Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Pearl Louise "Gigi" Sheaffer, age 100, died on Wednesday, April 8 at her residence in Riva, MD. Born on February 16, 1915 in Washington, D.C., Pearl was a graduate of the old Business High School. She worked as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist with the Government Services Administration and was a former member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church and the Southwest Women's Club. She enjoyed going to the beach, swimming and spending time with her family. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Harrison C. Sheaffer whom died in 1963. They were married in 1935. She is survived by her daughters, Joan L. Cody of Oxon Hill, MD and Kathleen R. Palmer of Riva, MD; grandchildren, Wayne H. Palmer of Riva, MD, Joanne Landry (Joe) of Woodbridge, VA, Karen Quatman (John) of Annapolis, MD and Tracy Silva (Carlos) of Oxon Hill, MD. She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Friends are invited to Pearl's Life Celebration from 2pm until her Memorial Service begins at 4 pm on Wednesday, April 15 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. An online guestbook is available by clicking the tab on this page.

Wout Coster 
1947-2015 
Wout Coster passed away peacefully in his West River, MD home on April 8th, 2015.
 He was born on July 31, 1947 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to the late Antonius Godefridus Jacobus Coster and Johanna Helena Degenhardt. Wout after earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Delft University of Technology in Delft, The Netherlands. 
Wout came to the United States in 1979 and has since become a pillar in the commercial and residential real estate community. In 2002, he became one of the founding partners of Urban Investment Partners (UIP) and supervised in its growth from a three man office to an over 80 person firm. Over the last three decades, Wout has dedicated his professional career to mentoring those around him and managed billions of dollars in assets for domestic and international investors. 
He maintained a typical Dutch passion for the water with boating and sailing throughout his life. He will be most remembered for being a gentle and kind man, his love of living a full life and his great sense of humor. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. 
Wout is survived by his wife, Marion and five children: Daan Coster (Jessica Holmes) of New York City; Hugo Coster (Maren Exel) of Surrey, Great Britain; Evert-Jan Moller (Veronica Hall) of Frederick, MD; Hiske Moller (Leslie Tipping) of Machtab, Malta; and Nynke Henderson (Brian Henderson) of Delray Beach, FL; and four grandchildren whom were the pride of his life. Wout is also survived by his three brothers and sister.
 Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Wout’s life on Friday, April 17th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Columbia Country Club, 7900 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Memorial gifts may be made to Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. An online guest book is available by visiting the link on this page.

Sherril was born on April 18, 1943 and baptized at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksburg, WV. She grew up in Washington, DC where she graduated from St. Francis Xavier Grade School in 1957 and from Notre Dame Academy in 1961. Thereafter, she attended Wheeling College in Wheeling, WV. She worked as a case worker for several different Congressmen in the US House of Representatives and last worked as clerk/secretary for a lobbying firm, Cassidy Associates. She was predeceased by her parents William A. Picco and Martha C. (Fiora) Picco. She is survived by her Aunts , her mother’s sisters, Mifalda Rhule of Hanover, MD, Angeline Fiora of San Bruno, CA, Catherine Fiora of Bethesda, MD, Lilian Fiora of Herndon, VA and Virginia Masse of Alexandria, VA, Uncles and numerous Cousins. 
Friends may call On Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 Pm and 6 PM to 8 PM at GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD . Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday April 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St, Columba Catholic Church,7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill , MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD, immediately following Mass. Please leave your thoughts and memories of Sherril by signing the guestbook located to the lower left.

Earl Christian Hargrove, Jr. – father, friend, entrepreneur and showman, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 6, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old. 

Earl Jr. was born on October 5, 1928 to Cecilia Garrett and Earl Sr. of Richmond, VA. He lived with his maternal grandparents until he was eleven years old, when he moved with his parents into a new home in Cheverly, MD. He graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1946 and, at seventeen years old, joined the United States Marine Corps. He celebrated his eighteenth birthday during basic training at Parris Island Marine Corps Boot Camp. He served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1948; he reenlisted in 1951 and served in the Marine Corps until 1954. 

In 1955, Earl married Gloria Love of Cheverly, MD. In 1958, they purchased a 125-acre farm in Southern Maryland where he built a large antebellum home and raised five children. The Hargrove’s ‘Holly Springs Farm’ became well known in the area for the festive "Christmas Lane" decorations that grew to enchant almost 30,000 visitors annually until its final year in 2002. 

A proud Marine Corps veteran, he began his career trimming store windows in Washington, DC at the end of World War II. In partnership with his father Earl Sr., their business provided holiday decorations, Christmas-themed props and patriotic flags for the annual celebrations of local townships. The father-son team built parade floats, which toured local festivals in the mid-Atlantic region, from Virginia to New Jersey. 

Parade float production would become a major part of Hargrove Displays Inc.’s work. An important early milestone was building parade floats for President Harry Truman's inaugural in 1949. They began decorating the National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace in 1955 and was named the official decorator for the Miss America Pageant in 1956. Business and political connections lead to more opportunities to design, decorate and produce special events, which would eventually supersede float building as the primary activity of the company. 

When his father passed away suddenly during a business trip in 1971, Earl Jr. took the helm to lead Hargrove Inc. through four decades of growth and expansion. As of January 2013, President Barack Obama’s second inaugural was the seventeenth consecutive presidential inauguration in which the company participated. Hargrove Inc. celebrated sixty continuous years of decorating the National Christmas Tree in 2014 and continues to expand, most recently into experiential marketing with its productions for brands such as Anheuser-Busch. 

Earl fell in love with Shenandoah Caverns in New Market, VA, which he purchased in 1966. It became a vacation destination for his family. Most weekends were spent there with the Proctors, who became their extended family. Earl modified the caverns property in three major phases, each time building a new attraction to delight visitors. He played an active role in the management of the caverns until his final days. 

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Love Hargrove of Lothian, MD; his son, Earl “Chris” Hargrove, III and granddaughter Cierra Cecilia, of Crownsville, MD; his daughter Kathleen Hargrove Kelly, her husband Clyde Vernon, grandson Robert Hargrove and fiancée Ashley Fay Manger of Grasonville, MD and preceded in death by grandson Clyde Vernon, IV; daughter Carla Hargrove McGill, her husband Timothy Patrick and granddaughter Kelsey Kathleen of Annapolis, MD; daughter Cynthia Diane Hargrove, her husband Michael Eli Busada, granddaughter Allison Victoria Kluh and grandson John Joseph Kluh of Lothian, MD; and son Carey Martin Hargrove, his wife Wendy Miller, and grandsons Carson Miller and Hudson Clyde, of Lothian, MD. 

Family and friends may visit on Friday, April 10 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West Bay Front Road, Lothian, MD 20711. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711 followed by interment in the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Earl C. Hargrove, Jr., may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and be sent to: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Attn: Earl Hargrove Memorial Donations, 909 North Washington Street, Ste. 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 or by visiting www.mcsf.org/donate. Donations may also be made in his name to HEROES, Inc. at www.Heroes-Inc.org.

Mary Helen (Szerknis) Potter, age 92, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015, in Annapolis, MD, surrounded by family. 

She was born July 13, 1922 in Auburn, Illinois to Joseph Szerknis and Anna (Urbanski) Szerknis. She was the oldest of three. She graduated from Auburn Consolidated School where she ran track and played softball.
In 1941, at the age of 19, Mary came to Washington, DC to work for the War Department at the Pentagon. She met John Patrick (Jack) Potter at a dance. They married in January, 1946, after he returned from the war. They lived in Missouri, Illinois, California and settled in Riverdale, Maryland, raising a family of seven. Jack lost his battle with cancer in 1988.
Mary retired in the late 1980’s as Branch Secretary at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She continued to work, part-time, for several years at The Hospital for Sick Children. Mary spent her retirement traveling to visit family and friends, playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles, and watching her family grow. She played her lottery numbers religiously and won often.
Her courage, faith, generosity of spirit and optimism were admired by everyone who met her. There was always room in her home and in her heart for one more. Her joy of living, cooking for the masses, and her sense of humor inspired much laughter and many smiles over the years. 

She will be deeply missed.

Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Annie Szerknis; her husband, Jack Potter; her son, Henry Potter; and her grandson, Robert (Bobby) Saum. 

She is survived by her uncle Charlie Urban of Florida; sisters, Joanna Miller of Arizona and Kate (Darrell) Skelton of Illinois; her children, Kathy Tula (Gene) Fitzgerald , Joanna Sanders, Jackie Grachik, John Potter, Maureen Potter, Ed Potter, Lillian (Dan) Potter-Saum, Becky (Rob) Labs; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and adopted family.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 10 from 6 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A viewing will also be held on Saturday, April 11 from 9am until a Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 10am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 14720 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday April 21, 2015 at 2:30pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in her name to her home parish, St. Pius X Catholic Church (mailing address: 3300 Moreland Pl., Bowie, MD 20715).

Please take a moment and sign the guest book at the link above.

Joseph J. Burgess

Joseph John Burgess, a five year resident of Annapolis and previously of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties of New Jersey, died peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 6, 2015. Joe was 72.

He was born on July 28, 1942 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Burgess. In 1969, Joe graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors Degree. He retired from AT&T as a financial analyst. He was a wonderfully devoted husband, father, proud Pop PoP, brother, uncle and friend. Those who knew Joe were touched by his gentle manner, kind heart and good humor.
Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years and a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. Joe loved attending NY Giants football games with his family and was a season ticket holder for 45 years. He was also an avid New York Yankee’s fan. He enjoyed the Jersey shore and all of the wonders of NY City. However, Annapolis became his home and he thoroughly enjoyed its beauty and unique culture.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur W. Burgess

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Arlene J. Vargo Burgess, one daughter; Sandra Burgess Brooks and her husband Joe of Davidsonville, two brothers; Richard J. Burgess of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, and Ronald E. Burgess of Kitty Hawk, three grandchildren; Connor Joseph, Peyton Burgess and Lyndsay Elizabeth Brooks.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2014 at 9:30am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Online guest book is available by visiting the link on this page.

Catherine J. Pappas (nee Manolis) of Chevy Chase, MD, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, April 6 at the age of 93. She was born in Annapolis, MD in 1921. She is preceded in death by her husband James A. Pappas, her parents Konstantine and Vasiliki (nee Samaras) Manolis, and her sisters Georgia Koutsias and Helen Strat. She leaves behind a family who loved and admired her including her daughters Patricia Padussis and Vickey Papafotis, her four grandchildren Catherine Papafotis, Alexander Papafotis, John & Demi Padussis, James Padussis & his fiancée Nicole de Rosa and her great-granddaughter Lucia Rose Padussis. 
Catherine’s early childhood was spent in Staunton, VA until her family moved back to Trikala, Greece. Eventually, she returned to the U.S. in 1947, where she married her husband in 1949 and raised her family. She and her husband owned and operated the successful Coney Island Lunch restaurant on Main Street in Westminster, MD in the 1940’s and 1950’s. After the death of her husband in 1960 she moved to Chevy Chase, MD where she raised her daughters within the Greek American community of greater Washington, DC. She took pride in her home and was skilled at cooking, sewing and gardening.
 Catherine loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a kind, generous and hardworking woman who was devoted to her church and family. For many years she was a member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Washington, D.C. and more recently Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD. May her memory be eternal. 
Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, April 10 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral service will be held at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Westminster Cemetery at 17 N. Church Street in Westminster, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. An online guestbook is available by clicking the tab on this page.

All services will be private. Please take a moment and sign the guest book.

Jane E. Schimoler, a 14-year resident of Edgewater and previously of Locust Valley, NY, died peacefully on April 5, 2015 at her residence after a 5-year battle with cancer. 

Born on April 2, 1964 in Glen Cove, NY, Jane graduated from Farmingdale University with a degree in criminal justice. She later pursued a career in residential real estate with Sandra Lofgren-Sargent and Associates. She was an avid lacrosse fan with an interest in health and physical fitness.

Jane joins her beloved husband, John A. Schimoler, whom she married in 1988 and who died in 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Heidi E. Schimoler and her son, J. Gunnar Schimoler, both of Edgewater; her mother, Miriam Yavoski; 8 sisters and 3 brothers; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to Jane’s Life Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater where her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the educational fund established for Jane’s children. Please direct to: Schimoler Family Trust, c/o/Diane Drexler, Banking Manager, at Bank of America, 49 West River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760.

An online guestbook is available by accessing the link at the top of this page.

Gertrude Gloria Cypser, better known as "Mickey" to family and friends, was a three-year resident of Gambrills, MD and previously of Long Island, NY. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children, on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a short illness. She was 90. 

Gertrude was born on July 26, 1924 to William Francis Powers and Gertrude Schneider Powers in Bronx, NY. After graduating from Nursing School in 1944, as an RN, Gertrude relished her work in the operating room as well as in visiting nurse services. Her sweet demeanor, quick wit and kindness toward others were a constant. During the 1960’s she was deeply involved in her children’s school’s PTA where she championed an international student exchange program for many years. Her joys were her family, gardening, writing, crossword puzzles, bowling, arts and crafts and was renowned for her baking and chocolates. 

Gertrude was the beloved wife of the late Gustav John Cypser, Sr., whom she married on July 29, 1950 and who died on April 29, 1984; devoted mother of Frances A. (Cypser) Zarkowsky of Annapolis, MD, Gustav J. Cypser, Jr. of Farmingdale, NY, William E. Cypser of Charlottesville, VA; grandmother of Larissa Hannon of Annapolis, MD, Janel Zarkowsky of Annapolis, MD, Jillian Nissen of Deer Park, NY, Gregory Cypser of Wood Ridge, NJ, Eric and Logan Cypser, both of Charlottesville, VA; great-grandmother of Inessa and Einin Hannon, both of Annapolis, MD. 

Services and interment were private. Memorial donations can be made in Gertrude Cypser's name to support the ICU at: Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Belchner Pavilion, Suite 604, Annapolis, MD 21401. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Patsy Peck
 
Died on Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Annapolis, MD. She is survived by her husband Donald, son James, daughter Maryanne, and granddaughter Alison. She was preceded in death by her son Donald and grandson Matthew.
 
Patsy was born in Washington, D.C. She worked at the City of College Park for many years and was a resident of Annapolis for 25 years where she taught line dancing and loved to sew.
 
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, April 17 at 3:00 to 5:00pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Interment private. An online guestbook is available at by visiting the link on this page.

Steve B. Dameron, beloved husband of Lenora and loving father to Kyle and Kara Dameron has gone on to be with the Lord during this holy Easter Season. He was baptized at St. Philips the Apostle Catholic Church during the Easter vigil mass in 1998. He leaves behind his dearest sister in law, Norine Gray, her two sons, Kevin and Ryan Gray. Their two children, Mia Gray and Ryan Jr. Gray. Most loving mother, Grace Dameron and her sons/his brothers,
 David, his daughter, Rhiannon, Jordana, mother of Rhiannon, Dan and his wife, Maria, their children, Danielle, and Kimberly, brother Wayne and his wife Sharon and their two children, Karen and Jason. The Klefsky family, Jeaneane Klefsky, her children, Sharon, Julia, Laura, Norene, Stephen, Lisa, Monica, Karen and Carl. Along with his many friends, he has left behind.
 
Some of the many joys in his life were, singing at Sunday mass, while playing his guitar. He also gave guitar lessons to some of the students at St. Philips the Apostle Catholic School. He also enjoyed sports such as tennis, bowling, softball, and golfing. He worked at Fannie Mae Mortgage Company for some 21 years before retiring in 2007. At Fannie Mae Mortgage Company he was a programmer analyst and then promoted to becoming a Senior Programmer Analyst. Prior to working at Fannie Mae, he was a bank teller for approximately 10 plus years. This loving man will be dearly missed but, rest in peace our beloved Steve, love you forever.
 
Family and friends are invited to Steve's Celebration of Life on Friday, April 10 from 11am until time of Memorial Mass at 12 noon at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, 5614 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD. Inurnment will be private.
 Please leave your thoughts and memories of Steve by signing the guestbook located above.

Richard Allan "Rick" Wheatley, 48, a two year resident of Glen Burnie, MD and formerly of Riva, MD died suddenly on April 4 at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center due to a stroke. Born on September 25, 1966 in Silver Spring, MD, Rick survived brain cancer when he was eight years old and went on to be a 1984 graduate of South River High School in Edgewater, MD. He was employed as a manager at BWA Courier Services. Rick was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, where he coached girl's lacrosse and volunteered for their Athletic Association. He loved to watch Redskins football and Orioles baseball. Rick also enjoyed golfing, singing karaoke and anything Elvis.
 
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel and Madeline Wheatley and Roy and Hilda Stewart.
 
Rick is survived by two sons, Joshua and Samuel Wheatley of Dundalk, MD; his fiancé, Colleen Milliken of Glen Burnie, MD; two siblings, Michael Wheatley of Crofton, MD and Joy Maynard of LaPlata, MD; and his parents, Paul L. Wheatley and his wife, Nancy of LaPlata, MD and Sandra L. Gahley and her husband, Kenneth Martin Gahley of Ridgley, MD.
 
Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Thursday, April 9 from 5pm until his funeral service begins at 7pm. Interment private. Memorial donations may be made in Rick's name to the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, 1730 Twin Springs Road, Ste. 200, Baltimore, MD 21227. An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

Grace Inez Lechlider, a 14-year resident of Olive Branch, MS and previously of Waldorf, MD, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto after a brief illness, on Friday, April 3, 2015.
 
Grace was born September 5, 1928 in Nelson County, VA, to the late John and Hester Phillips. She completed her education in Nelson County. Her 39-year career was spent as a clerk and cashier with Safeway Food Stores.
 She was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 5471 and Whitehall Baptist Church in Accokeek, MD until she moved to Olive Branch, MS, where she was a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church and was actively involved in the Good News Sunday school class, where she served as Caregiver Leader and Social Coordinator. She took great joy in not being idle and was always working on one project or another.
 
Grace is survived by her husband, Clyde T. Lechlider and daughter, Patricia Ann Small and husband Bobby Joe of Falls Church, VA and Daughter-in-law Carla Painter, as well as 5 grandchildren: Bobby Small, Jr. and wife Virginia of Littleton, CO; Medena (Dena) Jones of Falls Church, VA; Joshua Small of Richmond, VA; Jason Painter and wife Connie of Welcome, VA; Carrie Sager and husband Mike of Mechanicsville, MD and 8 great-grandchildren: Taylor Small and Keely Small of Littleton, CO; Patrisha (Noel) Jones of Stephens City, VA; Austin Jones of Berryville, VA; Wesley and Dustin Painter of Welcome, MD; and Dominic and Lily Sager of Mechanicsville, MD.
 
Grace is also survived by four stepchildren: Melissa Kennedy of Hephzibah, GA; Lorraine Bartholomew and husband Graham Bartholomew of Waldorf, MD; Dorothy “Dot” Horstman and husband Jim of Lake Worth, FL; and Jaime Yanes, Jr. and wife Celeste of Collierville, TN. In addition she is survived by 12 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren: Michael Kennedy and wife Tamara of Martinez, GA, and children Brandon Kennedy of Lakeview, WA, Alyssa and Kimmie Kennedy of Martinez, GA; Michelle Hixson and husband Brian and children Dontavia, Tiara and Alicia Moore of Augusta, GA; Christine Harris and husband Lester and children Brittany, Deja, Lester Jr., and Izauh Kennedy of Augusta, GA; James and Brooke Horstman of Lake Worth, FL; Christopher Yanes of Collierville, TN; Evan Yanes and wife Elena of Germantown, TN; and Katelyn Yanes of Nashville, TN.
 
Grace was preceded in death by her former husbands; Willard Austin Painter (1967) and Robert Lawrence Couch (1996); her son, Leonard Austin Painter (March 17, 2015) of Pomfret, MD; and her great-grandson Jordan Xavier Jones (2006).
 
Friends are invited to Grace’s Life Celebration on Friday, April 10 from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:30p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment to immediately follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

E. Jane Sterling
 
Jane Sterling, 87, a longtime resident of Annapolis died suddenly at her home on Thursday April 2, 2015.
 Jane was born on April 22, 1927 in Baltimore, MD to the late Frank and Florence Heise. She was a lifelong hospital volunteer at Anne Arundel Medical Center and previously at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. She was a longtime member of the AAMC auxiliary and a parishioner at Holy Family in Davidsonville. Jane was an avid reader and loved the beach.
 
In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Van Sterling, and her two daughters; JoAnn and Karen Sterling. 

Jane is survived by a sister, Ann Koenig and her husband, Bernard; a nephew, Douglas Koenig; two nieces, Pamela Murdock and Judith A. Browne; her goddaughter, Carol Zepp and her husband, Jeff and their children, Ryan and Hanna.
 
Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, April 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 16th at 11:00am at St. John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, 11901 Belair Rd., Kingsville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the AAMC Auxiliary, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2015; the beloved wife of the late Joseph E. Copeland, Sr.; mother of Kimberly Copeland Giarrusso and her husband, Gary Giarrusso and Joseph E. Copeland, Jr. and his fiancé, Maria Foster and the late Jacqueline Copeland; grandmother of Anthony, Gary Micheal, Carly Giarrusso and Jacqueline Copeland. Last but not least, mommy to Samantha, her four legged baby. You will truly be missed. Rest in peace and now hand in hand with her one true love. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Paula's Celebration of Life on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 11 a.m. until time of service at 12 noon at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Washington National Cemetery, Suitland, MD.

Mary Catherine Masser, 78, a twenty-four year resident of Edgewater and formerly of Silver Spring, died of natural causes on March 30 at her home. Born in Frederick, MD on March 15, 1937 to the late Robert and Margaret Hartman, Mary was a teacher at St. Mark's Elementary School in Hyattsville, MD from 1961-70. She then earned a BA degree in fine arts from the University of Maryland in 1973 and a Masters degree in literary studies from Georgetown University in 1977. She was a software developer and technician and later became Vice President of Masser Systems, Inc. of Crofton, MD from 1975 to 2002. In high school, Mary was a member of the varsity basketball team and after graduating was a corporate runway model at various hotels in the D.C. area. A member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis, Mary enjoyed ballet dancing, tennis, music and was an avid walker. She is survived by her husband, Lee Masser whom she married in 1956; her children, Trina Cleveland of Kernersville, NC, Terry Masser of Pasadena, MD and Jeff Masser of Sarasota, FL; her brother, Robert Hartman of Thurmont, MD; her sisters, Ann Brandt of Dallas, TX and Fran Davis of Frederick, MD and her grandchildren, Jonathan and Kirsten Cleveland of Kernersville, NC and Stefanie Masser of Pasadena, MD. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 8 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058 or the American Cancer Society, 7500 Greenway Center Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770. An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

Cathrine Helen Vernon, a resident of Washington, D.C. and previously of Colorado died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on Saturday, March 28, 2015. She was 90. Born on October 22, 1924 in Oklahoma, Cathrine was the youngest of eleven children. During WWII, she worked as a Government Girl. Cathrine loved to garden. She was the devoted wife of the late Frank Vernon, whom she married in 1945 and who died in 2004; beloved mother of Edward Vernon and his wife, Patsy of Fredericksburg, VA and Gail Vernon and her wife, Laura Bertrand of Annapolis, MD; grandmother of Edward of Hawaii, Tiffany of Spotsylvania, VA and Christie of Baltimore, MD, she is also survived by five great-grandchildren.
 A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Maryland, 211 East Lombard St, #260, Baltimore, MD 21202. An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

On Saturday, March 28, 2015, the beloved mother of Sylvia Ann and her husband Gordon Brooks; grandmother of Monica Cooper and Eric Brooks; great-grandmother of Damien and Daniel Brooks and Cedric Cooper; She is also survived by 3 great-great-grandchildren Aria, Haven and Naima Brooks. All services will be private. Please leave your thoughts and memories of Eunice by signing the guestbook located above.

Kathleen V. Rainville, 74, of Annapolis, MD, passed away on March 27, 2015 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born on January 17, 1941 in Kew Gardens, NY to the late Edward and Viola (née Clark) Sullivan, Mrs. Rainville received a Bachelor’s degree from Marywood College in Scranton, PA and a Master of Arts degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She also studied at the University of Paris, University of Laval, St. John’s College, the University of Maryland and St. Anne’s Hall in Oxford, England.

Mrs. Rainville’s calling in life was the teaching of Latin and French. She taught at Bowie High School for 30 years and previously at Bayshore High School in New York. She also volunteered for a year at Annapolis High School and continued to tutor in her retirement. Mrs. Rainville has been recognized nationally, quoted in the media and has made presentations at conferences. She was an accomplished traveler, both for recreation and as a leader of study tours. She was also an avid reader, particularly of British Murder Mysteries.

Mrs. Rainville is survived by her husband, Gerard A. Rainville; a sister, Sharon Seberle of Hudson, FL; two sons from a previous marriage, Thomas Harmon of Phoenix, AZ and Robert Harmon of Pinehurst, NC; two granddaughters, Allison and Amber Harmon. She was also cherished by her husband’s sons and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Friday, April 17, 2014 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis MD 21401 Sajak Pavilion #550 or to The Share Fund, 150 Wakefield Street, Suite 14 Rochester, NH 03867.

An online guestbook is available at: www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Walter Landon, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He is survived by his five children, Sandra Ogle of Westminster, Md, Walter Landon, Jr. of Camden, Delaware, Jackie Gable, St. Michaels, Md, John Landon, Arnold Md, and Bryan Landon, Valley City, Ohio; a brother, George Landon of Florida; a sister, Jenny Remus of North Carolina; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
 
Friends may call on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 12:00pm at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Family and friends will gather at the London Town Community Hall, 473 Chesapeake Drive, Edgewater, MD immediately following the graveside service.

Judith Louise Bauer
 

“Sweet Judi”

 On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, beloved mother of Joseph Charles (Chuck) (Shirley) Bauer, III; grandmother of Jessica and Joe Bauer; daughter of the late Ferdinand and Frances Jackson; sister of Joanne (Ray) Viens and the late Mary Frances Jackson and Jean Marie Eutsler. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to Judi’s Life Celebration from 4 to 7pm on Saturday, April 11 at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 8536 Bayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Obesity Society, 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1320, Silver Spring, MD 20910. An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

Obituaries

Pearl Sheaffer

Wout Coster

James Holson

Sherril Picco

Earl Hargrove

Mary Potter

Joseph Burgess

Catherine Pappas

Marjory Hurney

Jane Schimoler

Gertrude Cypser

Mary Peck

Steve Dameron

Richard Wheatley

Grace Lechlider

E. Sterling

Paula Copeland

Mary Masser

Cathrine Vernon

Eunice Brown

Kathleen Rainville

Walter Landon

Judith Bauer

Lawrence Knowles