Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Westley Randolph Wright, born April 7, 1960, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, October 4, 2024, after a fourteen-year battle with cancer.

Westley was born at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC to the late John Delmas (JD) and Wilanda Ray (Pat) Wright. He spent his childhood in Washington, DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland. He was raised in the Catholic Faith and attended St. Gabriel Elementary School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Landover Hills. A proud Purple Eagle, he graduated from the Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC in 1978 and began his collegiate career at Marquette University.

Throughout his youth, Westley was consistently involved in school and community sports and extracurricular activities that enhanced his knowledge of the world, including summer internships at the Naval Surface Warfare Center White Oak in Silver Spring and Kauai, Hawaii.

Westley transferred from Marquette and graduated from Howard University in 1986, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at Howard University, he pledged the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and crossed on August 20, 1983, the sole survivor of his pledge line. During high school and college, Westley forged many lasting friendships and built strong relationships with friends he considered to be his brothers and sisters.

Westley began his professional career in the federal government working as a Project Engineer at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Shortly thereafter, he met his wife, Karen Addison. They were married on August 24, 1991, and their union produced two beautiful daughters, Hillary Morgan and Jillian Nicole. Westley and Karen were married for 33 years. Westley loved these three women dearly, and their lives together were the most important aspect of his life. An original “girl dad” he was immensely proud of his daughters' talents and accomplishments.

Westley earned his Master of Business Administration at Marymount University in 1993 while working at NAVAIR. After leaving NAVAIR, he worked at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters followed by the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked as a manager, in the Technology Development & Advanced Concepts Division until his death. Westley loved his job and work family. He valued his team’s individual and collective accomplishments and advocated for their career advancement.

Westley enjoyed life! He was a devout Catholic whose deep faith was evident in every aspect of it. A passionate sports fan, he particularly loved football, golf, and basketball. He was OBSESSED with LSU football and attended a few games while his youngest daughter, Jillian attended college there. He loved to spend time surrounded by family and friends. Friendships were the bedrock of his being, and he treated each relationship in a special way. The words that best describe his life are faith, family, and friends.

Westley is predeceased by his parents, JD and Pat Wright. He is survived by his wife, Karen Wright of Mitchellville, Maryland; daughters, Hillary (Tylesa) of Washington, DC and Jillian of Brooklyn, New York; brother, Jeffrey (Lenka) Wright of Felton, Delaware; aunts, Violet Ray Jamison and Shirley McDonald; father- and mother-in-law, Wilbur and Aurella; brother-in-law, Brian; nieces, Bernitta, Janal, Amber, and Taylore; as well as many loving cousins and great-nephews.

A wake will be held at Kalas Funeral Home (6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745) on October 21 from 6-8 PM. At 7 PM, there will be a ceremony by Westley's fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.

On October 22, a viewing will be held from 10 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church: 2020 St Josephs Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking on this link:  <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stjosephlargo">Livestream</a>
Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery: 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. The Homegoing Services will conclude as family and friends are invited to join a repast at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the <a href="https://give.themmrf.org/give/278264/donation/checkout?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgrO4BhC2ARIsAKQ7zUkTAiG8EPdaU42hC2IAoOwjQ5uX1cdZY3Ej_ypweSYof1Ky1E1ijisaAiXWEALw_wcB#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MMRF%20%7C%20Perf-Max%20Test">Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation</a> and/or <a href="https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=search&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=21603275924&utm_adgroupid=169792393161&utm_keyword=american%20cancer%20society&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgrO4BhC2ARIsAKQ7zUnK6HMh5Zu2YnLxmzlq-XIv_u8Emp7cBF2nKbplgp-XHVBRSNNGc-UaAu3XEALw_wcB">The American Cancer Society</a>

Joseph William Rahall III, 76, passed away on Thursday Oct 3, 2024 surrounded by his family at his home.  Born January 2, 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph & Helen Rahall (Brock), Joe was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

A graduate of Boston Technical High School in 1966, Joe also had a special love for the time he spent at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire growing up.   With a deep-seated love of country and true patriotic spirit, Joe enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time, Joe married his wife of 55 years Mary Ann Rahall [Drake] on Nov 1, 1969.

After being honorably discharged from the service, Joe studied engineering and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC in 1975.

Joe took his dream Job working for the Department of Defense upon his graduation, continuing his commitment to serve America. His work at NAVSEA focused on the United States Nuclear Submarine Program, specifically the Trident Submarine Program. Joe loved NAVSEA and would call it home for his entire forty-plus year career.

While Joe found fulfillment from his career accomplishments, his greatest joy remained his his family. Joe and Mary were blessed to have two children, daughter Julie Rahall Casalino [Joe] and son Joseph William Rahall IV [Erica]. In recent years, Joe’s passion for family grew from loving father and husband to doting grandfather with the addition of his granddaughter [Lexi] and grandson [Joseph William Rahall V].

Consistent with a life of giving back, Joe was an avid volunteer in his community, especially in Southern Maryland. He donated his time and technical skills in the field of computers and networking to St. Peter’s School in Waldorf and St. Mary’s Ryken High School. He acted as a coach for both Julie and Joe’s Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams; and later served as judge at competitions for both organizations.

Joe is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joe's Life Celebration on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 11:45 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 12:45 pm. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745.  Interment to follow with military honors at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, MD 20623 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to <a href="https://goodwinliving.org/giving/donate/">Goodwin Hospice</a>

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

Shirley Ann Owen (Barham), 86, passed peacefully to the Lord on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Brightview Assisted Living in Edgewater, MD.  She was surrounded by her family when she entered the gates of Heaven.

Shirley was born July 16, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to the late Roscoe Holland Barham and Thelma Virginia Barham. The family lived in Arlington, VA, where Shirley attended public schools and graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1956.

She met Lee T. “Sonny” Owen, the man who would later become the love of her life, at a carnival in Deale, MD when she was just 15 years old.  Shirley worked for the Federal Reserve System for six years after graduating high school.  She and Sonny wed in 1960 in Arlington, VA, and were married for 58 years until his death in 2018. Early in their marriage, they lived in Bladensburg, MD, and moved to Hillsmere Shores in 1962, where they lived in the same house until 2018.

Shirley loved people and had numerous employments, but two especially unique careers. For 25 years, she was a newspaper carrier for the Annapolis Evening Capital, delivering up to 700 papers per day throughout the Hillsmere Shores community. Shirley was known for her dependability and congeniality.  

She was also an Avon representative and was especially proud of having been recognized as an elite member of the Avon Presidents Club. The relationships she developed with her clients over 25 years made it especially difficult for her to retire.  

Shirley was always known as a wonderfully caring and giving person. She was a lifelong member of Eastport United Methodist Church, where she worked tirelessly for many years for the annual Peach Festival. Shirley and Sonny loved gardening and had an award-winning yard in their community.  They also were competitive and passionate bowlers early in their marriage.  Shirley loved to travel with family and friends and took many trips to the mountains of Tennessee, the Amish Country of Pennsylvania, and the beach for the sunshine she loved, among other destinations.  Shirley enjoyed music and dancing and brought fun to every gathering she attended.  Her children were her pride and joy, and she was devoted to her grandchildren.   

Shirley is survived by her children, David (Amanda) Owen of Harwood, MD, and Debbie (Karl) Allen of Lothian, MD, and three grandchildren, Ryan, Karlee Allen, and Nathan Owen. She is also survived by her brother, Roscoe F. (Bud) Barham of South Carolina, and two nephews, Michael J. Barham and S. Douglas Barham of Virginia.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley's life on Thursday, October 17, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18, at 11:00 am at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Annapolis, MD.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's name to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. 

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Lorraine Catherine Wright, 92, of Annapolis, died peacefully with dignity and grace on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

She was born to the late William and Mae McLaughlin on February 10, 1932, in Woodbury, NJ. In addition to her parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Harry F. Wright, Jr.; her son, Douglas C. Wright; and her brother, William J. McLaughlin, Jr. 
Lorraine and Harry moved from New Jersey to Severna Park, Maryland, in 1964. They lived in Oakleigh Forest for many years, where Lorraine loved her neighbors and enjoyed beautifying the community with her talents in gardening and decorating. They later moved to Bayberry Hill in Crownsville, where Lorraine and Harry loved being surrounded by nature and their views of the Severn River.  More recently, Lorraine lived in Heritage Harbor, Annapolis, and cherished her conversations with neighbors.

Lorraine often spoke of joyful memories growing up with her brother in New Jersey, where they were surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles.  Throughout her life, she also loved spending time at the South Jersey Shore in Sea Isle, Wildwood Crest, and Cape May, NJ. A talented artist, Lorraine spent many hours expressing her creativity through china painting, ceramics, and Japanese silk art. 

She is survived by three children: Harry (Linda) Wright, III, of Arnold, MD; Lonni (Phil) Pitis of North Wales, PA; and Gregory (Deborah) Wright of Laurel, MD. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Mark, Scott, and Tyler Pitis; Samantha (Chip) Leigh; Melanie and Alexandria Wright; and four great-grandchildren: Luke Pitis and Reighlyn, Forrest, and Adelaide Leigh.

Friends are invited to celebrate Lorraine’s life on Saturday, October 5, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Graveside service and interment will follow at 2 pm at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to Lorraine’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A memorial fund in her name has been established at this link: <a href="https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?px=8596629&pg=personal&fr_id=154020">Click Here</a>


























Joseph Floyd Hedgman aka “Joe” was born to Josephine Martin and Louis Hedgman on July 27, 1953 in Washington, DC, where he also attended DC public schools. When he was ten years old, his mother bought him a wagon. He didn’t use it to play with. But instead, helped the people in his community by transporting their bags and groceries to their home. Of course, he charged a small fee.

Joe became an auto mechanic worker after watching his brother, Louis, fix cars. Bowling also became another passion of his when Louis introduced him to the game. He loved it so much he joined a few leagues. He attended Universal Technical Institute where he obtained his certification to become a mechanic, which led to his thirty plus years at Pep Boys Auto.

Joe enjoyed life by watching baseball, going to car shows, bowling with family and friends, and most of all, attending the Gun Expose` which inspired him to create his own ammunition.

Joe met and fell in love with the love of his life, Bethseine aka “Bae”, in 1997 whom he later married in 1999. He later dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized on March 31, 2011. Joe has a daughter, Katrina Brown, who became a bonus daughter to Bae.


Joseph is preceded in death by both parents, his sister, Diane Hedgman, and brother, Louis Hedgman Jr. He is survived by his wife, Bethseine Hedgman; his daughter, Katrina Brown (Roderick); two brothers – Roger Hedgman and Don Peete; two sisters – Patricia McDonald and Rose Thurman (Buck); four grandchildren – Antoine Brown, Tiara Brown, Ebony Brown, and Tiauna Rhyne; 5 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.


Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joseph's life on Friday, October 18th from 10-11:30 AM until the start of the funeral service at 11:30 AM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 

James "Jimmy" M. Fleshman, 65, a 25-year resident of Annapolis, MD, and previously of Cheverly, MD, died of Leukemia on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at his home.

Jimmy was born June 20, 1959, in Cheverly, MD, to the late Hazel Ida and Donald C. Fleshman, Sr. He graduated from Bladensburg High School and worked in the automotive painting industry for 40 years. Jimmy enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Fleshman,  and his two sisters, Linda Kahoe and Kim Fleshman.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 42 years, April Sunday Fleshman; a daughter, Jessica Lorah of Georgetown, DE; four brothers, Donald (Debbie) Fleshman, Jr., Phil Fleshman, Steve Fleshman, and Curt (Jill) Fleshman. He is also survived by seven nephews and eight nieces. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jimmy's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, on Thursday, October 3, from 2 pm until his memorial service begins at 3 pm. Memorial donations may be made in Jimmy's name to the <a href="https://give.cancerresearch.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2560&mfc_pref=T&2560.donation=form1">Cancer Research Institute</a>.

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Jeffrey Stuart Janos, 64, of Annapolis, passed away at his home on September 25, 2024. He was preceded in death by his mother, Aleitha Perry Janos; his father, Joseph Janos and his daughter, Abbigail. He is survived by his children, Christopher (Jacki) and Allison (Matthew), along with their mother, Deedee. Known affectionately as “Grampy,” he leaves behind his cherished granddaughters, Avery and Teagan, as well as his sister, Lynn Rosol (Joe) and brother, Michael Janos (Vicki) along with many dear nieces and nephews.

A lifelong resident of Annapolis, Jeff was passionate about sports, often cheering for the Washington Commanders and the Washington Capitals. Music was another significant part of his life; a drummer since childhood, he had a deep love for classic rock, which he shared with his children, instilling in them an appreciation for a diverse range of bands.

In addition to his love of music, Jeff was an avid lacrosse player, having played for Annapolis High School, Anne Arundel Community College, and various club teams throughout the area. He passed on his passion for the sport to his children, coaching numerous teams for the Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association (AYLA), and enjoyed supporting the Navy and Salisbury lacrosse teams.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at a future date, to be determined.

Please use the memories tab on this page to leave a message for the family.


Susan Lynne Tyrrell, 64, a 10-year resident of Pasadena, Davidsonville, and Annapolis, MD and previously of Louden, TN and Denver, CO died on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 of Alzheimer’s Disease with her family by her side.
 
Born August 12, 1960 in Littleton, CO to Jean Tyrrell and the late Don Tyrrell, she completed special education studies while residing in Ohio and Colorado. Susan worked at several sheltered workshops making ceramic art products, several Taco Bell restaurants in Denver, CO, and as a center helper at Active Day of Annapolis. She was a longtime member of Active Day of Annapolis, Langton Green’s provided activities and support, Can Doers bowling league of Annapolis, and Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD. Susan enjoyed dining out, attending her nieces and nephews activities, participating in bowling and swimming, and travelling to visit relatives in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Florida. She also enjoyed attending movies, working on crossword puzzles, making beaded jewelry, dancing and listening to music, shopping, celebrating birthdays and holidays with her family and walking the dog, having a funny sense of humor, and enjoying many outings, get togethers, and trips with her brother and his family.
 
In addition to her father, Susan was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah Diehl.
 
She is survived by her brother, John Tyrrell and his wife, Pam of Davidsonville, MD; her stepmother, Alice Tyrrell of Cottonwood, AZ; three nieces, Jennifer Diehl of Rockville, MD, Lauren Banas of Germantown, WI, and Caroline Tyrrell of Davidsonville, MD; a nephew, Pierce Tyrrell of Whidbey Island, WA; her mother, Jean Tyrrell of Louden, TN; and her best friend and house manager, Tracie Carter.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Marianna “Yutka” Jurkevich, a 52-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Levittown, PA passed away on September 24, 2024 at the Hospice of the Chesapeake Rebecca Fortney Care Center. Born on June 28, 1929 in Rovno, Poland, she was 95 years old. As a child she and her family survived occupation by first the Soviet Union and then Nazi Germany.

Marianna loved to cook and was affectionately known as the “hostess with the mostess”. Marianna was a skilled atelier a world traveler, setting foot on all seven continents. an avid reader with unbounded curiosity and a lover of art, ballet and classical music .

In addition to her parents, Marianna is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Igor Jurkevich; her brother, Dimitry of London, Ontario; and her sister, Olga of Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her sons, Mark of Warsaw, Poland and Nick of Annapolis, MD and her daughter, Gayana of New York, NY. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marianna's life on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 12 pm at St. Vladimir's Russian Orthodox Christian Cemetery in Jackson, New Jersey.

Virginia Louise Kiehn was born on April 3, 1944, in Rockville, Maryland, to the late James R. Alexander and Frances L. Strother. She graduated from Annapolis Senior High School in 1962 and began her career with Nationwide Insurance on Riva Road in Annapolis later that same year. She retired in 1999 after 37 years of dedicated service.

Louise met her husband, Delroy D. Kiehn while driving around Downtown Annapolis. It was love at first sight, and they married a few months later before he deployed to the Philippines. They were reunited and married for 58 years; the rest is history. 

In addition to her husband, Louise is survived by her brothers, Robert Sutphin of Annapolis, Maryland, Mark, Kelly and Brian Pullen; her sisters, Barbara Martin (Ray) and Betty Smoot of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Susan Jacobsen of Huntingtown, Maryland and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and one great-great-nephew.
Louise was predeceased by her parents, James and Frances Alexander; her brothers, William Sutphin, Troy and J. Ralph Alexander, Keith Pullen and James Alexander; her sister, Nancy Alexander; her sister-in-law, Pauline Sutphin and her brothers-in-law, Eric Jacobsen and Jerry Smoot.

She enjoyed traveling, going to the casino, playing card games, crocheting, and spending time with her family.  

Friends are invited to celebrate Louise's life on Tuesday, October 1 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Harry H. Pulley, an 18-year resident of Millsboro, DE and formerly of Davidsonville, MD passed away of a cardiac event on September 22, 2024 while visiting family. He was 87.
Born in Pasadena, MD to the late John and Ida Pulley, he was one of seven children and the last remaining.
Harry worked as a heavy-duty equipment mechanic before retirement.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Clinton and had an honorable discharge from the US Air Force.
Harry was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping and cruises.  He loved to tinker in the garage.  He was an avid sports fan with a love of baseball and football, and faithfully watched his favorite teams on TV.
In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, June Pulley, and his youngest daughter, Lisa Pulley. He is survived by his life partner, Patricia Dove of Millsboro; his three children, Carla Burt of Edgewater, Robert Pulley of Baltimore, and Carmen Gatton of Arnold; seven grandchildren, Christina, Kimberly, Kristen, Michael, Nick, Natalie and Noah; six great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. 
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Harry’s life on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 12 noon at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Burial to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Daniel Joseph Helmly, Jr., of Lothian, MD, lost his life in a traffic accident on Sunday, Sep 22, 2024. Daniel was a lifelong resident of Lothian, MD, and attended Anne Arundel County Public  Schools. He was a graduate of Southern High School class of 2023. 

As a young boy, Daniel was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Troop 249. He studied Tae Kwon Do for several years, earning his First Degree Black Belt at the age of 13 under the direction of Master Wes and Master Tommy. After completing that accomplishment, baseball became his passion. He played for SCYA under the guidance of many wonderful coaches. When he moved on to high school baseball, he played Catcher and Relief Pitcher for the Southern Bulldogs JV and Varsity teams. 

After graduation, Daniel spent the summer working and spending time with his friends, knowing everyone would part ways at summer’s end. He moved to Clearwater, Florida with friends and learned several home improvement and carpentry skills at Atlas Mobile Home Services. In July of 2024, he moved home to Maryland with the ambition of becoming a Finish Carpenter.

Daniel enjoyed many activities, including snowboarding, camping, boating, fishing, kayaking in the waters of Clearwater, music, meeting new people and learning about everything. He enjoyed mentoring young children. His favorite hobbies were BMW cars and riding his motorcycle with friends. He loved animals, especially cats, and adopted his own cat Pouris from a Clearwater shelter.

Daniel leaves behind his father, Daniel Helmly, Sr., his mother Jennifer (Marshall) Helmly of Lothian, and his sisters Kinsey Helmly of Lothian, Linden Helmly of Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Caitlin Helmly of Delaware. He leaves behind many loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Everyone should live with such enthusiasm and inquisitiveness that Daniel had.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Daniel's life on Tuesday, October 8, from 1:30 pm until his memorial service starts at 3 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Daniel's name to the <a href= "https://spayspa.org/giving/make-a-donation/"> Spay Spa & Neuter Nook</a>, 1251 West Central Avenue, Unit H, Davidsonville, MD 21035, the <a href= "https://www.helenkrause.org/support-our-cause/guardian-angel-program">Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation</a> in Dillsburg, PA (through their guardian angel program you can sponsor a cat in Daniel's name), or to your favorite cat rescue organization. 


Debra Ellen Sherwood, 67, a 34-year resident of Annapolis, MD, died on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

She was born to the late Nick and Alma Himmel on October 16, 1956, in Yale, MI, and raised on her family farm in Brown City, MI. Debra put herself through college, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1978 ("Fire up Chips!"). During this time she worked as an RA, council officer, and mentor for freshman orientation. Debra also showed Chippewa spirit as a team cheerleader. 

She was a flight attendant for American Airlines from 1980 to 2020, with a furlough period from 1981 to 1983; during which Debra worked at NASA, Houston. Throughout her career with American Airlines, Debra was based in Chicago, Dallas, Washington, DC, and Miami, gaining extensive experience serving on both domestic and international flight routes. 

She was a member of the Bay Winds Band, Benfield Pops Band, the Eastport Yacht Club, and the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club. Debra enjoyed playing the trumpet, gardening, attending her book club, boating, and hiking. Her Dragon Boat experience took her to two international competitions in the US and Italy. Hiking experience included the Appalachian Trail and completing the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and granddogs (Stout and Levi). Together, they spent time boating the Intracoastal Waterway, and exploring cenotes, caves, and pyramids in Mexico.

In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Himmel.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Michael Sherwood; two children, Jeffrey (Kimberly) of Providence, RI, and Ellen of Annapolis, MD and three siblings, Nick (Sharon) of Elkton, MI, Leslie of Grand Rapids, MI, and Susan of Portage, MI.

Friends are invited to celebrate Debra's life on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11 am at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

**Please note flowers may be sent to Kalas for the viewing but not to the church.**

Online condolences and tributes may be made using the memories link on this page.

Kenneth J. Claro, Jr., 56, a 40-year resident of Churchton, MD, died at his home on September 21, 2024.

Known to family and friends as Kenny, he was born on July 14, 1968, to the late Marion "Joyce" Claro and Kenneth Claro, Sr. Kenny was an avid Washington Commanders fan who had a passion for jet skiing, playing guitar, singing, and performing magic and card tricks.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Kevin, Debbie, and Karen Claro.

Kenny is survived by a son, Kenny Claro, III of Prince Frederick, MD; a nephew, Michael Sosa of Canada; a sister, Krissy Claro of Virginia; and four grandchildren, Ayden, Zayne, Dominic, and Malayah.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kenny's life on Friday, October 11 from 5 to 9 pm at the Deale Elks Lodge #2528, 6022 Drum Point Rd., Deale, MD.  An online guestbook is available by visiting the Memories link on this page.

William Christian Ludwig
January 9, 1955 - September 20, 2024

William “Bill” Christian Ludwig moved on from this life at his home in Edgewater, MD, on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the age of 69. On June 26, 1976, he married the love of his life, Peggy Christine Aley Ludwig. They were blessed with three loving children. She joined the Lord in 2002, and he waited 22 years and 28 days to reunite with her in Heaven. He was a man dedicated firmly to his faith and his family. Bill could be found anywhere his grandchildren were, sprinkling seeds of happiness and Scripture into their lives.

He had been a proud residential painter since 1975, always working alongside his family and eventually leaving his legacy to his son, who established WCL Painting in 2016. He was an impassioned Washington Capitals fan, avid golfer, and enthusiast for The Allman Brothers Band.

Bill was the son of the late Paul Franklin Ludwig, Jr. and Nola Mae Cagle Ludwig. He is survived by his three children, Jennifer Marie (Mark) Goss of Annapolis, MD, Jaclyn Christine (Tyler) Besche of Queenstown, MD, and William Christian (Candace) Ludwig II of Severna Park, MD; seven adoring grandchildren, Reese Makenna Goss, Delaney Sophia Goss, Zander Miles Goss, William Christian Ludwig III, Finn Marie Ludwig, Aley June Besche, and Brooks Carter Besche; and seven sisters, Paula Seaman, Cathy Reed, Nola Crumbacker, Sherri Ludwig, Ann Holman, Tina Lindner, and Donna Bridgman. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul Ludwig III and Larry Ludwig, and his sister, Terri Wilson. 

Family and friends will be received for a funeral service and reception on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Bay Area Community Church, 884 Chesterfield Rd, Annapolis, MD. A private burial will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. 
Memorial contributions may be made online to <a href="https://store.awmi.net/pledge/grace-partnership?SOURCE=30W00G052&_gl=1*1dg7j5q*_gcl_au*MTk5MTIxMTIzOS4xNzI3MTg3Njk2">Andrew Wommack Ministries</a>.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Michelina (Buteau) Hurd, 83, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024. She was born to the late Joseph and Dorothy Buteau on May 5, 1941, in Greenfield, MA. Mykie graduated from Greenfield High School, Class of 1959.

She married her late husband, Tom Hurd, on August 16, 1975.

Mykie was an administrative assistant at Hayer, Shea, and Curtiss in Greenfield. Mykie's and her husband's passion was their catholic faith and the Right to Life movement. She was a devout St. Mary's Catholic Church member and attended daily Mass despite her physical limitations. Mykie was a perpetual volunteer for many church/Knights of Columbus charitable events and a church office volunteer. She was a member of the Angels of the Knights, library committee, altar ministry, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Mykie never complained about her significant health issues. She was a model for sincerity, kindness, caring, dedication, and inner strength. She provided six years of 24/7 loving care for her mom after her stroke. The family is very thankful for the tremendous support of friends, neighbors, family, parishioners, and Knights of Columbus members for their help after Tom's passing. Additionally, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated help of friends during her sudden health decline before her passing.

In addition to her husband, Mykie was preceded in death by her siblings, Thomas, Stephen, Bernard, and Veronica Tutunjian.

She is survived by her two brothers, Anthony Buteau (Elizabeth) of Manchester, NH, and  Gregory Buteau (Beatrice) of Cherry Valley, MA; her three brothers-in-law, James (Karen) of Homer, AK, John (Jill) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Paul (Linda) of Cape May, NJ; a sister-in-law, Ann Spurrier of Arvada, CO; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Mykie's life on Friday, September 27, from 4 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass will be offered on Saturday, September 28 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Springfield, VT, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made by using the memories link on the left of this page.

Richard Calvert “Cal” Steuart passed away to our LORD on Tuesday, September 18, 2024. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11 am at the Huntingtown United Methodist Church, 4020 Hunting Creek Rd., Huntingtown, MD with a reception to follow at his home on Potts Point. 
Cal was born on September 11, 1938 in Baltimore, MD and grew up on Proctor Lane in Baltimore County, MD. He graduated from Parkville High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in botany from the University of Maryland. While at the University of Maryland he was the Noble Ruler of Alpha Gamma Rho. Cal would later receive both a Masters Degree in Extension Education and a Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin.
Cal married his wife of 62 years, Cynthia Ann Merryman Steuart, on April 28, 1962.  Cal and Cynthia moved to Prince George’s County, MD the same year, where he worked for the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service and subsequently with Westinghouse Learning Corporation. Cal went on to attend the Georgetown University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1974. Cal was barred in the State of Maryland on December 18, 1974 and began practicing Law with Pickett, Houlon and Berman located in Prince George’s County, MD.
Cal and Cynthia were blessed with three children, Brooke Elizabeth Steuart Swann (1969), Brian Edward Steuart (1969) and Charles Todd Merryman Steuart (1970).  Cal also had the good fortune of having 12 grandchildren who loved him dearly!
Cal was a member of the Maryland National Guard, Calvert County Lion’s Club, Calvert Elks Lodge 2620 and a faithful servant of the Masonic Lodge. He was the former chairman of the Prince George’s County Soil Conservation Commission, twice former president of the University of Maryland Terrapin Club, attorney for the Maryland Tobacco Growers Association, former chairman of the Calvert County Republican Central Committee, former president of the Calvert County Republican Men’s Club, member of the Calvert County Republican Central Committee and principal of Steuart Law, LLC and Atlantic Coast Title, Inc.
Cal is survived by his wife, two children, 12 grandchildren, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law.


David Allen Littleton, 92, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024.

Born in 1932 in the depths of the Great Depression on a 200-acre farm and ranch near the tiny town of Pidcoke, Texas, David helped his father raise cattle, shear sheep, and harvest wheat. As an adult, he told stories about setting off each afternoon with his squirrel dog and a .22 caliber rifle to gather dinner for the family. David unsurprisingly developed a strong work ethic and a belief in the value of education to build a better life.

David attended the University of Texas at Austin for two semesters, realized he lacked the maturity to succeed there, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, shortly after the start of the Korean War. During 12 weeks of Recruit Training Command (Navy boot camp), David chose sonar as his specialty because he didn’t know what that meant and wanted to learn something new. Following six months of sonar school, he was assigned to the destroyer USS Holister. They sailed to Korea in late 1951 via Oahu and Midway Island. The Holister saw action there, including attacks on enemy military infrastructure with the ship’s 5” guns and submarine patrols in protection of the battleship USS Missouri. With David manning the sonar station, the Holister depth-charged and sank an enemy submarine. 

While in port in San Francisco, the Holister’s Captain made David the ship’s Master-at-Arms, responsible for policing the behavior of his fellow sailors. It was an experience he would later refer to as a “lousy job.” He applied to transfer to the Navy SEALs or to submarine school. The Captain approved his sub school transfer and he rode a Greyhound Bus from California to New London, Connecticut with another sailor named Floyd Snyder. They were given three weeks to report, so they took their time on that journey. They stopped for three days in Manhattan: riding the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building, seeing South Pacific during its original Broadway run, and hanging out at the Birdland Jazz Club where Charlie Parker was the headliner.

Many of David’s most compelling stories involved his service as a sonarman on the submarine USS Gauvina. He and the crew survived a near-death experience when they took the sub out for a test voyage following a six-month overhaul. The operators had failed to account for an increase in the sub’s weight during the overhaul. On its first dive, the USS Gauvina rapidly plummeted 160 feet, their descent arrested only by the ocean floor. The Captain ordered a type of Hail Mary recovery procedure that required blowing all tanks to get the bow pointing upward while running the engines “full ahead emergency.” They made it back to the surface and, according to David, “They made some adjustments before the next dive.”

After four years in the Navy and an honorable discharge, David moved into a house in Austin with his brother Norman and enrolled at St. Edwards University. He chose St. Edwards instead of returning to UT because he believed, correctly, that he could count on attention and support from the Holy Cross priests who ran that institution. This was an important step along the path to David’s conversion to Catholicism.

While in Austin, David’s good friend Hoot Thompson told David he had spotted a “cute new teller” at the City National Bank and suggested they go down to the bank to get to know her. David and Hoot took that girl out for a Coca-Cola, learned her name was Chris and that she had a roommate named Betty who might like Hoot. Thus began a storied chapter of double dates, dancing, convertible rides and cool swimming holes in the Austin summer heat. Hoot married Betty. And on December 26, 1959, David married Chris at St. Mary’s Church in Austin.

David graduated from St. Edwards in 1960 with an accounting degree and began a career at the U.S. General Accounting Office, which sent him to military bases, aircraft manufacturers and Federal Government offices across Texas. While in Texas, Chris gave birth to their first two children, Jan Estelle in 1960 and David Louis in 1962. The GAO sent David to Albuquerque to work on a review of the Los Alamos nuclear weapons project and run the agency’s Albuquerque office. That posting allowed David and Chris to live close David’s sister Corinne and her husband Dr. Tony Grieco, where they developed very close relationships their niece Corinne Jr. and nephew Tony Jr. The third Littleton child, Kathryn Emily, was born in 1967 in New Mexico, delivered by Dr. Grieco.

GAO transferred David to its Washington, DC headquarters in 1969. After a series of special projects and promotions, he assumed leadership of GAO’s largest division as Deputy Director for Operations, National Security and International Affairs. Many years later, David took sabbatical leave from GAO to manage the Southeastern University Research Organization Network (SURANET), which was a precursor to the modern internet. He led a sale of that entity to BBN in Boston, joined BBN’s senior leadership team, and retired five years later.

The love of education and thirst for knowledge that David developed as a child never waned. He arranged for GAO to send him to the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, completed courses at the graduate school of George Washington University, and earned a master’s degree from the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. David was a voracious reader of books, mostly nonfiction, covering an array of subjects that piqued his curiosity for all his adult life, including Astronomy, Astrophysics, Meteorology, Behavioral Psychology, History, Biology, and Theology. He simply never stopped learning.

David loved music and dancing. Having married a girl with Czech heritage, he loved to polka (with notable skill) at weddings and reunions. He and Chris were for a time avid square dancers, and they both supported their grandchildren’s musical aspirations with enthusiastic praise and logistical support. As a result, many of those grandchildren are competent, accomplished musicians today.

David and his brother Norman shared a love of motorcycles, among other things. He loved his brother and sister deeply and became very close to Chris’s extended family, several of who call him “my favorite uncle.”

David loved sailing. Over the years he owned and raced several classes of sailboats and taught his kids to sail and race. When age made sailing difficult, David bought a remote-control model sailboat and began racing that. In time he came to own five different RC sailboats, each a different racing class, so that he could compete five days a week. 

David also was an aviator. He earned his single engine pilot’s license and his seaplane pilot’s license and took helicopter lessons. He co-owned and regularly flew a Cessna 172. He developed a fascination with auto-gyro aircraft, a fixed wing/helicopter hybrid, and built his own gyro plane. He loved to give rides to anyone brave enough to board that “experimental” aircraft – and according to family lore may have taken up two very young granddaughters (Jenna and Lauren) without permission from their mom. David’s commitment to process and safety always kept the danger level low despite appearances.

David became a Catholic in 1975. With the zeal of the convert, he remained a deeply devout practitioner for life. He and Chris made pilgrimages to Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe and Medjugorge. Late in life David took vows to become a Third Order Franciscan. 

Stories will be told about David’s unique hobbies and breadth of knowledge. He will be remembered mostly, however, for his sense of humor, his solid moral character, and his unlimited devotion to his grandchildren. David was an excellent father; he was a truly outstanding granddad. He never said no to any request for help. He would drive any distance to attend birthday parties, sporting events, concerts and family gatherings. He dedicated the latter decades of his life to being fully present in the lives of his grandchildren, a steadfast source of love and support for each of them, including Stephanie Sherpa, to whom David and Chris became surrogate grandparents after her family emigrated from Nepal. David’s grandfatherly love helped all those blessed individuals grow into the thriving, self-confident adults they are today. 

David enjoyed good health and mental acuity almost until the very end. After a fall in August, with hopes of recovery fading, he placed a call to his old friend in Texas and said, “You won this round Hoot; you outlived me.” His final days were rich with visits, hugs, phone calls, stories, music, prayers, and expressions of love and gratitude from family and dear friends. David will be missed by many and remembered forever as an example of how to live a good life and how to live for others.

David’s beloved wife Christina passed away in 2012. His sister Corinne Grieco and his brother Norman Littleton also preceded him in death. David is survived by three children, Jan Estelle Siewertsen, David Louis Littleton, and Kathryn Emily Lauterbach; eight grandchildren, Jenna Thompson, Lauren Siewertsen, Caitlin Siewertsen, Alexandra Littleton, Katharine Littleton, Alec Lauterbach, Maximilian Lauterbach, and Emily Lauterbach; three great-grandchildren, Patrick, Kiersten and Makenzie Thompson; his sister-in-law, Jackie Littleton; his daughter-in-law, Susan Stevenson; his sons-in-law, Michael Siewertsen and Spencer Lauterbach; grandsons-in-law Matthew Thompson and Ovi Ghosh, and grandson-in-law-to-be Gregory Julian.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate David's life on Tuesday, September 24 from 10-11 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David's name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163

Sheri Elizabeth Rancourt, 69, a 44-year resident of Davidsonville, MD, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Born on August 16, 1955 in Washington, DC, Sheri was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was a devoted mother and homemaker, as well as a talented interior designer. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Lamont Bennett and Bettye Champagne, Sheri was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Michael Rancourt. She is survived by her children, Heather (Brad) Leahy of West River, MD, Nicole Rancourt of Annapolis, MD, and Michael Rancourt, Jr. of Queenstown, MD, and her beloved granddaughters, Harper and Sylvie Leahy. A private burial will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville and a Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Rudy Mattera, 93, a 2-year resident of Bay Village Assisted Living in Annapolis and previously of Edgewater, MD, passed away on September 17, 2024.

Born on January 27, 1931 in Washington, DC to the late Michael and Adelaide Mattera, Rudy was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Korean War.  He went on to enjoy a career as the owner of a successful printing company in partnership with his brother, Francis.  A devout Catholic, Rudy was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater, MD, involved in many parish activities.  He was also an avid gardener.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Mary, who died in 2014; a brother, Nicholas and a nephew, Michael.

He is survived by his brother, Francis of Annapolis; nephew, Nicholas Mattera and his husband, Bradley Gretter of Washington, DC; and sister-in-law, Olive Mattera of Annapolis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 25 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD.  Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

John R. “Jack” Gorman, 89, a forty-eight year resident of Bowie and previously of Cheverly, MD, died at his home on Monday, September 16, 2024 after a short battle with cancer.

Born on January 16, 1935 in Johnstown, PA to the late Emma Grace and Thomas A. Gorman, II, Jack served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard. He enjoyed a lengthy career with the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 10, retiring in the mid-1990s as a foreman.  

Jack loved his job as an “elevator man”.  He made many lifelong friends over the years and continued these friendship bonds after his retirement, attending the annual Local 10 picnics and meeting the guys for breakfast. 

Jack was very social and outgoing. He loved spending time with family and friends celebrating milestones.  If there was a party, he wanted to be there; this side of Jack never changed.  He was a member of Annapolis American Legion Post 7, the Annapolis Moose Lodge, Annapolis HOG and the Broadneck Elks Lodge. 

Jack enjoyed and was proficient at working on engines and anything mechanical.  He could easily take apart any engine and put it back together.  Jack had a passion for and owned many cars and motorcycles, including Triumph, Indian and Wizard Motor Bikes and his favorite, a Harley Davidson, which he owned until 2023.  He drove his motorcycles to Daytona Beach, FL many times over the years. 

Whenever Jack could, he would get away to his vacation spot on Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland where he would spend time boating and creating memories with family and friends. 

Jack had many cats throughout his life, including strays up until his passing, and he loved all of them dearly, “almost more than anything, his family would say.” 
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carine Harshbarger Gorman, who passed in 1999, and his brother, Thomas A. Gorman, III.

He is survived by his children, Cully (John) Infante, Brian R. Gorman and John R. (Sheri) Gorman, Jr.; his sister, Mary Jane Henger; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Welch, Tyler (Allie) Welch, Paige Gorman, Hailey Gorman and Lindsay Gorman; two great-grandchildren and a third on the way.  Jack is also survived by his companion, Sharon Evans, whom Jack met 22 years ago and who has been embraced by and become an integral part of his family.  They shared and enjoyed many mutual friends and years of travel together.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 12 pm. Inurnment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Scott's life on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1 pm until 4 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. The interment will be private. Please leave a message or condolence for the family by using the memories tab on this page.

Susan "Susie" Keith DeMent, 72, of Maryland, formerly of Washington State, passed away on September 16, 2024, at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Born on July 28, 1952, in Seattle, WA, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Alexander Lesnett, Jr. and Marian Phyllis Lesnett.

Susie lived for 20 years in Maryland and spent much of her career working for the federal government. As a dedicated military spouse, she supported her husband and family through the challenges and joys of military life.

Susie enjoyed knitting, playing cards and games, researching ancestry, traveling, and spending cherished moments with family and friends in her free time.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 18 years, Ted DeMent.

Susie is survived by her two sons, Tim DeMent of Salisbury, MD, and Sean DeMent and his wife, Kimberly, of Huntingtown, MD; four grandchildren, Dru, Mason, Joslynn, and Isabelle; and many cousins and her adopted West Coast family.

A celebration of Susie's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N Randolph St, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.


Obituaries

Westley Wright

Joseph Rahall, III

Lyudmila Semus

Shirley Owen

Lorraine Wright

Joseph Hedgman

James "Jimmy" Fleshman

Jeffrey Janos

Susan Tyrrell

Marianna Jurkevich

Louise "Weezie" Kiehn

Harry Pulley

Daniel Helmly, Jr.

Debra Sherwood

Kenneth Claro, Jr.

William Ludwig

Michelina "Mykie" Hurd

Richard "Cal" Steuart

David Littleton

Sheri Rancourt

Rudy Mattera

John R. Gorman

Scott Campbell

Susan DeMent