Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Mary Eleanor Martin
1918-2013


Mary Eleanor Dolby was born at home in the early hours of a bitter cold, snowy morning on January 9, 1918 in Washington D.C. to her parents, Bird H. Dolby and Lelia Drucilla Burrows Dolby. 
Eleanor and her younger brother, Robert (Bobby), were raised in Mt.Rainier, Maryland. She loved her family’s yearly summer vacations to a cabin in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Her most memorable childhood trip was when her father took her out of the 1st grade for several months as the family traveled by steamship to Havana, Cuba and Panama. 
Eleanor graduated from Mt. Rainier High School. After graduation she worked as a clerk for Publishing Co. in Washington DC .and at night attended Strayer Business College. Afterwards, she worked in her father’s law office as his secretary for several years. She married Norman Link Martin on September 24, 1938 at the age of 20. Eleanor and Norman raised three children, Geraldine (Gerry), Ronald (Bo) and Bonnie in Mt. Rainier and later in Adelphi Maryland. 
Eleanor’s highest achievement was that of an exceptionally wonderful wife and mother. Eleanor was completely devoted to her family as they were the most important element of her life. As a model homemaker she was constantly cooking, cleaning or tending to her children all the while in a pair of high heels! Summers were spent vacationing at Selby on the Bay where fishing, swimming and eating crabs were a daily event. Relatives and friends were always gathered at the beach cottage as Eleanor loved to cook and entertain for them. Eleanor’s love of family gatherings was also celebrated at every holiday throughout the year, every year. Being surrounded by her loved ones was what made Eleanor the happiest.
Eleanor had an unwavering faith in God which she gleaned from her father. Her faith gathered even more strength when she married Norman as they both held a deep reverence for their Lord. Eleanor was a member of ADAH Chapter #25 of the Eastern Star until its dissolve several years ago. 
In their retirement years, Eleanor and Norman moved from Adelphi to Saunders Point in Edgewater Maryland where they enjoyed a magnificent view of the Chesapeake Bay. Eleanor loved to crochet. She exchanged her high heels for slippers and sat each day by their big picture window, that overlooked Thomas Point Lighthouse, and crocheted blanket after blanket until she had made one for each of her children, grandchildren and then some.
Eleanor and Norman were married for 58 years before Norman passed away in October 1996. Eleanor spent the last 10 years of her life at South River Rehabilitation Center always surrounded by her loving and devoted family. 
Eleanor, the mother of three, grandmother of 6 and great-grandmother of 7, and Auntie of nieces and nephews, leaves behind a loving family who will miss her and remember her always.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11 at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 100 Painters Mill Road, Suite 800, Owings Mill, MD 21117 or to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 309. Lisbon, MD 21765. Website links to these organizations are located in the left column of this page.
An online guestbook is available by accessing the link above.

Edward “Ed” Charles Parker, 91, a 31-year resident of Annapolis and Edgewater and previously of Timonium, died June 24 at his home in Baywoods surrounded by family.
 Born May 31, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943. He was stationed in northern Italy during World War II with the 15th Air Force, 2nd Bomb Group, 49th Bomb Squadron and completed 50 missions as a B-17 navigator. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
 Ed attended the University of Pittsburgh where he studied business administration. He went to work for Mack Trucks, Inc. and rose to Vice President of Distributors before leaving in 1973 to purchase the Mack Truck Branch in Baltimore, which he led until his retirement in 1988. He had a passion for sales and enjoyed the relationships he created with his clients.
 An accomplished accordionist, Ed was a popular combo member in the Pittsburgh area. He also enjoyed golf, bowling and boating. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis and Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville as well as the Annapolis Yacht Club and Chartwell Country Club. He was also a member and past president of the Timonium Rotary Club.
 Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth T. Parker; son, Steven (Susan) Parker of Crownsville; daughter, Linda Morris of Seattle, WA; brother, Raymond Parker of Pittsburgh, PA; and three grandchildren, Scott and Mark Parker and Stephanie Morris.
 Friends are invited to Ed’s Life Celebration from 10 a.m. until a Memorial Mass is offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 28 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.
 An online guestbook is available by accessing the link in the left column.

Jones-Hash, Maybelle Dorr
 Maybelle Dorr Jones-Hash, 101, a resident of Mayo for over 40 years died June 24 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood, eleven days after suffering a stroke. Born January 27, 1912 in Washington, DC to the late John and Edna Dorr, Maybelle graduated high school and then took real estate classes. She then became an appraiser for the Orphans Court in Prince George's County, then had her own independent appraisal and hair salon businesses. Maybelle was the President of UDWC Maryland and was active in the Elks Club Lodge 1778 in Riverdale. She was also a member of St. Andrew the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Mayo. In her spare time she enjoyed boating and being involved in social activities. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, James H. Willett and George "Mit" Jones; one daughter, Johanna Insley; one brother, John Dorr and one sister, Marie Brigham.
 Surviving her is her husband of 23 years, James A. Hash; one son, John R. Willett of Mayo; one grandson, Donald Insley of Bowie; two granddaughters, Linda Lewis of Ellicott City and Theresa Gourley of Mercersburg, PA. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. 
Friends are invited to Maybelle's Life Celebration on Friday, June 28 from 6-9PM and on Saturday, June 29 from 1-2PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, where a funeral service will begin at 2PM. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers, donations are recommended to St. Andrew the Fisherman Episcopal Church, PO Box 175, Mayo, MD 21106. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com.

On Sunday, June 23, 2013; the beloved wife of the late Honorable Samuel J. DeBlasis; mother of Patricia Rose, Michael E., Mary Jo and Samuel J. DeBlasis II. She is also survived by many grandchildren. A Funeral Mass and interment were offered privately.

James “Fish” Fortuna passed away on Friday June 21, 2013. He was greeted in heaven by his loving daughter Amy; mother, Frances Fortuna and father, James Fortuna. He is survived by his loving wife Sharon and daughter Nicky (Jason), his faithful granddog Sandy, brother George Fortuna (Barbara), sister Patty Grundy (Rob) and many nieces and nephews. His family hopes that you will celebrate his life through memories of his funny stories and humorous nature. 

Services for Mr. Fortuna are private.
 Please sign the family's online guestbook by clicking the link on this page.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM on Thursday, June 27 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Innterment private. Please sign the family's online guestbook by clicking the link on this page.

On Friday, June 21, 2013. The beloved wife of the late Leroy "Joe" Bell; mother of Joe, Chris, Tim, Phil, Jimmy and Tom Bell and Vicki Shepardson; sister of Frank and Charles Minni, also survived by fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Friends are invited to JoAnn's Life Celebration at Mt. Calvary Catholic Church, 6700 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 28 at 11:00am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Foundation School, 1330 McCormick Dr., Largo, MD 20774. To leave a personal message, please click the "Sign Guestbook" tab above.

All services and interment for Mr. Way are private.
 
Please sign the family's online guestbook by clicking the link on this page.

Ryan Joseph Collinson, 62, of Edgewater, died on Friday, June 21 after a lengthy illness. Born on December 12, 1950 in Annapolis to Edward S. and the late Margaret F. Collinson, Ryan was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years where his duties included flight support on the USS Independence. Ryan continued his career with the Merchant Marines and then at the U.S. Naval Academy where he provided support for audio/ visual, foreign language and computer operations for more than thirty years. He enjoyed technology and electronics and built several church organs using the G.I. Bill. He taught himself to play the organ and served as an organist and cantor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater. Ryan was active in causes supporting cerebral palsy and children’s wellness. A member of Alhambra for many years, Ryan served as Grand Commander for two terms. He also enjoyed classical music, culinary challenges and travelled extensively, especially enjoying cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. In addition to his mother, Ryan was preceded in death by his sister, Suzanne Lee Thomas who died in 1994. He is survived by a brother, James E. Collinson of Westminster; a sister in law, Pamela Collinson of Westminster; two nieces, Kelly M. Causey of Towson and Andrea R. Hummel of Hampstead and six grand nieces and grand nephews. A memorial service may be held at a later date. Arrangements by George P. Kalas Funeral Home in Edgewater, MD. Please sign the family's online guestbook by clicking the link on this page.

On Thursday, June 20, 2013, the beloved sister of Margaret L. Redmond; sister-in-law of the late Marvin W. Redmond. Family and friends are inviited to Betty's Life Celebration on Sunday, June 23 from from 2 to 4pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD where services will be held on Monday, June 24 at 9:30am. Interment Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. Please leave your thoughts and memoires by signing the guestbook above.

On Thursday, June 20, 2013, the beloved husband of Ellen M. Pino; father of Marcella Horchy, Camille Hoover and Tracey Billig; step-father of Joseph Gaffigan and the late Ann Marie Romano; brother-in-law of Kevin, Brian and Sr. Maureen Carroll. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Monday, July 1 at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N St., N.W., Washington D.C. Interment pirvate. Please leave your thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located above.

William “Bill” Allison Bauman, 85, of Churchton, MD died Wednesday evening, June 19, 2013 in Annapolis, MD.
 
Bill was born May 6, 1928 in Washington, DC, son of the late Dallas and Margaret Bauman. He was preceded in death by his wife Ada Bauman of 50 years, his brother Dallas Wainwright Bauman, Jr., his two sisters Peggy Walker, and MaryAnn Strickland.
 
Bill attended High School in Washington, DC. He served from 1950 to 1954 in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He worked as an aircraft mechanic aboard the carrier, USS Coral Sea. While serving, he received 2 Medals, a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.
 
Bill was an auto mechanic by trade and owned his own gas station, Bauman’s Sinclair in Deale, MD for several years. Bill delivered the Capital Newspaper for the past 10 years, he was proud that he was still working at 84 years of age until last July.
 
He enjoyed watching TV, but westerns and golf were his favorites. He was a Redskins as well as a Nationals fan. Bill loved spending time with his family, especially his grand children.
 
Surviving are his four children Michael Bryant of Crownsville, MD, Suzanne Bauman of Churchton, MD, Wayne Bauman and his wife, Belinda of Westminster, MD, Bruce Bauman and his wife, Sandie of Shadyside, MD; eight grand children: Douglas and Patrick Bryant, Grace Ryan, Helen, Caleb, and Jeremiah Bauman, Amber Fisher, Dawn Turner; and five great grand children: Avery Ryan, Alexa and Jaxon Fisher, Kamryn and Taylor Turner.
 
There will be a memorial service at Friendship Community Baptist Church in Friendship, MD, (corner of Rte 2 and Jewell road) Wednesday, June 26 at 11:00am. Bill and his wife Ada will be buried together at Arlington National Cemetery sometime later this year.

Memorial Service will be held at 3:00PM on Sunday, July 14 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 800 Wyman Park Dr., Ste. 110, Baltimore, MD 21211. To make a guestbook entry please click on the "Sign Guestbook" tab above.

Passed away suddenly on June 18, 2013 at his residence in Fort Washington, MD. Beloved husband of 73 years to Ellen Coretta Schaffer Greene and loving father to Margaret Ann Bishop and William Donald Greene, Jr.; exceptional grandfather to Pamela Bishop Gagliardi, Stephanie Bishop McFadden, Elizabeth Greene Abbott, William Donald Greene, III (deceased), and Shannon Greene Phelan. He was also a wonderful great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. His parents, three brothers, and two sisters predeceased him. Born in Brazeau, MO, Don was a Navy WWII veteran who proudly served onboard USS YORKTOWN and later returned to work for the Navy as a Electronics Systems Engineer where he retired with 30 years of faithful government service. He served as a Deacon for over 60 years in the Baptist Church. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 from 5pm until time of services at 7pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment in Missouri.

James "Mike" Michael Hillshoff, a 25-year resident of Edgewater died of cancer on June 17 in Harwood after a 1 year illness. He was 58.
 
Born September 27, 1954 in Cincinnati, OH, he was a self employed contractor. Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1972-79. He was a 2nd vice commander at the American Legion in Edgewater. Mike was an avid fisherman and loved slot machines and scratch offs.
 
He was preceded in death by father, Fred Hillshoff.
 
Mike is survived by his wife, Karen L. Hillshoff; two daughters, April Jenson and Nichole VanMeter; his mother, Jean Hutson; four sisters, Debbie James, Joyce Belton, Darlene Wood-Madden and Carolyn Harmon; and four grandchildren, Cody Hillshoff, Julia Smith and James and Matthew Jenson.
 
Friends are invited to Mike's memorial service Sunday, June 30 at 2pm at American Legion Post 226, 830 Mayo Road, Edgewater.

James "Jimmy" J. Bradshaw, Jr., 42, a lifelong resident of Edgewater, died June 16 in Hagerstown. Born March 29, 1971 to James J. Bradshaw, Sr. and Maryann Smith, Jimmy attended South River High School where he participated in sports such as football, lacrosse, wrestling, baseball and basketball. He became a foreman for Steamfitter Local #602, where he worked for 13 years. In his spare time he enjoyed being on the water where he would fish and crab; watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, riding four-wheelers and riding his Harley. He is preceded in death by a grandfather, Joseph Mullen. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 18 years, Judy Bradshaw; two sons, James Bradshaw III and Sean Bradshaw; daughter, Heather Lynn Beard; his parents, James J. and Linda Bradshaw Sr. and Maryann and Ken Smith; three brothers, Jason Hurley, Chuck Hurley and Joe Bradshaw; sister, Misti Fisher; and his grandmother, Lottie Mullen. Friends are invited to Jimmy's Life Celebration from 2 to 4 and 6 until funeral service at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 20 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are recommended to the Bradshaw College Fund, c/o SunTrust Bank, 52 West Central Ave., Edgewater, MD 21037. To leave a memory or condolence for the family, please visit the Memories tab on this page.

Betty Jane (Goodnow) Sylvester, 86, a resident of Crofton, MD for 20 years and previously of Alexandria, VA died of heart failure on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Crofton Care & Rehabilitation Center in Crofton MD.

 Born August 13, 1926 in Cumberland, MD, she graduated from Fort Hill High School and was employed as a secretary for Motorola and secretary/office manager for American Greetings for 17 years. Betty loved the Redskins, crossword puzzles, word search, TV Land and Jeopardy.

 Mrs. Sylvester was preceded in death by her parents, Parents: Charles William Daniel and Helen Mae Goodnow; and a son, David Scott Sylvester.
 
Betty is survived by three sons, William Goodnow of Myrtle Beach, SC, Richard Sylvester, Stafford, VA and Earnest Sylvester, Edgewater, MD; a daughter, Shari (Lambert) Sylvester; eight grandchildren, Kristin (Goodnow) Nowell of Saint Leonard, MD, Carole (Goodnow) Ashford of Hughesville, MD, Richard Sylvester, Jr. of Bristow, VA, Eric Sylvester of Stafford, VA, Steven Sylvester of Edgewater, MD, Katie (Sylvester) Wroblewski of Edgewater, MD, Michelle Lambert of Crofton, MD and Johnie Lambert of Crofton, MD; and 10 great-grandchildren.


 A private graveside service will be held at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be sent to Crofton Care and Rehab. Center, Attn: Leslie Clark, 2131 Davidsonville Rd., Crofton, MD 21114 (Make checks payable to Crofton Leisure. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD.

On Saturday June 15, 2013, the beloved husband of Belinda Jones. Brother of Dennis Jones; Pearl Faulkner; Shirley Day; and cousin of Bobbie Hofmann. Relatives and friends are invited on Monday June 24,2013 from 12:00 noon until time of Memorial service at 1:00pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill MD. Interment private. Please sign the online guestbook

On Saturday, June 15, 2013; the beloved husband of Marsha Holdaway, Son of Lillie Gall; father of John David Kelly Holdaway of Landers, WY., Lisa (Travis) Pepper of Casper, WY., and Christian (Michael) Mayfield of Casper, WY. Brother of Stephen (Ethel) Holdaway of Rivertown, WY. Jessie (Paulette) Holdaway of Bufflao, WY., and Marie (James) McDougal of Ponca City, OK. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Wyoming. Please leave your thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located to your botton right.

On Thursday, June 13, 2013, the beloved mother of Peggy Owens and Sally (Roland) Sanford; grandmother of Cheryl Labus, Carla Spencer, Vickie (Butch) Feeney and Paula Sanford. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to Mary Jane's Life Celebration on Thursday, June 20 from 1:30pm until service time at 2:30pm at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 5203 St. Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748. Interment church cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions maybe made to St. Barnabas Church.

OWENS, Joseph W., 94, of Temple Hills, Maryland, died June 13, 2013 after a long illness. He was the son of the late Frank and Katie Owens of Laurel, Maryland. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn Baird Owens, and his second wife, Helen B. Owens; his brothers, Eugene Owens, Bobby Owens, Lee Owens and Carl Owens and his sister, Doris Brothers. Having served in the U. S. Army during World War II in the paratrooper division, he received a Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained on November 15, 1942 in Africa. A carpenter by trade, he was retired from Safeway. 
A devoted father, he is survived by three sons, Gary Owens and wife, Beverly, of Orlando, Florida, Bruce Owens of Lawrence, Kansas and Mark Owens of Temple Hills, Maryland. He is also survived by two stepsons, Ronald Robinson and wife, Jerry, of Bland, Virginia; Stephen Robinson and wife, Rosalie, of Phoenix, Arizona; three stepdaughters, Sandra Skinner of Emporia, Virginia, Jan Opalko and husband, Rick, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Rita Austin and husband, Kit, of Verona, Virginia; sister-in-law, Olga Owens, of Laurel, Maryland; eight grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 15 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 
A warmhearted man, full of laughter and always quick with a joke or snappy saying, he could brighten your day with just his smile. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He is lovingly missed by all.
 A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at George P. Kalas Funeral Home on Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland. Private interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity. 
Please sign the online guestbook above.

Andrew "Tom" Thomas Buckler, Jr., 78, a 23-year resident of Annapolis and previously of Largo died June 13 at his home of liver cancer following a 4-year illness.
 
Born April 28, 1935 in Washington, DC, Tom was a graduate of Suitland High School and was employed as Battalion Fire Chief with the District of Columbia Fire Department and as the Deputy Fire Chief at the Kennedy Space Center. He loved playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.
 
Tom is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Katherine "Kay" Buckler; two sons Andy (Kim) Buckler of Waldorf and Gregg (Claudia Hrvatin) Buckler of Rockville; three brothers, Marcie Buckler of Lawton, OK, Lewis (Shirley) Buckler of King George, VA and Ray (Ann Marie) Buckler of Pomfret, MD and four grandchildren, David (Katie Mozier) Buckler of Alexandria, VA, Ben Buckler of Waldorf and Carmen and Kate Buckler of Waldorf.
 
Friends are invited to Tom's Life Celebration on Sunday, June 16 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, where services will be held Monday, June 17 at 11am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. An online guestbook is available by clicking the "Sign Guestbook" tab above.

Obituaries

Mary Martin

Edward Parker

Gladys Savoy

Maybelle Jones-Hash

Gertrude DeBlasis

James Fortuna

Larry Bowen

JoAnn Bell

David Way

Ryan Collinson

Betty Keull

Carmelo Pino

William Bauman

Annette Speaks

Marilyn Delgado

William Greene

James Hillshoff

James Bradshaw

Betty Sylvester

James Jones

John Holdaway

Mary Owens

Joseph Owens

Andrew Buckler