr.
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
“Slipping the surly bonds of earth”, Col. Frederick A. Crow, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully, with his eldest son and daughter-in-law at his side, on June 16, 2020 at Baywoods of Annapolis.  Fred was a highly decorated USAF fighter pilot who endured six years of brutal captivity as a Vietnam MIA/POW.  To his surviving children and grandchildren, “Pawpaw” was a true American patriot and hero who will be remembered for his devotion to his beloved wife Mary of 65 years, his gallant and valorous service to his country, his gifted storytelling, and his fun-loving and often mischievous good nature.
Fred’s life was an epic American adventure.  He was born into a Navy family in Gloucester, Massachusetts on February 3, 1926 to Dorothy and Frederick A. Crow, Sr. Along with his younger sister Marylyn, they moved around the country to his father’s various duty stations which included two years living in his father’s hometown of Camilla GA while his father was deployed at sea around Europe, in Cohasset MA, at the lighthouse at Folly Beach SC, in the lighthouse keeper’s house on Dungeness Spit in Washington State, in San Diego, and in Honolulu from 1936 to 1942.  After witnessing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor at age 15 he served as a bicycle messenger on the Naval Base before returning stateside to continue high school in Beverly Massachusetts. 
Fred quit high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in December 1943 and entered the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces in February 1944. At the war’s end he was discharged in October 1945. He finished high school in Beverly while working at various odd jobs including being an orderly at the Beverly hospital, a chauffeur for the Frick family cook and housekeeping staff, a construction laborer, and a patternmaker at the Sylvania factory.  According to Fred, his supervisor at the factory suggested that he was “too dumb to be a patternmaker and should probably consider going to college”.  Fred agreed and took advantage of the GI Bill to matriculate at Cornell University in 1947.  Fred enjoyed his years at Cornell, which included membership in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, ROTC, summer school at Michigan State, and summers working in a vineyard in France and the Rehoboth Beach DE amusement park. He graduated in 1951 with a BA in English, didn’t stick around to collect his diploma, rejoined the U.S. Air Force for pilot training as a newly commissioned 2nd Lt, and was awarded his pilot wings at Stallings AFB North Carolina in June 1952.  
Fred met Mary Morrison, an auburn-haired Tufts graduate and teacher from Medford MA, while on a date with his then fiancé at the Stork Club in Manhattan in the fall of 1952.  He had the opportunity for one dance with Mary and, in his words, was “struck by the thunderbolt”.  After a whirlwind romance they were married in Boston in December 1952, embarking on an exciting and interesting life together.
Fred’s early career as a fighter pilot encompassed assignments flying the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-4 Phantom, and a two- year stint with the 82nd Airborne as a forward air controller.  He and Mary travelled the world as they made their home in numerous locations including Bitburg, Germany; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; Clovis, New Mexico; Fayetteville, NC; Leavenworth, Kansas; Tampa, Florida; Hampton, Virginia; Alexandria Virginia, and Victorville, California.  Along the way they were blessed with four children, Cathy, Rick, Jeff, and Pat.    With Fred often deployed for long periods of time and in perilous situations such as the Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam War, Mary steadfastly raised her family of four, often by herself.  
Fred (and Mary’s) biggest challenge came on Easter Sunday in 1967.  Fred was leading a flight of F-4 Phantoms on a strike in North Vietnam against a target area under withering fire from hostile air defenses and enemy aircraft.  He was hit by a surface-to-air missile, forced to eject, captured and held as a Prisoner of War for six years, three of those years in solitary confinement.  During his captivity in the “Hanoi Hilton” Fred was subjected to mental and physical cruelties by his captors to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials, and was decorated for “resisting these demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”  Fred’s decorations include two Silver Stars for gallantry in action, a Legion of Merit for his resistance to the enemy, two Purple Hearts for injuries received, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, and 22 Air Medals.  At the time of his retirement Fred was the most highly decorated officer on active duty in the Air Force.
Fred returned home as part of “Operation Homecoming” and was reunited with his family on March 7, 1973.  As the ranking officer on his return flight disembarking at Andrews Air Force Base he made the following remarks:
“We come from the prisons of North Vietnam.  Our motto was Unity Before Self.  Our mission was to return with honor.  We have accomplished our task.  What a thrill it was to take off in this big beautiful aircraft from Hanoi with us aboard.  Freedom was ours!  How proud we were to be greeted just a few short hours ago in Honolulu Hawaii as American fighting men returning from battle.  And now we are in the shadow of our nation’s capital, fighting back tears of joy and gratitude.  We have reaped the fruits of our faith and trust in our God, our Commander-in-Chief, our families and all the people of this wonderful, wonderful country and indeed the world who have worked so hard and long to bring us home.  We are indebted to you forever.  America, we love you!”
After briefly being hospitalized at Andrews to recover from his injuries, Fred returned to active service.  He was the President of his class at the National War College in Washington, D.C. and then was assigned as the Vice Wing Commander of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing at George AFB, California.  His final assignment was at Langley AFB in Hampton Virginia, where he retired from the Air Force on October 1, 1981.  Fred and Mary resided in Hampton for twenty-three years, and then Williamsburg VA for ten years before moving to Baywoods in Annapolis, Maryland in 2013.
Fred dabbled at real estate sales in retirement. Mostly he “carried the water” for Mary who was a very successful realtor on the Virginia Peninsula for 25 years after his retirement.  He enjoyed working as a docent and resident storyteller at the Virginia Air & Space Museum, serving on the annual United Way Campaign committee, attending weekly breakfasts with his buddies at the pancake house, giving speeches every Memorial Day, gardening, and visiting his family and an extensive network of friends around the world.  He was also quite fond of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, rhythm and blues and Hawaiian music, fat cocktail onions in his gin, and his dune-top perch at their Nags Head NC beach place. He loved to torment Mary and delight his grandchildren by wearing his ratty red bandana around his head all week while at the beach.  His daughter and daughters-in-law loved that he could be counted on to peel the potatoes most Thanksgivings.  Most of all Fred loved life, his country, the USAF, and his family, always providing them a shining example of integrity, humor, selfless humility, and boundless love.
Fred was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Super Sabre Society, the Daedalians, and the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association.   He was the recipient of many civilian honors over the years including his fraternity’s highest honor of Induction into the “Order of West Range” at the 2018 Pi Kappa Alpha International Convention. On Veterans Day 2015 Fred was met at the airport by the Cornell Marching Band, honored by Cornell University as the most decorated Cornell Alumnus of the Vietnam War, and was added to the Cornell PIKA Chapter’s Wall of Fame.
Surviving members of his family include his three sons, Frederick A.  Crow, III (Charlotte) of Davidsonville, MD, Jeffrey F. Crow (Joan) of Moseley, VA, and LTC (Ret.) C. Patrick Crow (Madrienne) of Palm City, FL, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  His beloved wife Mary predeceased Fred in 2017. His cherished daughter, Cathryn C. Gilmore, predeceased him nine years ago also on June 16th.  The family extends sincere gratitude to his private caretaker Cynthia Cline-Thomas and the numerous nurses, caregivers, and staff at the Assisted Living and Health Care Center at Baywoods of Annapolis who provided compassionate and loving care to both Fred and Mary over the last several years.
There will be no visitation for Colonel Crow due to Covid-19 precautions.  Memorial Services with Full Military Honors will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 11 AM at the Old Post Chapel at Ft. Myer, with interment to follow in Arlington National Cemetery.
Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Frances S. Heinrich passed away on June 16, 2020 at the age of 92 during the COVID 19 pandemic. She was the mother of three beautiful daughters, a lifelong student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a devout lover of music and the arts which brought her great joy throughout her life and till the end, a devout Catholic who was deeply grounded in her faith and which carried her through all of the good and difficult times, a great adventurer who was always game for exploring, an accomplished photographer who documented her family and life so well, and a person with a quick sense of humor that revealed itself in her latter years and endeared her to many.  Frances’ ability to continually grow and discover beauty, no matter what her age or condition, was all inspiring. 

Born to Mildred and Frank Scaglia on February 27, 1928, Frances grew up in Connecticut and was a proud graduate of Mount St. Joseph’s Academy in West Hartford.  She married Carl Heinrich on October 14, 1950 and they were blessed with 50 years of marriage and three daughters, Kathleen, Carleen and Susan.
While raising her daughters, Frances began taking part-time college classes at the University of Hartford.  She did this while also working as an administrative assistant at Northwest Catholic High School and then as an executive assistant at Connecticut General Life Insurance over a span of 16 years.  She was ahead of her times in many ways. 

A great highlight of Frances’ life was living in Brussels, Belgium for three years while Carl, an executive at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, worked on a NATO contract.  Always the student, she studied French, took various classes and even taught her beloved beagle, Ernie, to respond to commands in French.  Frances delighted in exploring all of Europe and documented their extensive travels through her photography.  She would have made a wonderful travel writer.  

Upon returning to the US, Frances and Carl relocated to Fairfield, Connecticut where she resumed her college classes and ultimately earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Fairfield in her 50’s.  Family and friends alike were proud of her.

Following Carl’s death in 2005, Frances moved to be near her daughter, Carleen, in Maryland.  Frances lived at Ginger Cove in Annapolis, Maryland for ten years where she was cared for by a loving and attentive staff that sang and danced with her daily.  She came to find great peace and happiness there.   

Frances is survived by her daughter, Carleen Heinrich and son-in-law, Lawrence Whyte of Wilmington, North Carolina, her daughter Susan Heinrich Wells and son-in-law, David Wells of San Diego, California, son-in-law Chris Tiejen of Guilford, Connecticut, and her dearest friend, Laura Benso of Deep River, Maryland, who Frances considered to be her fourth daughter.  Her oldest daughter, Kathleen Heinrich of Guilford, Connecticut, predeceased Frances in 2016. 

Frances is also survived by an extended family, including two step grandsons and their spouses, Joseph and Daniella Whyte, Michael Whyte and fiancé Eni Baballari, and two great grandchildren, Maria Victoria and Joe Joe Whyte, who joyously entertained Frances when visiting. 
God bless you Fran.  We will all miss you dearly and remember you fondly.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Holy Family Church, 826 West Central Avenue in Davidsonville, MD on Thursday, July 30th at 12 noon.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https:/act.alz.org/donate).

Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Regine Adela “Jean” Farley of Edgewater and previously Hyattsville, MD, passed away at the age of 100 on June 15, 2020 at Brightview South River.  Born February 3, 1920 in Dante, SD to the late Frank J. and Matilda M. Hamberger Hakl, Jean graduated from high school and began a 20-year banking career in Wagner, SD.  Later, while living in San Francisco, CA, Jean worked in the business office of a parking garage.  After her marriage, Jean focused on making a comfortable home for her husband and children and supporting them in all their pursuits.  She was an active parishioner at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hyattsville where she was a member of the parish’s Senior Club and Ladies’ Sodality.  Jean also enjoyed reading, shopping at yard sales and antique stores, and traveling with her husband.  Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends.  Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Robert D. Farley who died in 1992; her brother, Steven J. Hakl and sisters, Bertha D. Petrik, Sylvie Hakl, Lillian C. Knott and Marthe M. Gordon.  She is survived by her children, Robert Farley and Mary Farley; two grandchildren, Daniel Farley and Melissa Bell and many nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be private.   Jean will be buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 91 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.

Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Richard Orme Taylor, a 16 year resident of Annapolis, MD and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, DE, died on Monday, June 15, 2020 at his home in Annapolis, MD. Dick was born on September 29, 1925 in Washington, DC and served in the US Army, attended George Washington University and retired from C&P Telephone Co. after many years of service. He enjoyed woodworking and photography. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Conway Taylor; father of Linda T. Stroud of Bluffton, SC and Robin T. (Tony) Bunte of Germantown, MD and grandfather of Rebecca S. (Jody) Bond, Valerie L. Mocca and A. Justin Mocca. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Rd., Ste. D, Timonium, MD 21093. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Sean Marie Hendley, age 33, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 in Brandywine, MD. She was born in Clinton, MD on March 9, 1987 to Sean Allen and Mary Ann Anderson. 

She was a homemaker that was home schooling her sons and also owned a small jewelry business. 

She is survived by her husband, Dennis M. Hendly; her sons, James, age 9, and Dennis, age 10; her mother, Mary Ann Anderson; her grandmother, Mae Anderson; her two sisters, Mariah Anderson and Ashley Crowe; her uncle and aunt, Ralph and Hazel Maunder. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Sean's Life Celebration on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Service and interment Private at a later date. 

Jean C. Worley of Crownsville, MD, passed away June 14th after a brief illness. She was born in Riverdale, MD on September 5, 1943, to the late Irving R. and Evelyn (Collins) Worley. Jean spent most of her life in Maryland and graduated from Regina High School in Hyattsville in 1961. She worked for General Electric in Washington, D.C., and California. Jean returned to the area in the early 1970s where she was employed as the Office Manager for the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi in Washington, D.C. until her retirement in 2005 after a 33-year career with them.

Jean enjoyed watching all sports and above all the Washington Redskins and was a lifelong devoted fan. She loved the outdoors, and all things of nature. Jean went fishing and boating on the Chesapeake every chance she got. She was also an avid reader, gardener, and enjoyed cooking.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by a sister Delores (Worley) Warner. She is survived by a brother Don Worley and his wife Hope; her nieces and nephews, Sharon Dillon, Stephen Worley, Ray Worley, Kelly Worley and Patrick Worley and his wife Julie; grandnephews and grandnieces, Beca Compo, Cora Compo, Lucca Worley, and Conall Worley; and her beloved dog Cade.

Funeral services will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the link on this page.

John Venuti, 72, a 5-year resident of Crofton and previously of Davidsonville and Harwood, MD, passed away at his home on June 13, 2020.  Born on May 14, 1948 in Chester, PA to the late Mariann D. and Samuel P. Venuti, Sr., John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Mt. St. Mary’s College and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1973 from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University.  He worked as an attorney specializing in tax law at the accounting firms of Arthur Andersen and KPMG.  John was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville.  He was a passionate father and loved spending time with his six children, volunteering at their various music and sports activities.  He was also a loving son, brother and friend.  

John is survived by his children, Christopher John (Kristen) Venuti of Baltimore, MD, Nancy (Jake) Lydon of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Theodore S. (Meli) Venuti of Annapolis, MD, Jeremiah L. (Allison) Venuti of Crofton, and Vincent V. and Nicholas R. Venuti, both of Davidsonville; one brother, Samuel Venuti, Jr. of Thorndale, PA; two sisters, Janet Griesbach of Abingdon, VA and Louise Anne Venuti of Aston, PA; two grandsons, William John Venuti and Liam Lydon; two granddaughters, Eleanore Grace Venuti and Leila Lydon; and a large extended family.  John touched many lives and will be forever remembered, loved and missed.

No services are being planned at this time.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony's Purse at St. Leo’s Parish in Little Italy by accessing: GiveCentral.org ,entering St. Leo’s Parish under the FIND YOUR CHARITY tab and then selecting VIEW MORE.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab on this page.



A memorial service for Daniel will be held at a later date. Please take a moment and leave the family a condolence by using the Tab on this page.

LeRoy G. “Lee” Banschbach passed away on June 13, 2020. He will be missed by his many family and friends. He is survived by his children, Scheryl, Erica, Victor, Brian, Chris, Julie, Dian and their families. Over the years, he traveled to many places and made many friends. We bless him and hope his journey is joyous. Memorial service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 25 at 10 am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favored charities: USO, Operation Smile or Toys for Tots. Condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Bruce O'Neill, age 71, passed away on June 12, 2020, after a brief illness. An Annapolis resident, Bruce was born and raised in Baltimore where he attended Loyola High School and Loyola College ('70). 

A lifelong educator, Bruce started his career in Baltimore City Public Schools and taught last at Arundel High School, where he also was the assistant softball coach. While his children were young, Bruce coached many sports for Rolling Knolls youth sports leagues and spent countless hours cheering for the Annapolis Panthers and St. Mary's Seahawks. After retiring, he enjoyed a brief stint working at Dawson's Liquors in Severna Park. He was an avid reader, enjoyed golfing, and time spent with family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise; daughter, Allison (Pete von Loewe); son, Matthew (Elizabeth Hollick); brother, David and nephews, Brian, David, and Seamus, as well as extended family and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John James; mother, Alice (Mitchell) and sister, Gail. 

Services have been postponed, celebration of life details are forthcoming.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Loyola Early Learning Center and Maryland Federation of Art. 

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Link at the top of this page.




Margaret Ann Harden

May 25 1952 - June 12 2020

 
Our dear Margaret Ann passed away peacefully after a short illness.

 Margaret graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in Washington, DC. After graduation she worked

at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. The remainder of her career was spent working

at The US Census Bureau in Suitland, MD.

Margaret was preceded in death by Joseph W. Harden (Father) and Kathleen M. Harden (Mother).  

She is survived by siblings Joseph Harden, Patrick Harden (Catherine), James Harden (Svitlana),

Mary Foster (Craig), Kathleen Harden (Frank Corsney) and niece Wendy Kirkpatrick, and nephews

Bryan Harden, Alex Foster, Casey Foster, Kyle Foster, Aunts Mary Margaret McMahon and Sister

Rose Marie Canty, CSC, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

 

Marie Therese Vaillant ("Memere"), 89, of Pickerington, OH and previously of Oxon Hill and Fort Washington, MD, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Marie was born on December 24, 1930 in Woonsocket, RI to the late Antonio and Georgette (nee Cournoyer) Lebrun. Marie met her husband, Normand, in Woonsocket and they moved to Maryland, settling in Oxon Hill where they would raise their family.

Marie lived in Oxon Hill and Fort Washington for 54 years and was very active in the St. Columba Parish. She attended mass daily and served as a eucharistic minister and a member of the Sodality. She was also a member of the local Red Hats Society. Marie attended bio-aerobics and jazzercise classes at the YMCA and the Tucker Road Community Center for many years, and she continued with YMCA classes after moving to Ohio in 2016 to live with her daughter.

Marie was kind to everyone and never spoke a harsh word. Keeping in touch with friends and family through cards and letters brought her great joy. Above all, Marie was a servant to God and a loving mother and grandmother. We will always remember her welcoming smile and her endless energy and enthusiasm.

Marie was preceded in death by her brother, Marc Lebrun, and her husband, Normand Vaillant. She is survived by her son, Marc (Brenda) Vaillant; daughter, Jackie (Bob) Neilon; and four grandchildren, Kevin (Amber) Neilon, Brian (Jen) Neilon, Laura Neilon, and Nicholas Vaillant.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday June 19 from 9:00 to 10:15am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill. Interment (private) will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall link at the top of this page.


Annabelle King, 84, a resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Davidsonville, MD, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at her home.

Born July 13, 1935, in Buckhorn, PA to the late Clarence and Mildred Frantz, she graduated from Altoona High School.  Annabelle was employed as a service representative at Lucent Technologies until her retirement.  She was a longtime member of Eastport United Methodist Church, as well as an active volunteer at the South County Senior Center and Heritage Harbour Caring Network.  Annabelle enjoyed genealogy, stained glass, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Harry Frantz and Wanda Kauffman.  

Annabelle is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Arthur Jay King; two daughters, Erin Hollamon and husband Vassie, and Maureen Dickerson, all of Davidsonville, MD; five siblings, James, Clayton, and Terry Frantz, Darlene Denny, and Michele Robison; eight grandchildren, Vassie Tad, Hannah and her husband Daniel Rodriguez, Kathryn, Rebecca, and Charles Hollamon, Kristen, Carly, and Ian Dickerson; and two great-grandsons, Trent Fischer and Torin Henry Jacobs.

Friends are invited to celebrate Annabelle's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 18, 2020 from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 11am.  A private interment will be held at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville.  Memorial contributions may be made in Annabelle's name to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122, South County Senior Center, 27 Stepneys Ln., Edgewater, MD 21037, or Eastport United Methodist Church, 926 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403.

Online condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Frances Ann Hartley departed peacefully and entered into eternal rest at home in Accokeek, Maryland on Wednesday June 10, 2020. Frances was born on July 19, 1955 to the late Bertha Lucille Jones & Roosevelt Jones in Washington, DC. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Mitchell Washington and her brother, Anthony Roosevelt Jones.

Frances grew up in Foggy Bottom where she graduated from Western High School (now known as The Duke Ellington School of Arts) in Washington, DC. Frances continued her education at Federal City College where she earned her Associates Degree in Business Administration. Frances was employed by The American Society For Training And Development for 22 years. Afterwards in 2004, she began work for The United States Senate Federal Credit Union where she was a Phone Administrator/ATM Specialist. Frances made life long friends and had maintained many of those friendships over the years. Frances enjoyed work until becoming ill, which led her to retirement.

In her early years, Frances enjoyed playing basketball and tennis. She had several hobbies, but fishing, football which she was avid Redskins fan and working in her yard were her favorites. Due to her love for her home and her community aesthetics, she recently became a member of her neighborhood HOA Board chairing the Landscape Committee. Frances was fond of animals, especially Great Danes, and had a special place in her heart for Justice.

Frances leaves to cherish her loving memory: her daughter, Angela Hartley; her two sisters, Jennifer Taliaferro and Carolyn Jones- Claiborne; one aunt, Janice Hartley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

On June 10, 2020, Gweneth Maria Estelle DeMesme, affectionately known as Maria, age 88, passed away at Montefiore Medical Center in New York following a brief illness.
 
Maria was born on October 13, 1931, in New Orleans, LA, to Charles P & Gweneth E (Duncan) DeMesme. She was the youngest of 9 children.
 
After finishing Catholic high school, the very spirited young Maria left her childhood home in New Orleans to travel to New York where two brothers resided. She made a home and remained in her beloved Bronx. She was described as a foodie but not a cook, sociable but reserved, spiritual rather than religious, direct but generous. She was known to be meticulous in her style of hair and the clothes she wore. Her long-time friend fondly recalled how she loved to dance and have a good time with an occasional high-ball in her hand. Maria was a caregiver.  She had a desire to nurture others which led her to work as a nurse’s aide at Bellevue Hospital, NY.  On one occasion, it was shared, Maria helped her landlady paint and prepare her new upstate lodge for occupancy. A devoted friend,  Maria looked after her dear friend’s mother in her absence. As her own mother aged, Maria welcomed her into her home until her passing in 1989. Inspired by Maria’s giving heart, a number of her nieces and nephews were privileged to visit with her in her home and assist her in her later years at Grand Manor, Bronx, NY, where she was a resident for the past 5 years.
 
Family recalled Maria’s rich laugh and the warm smile highlighting her deep dimples as well as the debating skills which revealed her keen intelligence. Like her brothers, she thoroughly enjoyed a good football game as well as “playing the numbers” and the state lottery.
 
Maria cared about fairness and justice, prompting her to attend the his-toric 1963 Great March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with her brothers. This spirit led her to a second career as a correctional officer in the Bronx, NY. There she worked until she reportedly was involved in a prisoner rebellion where she was held hostage.  Soon after she retired on disability after sustaining a back injury during the incident.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Eulalia, Charles, Thaddeus, Alpheus, Alexander, Mayther Coralee (Downing), Magnus Emmanuel, and Kenneth DeMesme. We can only imagine their loving arms reaching out to welcome her home.
 
She is survived by a devoted extended family consisting of a host of nieces, nephews, and their families who reside in New York, Maryland, Texas, Washington, DC, California, and Florida.
 
A graveside service will be held Thursday, August, 20, 2020, at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodward Road, Clinton, MD, immediately following an 11:00 memorial service at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, MD.


Orlando Seismundo Lagman, age 83, of Forest Heights, MD passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly, MD. He was born July 11, 1936 in the Philippines to the late Federico and Mercedes Lagman. 
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lucrecia M. Lagman.  He was a devoted father of three children, Orlando M.Lagman, Frederick Lagman and wife Maria Luisa (Malou), and Abigail Strawberry and husband Charles.  He also had seven grandchildren, Orlando Gage Lagman, Amanda Lagman, Harrison “Tommy” Lagman, Isaiah Strawberry, Nehemiah Strawberry, Noah Strawberry and Federico S.Lagman who affectionately called him Lolo or Pop-Pop. He is also survived by his siblings, Feodor Lagman and Edith Abuan and husband Mike of the Philippines and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceeded in death by his parents, Federico and Mercedes Lagman and siblings, Oswaldo O, Oswaldo S, Benedicto, Delia, Armando, Rogelio and Rosie Lagman.
He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with an Associate’s degree in Painting and the University of Philippines with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. He then joined the US Navy where he served for six years as a staff artist to the Curator of the U.S. Navy Museum in Washington, D.C. After leaving the Navy, Orlando started his career as a professional portrait artist which led him to become a highly decorated “world-renowned portrait artist”.  He painted all types of sacred art, religious leaders, foreign dignitaries, political leaders, athletes and entertainers as well as landscapes, seascapes and still life portraits. He was recently honored by the Mayor of Urdaneta with the “Native Son of Urdaneta” Special Award of Recognition and donated a portrait of the Divine Mercy to the Diocese of Urdaneta during his last visit to the Philippines earlier this year.  He was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD and previously at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Fort Washington, MD.

Relatives and friends are invited to Orlando’s Life Celebration at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 100 Village St., Waldorf, MD 20602 on Wednesday, June 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Orlando’s Life Celebration at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Thursday, June 25 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. (Currently St. Columba is limited in the number of guests that can attend, please check back for updated information). Interment private currently.


Please also visit his website for even more biographical information and photos: www.orlandoslagman.com


Nancy Susan Lyons, 65, of Crownsville, MD, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020, surrounded by her family at her home.  Born on August 12, 1954, in Parsippany, NJ to Mary (Dornik) Potosnak and the late George Potosnak, she graduated from Douglass College-Rutgers University.  Nancy was employed at the USDA Food and Nutrition Service as a Senior Policy Analyst. She was a longtime member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Annapolis, MD.  Nancy enjoyed gardening, politics, and traveling to Kennebunkport, Maine, Italy, and New York City. She especially loved hosting family and friends, as well as spending time with her girls. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine.  A memorial service is being planned for sometime in the fall.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy's name to either the Indian Creek School Arts Annual Fund or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Indian Creek School: <a href="https://indiancreekschool.myschoolapp.com/page/creek-community/make-a-difference/make-a-gift-now?siteId=1120&ssl=1">https://indiancreekschool.myschoolapp.com/page/creek-community/make-a-difference/make-a-gift-now?siteId=1120&ssl=1</a>

Hospice of the Chesapeake: <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/</a>

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

BoB Oechsler, 71, a 40-year resident of Edgewater, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, June 6, 2020 after a 2 ½ year battle with small cell lung cancer. 

BoB was born on April 1, 1949 in Washington, DC to the late Goldie Dobbins and SFC James Allen Miller. He was lovingly adopted at an early age by the late Edie and Lt Col Robert Oechsler. 

During his adolescence, BoB’s family lived in Turkey. While there, he enjoyed their culture and quickly learned to speak Turkish. During that time, he played baseball and was a youth swimming champion. He held several swimming records and excelled as a catcher as well as many other positions in baseball.  

After becoming an Eagle Scout and graduating from Surrattsville High School in 1967, BoB joined the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years during the Vietnam war in Laos and Cambodia where he was an announcer as well as a television and radio production technologist. He received six medals and honors throughout his service. Upon returning home, he studied Accounting and Architecture at the University of Maryland.

A large portion of BoB’s life focused on robotics and UFO investigations. Most notably the work on the Guardian (Unsolved Mysteries) and Gulf Breeze (1988). While working with NASA, he explored robotic sciences and created groundbreaking remote-controlled machines.  

A proud American with a diverse knowledge of politics, languages and a self-taught engineer, BoB cherished all of his family and friends. He had expert backgammon skills, the ability to fix or create anything and always time to talk. BoB valued many things in life including a passion for sports. His teams were the Washington Redskins; Wizards; Nationals; Capitals; San Francisco Giants and the Maryland Terrapins. He read the Washington Post every day, stayed current on all world news and was a member of All Hallows Parish.

His talent on the conga drums will be missed by all who had the opportunity to hear and see him play. 

BoB is survived by his wife, Kirsten; children, Dan Oechsler of Tampa, FL (Custom Builder and Musician), Tracey Tio (fiancé Steve Fahey) of Alexandria, VA (Geospatial Engineer), and Skylar Deichmann of Edgewater (University of South Carolina Student); siblings, James A Oechsler of FL, Donna Williams of DE, Betty Windsor of MD, Will Oechsler of CO, and Scott Oechsler of GA; as well as, Jim A Miller II, of PA, Steve Miller of England, Virginia "Ginny" Lyon of MD, Barbara Glaze of NC, Joan Miller and Susan Miller; grandsons, Daniel Gavin and Desmond Layne Tio both of Alexandria, VA; many cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom he loved. 

An outdoor service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:30 AM at All Hallows’ Parish, 3600 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. A reception will be held immediately following the service at 1: 00 PM at London Towne Community Hall,170 Mayo Rd, Edgewater, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in BoB's memory to All Hallows Episcopal Church (send directly to the church: All Hallows Episcopal Church, 3600 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037); or to Small Cell Lung Cancer Research by clicking <a href="https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31272&mfc_pref=T&31272.donation=form1">HERE</a>

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

Kathleen Talty, a Baltimore resident of nearly 40 years, passed away surrounded by family on June 6, 2020. She was a daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend of fierce loyalty and endless generosity. A litigation attorney for four decades, she was a wise cracking Irish Catholic from day one. She is remembered as a tenacious community advocate, an unforgettable neighbor, and a beloved “Kackie” to children of all ages. 

Kathleen was born in Garden City, NY, on July 10, 1953, to the late Peter and Kathryn (née Ryan) Talty. Long after she left Long Island, her New York accent returned any time she witnessed an injustice or was involved in a traffic altercation. She was a proud and active alumna of Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, NY, and Trinity College in the District of Columbia, where she served as class president. After receiving a JD from the University of Baltimore, she practiced employment law at Kruchko & Fries and FordHarrison LLP until her retirement in 2019.

She moved to Baltimore in the early 1980s, living first in Mount Vernon and, since 1992, in Wyman Park. She was an active member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and deeply involved in local political causes, and there wasn’t a neighborhood debate that she wasn’t in the thick of. Kids from adjoining houses knew her door was always open and her candy dish was always full. A wonderful cook and dedicated knitter of odd shapes, she also cried at every funeral, whether or not she knew the deceased.

Irrepressible, irreverent, generous at heart, God broke the mold with Kathleen Talty. She is survived by her sister Maureen Konschnik (Dave), brother Peter Talty III (Linda), nieces Kate Konschnik, Alexandra Talty, and Seton Talty, nephew David Konschnik (Monica), and great nieces Anna and Lucy Konschnik. She also leaves behind an extended family of cousins, neighbors and friends, and many grieving hearts.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 12 at 11am.  NOTE: Due to COVID-19, the Mass will be private.  However, those interested may follow the Mass via live streaming using one of the following links:

https://youtu.be/JGtdekVdYes

https://st-ignatius.net/livestream/

A full celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held at a later date.  Interment at St. John Cemetery in Middle Village, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Loyola Early Learning Center, 801 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 and Loaves & Fishes Ministry of Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, 740 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, 21202.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall link at the top of this page.


Creede Albert Fitzhugh, son of the late Milton and Marie Fitzhugh was born on June 5, 1925 in Washington D.C.  The oldest of four siblings, he was preceded in death by his brother Milton, and sisters Lillian and Sylvia. He was educated in the D.C public school system and graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in 1943.

After high school, Creede was drafted into the army where he served a short while as a Private.  After an honorable discharge he began a 37-year career with the Department of Defense as a Communications Specialist.  He retired from DoD in 1980.  

Following his retirement, his strong work ethic compelled him to pursue a second career.  He served as Bailiff at the Circuit Court of Prince George’s County, Maryland.  He was known affectionately as “Mr. Fitz”, and was a respected presence there for more than 20 years.  

Creede met Lois Groves, and they married on August 23, 1958, and together they had two daughters, Nedra and Marlene.  He also was like a dad to his first niece Diane.  Prior to his marriage to Lois, he had a son, Gerald. 

Anyone who knew Creede knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.  He enjoyed sports, music, photography, cars, lots of outside activities, good food, friends, cookouts, conversation and most of all spending time with family.  His generosity, sense of humor, and his loving heart will always be remembered.  

Creede is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Lois Fitzhugh; a son Gerald Fitzhugh (the late Shirley), and two daughters Nedra Hunter and Marlene Fitzhugh (Steve Atkins); seven grandchildren: Richard Hunter, Jr. (Shakita), Keith Fitzhugh, Raymond Hunter, Marcellis Atkins, Gerald Fitzhugh II (Arlenia), Kim Ramsey (David), Valerie Kull (Raivo); ten great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 





Obituaries

Michael Haley

Lorraine LaValley

Nancy Wilkinson

Col. Frederick Crow, Jr.

Frances Heinrich

Regine Farley

Ruth Herr

Richard Taylor

Sean Hendley

Jean Worley

John Venuti

Daniel Brogden

LeRoy Banschbach

Bruce O'Neill

Margaret Harden

Marie Vaillant

Annabelle King

Frances Hartley

Gweneth DeMesme

Orlando Lagman

Nancy Lyons

Robert Oechsler

Kathleen Talty

Creede Fitzhugh