Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Elizabeth “Ellie” Bourdas, 85, a 20-year resident of Annapolis, MD passed away on September 22, 2023 at Johns Hopkins Hospital after suffering a stroke. Born on May 3, 1939 in Greece, Elizabeth graduated high school and went on to become a homemaker. She was a member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, and enjoyed needlepoint, crochet, and cooking.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dimitrios Bourdas; her son, Anthony Bourdas of Annapolis; her daughter, Evdoxia Chiras of Annapolis and her grandchildren, Dimitrios Bourdas, Antonios Bourdas, and Georgia Chiras.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elizabeth’s life on Tuesday, September 26 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at 11 am at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD. Interment to follow at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery, 2457 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD.
Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Ida Mae Little, 89, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on September 22, 2023 at Lorien Assisted Living in Elkridge, Maryland.

She was one of five children, born on April 11, 1934, to Albert and Kathleen Hancock of Suitland, Maryland.

Ida graduated from Suitland High School in 1952. Followed by a career of 41 years as secretary and office manager for the Stephen A. Goldberg Company of Washington, DC.

Ida enjoyed dining out, table games with family and friends, and the occasional visit to the casinos to try her luck. Her family and extended family were important to her. She took great interest in their lives and personal events. 

Ida is survived by her sons Mike (Sue) and Steve (Cheryl). Her brother Jimmy (Pat) and sisters Mary and Martha. Grandchildren Steve Jr. (Melissa), Jamie (Scott), Eric (Tassie), Kate and Mark. Great grandchildren Bailey, Ava, Jackson and Chuck; as well as many nieces, nephews and members of her extended family, the Manilli’s.

Ida was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Kathleen Hancock; her husband of 25 years, Bob Little; sister Margaret Smith; brothers-in-law Fred Sturgis and Thomas Smith; nieces Jenny Hancock and Gail Remington; and longtime companion, Paul Manilli.

Viewings will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill, Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Family will be present at both times.

The funeral service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:00 am. The interment will follow at 12:00 pm at the Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Rd., Suitland, Maryland 20746.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to ‘Pay It Forward’ by donating time or resources, in Ida’s name, to a charitable cause of their choice.


Margaret Mary “Peggy” Oliver, 88, a longtime resident of New Bern, NC and previously of Derwood, MD, died September 22, 2023.  Born in Springfield, IL on October 13, 1934, she grew up in Nyack, NY, attended St. Vincent (NY) School of Nursing and earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.    Her long career in nursing included psychiatric nursing as well as the supervision of school nurses in Montgomery County, MD.

Peggy was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Bern where she was involved in many ministries such as the Catholic Daughters, Merci Clinic, baptism classes and the Tobit Committee.  Her interests included swimming, water aerobics and sewing, where she would utilize her sewing skills on several projects for Carolina East Medical Center.

Preceded in death by her husband, Warren Oliver, Peggy is survived by her children, Claire (Tim) Spencer, Warren (Heidi) Oliver and Lorraine (Steve) Stasny; and her grandchildren, Gregory and Kennan Spencer, Emily, Andy, Mary Kate, Mike, John and Zeb Stasny.

A funeral service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held on Thursday, November 9 at 10:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 11701 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.  Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.


David “Dave” Gerard Cirillo, 69, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife by his side, on September 21, 2023, after a long fought battle with lung cancer. Born on March 24, 1954 in Baltimore, MD to the late Virginia Grecco and Anthony Cirillo, Sr., Dave apprenticed with the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 100 Baltimore area and worked as a journeyman for over 40 years. He also taught sheet metal work for the apprentice program in the later years of his career. Dave married his second wife, Ann Cirillo (nee Da Cunha) in 2015 in a small family wedding.  Dave was passionate about many things, including family, music, laughter, travel, eating and cooking food, flying his drone and animals. He especially enjoyed listening to the Grateful Dead, eating lasagna, and travelling to Australia. Dave also worked many a party and wedding as the DJ which was one of his favorite things to do. He had a soft heart for children and animals and he will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and friends.
    In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Ronald Cirillo and Anthony “Chip” Cirillo, Jr. Dave is survived by his wife, Ann Cirillo; his children, Christina and Anthony Cirillo; his bonus daughter, Josie (Michael) Komorowki; his siblings, Michael (Philomena) Cirillo and Marianne (Rick) Sickler; his uncle, Ernie Grecco; his five grandchildren, Steven Gehring III, Alexander and Chloe Gehring and Samuel and Lillian Cirillo; his bonus grandsons, Haydn Kopf and Jack Komorowski; his former wife, Darlene Wiley nee (Reimer) as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 
      Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dave's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, September 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Organization (lung.org) or your local animal shelter. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

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

Mommy, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Mimi, Friend

Marianne Drumm, age 74, of Crofton, MD, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Luminis Hospital in Annapolis. The oldest of four children, Marianne was born in Philadelphia in 1948 to the late Bohdan and Sophie Chawluk. All four of her grandparents were born in Ukraine.

Always a diligent student, Marianne graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1965. Her friends remember how passionate she was about academic excellence and involvement in school activities, including synchronized swimming, playing the violin, and studying foreign languages.

She received scholarships to Smith, Bryn Mawr, and the University of Pennsylvania but ultimately accepted an offer from Wellesley College. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in the class of 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

From there she continued her studies at Columbia University, achieving degrees in political science and Russian studies. Here she met and fell in love with Robert Drumm, claiming from the first time she saw him that “[he] is the man I’m going to marry.” As we all know, if Marianne says it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. They were married on August 2, 1975, in the blazing sun at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.

Marianne’s background in political science led her to join Bob at the National Security Agency (NSA) in Ft. Meade, where they both dedicated 30 years. They bought a home in Crofton, MD in 1981 and never left. Before her retirement from the Department of Defense, Marianne received not one, but two Meritorious Civilian Service awards; additionally, she was selected to be part of the prestigious Director’s Fellowship Program at NSA.

Always strong in faith, Marianne also chose a church “home” in Annapolis, MD, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She remained an active member there for over 40 years. She served as head of the Worship and Music Committee and had her own mailbox in the church office. Marianne and Bob couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and were overjoyed to welcome first Julia and then Nicholas in 1982 and 1986, respectively, baptizing them both at St. Martin’s; these two quickly became Marianne’s world. The only thing even better than her two children, however, were her grandchildren–they became Marianne’s universe. Marianne’s favorite role was as Mimi to Allison (aka “Allie Cat”), Theodore (aka “Teddy Bear”), and Eleanor (aka “Nora”).

Marianne’s hobbies and interests revolved around the people she loved. Fondly nicknamed “Gramazon” by her children and “Mimi” by her grandbabies, she enjoyed sharing her love of reading, sending unexpected gifts, deepening her faith, watching British murder mysteries and sharing carefully-chosen articles with everyone she knew. She loved fiercely, and although she was a self-proclaimed introvert, she had friends everywhere she smiled. More than anything else, Marianne cherished time spent with those she held most dear.

In addition to her parents, Marianne was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Alan Carp and cousin Eugene Kredensor. Marianne is survived by her sister, Patricia Babusci; brothers John and Thom Chawluk; her husband of 48 years, Robert Drumm; her daughter, Julia (and son-in-law, Kyle Saye); her son Nicholas (and daughter-in-law, Emilee); her grandchildren Allie, Teddy, and Nora; and, an asthmatic cat named Charlie (a legacy to be reckoned with!). A celebration of life was held on October 14, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Martin’s Church in Annapolis, MD, where she now rests in the Peace Garden.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Mimi, Tata/Aunt, and friend who will be genuinely missed by all who knew her. The service can be viewed at the following link:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mdruyZ2J4VU?si=aIpTVNMf4gwt658I" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Some days it feels impossible to move on without her, but she is embedded in everything we love and believe in and we feel her presence every day. Her family and friends will continue to learn how to live with a “Marianne-sized hole in their hearts.” She said that in the end, “Loving kindness, she now feels, is the only completely real thing in the world.”

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in memory of Marianne Drumm to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through her personalized page so that we can continue the fight against cancer.

A complete obituary will be posted here soon.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Anna Curry Zamer.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Zacharia Zamer;  his son, Thomas F. Zamer; his brother, Robert J. (Barbara) Zamer; his memory will be cherished by his grandchildren, Kylie, Allyson and Zachary and numerous nieces, nephews, a great niece, great nephews and godchildren. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Thomas’ life on Tuesday, September 26 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, and on Wednesday, September 27 from 9:30 am until his funeral service begins at 10:30 am at Ss. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 10620 River Rd, Potomac, MD. Interment will be private. Condolences may be made online by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Richard G. Marinari, 67, a forty year resident of Edgewater MD, passed away peacefully at his home on September 19, 2023. Born on December 14, 1955 in Washington, DC to the late Mario and Dorothy Marinari, Richard graduated from Crossland High School in 1973 and Prince George’s Community College in 1975 with an A.A. Degree in Industrial Engineering. Richard was employed with numerous companies including, Maicom Construction, ATS, Camp Letts, CSC, Dyncorp, Cutting Corporation, Recorded Books, Bausum & Duckett and Giant Food Inc. He was the Commander of the American Legion S.A.L., Post 226, in Mayo MD and the State S.A.L. Commander. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Marinari. He is survived by his wife, Mary Marinari. Funeral services will be private. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Robert Arthur Haberlein, age 69, a 30-year resident of Annapolis, MD died on 18 September peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Rob was born in El Dorado Kansas to Robert Waitt Haberlein and Suzanne Hartnett Haberlein.  

Rob will be remembered for his vast knowledge of many subjects accumulated from a life of continuous learning. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University where he would go on to be Assistant to the Dean. He then earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. He devoted his life in application of those skills as a naval architect in Hawaii, Cobalt boat plant manager, and RV plant manager in Kansas. Eventually he found his professional calling as a leading composites industry emissions expert.

He was the owner of Engineering Environmental. He served the composites industry for over 30 years and was inducted to the American Composites Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame in 2017. Along the way he built three homes with his bare hands and taught many a young man how to use a hammer to frame a house. However, Rob’s true passion was gardening. He would spend most of his free time in his garden where any visitors would promptly either be given a tour or requested to grab a shovel.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jan Haberlein, and 5 children: Tricia (and Rob) Haberlein of Edgewater, MD, Brian (and Kelly) McNew of Davidsonville, MD, Paul (and Andrea) Haberlein of San Francisco, CA, Christy (and Ryan) Baxter of Port St Lucie, FL, Rob (and Becky) Haberlein of San Diego, CA and his sister Mary (and Roger) Dillon of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and a large extended family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Rob on Oct 2nd at the Quiet Waters Park Blue Heron Center. Visitation will take place from 3 to 5pm with words to Celebrate his Life from 5 to 5:30pm. In honor of Rob’s love of gardening, please join his family in wearing garden colors. The family requests that memorial donations and donations in lieu of flowers be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note the name of the loved one on the memo line) or online at https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/ 




James Garfield Laws, II transitioned on September 18, 2023 after a lengthy illness.  He was born on February 24, 1954, in Jamaica, NY; the first child of the late Elvira Freeman Laws and James G. Laws, Sr. James never wanted to be referred to as “Junior”, he was always “the Second.”  At an early age he was baptized and spent his formative years as a member of Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Jamaica, NY.  At Brooks, James was involved in many youth activities, including Youth and Young Adult Choirs; Youth Usher Board; Children’s, Youth and Young Adult Fellowships and Boy Scouts.  It was also during these early years, by watching and helping his father, that James developed his love for cars, which would remain with him throughout his lifetime. James made numerous special friends while growing up with whom he would remain friends well into adulthood.  Once James was your friend he would bend over backwards to help in any way needed.

James was educated in the New York City School System.  Upon graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C.  It was while at Howard that he began working for C&P Telephone Company, which later became Verizon.  James would have a lengthy and successful career at Verizon, retiring after 30 years.

In 1980, James married the former Sharon Morse.  To this union his two children were born, Daniel Christopher and Erin Ashley.  He was a truly dedicated father to his children.

James was never one to sit and be idle, following his retirement he embarked on several work activities using his numerous skills, which included working at CarMax and providing consulting services based on knowledge gained during his many years at Verizon.  James’ greatest love, however, aside from his children, was cars, particularly BMW’s.  This passion led him to over 20 years of involvement in the BMW Club, through which he also met other car enthusiasts and made longtime friends. Starting in 2005, he became Chapter Vice President, Membership Committee Chair. As a car enthusiast, later in 2010, he became a Lead Concours Judge for Southeast Sharkfest. It was an annual gathering devoted to the enjoyment of BMW big coupes from the 1960's models up until present day. James also became a member of the Developmental Roundtable Upward Mobility (DRUM) which is a non-profit foundation focused on creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

 He leaves to cherish his memories his son and daughter,  Daniel Christopher of Washington, D.C. and Erin Ashley of Laurel, MD, his brother and sister, Elliott Laws of Vienna, VA and Christine Laws-Green (Jacoby) of Charlotte, NC, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving relatives and many caring friends.


Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Online condolences may be made by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Mildred Ann “Millie” Woodward Gardiner, 82, of Annapolis, MD passed away on Sunday, September 17 at the Ginger Cove Health Center surrounded by her family.  Millie was born in Baltimore on December 6, 1940 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Lorraine) Woodward, III and grew up in Millersville and Severna Park.  She was a 1958 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree of Education in 1962 from the Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore.  After graduating, Millie was an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County.  She married Francis E. “Skip” Gardiner, Jr. on May 22, 1965 and retired from teaching in 1967 to become a stay-at-home Mom. In addition to the mutual affection with her parents, Millie was devoted to and remains beloved by her husband, children, siblings, and grandchildren.  She enjoyed her family and friends and always loved seeing and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  
Millie’s interests included conducting genealogy research, delving into puzzles and sudoku, listening to the radio, raising sheep, and gardening, especially when the family lived at their Lord’s Bounty Farm in Lothian for many years.  She also served as a volunteer for years at the AAMC Clothes Box and libraries located at St. Mary’s Elementary School and the South County Branch in Deale.   Millie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Skip; her sons: Francis, III (Mitzi), Michael (Renée), James (Lisanna), and Timothy (Angela); her siblings: Henry Woodward, IV, James (Roseanne) Woodward, and Jane McMurray; and her grandchildren: Sam, Sarah, Victoria, Thomas, Andrew, Daniel, Valerie, Graham, Nicholas, and Amelia.  
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Millie's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, September 24 from 4PM to 7PM.  Closing prayers will start at 6:45PM.   Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD on Monday, September 25 at 10:30AM.  Interment will be private.  
Should you desire to do so, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ginger Cove Foundation, 4000 River Crescent Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 in recognition of the loving care extended to Millie for many years. 
Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Joanne Mancini Buck, a resident of Chester, Maryland and previously of Dunkirk, Maryland passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by friends and family on September 16, 2023, after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Michael Buck, their two children Stephanie (Jacob) of Raleigh, NC and Matthew of Prince Frederick, MD. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Mancini, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Susan Wright, nephews Joe Talbert (Mandy), Jason Talbert, Dan Wright, and Andrew Wright, great-nephew Tyler Talbert, great-niece, Adalee Wright, and step-grandchildren Lucas and Lillian Schaffhauser to whom she was affectionately known as “JoJo”.

Born in Baltimore on September 16, 1952, to the late Joseph and Mary Mancini, she grew up in District Heights, Maryland. She spent the majority of her career in the banking industry working for American Bankers Association and Comptroller of the Currency.

Joanne was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church where she served multiple terms on the vestry, including serving as Senior Warden. She loved spending time at the beach, cooking for her family, entertaining and decorating.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joanne’s life on Friday, September 22 from 4-7 PM at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 23 at 11 AM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 14515 Church St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joanne’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Doris Joan Stolze Collier, 92, a resident of Annapolis, MD for thirty-one years and previously of Mayo, MD died on Saturday, September 16 at her home of natural causes. Born on August 21, 1931 in Wheeling, WV to the late George and Dorothy Stolze, Doris earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. A homemaker most of her life, she was a member of the Mayo Homemaker’s, Eternal Quilters, Heritage Harbour Quilting Bee, Heritage Harbour Computer Club and the Heritage Harbour Civic Association. Doris also volunteered with the Anne Arundel County Libraries and the Caring Network and enjoyed quilting and computers in her spare time. She was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Gerald James Collier and her sister, Barbara Kellagher. Doris is survived by her children, James Michael Collier of MD, Patricia Dempsey of FL, Carol Dove of MD, Jo Ann Stump of OH, Sandra Collier of FL and Kathryn Moreland of MD and her grandchildren, Thomas Blake, Anthony and Adam Dove, Heather Launer and Samantha Stump. Funeral service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, September 22 at 1:30 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

A memorial reception will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.  In lieu of flowers, the family will request memorial contributions be made to a fund for their employees. More details are forthcoming, please check back. 

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

<a href="https://dessertsbygerard.com/">https://dessertsbygerard.com/</a>

Katherine Walter Robinson died on Saturday, September 16, 2023.  Kathy is survived by her son, Christopher Walter of Edgewater, MD; her stepchildren, David Robinson of St. Augustine, FL and Cathy (Jim) Dumais of Hanover, PA; her grandchildren, Cassie Serrano, Dillon, and Claire Walter; her step grandchildren, April Halverson and Vanessa Robinson; her great-grandchildren, Camellia Green and Eliani Serrano;  her step great-grandchildren, Lyla, Zoe, and Tate Halverson; her other very special children, Scarlet, Hayes, and Roman Green; her sisters, Janet (Tom) Srock of Richlands, NC, Jo-Ann “Joey” (Craig Crawmer) Middleton of Fulton, MD; her sister-in-law, Helen Anders of Charlestown, WV; her nieces and nephews, Kathy (Bill) Jackson, Jacquelyn (Dave) Pinion, Finney (Melissa) Cheadle, and Jeffrey (Katie Whipps) Middleton; her great nieces and nephews, Ashley White, Alyssa Ginevan, Heather Sheehan, David, Sarah and Jacob Pinion, Davis and Allie Cheadle and Olivia Middleton and her great-great-nieces and nephews, Jacob, Jay, Bayleigh, Jerry, Colton, Laylah, Hunter and Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Robby” Robinson; her parents, Hiram Rudolph Walter and Katherine Louise Jeffries; her stepfather, Samuel Jeffries; her in-laws, Clayton and Nora Robinson and a stepdaughter-in-law, Penny Robinson. Friends are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life on Monday, October 2 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 Tuesday, October 3 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


Jim Morris passed on September 16, 2023. A master at being heard before seen, Jim delighted in making everyone feel better with his resounding laughter. It worked. Born in Jersey City, NJ to Nora Curran and Patrick Morris on November 8, 1945. Jim graduated from St. Peters College in philosophy in 1968; then from George Washington University in rehabilitation counseling in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army ROTC from which he resigned as a Captain.

Jim’s work and volunteer lives reflected his love of people in every setting. Over a 31-year career, he principally worked at the D.C. Superior Court, Division of Social Services in Adult and Juvenile Probation as well as Family Services before joining the new Federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.

Once retired from probation, Jim trained in mediation at the Center for Community Justice and worked as a volunteer child welfare mediator at the D.C. Superior Court’s Revolving Door Project. He then joined the Foundation for Home and Family as a Court consultant to social workers focused on the safety of children in the DC and MD foster care system. Afterwards, he joined their Board and remained involved in their mission until 2023.

Family life developed in 1970 when Jim married his wife of now 53 years, Amy Zimmermann, from Ridgewood, NY. They were blessed with two children, Courtney and Todd, and raised them in Rockville, MD. Courtney has two daughters, Sydney and Juliana. Todd went on to marry Elycia Hall. They have two children, Reid, and Stella.  

Jim was a whole-hearted Redskins fan of the Joe Gibbs era and forever Navy college football enthusiast. He also had an exceptional ear and voice, an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music as well as music of the Big Band era, the Great American Songbook and Frank Sinatra.  Jim volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Anne Arundel County. He facilitated family-to-family classes at AAMC, BWMC and area churches.

In retirement, Jim resided at The Residences at Park Place, and later Baywoods of Annapolis; serving on the Boards of each property. It was at the United States Naval Academy that Jim became a Tour Guide at the Visitor Center.  Jim saw in the Guide Service the perfect opportunity to combine his love of history, stand-up comedy and meeting new people. He served there happily for seven years, making great friendships with fellow tour guides along the way. 

Jim was an exceptional man. Always honest, loyal, insightful, and plain-spoken. NYFD Chaplain, Mychal Judge’s prayer captured the essence of Jim when he wrote, “to go where God wanted him to go; meet people God wanted him to meet; say what God wanted him to say and stay out of God’s way.” Jim is missed and loved always by his family and dear friends.

Memorial gifts reflecting Jim’s passion for children and music might be made to:

<a href="https://givebutter.com/LETSGO">Lets Go Boys and Girls</a>
574 Ritchie Highway, Suite E193
Severna Park, MD 21146-2925

Or

<a href="https://annapolissymphony.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0nHq000025clr1IAA&">Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Sounds of Impact/Education Fund</a>
ASO
Maryland Hall
801 Chase Street, Suite 204
Annapolis, MD 21401

Jim’s Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2pm in Annapolis, MD. All are welcome to join at Saint Philips Episcopal Church located at 730 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The Life of Alan John Vandendriessche

On September 15, 2023, the vibrant and storied life of Alan John Vandendriessche, age 72 of Annapolis, Maryland, ended peacefully, with the utmost dignity, and full of those that loved him most.

He was a great many things to a great many people. As a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, a lifelong friend, a respected colleague, a formidable opponent, and a leader in all his endeavors, Alan always left a lasting impression. He was a warrior of life, never one to accept anything was impossible, bending and even breaking the rules when it made sense, and refusing to give up the fight, even to his final breath.

Over his esteemed professional journey he mastered many career and educational pursuits. From working in a car body shop, to managing a grocery store and selling real estate, Alan ended his accomplishments in a senior leadership role at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a position for which he was grateful, though it required him to commute hours each day from Annapolis to northern Virginia on public transport and with the helping hand of a wonderful neighbor. Through the Seeing Eye, Inc., Alan received two service dogs, Ted and then Elmer, who assisted in making his career possible, as well as, at times, adventurous, whenever the occasional pigeon piqued their canine instincts.

In addition to his career, he had many other impressive and endearing pursuits. He was an amateur aviator and an accomplished comedian for those that knew him best. Through the Hadley School for the Blind, he learned the skill of reading Braille and made strong strides in the Spanish language. Later, Alan attempted to master several rock classics on the guitar and he prioritized learning how to play Happy Birthday for his grandchildren. Further, he was a voracious reader of the news and historical literature. He also served as chair of the Anne Arundel County Disability Commission, championing for important changes and efforts to advance the quality of life for those living with a variety of disabilities. As a journalist once said, there was never a “dis” in his “ability.”

Alan not only earned his Bachelor Degree from The University of Maryland, but, he later went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix while working full time and balancing the needs of a young, growing and boisterously busy family.

The leading man in the greatest love story many of us will ever know, he was just weeks away from his 46th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Meredith Vandendriessche, by whom he is survived. This special bond set the bar for his children and their spouses, Kristen and Jose Umana, Liz Vandendriessche, and John Vandendriessche and Kaitlin Scanlin, who all will warmly hold dear, and carry forward, the story of Binky and Alan.

And though his life has concluded, the wisdoms he bestowed and character he personified never will. His sweet, spirited and brilliant grandchildren — Maxwell, Nora, Leighton, Constance, William, John (Jack), Alice and Leo — will grow up knowing of and learning from their adored Rock Pot, and will embody his ethos for generations to come.

You battled brilliantly, courageously and victoriously. Today, it is time for you to rest peacefully, and know we will love you endlessly, Alan, Dad, Rock Pot, Uncle Al, but above and beyond, our warrior hero.

And now, he would have ended it best, and with the most affection, a hint of jest and mischief, and complete gratitude, “let’s get out of here.”

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial offered at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 on September 29, 2023 at 10:30 am. In lieu flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Seeing Eye-Guide Dogs for the Blind P.O. Box 375 Morristown, NJ 07963-0375




Patricia “Patsy” Gail Lauterborn passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2023.   She was 85 years old.

Patsy was born in Concord, North Carolina on January 17th, 1938, to the late Patrick and Clara Kathleen (Holdbrooks) Whittington.  Along with her parents, Patsy is predeceased by her beloved husband, George Bernard Lauterborn (1921-1988) and her sister Karen Whittington.

Patsy graduated from Anacostia High School and then received a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Master of Chemistry from Howard University. Her main career was a dental hygienist but there was nothing that our mother could not master in life. She spent weeks in France and graduated with her Cordon Bleu in the 1970s. Using her Cordon Bleu skills she taught cooking classes in our kitchen, catered weddings and parties and mastered cake decoration.

She was a Prefect Sodality at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD, taught classes at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and volunteered many hours at both St. Columba and La Reine High School. 

She taught herself to knit and we treasure the beautiful Irish sweaters she knitted for us.  She was an avid bridge player and even played league-style within the last couple of years.  She taught ceramics in our basement and baked them in our very own kiln.  She was an avid reader and exceled at newspaper crosswords. She traveled extensively to several countries while learning as much of their language as she could.  Later in life she decided she would like to “try out” watercolor art.  If you knew Patsy, there was no such thing as her just “trying out” something.  She found a wonderful art class at Harmony Hall Regional Center and learned different watercolor techniques and spent many hours refining her art.

Throughout her life she met special and dear friends.  They had a special place in her heart and ours as well.

Patsy is survived by her sister Wanda (John) Hassler, her three children Mary (Todd) Armstrong, Francis (Tracey) Lauterborn and Elizabeth (Leslie) Johnson. Eight grandchildren - Paige (Jason) Armstrong, Maxwell Johnson, Danielle Lauterborn, Jack Armstrong, Mitchell Johnson, Brendan Lauterborn, Marshall Johnson and Peyton Lauterborn. Two great-grandchildren - Greyson and Bailey Osborne along with nieces and nephews within the Lauterborn and Hassler families.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28th from 4-6 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory: 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.  Interment will be with George at Arlington Cemetery.  If sending flowers, please contact Country Florist at 301-645-6776 or online at <a href="https://countryflorist.com/">CountryFlorist</a>   Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Lynn Marie Johnson, 69, a 30-year resident of Edgewater, MD, and previously of Severna Park died peacefully at her home on September 14, 2023. Born on March 1, 1954, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Charles Kalkenberg Rasmussen and Margaret Ann Doig, Lynn received numerous college degrees, including a Master of Education from Hunter College (NY), Bachelor of Education and Communication from Adelphi University (NY). She was employed at Trinity University in Washington DC, The Berkley School in Hicksville, NY, and Catholic Charities of St. Agnes Hospital. A social person, Lynn was a member of Mayo United Methodist Church, the Danish Athletic Club, and various education accreditation organizations. She enjoyed reading, tending to plants, and studying family history. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Peter Johnson. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Lynn’s life on Wednesday, September 20 at 11 a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. The interment will be private. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Chalmer Eugene “Tinker” Shoemaker of Davidsonville, MD passed away at his home on September 14, 2023, with his devoted wife at his side.  Tinker was born on November 4, 1928, in Chicago, IL to the late Helen and Jim Shoemaker.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Shoemaker Calhoun, a brother, Robert “Buddy” Shoemaker, a niece, Lynda Shoemaker Cook and a great niece, Brooke A. Swope.
Tinker will be remembered most for the love he had for his family and his dedication as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle.  He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Swope Shoemaker; son Mark Shoemaker (Arthur Hintz); daughter Jennifer Shoemaker-Hummel (Michael Null); grandchildren Summer Hummel, Jocelyn, Liam and Veronica Calhoun and son in law Sam Calhoun; nephews James Swope, Douglas (Virginia) Swope and Joseph (Laura) Swope; niece Debbie Shoemaker Whitfield: great nieces Jacqueline, Josephine, Emma, Haley, Nicole and Emily Swope; great niece and nephew Jay and Jaime Cook, great nieces Rachel and Cheryl Whitfield; Goddaughter Catherine Stevinson Hovance, and his favorite grand dog, Piper Rose.

Tinker proudly served in the US Marine Corps and after an honorable discharge he attended the University of Maryland.  He enjoyed a career in telecommunications and after retirement from Lucent Technologies he started his own telecom business, Tinker’s TelCo.  His interests included gardening, reading and skiing.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the time hunting in Pennsylvania with his father-in-law, brother-in-law and nephews.  Tinker never shied away from hard work.  One of his most enjoyable pastimes was chopping down trees and splitting the logs.  He also deeply loved his church and studying the Bible.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gambrills, MD where he served as a Lector, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for many years.  For the past twelve years, he was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Annapolis.  He was also a member of the former Davidsonville Ruritan Club and the Pelican Sport Skydiving Club.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401 on Saturday, November 4 at 11 AM.  Interment will be on a later date at Langdondale Community Cemetery in Pennsylvania.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tinker’s name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Annapolis. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.KalasFuneralHomes.com.

“A man’s man with a tender heart”


Barbara Jean Huff Mee, 91, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at home in Edgewater, MD. Born on March 16, 1932, in Johnson City, NY, Barbara was the only child of the late Leon Ray Huff and Olivia Johanna Anderson Huff. After high school she entered nursing school and became a registered nurse where she worked in Pediatrics at Wilson Memorial Hospital. She married Robert Mee and after spending several years in upstate New York, they moved to the Washington Metropolitan area and lived in Tantallon and Potomac, MD where they raised their three children. Although Barbara was primarily dedicated to raising her family, she was also dedicated to helping those in need, especially young women, infants and at-risk youth. She worked at St. Anne’s Maternity Home for many years and also was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Barbara was a great friend to all she knew. She loved to golf, ski, travel the world, play bridge, attend Neil Diamond concerts and spend time with friends and family. After the death of her husband, Barbara moved to Edgewater, MD to be closer to family and spend time with her grandchildren who were her greatest treasure. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the South County Senior Center in Edgewater. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Robert E. Mee. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Michele Mee Phillips (Jim) of Richmond, VA, Martin Mee (Tracy) of Sykesville, MD and Molly Mee (Tom Fridrich) of Harwood, MD. Barbara was best known as “Grandma” to her seven grandchildren, Patrick (Julia) and Molly Phillips, Maggie Mee Adams (Eddy), Matthew, Reagan and Joseph Mee and Noah Fridrich. Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Wednesday, September 20 at 2:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families, 4901 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD  20782 (stanns.org).
Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Paul Anthony Spicknall, 71, a resident of Cape Saint Claire MD for 34 years, passed away on September 12, 2023 surrounded by his family. Born on April 28th, 1952 in Riva, MD to the late Warren and Jennie Spicknall, Paul was a skilled baseball player earning his varsity letter at South River High School. Paul became a master carpenter and small business owner for over 30 years, during which he beautified many homes in the Annapolis area, making plenty of friends and teaching young carpenters along the way. An avid fisherman, he was as at home in the woods and along the riverbank as he was anywhere else. His greatest joy was raising his family with his beloved wife Ellen. Paul loved his family dearly. He left us a lot of love. And with that love, one request - pass it on. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ellen Spicknall; four children, Erin (Richard) Worth of Annapolis, Jessica (Russell) Butler of Severna Park, Tevis (Missy) Spicknall of Riva, and Luke (Anna) Spicknall of Baltimore; and five grandchildren, Jude and Naomi Worth, Reese and Bryce Butler, and Mac Spicknall. Friends are invited to celebrate Paul’s life from 2pm - 5pm on Sunday, October 1 at the Cape Saint Claire Clubhouse, 1223 River Bay Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.  

Obituaries

Elizabeth Bourdas

Ida Little

Margaret "Peggy" Oliver

David Cirillo

Aderito Sales

Marianne Drumm

Godfrey Caylor

Thomas Zamer

Richard Marinari

Robert Haberlein

James Laws Jr

Joan Thorne

Mildred Gardiner

Joanne Buck

Doris Collier

Gerard Huet

Katherine Robinson

James Morris

Alan Vandendriessche

Patricia "Patsy" Lauterborn

Lynn Johnson

Chalmer "Tinker" Shoemaker

Barbara Mee

Paul Spicknall