Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Tyler Thomas Schulze, ”Ty”, 28, a resident of Deale, MD, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, in Annapolis, MD.

Ty was born on September 29, 1992, in California to Erick Schulze and Dawn Cassidy. He was a graduate of South River High School and a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Deale. Ty worked as a plumber and many of the construction trades.

Ty was an avid Washington Redskins fan; he also enjoyed dirt biking, cooking, and fantasy football. He enjoyed working with his hands fixing things and spending time with his family and friends.

Ty was preceded in death by his grandmother, Anna May Blackstock.

Ty is survived by his parents Dawn Cassidy of Edgewater and Erick Schulze of Las Vegas, NV, his former spouse, Rachel Burton, and his siblings; Carolina Cassidy, Angel, Christie, Erick Jr., Aaron, Amanda, Oliver, Kyla, and brothers-in-law Douglas, Kenny, and Joseph. He is also survived by his grandfather, Craig Haynie.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ty's life on Sunday, September 12, 2021, from 11 am to 1 pm and then again from 3 pm until 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory. 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Grove United Methodist Youth Ministry, 5965 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for Ty's family by using the tab on this page.

Dr. Charles Henderson 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, 2021 in Clinton, MD. 

He was born on July 30, 1937 in Okolona, MS, the son of Dr. Thomas Zuber and Minnie Henderson. Charles spent his early years in West Point, MS. He was raised along with his sisters LaVerne and Verniece by his maternal grandfather Samuel Henderson, after the death of their mother in 1943. His grandfather moved the family to Boston, MA to pursue better job and education opportunities for himself, children and grandchildren. Charles spent the summers of his teenage years in West Point, MS with his father’s family. 

Charles was raised in the Baptist church by his grandfather, who was a Deacon. He was baptized at Twelfth Baptist church in Boston, MA, where he attended until relocating for school. When he moved to the Washington, DC area, he regularly attended Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington with his family. He would always attend Easter and Christmas services and choir concerts with his sister LaVerne at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In May 2013, he became a member of Fort Foote Baptist Church. 

Charles was educated in the Boston school system, graduating from Boston English High School in 1955. He continued his education at Northeastern University graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, as a distinguished military graduate. Following his graduation, Charles was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves from 1961-1963. He relocated to California to continue his education at UCLA, where he earned a Masters of Science degree in 1969 and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 1973. 

While completing his PhD, Charles met and married Janice Roberts in 1969. From that union two sons were born, Eric Vincent and Marc Christopher. After 27 fruitful years, their marriage came to an end. 
Charles began his professional career as a research engineer with various companies in California. As his career advanced, it brought him to the Washington, DC area, where he settled in Fort Washington, MD to raise his family. He spent most of his career in the aerospace industry changing his focus from weapons development to medical systems development. 

Charles had many professional honors which included his recognition in Who’s Who Among Black Americans 1977-1978. In 1974, he had the honor of presenting his dissertation at an engineering conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Charles was a prolific writer, including many peer-reviewed technical papers and winning proposals. He was a member of various professional organizations including IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society), Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE Honor Society). 

While in high school Charles developed a life-long love for track and field. He loved distance-running, competing in many track meets and marathons. His love of track and field took him yearly to the Penn Relays. Prior to this year, he attended every summer Olympic Games except one, since the 1960’s. Charles loved to travel and was an avid photographer. He would always take pictures to share his experiences with family and friends. He loved to ice skate, stopping only within the past few years due to health concerns. He loved listening to smooth jazz and attended many concerts. His greatest love was spending time with his family. He never missed a family gathering. He was always in the stands or the audience of activities involving his children, grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews. Charles loved to read and write. He had published one book and had the manuscripts for four others including his autobiography, at the time of his passing. 

Charles leaves to mourn: two sons, Eric V. Henderson Sr. (Kellie), Dr. Marc C. Henderson (Raven), three grandchildren Dr. Brittany Henderson, Eric Henderson II and Luke Henderson, three sisters Alice Dunston, A. LaVerne Logan and Dorothy Dismuke, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Katherine Henderson, Marcheta Davis, Marlene Johnson, Elmetra Perry, Verniece Hensey and his brother Thomas Dixon.


Carmen Arlene Balthrop-Delaney

Soprano Carmen Arlene Balthrop-Delaney passed away on September 5, 2021.  A loving wife to Patrick, mother of Nicole Simone(Barry) and Camille Adriana(Aaron), grandmother of Asia, Micah and Austin, performing artist-teacher, Carmen is survived by a host of relatives, friends and colleagues as well as performing partners.

Carmen, a proud native of Washington, DC, was born on a rainy Friday evening on May, 14, 1948 to John W. and Clementine E. Balthrop (née Jordan) at the Columbia Hospital for Women.  At that moment, a star was born and shone brightly for the next 73 years. The only daughter and youngest of the Balthrop’s four children, Carmen enjoyed a      loving, if not indulgent relationship with her family and was sheltered and protected by her brothers.

One day, when Carmen was in elementary school, her father—who repaired radios as a hobby—was in his basement working as the radio broadcast a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera.  Carmen, just eight years old, heard the music and, extremely captivated and transfixed, ran down the steps to ask:  “Who is that singing?”  Her father informed Carmen that the singer was Leontyne Price, an opera singer, and one of the few black women at the time to take lead on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.  Right then and there, Carmen declared:  “I want to be an opera singer.”  And from that tender age she embarked on a mission to become an international opera star.

As a child, and continuing into adulthood, Carmen would mimic voices and accents, inadvertently developing an ‘ear,’ her voice, and performing skills.  She was quite a   mimic.  On a mission to greatness, rarely was Carmen ever idle and one would almost invariably encounter Carmen relentlessly improving her technique or improving her health.  Resolute about her desire to sing, Carmen received her parents’ wholehearted support; they made numerous sacrifices to see Carmen succeed in her chosen vocation.

Carmen attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, DC, where she honed her skills as a performer and, in her senior year, won her school’s Thespian award.  Although a testament to her dramatic ability, Carmen’s desire to sing remained strong.  At the first opportunity, she auditioned for admission into the University of Maryland’s School of Music.  Having had limited exposure to classical voice repertoire, Carmen      offered “The Star-Spangled Banner” as her audition piece, which was enthusiastically received and marked the beginning of her illustrious performing career.


At the University of Maryland, Carmen performed with the elite Madrigal Singers. They performed extensively, at home and abroad, including a performance at the White House, where she danced with President Lyndon Johnson and got to show off dancing skills she had learned from her brother, Myron.

Upon graduating from the University of Maryland, Carmen attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and within one year attained her Master’s degree.  During that year, she excelled and performed leading roles in four operas.  This tenacity led Carmen to being one of the last first place winners for the Metropolitan Opera Competition which launched her career in 1975.  She graced the world’s stage in her debut as Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.  From there, she set the opera world ablaze in major opera houses and symphony orchestras all over the world:  San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington Opera, Canadian Opera, Deutsche Oper (Berlin), Teatro La Fenice (Venice), the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the National Symphony. Carmen is immortalized in the countless performances she gave and the various recordings she created over her lifetime, many of which received critical acclaim in her field.  Even so, when Carmen was not performing, she was teaching and constantly learning.

Carmen would often tell the story of how she never wanted to be a teacher.  Her mother advised Carmen to have a ‘back-up’ for singing, though she supported Carmen’s desire to be a world class musician.  At first, Carmen resisted teaching, as she wanted to focus on her performing career.  But, being a deeply spiritual and God-fearing woman, Carmen discovered one day that life’s circumstances and, perhaps, divine intervention brought her to a position at the University of Maryland, one which she held for the next 36 years. As a teacher, Carmen made an impact on the lives of hundreds of students, many at the onset of their own careers, and guided them to trust their talent, connect with their bodies, and fearlessly embrace their art. Carmen would later be inducted into the     University of Maryland’s Alumni Hall of Fame and go on to hold several positions of note in the School of Music at College Park.

Carmen’s vocal signature was never loud or bombastic. Rather, she was an “electrifying… consummate performer” (The Washington Post) and “a voice of power and uncommon tonal purity” (The New York Times). In addition to possessing “a rapturously beautiful voice” (The Miami Herald), Carmen was a rapturously beautiful and glamorous human being. 

Carmen was a history maker. In 1975, after the debut of the production with the Houston Grand Opera, she made her historical debut on Broadway as the lead in Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha, a role Carmen developed, defined, and made famous:  her signature role.  Being a multi-tasker and always on a quest to succeed, Carmen masterfully juggled career and motherhood.  Both Nicole Simone and Camille Adriana were born while Carmen pursued her career, performing and traveling, extensively. In fact, Camille was only nine days old when Carmen bundled her along and embarked on a six-month, 17-city tour of the Houston Grand Opera’s production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Nicole and Camille grew up as Carmen’s companions on the road, always ready to travel, carry bags or join their mother on stage.

Carmen’s death has left Patrick bereft, with no words to adequately express his loss. The couple enjoyed a very special marriage, where mutual love and trust permeated every aspect of their lives. Tangible in their relationship were the Book of Ephesians’ precepts for husbands and wives:  Patrick loved Carmen with sacrificial responsibility and Carmen honored Patrick with love.  Inseparable, they did everything together. As Patrick would describe it, sometimes kicking and screaming, he would allow Carmen to drag him to yoga and qigong, only to find himself admitting that he enjoyed it.

The beautiful person that was Carmen is encapsulated in the words of her dear friend and adopted sister, Fran.  We are honored to have Carmen’s essence recounted here, in Fran’s words: 

Carmen was a peaceful soul and lived from that depth of peacefulness.  She never wasted words or uttered them aimlessly: she lived purposely. Though a naturally quiet person, she effortlessly commanded attention from her audience—whether it was an individual, a small group in a university setting or from concert goers at an opera house waiting to imbibe the sublime music pouring from Carmen’s vocal cords.

You see, Carmen emanated from eternity, lived in a defined space and time (celebrated the whole month of May every year), and returned to eternity.  Amidst it, she remains ageless, thinking and performing beyond the constraints of   time.

Carmen was ageless.  She related to infants, children, and young adults as well as the aged.  Her influence on little Austin, her 6-month old grandson, is evident as he sings in his way without words; it is no different than when Carmen and Grammy, her mother-in-law, who up to her death at the age of 103, would communicate in their own ‘garbled gibberish’.

God was her bedrock.  In conversation a few weeks ago, she confessed with her entire soul, how much she loved the Lord.  She lived for Him and expressed His wisdom through her work.  She was God’s handiwork and her handiwork was His!  Whenever complimented on her teaching practices, her beliefs, or her performances, she would direct the praises to God.

Like God, who’d never leave you, if Carmen considered you a friend, it meant sticking with you to the end.  If she committed to the relationship, Carmen was all in. She was the best friend ever.

Lots of people were familiar with what Carmen did.  She was an opera singer, voice instructor, and professor par excellence.  Her critical eye, discerning ear, and immaculate perception gained her these titles along with her pristine voice and talent.  But she was someone who knew how “TO BE.”  She was comfortable in her own skin.  She just was.  She gave the verb “to be” a personality:  she simply just “was.”  Carmen was contemplative, possessing a plethora of principles and proverbs. Some she adopted, others she created.  She was beautiful inside and out.  She was passionate about who she was and what she did.  Her principles were awe-inspiring, always given to edify the listener.  Many of her principles—she was proud to say—were derived from her American-Indian  ancestral background.

If you were entertained at their home, you were captivated by Patrick’s delightful cuisine, but Carmen always added the icing on the cake by intriguing you with her amazing experiences. If you were lucky, you might end the night with a game of backgammon or Phase 10.

Carmen loved nature. She elucidated the character of trees that others would just drive by.  Her favorite season had to be spring, not for the flowers or the coming out of winter, but she enjoyed the tapping of rain on roofs and windowsills. She  even enjoyed a good torrential downpour.

Carmen was generous! She was generous with her heart, her time (especially with those she called friends), and her finances.  She was also generous with her knowledge.

Carmen was a life-long learner. She had an insatiable quest for knowledge, something she could never perish for lack of. She was an avid reader, and when she grew tired of reading, Carmen enjoyed being read to. She continued to process what she heard and engaged in conversation about each chapter.  

Parallel to Carmen’s reading was her love of research. If something didn’t seem right, or if it did, she looked it up to further expand her knowledge on the subject matter.

Many professors are published on paper.  Professor Balthrop was published with her own papers, with her skill and what she passed on.  Many of her students and colleagues may not realize it yet, but what she has left you has empowered all of you to penetrate the vocal world with total command and mastery.  In her own way, there are theses, papers, and publications that she has already released to you through her “proverbial musical womb.”

Carmen’s level of creativity and innovation surpasses most of us.  She had a perfect mastery of the voice, but she also had an understanding of what was required of the body to attain proper work of the vocal cords, be it to correct posture, the need for weight adjustment, a prolonged breath, or a simple hug at the end of class.  Her movement classes were as important as her voice lessons. She embraced the moves of qigong and shared them to enhance all our lives.

Carmen was also an embodiment of health.  Her modus operandi was health, period. She spent decades of her life perfecting her health protocol.  She did not just exercise, she lived to move. Be it on a treadmill, a floorball, jogging or employing qigong techniques, Carmen moved, preparing her body for the long haul. She would chide Patrick to do the same as she did not want to be a widow.  She did the same for her daughters, sons-in-law, and all her family, friends, and students.

When it came to proper nutrition, Carmen spared no expense.  She ate the best foods, especially greens and seeds, and when she did eat meat, it was farm-raised and organic. She took proper supplements to boot. Carmen read nutritional labels and ‘organic’ was her brand.  (One of her favorite pastimes was to enjoy good food with good friends.)  She lived well. It is so perplexing that despite her pristinely healthy lifestyle,  Carmen experienced health challenges to which she succumbed.

Carmen was not fond of conventional medicine. She employed its latest developments as she saw fit and, when health challenges arose, Carmen would call to get medical advice and would leave the medical practitioner with health advice as well.  She never went for a doctor’s visit unprepared.  Carmen always did her research and, by the time they met, they would have discussed and weighed all options in order to direct sensible treatment decisions.  She had become Dr. Balthrop-Delaney.

Carmen loved life!  She embraced other cultures. No joke. Patrick, her lifelong love, is from the Bahamas, a small island nation in the Caribbean. She was sincere about her every encounter. Her interaction with and love for those she met transcended class. Her constellation of friends was not very large, but Carmen loved, and loved a lot!  She embraced life.  She had a full life. 

It was always a privilege to watch Carmen perform.  Very few people entered the sanctuary of her dressing room prior to a performance but if you did, it was indeed a privilege!  Rules number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 were:  Be quiet, every part of you.  You see, Carmen sat in those dressing rooms and quieted her soul.  It was a quieting moment for the ‘volcanic’ eruption of song that would burst forth in performance on stage a few minutes later:  a total cathartic experience to witness and listen.

Carmen was a girly girl, whether at home looking in the mirror or on a performance trip.  The jewelry, scarves, and trinkets such as amber and amethyst stones found their way to her house.  Whether it was for the classroom, church or some other event, several earrings and necklaces would be lined up on the dresser with the inevitable question:  “Which one?” Carmen was a classy individual and when she found the apparel she liked and that suited her, they made it home in all colors.

The fragrance of Opium EDP pervading the atmosphere could never be the same again. It was made for Carmen’s chemistry and to smell it elsewhere would probably distort the senses.  A whiff of Opium now calls for a heavenly presence.

Carmen was determined and she believed in God. We all believed Him with her for healing and the healing came, but in a different package.  One thing we do know is that she believed to the end.

Carmen didn’t do death.  She was not fond of funerals.  That was just her.  A couple weeks ago, she began to speak of the end of her own life, having thoughts of transitioning from this world into eternity.  She embraced her departure from this world, and was prepared to live a new life, absent from her physique, but present with the Lord.

Dr. Myles Munroe once said that the wealthiest place on earth is the cemetery.  He went on to explain that it is filled with unfulfilled potential and lost dreams.  Not so with Carmen!  She cheated the grave!  She emptied herself of herself and as a soldier of the cross, poured it into each one of us!  Her students witnessed this first hand until the very end: a determined Carmen teaching until she could teach no more.  

Today, and for the rest of our lives, we celebrate the life of Carmen Arlene Balthrop-  Delaney.   Each of us is blessed with the distinct pleasure of living her legacy!”


On Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Hyattsville, MD; the beloved son of the late Ira and Florence Vandergrift; step-brother of Dr. Gail Landy and Macredy Landy; cousin of Donald Vandergrift. Fr. Vandegrift was ordained in 1960. 

Office of the Dead will be offered on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 630 E St., SW, Washington, DC 20024 from 8 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Friday, September 10 at 10 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 



On September 3rd, 2021, Robert Glen Holman Sr. “Bucky” passed away at the age of 77. 

Bucky was a loving father, partner, and grandfather. Bucky was preceded in death by his eldest son, Robert Holman Jr. He is survived by his life partner Rose Gearhart; children Charles  Holman, Daniel Holman, William Holman, Sandy Morelli, Sherry Cummings and grandchildren Jacquelyn Knapp, Montgomery Petty, Robert Cummings, David Cummings, and Daniel Cummings; he was also expecting his great-granddaughter, Adilyn Knapp this coming November. 

Bucky was born March 24th, 1944, in Annapolis, Maryland to Ginny and Daniel Holman. He was a resident in Shady Side, Maryland for the past 45 years where he was a well-respected automobile mechanic. 

Bucky had a passion for classic cars, crabbing, fishing, tracking the potential storms and bird watching. He was also an avid bluegrass music lover and had quite the talent for playing the banjo. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, kind heart and the enormous love he had for his family and friends. 

All services will be held at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland where flowers may be sent.  The viewing services will be Tuesday September 7th, 2021, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral will be Wednesday September 8th, 2021, at 1pm, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Annapolis.


Alice J. Pietras, 87, a resident of Brightview Severna Park, Baywoods of Annapolis and Ulmstead Estates for more than 50 years, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 2 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born on November 28, 1933, in Springfield, MA to the late Stephanie and Felix Jasienowski, Alice worked at Monsanto Chemical prior to working as an executive secretary at ARINC until her retirement. Alice was a longtime volunteer at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church and sang in the Sweet Adelines female chorus for many years.  She lived a long and full life, raising her sons, and traveling the world with her family. She also enjoyed the company of neighbors, friends, and family. Alice is survived by her beloved husband, Ed Pietras; her sons, Eric Pietras of Annapolis, MD and Mark Pietras and his wife, Elizabeth of Scarborough, ME; her sisters, Emily Sherwood of Vero Beach, FL and Lois Conery of Chesapeake, VA and her grandchildren, Evan Pietras of Chevy Chase, MD, Jake Pietras of Annapolis, MD, Avery Pietras of New York, NY and Austin Pietras of Scarborough, ME. A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

On Thursday, September 2, 2021 of Oxon Hill, MD. Mother of Anthony Martin (Alison), Rita Martin, Elena Pence (Jeff), and Norma DeMatt (Nick); grandmother of Alina Martin (Marc Fuentebella), Alyssa Harry (Andy), Eric DeMatt and fiancé, Jen Hizer, Natalie Girouard (Devon), Collin DeMatt, Nicky DeMatt and fiancé, Chloe Bialozynski, and Luke DeMatt; great-grandmother of Sean Harry, Brynn Harry, Joshua Fuentebella, Grace Fuentebella, and Blair Girouard. Preceded in death by husband Eric Martin, her parents David and Dorine Parry, and her siblings Ivor Parry and Lynda Fay.  

Visitation will be held at KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m.  Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, https://www.heart.org.  

George T. Bullman, “Tom”, 78, a resident of Edgewater, MD, died on August 31, 2021 at his home.

Tom was born on January 12, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Delmar and Catherine Bullman. He earned a degree in civil engineering from UMR and a masters degree from Valdosta State in Valdosta, GA. Tom served his country in the Air Force and National Guard, retiring as a Colonel. Throughout his career he served in multiple states – Vietnam and Philippines.

Tom enjoyed gardening, woodworking and travelling.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon M. Bullman, 2 sons, 1 daughter and one brother. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom will be interred with military  honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia. Online at www.ssjphila.org


Devoted husband and father, Richard Sheridan (Dick) Walsh, age 88, entered peacefully into the Lord’s arms on Aug 31, 2021. Joan Shaddinger, his wife of 65 years and the love of his life, was by his side.  

Richard was born in Glendale, California Jun 9, 1933. He was the son of RAdm Harvey T. Walsh, USNA Class of 1922, and Dorothy Walsh of Annapolis. He was a proud graduate of the US Naval Academy Class of 1956 where he played on the lacrosse team, winning the 1954 National Championship. Life at the Academy provided ample opportunities to express his good-natured personality with a myriad of pranks (ie. dead fish on upperclassman’s lamps); when questioned about the brains behind the antics Richard would respond, “I’m not sayin”. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Management in preparation for his tour in Southeast Asia supplying fuel for all Naval forces in that area during the Vietnam War. Richard was very proud of his service aboard USS America CV-66. He later worked for Defense Contractor, TRW, as a Project Manager.

His 28 year career in the Navy Supply Corp (Captain, USN (ret)) took him across the country and the world, engendering a love of travel that continued after retirement in a 40 plus foot motor home.  He and Joan were avid RV enthusiasts visiting every US state and Canada with their Boston Terrier sidekick. He likewise enjoyed fishing, sailing, golfing and following the migration patterns of birds and waterfowl. Other hobbies included rose and vegetable gardening with an ongoing vendetta against squirrels.  He was a talented barbeque chef and loved Joan’s cooking. Richard also supported all Navy sports, and for that matter, was an avid sports-watching enthusiast. After moving to Annapolis, he enjoyed sponsoring Midshipmen.

The legacy he left includes one of noble service to his country, faith in God and devotion to family. He was an honorable, humble man.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Shaddinger), his daughter Susan Thomson (husband Jeffrey), and daughter Jane Beck (husband Kevin) , grandchildren Randi Lepre (Patrick), Phillip Beck (Taylor), Jessica Brown (Daniel), Luke Thomson, Jacob Beck, Emma Thomson, Joseph Beck and six great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrews Chapel USNA at 10:30am, November 10th with a ceremony following at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake or Calvary United Methodist in Annapolis where he was a member.



LCDR Kenneth Francis Mitchell, US Navy (ret) passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the age of 85 surrounded by loved ones. Ken “Mitch” Mitchell was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 26, 1936 to Kenneth William Mitchell and Adelaide Gregory Mitchell. Throughout his life he treasured memories of growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by cousins, especially favorite cousins Joan Marie Glover and Noreen Goodwin. 
He moved with his parents to California in 1948 and at the outbreak of the Korean War traveled by ocean liner to the territory of Hawaii where his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He spent his teenage years exploring the forests and beaches around O’ahu and developing his love of the ocean and traditional Hawaiian surfing. He developed his lifelong fascination with aviation growing up around Hickam Field and stowed away on a flight to Guam at the age of 15. 
He returned to the mainland in 1954 to attend the United States Naval Academy and was a member of the Class of 1958. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates in Company 10, particularly with the families of late classmates Dick Lovejoy and Odie O’Donnell, whose families became extensions of his own. He sponsored godson Chris Lovejoy as a midshipman and regularly attended Class of 58 reunions throughout his life, undeterred by health issues in his later years. 
After graduation from the Academy, Ken Mitchell attended flight training school in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas and embarked on a career as a Naval Aviator in 1960. He joined Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 34 and served both ashore at Quonset Point and on the aircraft carrier USS Essex, surviving the North Atlantic storm that severely damaged the vessel and distinguishing himself as a member of the U.S. Naval Blockade Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 
He completed one of the most difficult curricula at the Naval Post Graduate School in 1965, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering. He earned a Naval Achievement Medal as a Flight Instructor and Quality Control Officer for VT-31 in Corpus Christi, Texas and served as Training and Administration Officer for VS-38 in North Island, California. His tour as an Aircraft Commander in the Vietnam conflict at the Gulf of Tonkin earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal. He returned to the Naval Academy in 1970, where he taught Electrical Engineering and served in the Naval Systems Engineering Command. 
He retired from the Navy in 1978 and embarked on a new career as a member of the senior technical staff of a technology think tank, Propulsion Dynamics, Inc. in Annapolis where he developed cutting edge computer control systems for Navy ships. 
Mitch is survived by his wife Pauline (Polly) Bower Mitchell; daughters from his first marriage to Shirley Sowell Mitchell, Cathryn Mitchell Reid and her husband William, and Carolyn Mitchell; step daughter Carlyle Menne Jacinto and her husband Noel; step son Peter Menne; son Kenneth William Mitchell, II and his wife Kristin; daughter Grace Mitchell Westreich and her husband Jonathan; grandchildren Jay and Tony Jacinto and Linat, Shirite and Nathan Westreich; his brother Robert Mitchell and sisters Debra Mitchell Burger and Geraldine Mitchell Obi; many fondly remembered cousins from New York; his godson LTCOL Christopher Lovejoy, USMC (ret) and numerous friends from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1958.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mitch's life at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm.  A service will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Main Chapel on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm. 
You can sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

On Sunday, August 29, 2021 departed; She was married to the late Clarence H. Spears Sr; Mother of two sons Clarence Jr  and Charod Spears; One daughter, Angel Sellers and a dear sister, Loretta Collins. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jazmin and Jayden Spears with many extended family members. She worked for 20 years as a Legal Administrative Specialist with the Department of Treasury until she retired in February 2004. Relatives and friends are invited to Shirley’s Celebration of Life on Friday, September 10 from 10 am until time of services at 11 am at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Velorse Gafford of Bowie, MD, formerly of Fort Washington, MD passed away from Alzheimer's Disease on Sunday, August 29, 2021 in Bowie, MD at the age of 92. She had battled with Alzheimer's the last nine years.

She was born March 29, 1929 in Decatur, MS  to Willie and Jessie May McMullan. She earned her high school diploma and married Col. Travis Gafford, USA(Ret.) on June 3, 1949.  They traveled the world together with the Army. They lived in Taiwan, Japan and Okinawa. She was a military wife and homemaker. 

She enjoyed painting, sewing, playing bridge, traveling, entertaining, and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She was also active in her church on Andrews Air Force Base. 

Velorse was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Gafford. She is survived by her sons, Richard Gafford of Bowie, MD and Michael Gafford of Hercules, CA; her grandchildren, Travis Gafford of Hyattsville, MD and Kristin Gafford of Bowie, MD. 

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Arlington National Cemetery. Please arrive at the Administration Building by 10:15 a.m. with one's own transportation and Identification for anyone 16 years old and older. 

Perry V. Meyett, 67, a 45-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Ocean City, MD.

Known as “P.M. or Newt”, he was born June 13, 1954, in Prince Frederick Calvert Co., MD to the late Evelyn (Hungerford) Meyett and Alfred Meyett, Jr.  Perry worked as a Steel Erector at L.R. Wilson for 16 years and AMTRAK as a Sheet Metal Pipe Fitter for 29 years.  He was a longtime member of the ELKS and Moose Lodges and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping, and coin collecting.

Perry is survived by his wife, Michelle Rhodes; two children, Nathan Rhodes of Edgewater, MD and Nicole (Rhodes) Murray of Crofton, MD; two granddaughters, Kacie and Averie Murray; and two siblings, Steven Meyett of Glen Burnie, MD and Alfred Meyett, III of Annapolis, MD.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Alan and Andrew Meyett, Joseph Saboury, and Faye (Saboury) Rawlings.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Perry’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 4 from 11 AM until his funeral service begins at 12 PM.  Interment Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Annapolis.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters, P.O. Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020.  

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

John Thomas "Bear” Dorsett, Sr., of Annapolis, MD passed away on August 27, 2021. John was born in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Ralph and Beryl Dorsett on August 4, 1949. He was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, as well as the University of Maryland in College Park, earning a Master's Degree in Econometrics. John's career took him from the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC to the Patuxent Naval Air Station, where he retired as the Technical Director of Cost Analysis of Naval Weapons Systems. He was a member of Weems Creek Baptist Church in Annapolis, where he was the youth director for several years. Then he was a member of Riva Trace Baptist Church in Davidsonville. No matter the boat size or make, John enjoyed being on the water. A motor boat, sail boat, kayak, windsurfer, etc.  called John to the water.  John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen Dorsett; children, John (Brenda Michael) Dorsett, Jr. of Glen Burnie and Melanie (Michael) Mathesz of Gambrills; a brother, James (Joni) Dorsett of Annapolis and a grandson, Jeremy Mathesz. Friends are invited to celebrate John's life with a viewing on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 5 - 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037; and with a funeral service on Friday, September 3 at 1 pm at Kalas as well. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville.Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

On Friday, August 27, 2021; the beloved wife of the late of Rosendo Modelo; mother of Rhoy, Rosendo, Rosauro and Ronaldo Modelo, Zenaida Tolentino, Rosemelda Rodriguez and Evelyn Modelo. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, in-laws, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, September 2 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. Interment in the Philippines at a later date.

JOHNSON, Alice, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home on August 26, 2021. Alice was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Prior to moving to Edgewater to be near family, she and her husband spent forty years in Madison, Indiana where she practiced interior design and spent much of her time volunteering. As the daughter of a Lutheran minister, Alice devoted much of her life to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Madison where she taught Sunday School, led the children’s choir, sang in the adult choir and participated in numerous committees. She also volunteered for many non-profits including Historic Homes of Madison. She is remembered for her wit, laughter and loyalty to her dog Lily. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Robert D. Johnson. She is survived by her son David (Fishers, IN), daughter Beth (Johnson) Rumpler, son-in-law Bill Rumpler and granddaughters Sara and Hanah, all of Shady Side, MD. 

Funeral services will be held September 15, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church, 38 W Central Ave, Edgewater, MD 21037. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Robert Emerson “Bob” Ford, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021.  He was born and raised in Edgewater, MD, the son of the late George W. and Hattie Ward Ford. Bob was educated in the Anne Arundel County School System and worked with David Taylor Research Center. He then served in the U.S. Army with the 12th Armored Division, “Hellcats” during World War II. When his commander asked if anyone wanted to be a cook, he quickly volunteered.  Bob was often commended by superiors for the excellent meals he provided the troops as they marched through Germany. Upon returning home from the war he continued to work for the Federal Government at the Naval Ship Research and Development Center where he received six Letters of Commendation, three Beneficial Suggestion Awards and three Sustained Superior Performance Awards.  Bob retired after thirty-one years with the government then worked for a private estate for 13 more years. He was a charter member of South River Ruritan Club, the Annapolis Elks Lodge 622, was an active member of the Three Rivers Sportsman’s Club and attended Davidsonville United Methodist Church with his wife, Jean. Bob enjoyed many hobbies including, hunting, maintaining a bountiful vegetable garden and repairing small engines. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, often times inventing ways to make the repair. During his retirement he and his wife, Jean, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Bob was a dedicated family man. Together Bob and Jean cooked the most delicious Sunday Family Dinners. He didn’t say much at a family gathering but his impact was felt. His quiet strength will be missed by every member of his family. Bob was the beloved husband for 75 years of the late Wilma Jean Ford; father of Michael Stephen (Jackie) Ford, Pamela Linnea (Lee) Matousek and the late Robert E. Ford, Jr.; grandfather of Tania Ford, Linnea Boogades, Amanda Conner, Laura (Jon) Taralseth, Erin (Adrian) Tapley, Amy (David) Berry, Danielle (Eric) Couslin and great-grandfather of Brandon, Nicholas, Kyla, Carter, Cadhan, Nate, Maddy, Braden, Ethan, Everly, Ben, Georgia and Hadley.  Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Heartland Hospice, 7001 Johnnycake Road, Suite 204, Windsor Mill, MD  21244 (heartlandhospicefund.org/Donate). Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page. 
 


Martha Lee Blue, 83, a 43-year resident of Davidsonville and previously of Kettering, MD, passed away on August 25, 2021.  Born on December 28, 1937 in Richmond, VA to the late Jesse and Virginia Ferrell, Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She also worked for 28 years as a secretary in the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Martha was an extensive traveler and visited every U.S. state as well as most countries throughout the world.  She also enjoyed gardening.  Her greatest passion, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Bobby Blue, who passed away in 2019, her brother, Richard Ferrell; her sister, Sandra Kay Ferrell and her grandson, Patrick Carberry.  She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Blue of Cave Creek, AZ, Kathleen Blue of Davidsonville, and Lori Blue-Miller (Bob) of Huntingtown, MD; one brother, Jesse Alan Ferrell (Lynn) of Damascus, MD; one sister, Sherry L. Herrmann of Fayettville, NC; three grandchildren, Stewart Ross Noyes, Kelly Boyer and Cara Switts; and four great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Martha’s life with her family on Tuesday, August 31 from 2 p.m. until her funeral service begins at 3 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.  Burial will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  


ORDER OF SERVICE

The Call to Celebration…………………………………………Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Scripture Reading……………………………………………….Yvonne Willis

Prayer of Comfort……………………………………………….Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Musical Selection……………………………………………….Bishop Stewart Martin

Poem……………………………………………………………..Erica J. Scott

Musical Selection……………………………………………….Bishop Stewart Martin

Eulogy……………………………………………………………Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Internment immediately following service at 
Heritage Memorial Cemetery
13472 Poplar Hill Road
Waldorf, MD  20601



Linda Saunders DeJesus October 19, 1954 – August 23, 2021

Linda Saunders DeJesus, of Suitland, Maryland, formerly of Brandywine, MD, passed away Monday, August 23, 2021 at Northern Virginia Hospital of Virginia. She was born October 19, 1954 in Washington, District of Columbia to William O. and Hazel Allen Saunders. On June 7, 1985 she married Carlos S. DeJesus; they were happily married for 36 years. Along with taking care of things on the home front, helping Carlos raise two boys, keeping up with Granny’s health and well-being; Linda’s passion was racing cars. Taking a break meant racing cars at Maryland International Raceway, Colonial and Capitol Raceways. She loved watching Carlos race the Duster. With all their other pursuits keeping the GTO, Barracuda, Dart and the Duster in good condition was quite a task.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved mother-in-law Luisa Iglesias.

Linda is survived by her husband, Carlos; sons, Carlos S. DeJesus II; Travis E. DeJesus (Nikki); sister, Pamela S. Jones of Maryland; brother, William Shayne Saunders of Texas; and two grandchildren, Tyler DeJesus, Kora DeJesus; she leaves behind nieces, nephews, friends and a large extended family as well.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD from 10 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Heart Association or charity of choice.

Condolences may be made to the family by clicking on the Memory Wall above. 



Ursula Callahan, 81, a resident of the Annapolis area since 1951, died at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, MD on Monday, August 23 due to heart failure. Born on March 21, 1940 in Mendig, Germany to the late Anton and Luise Farber, Ursula worked as a manager of marine stores and marinas for most of her life. She loved her pets. Ursula was the beloved mother of the late Tracy Callahan who died in 2010; sister of Frederick Farber of Dumfries, VA and aunt of Kurt, Fred, Jr. and Heidi. She is also survived by a grandson, a great-granddaughter and 9 great-nephews and great-nieces. There will be a private graveside service at a later date. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Michelle “Cookie” Downey, 79, a longtime resident of Edgewater, died August 22, 2021.  She was born in Washington, DC on March 11, 1942 and was the former owner of Riverside Marina in Edgewater.  Cookie was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Sollers and her longtime companion, William Casey.
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Cookie’s life on Friday, August 27 from 11 AM until her funeral service at 1 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  


Virginia "Ginnie" Abell, 91 of Edgewater, MD passed away on August 22, 2021. Ginnie was born on January 5, 1930 to the late Leslie and Alice Dix and raised in Washington, DC. Her connection to Edgewater started early in life as her family had a summer home in Woodland Beach. Ginnie was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help participating in the Woman's Guild, food pantry and as a Eucharistic minister. She enjoyed gardening, fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and picking crabs for family. 

In addition to her parents Ginnie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 1977,a daughter, Catherine Angell, as well as her four siblings. She is survived by her children, Chuck (Marla) Abell, Sr., Bonnie (Rich) Wells, and Jeff(Colleen) Abell all of Edgewater; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Ginnie's life on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.


Maureen McCabe Weyers, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021 with her family at her side.  She fought a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease but never lost her beautiful laugh and her love for friends and family.
Maureen was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Peter and Emma Bougie McCabe.  Growing up on a dairy farm taught her the value of hard work and the joy of a home-cooked meal at the end of the day.  She loved school, playing with her cousins on the next farm, and Sunday dinners with her older siblings and many nieces and nephews.  In 1955 she met the love of her life, Vernon, and after graduation from Freedom High School, followed him to the University of Wisconsin Madison.  They married and moved to Berea, OH where she raised her family and was an active parishioner at St Mary’s Church in Berea.  She volunteered as a special education tutor, a home economics teacher and a costume director at her childrens’ schools and she was instrumental in introducing a kindergarten to St. Mary’s School.
After a job transfer took the family to the Washington DC area, Maureen continued her volunteer work in the costume shop at the Arena Stage Theatre, the church choir at Holy Family Church in Davidsonville MD, and as coordinator of the Lazarus ministry at Holy Family.  
She was an expert seamstress, loved music and theatre, took pride in hosting family and friends at her beautiful home, and enjoyed travel throughout the US and Europe.  Her special joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  She could converse with anyone, anywhere and had a special place in her heart for those in need of help, often stopping to talk to someone who was homeless or sponsoring an immigrant family for citizenship.  Maureen made everyone she met feel special and valued.
In addition to her parents, Maureen is predeceased by her siblings Florian Chambers, Mary Geurts, Beulah Gurnee, Audrey Deprez, Patricia O’Keefe, David McCabe and Eileen McCabe, and in-laws Jack Chambers, Clarence Gurnee, Harold Deprez, Edward O’Keefe, Pat McCabe, James Weyers, and Michael Stephani as well as several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Vernon Weyers; son Craig (Cyndi) Weyers, daughters Amy (Joseph) Maxwell and Megan (Robert) Scheibel; grandchildren Adrienne Weyers, Grace, Erin, Daniel and Molly Maxwell, and Emma, Maggie, and Abby Scheibel.  Also surviving are brother Vincent (Judy) McCabe, in-laws Ivo Geurts, Jeanne Dreidame Weyers, Jean (Gary) Allgeyer, Janice Stephani, William (Eileen) Weyers, Betty (Curt) Konkle, Carol (Lee) Kortz, treasured cousin and friend Karen (Ray) Brown, and many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends from near and far.  She will also miss her Holy Family Choir friends who were so wonderful throughout her illness.
The family will be forever grateful to the management and staff of Arbor Place Dementia Care for their loving care over the past five years.  
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue,  Davidsonville, MD 21035 on Thursday, September 9 at 10:30 am.  Interment in Wisconsin at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research or Holy Family Catholic Church of Davidsonville.
Online condolences may be offered to the family using the Memory Wall link above. 

Obituaries

Tyler Schulze

Charles Henderson

Carmen Balthrop-Delaney

John Vandegrift

Robert Holman

Alice Pietras

Cynthia Martin

George Bullman

Richard Walsh

Kenneth Mitchell

Shirley Spears

Velorse Gafford

Perry Meyett

John Dorsett, Sr.

Salud Modelo

Alice Johnson

Robert Ford, Sr.

Martha Blue

Edna Scott

Linda De Jesus

Ursula Callahan

Michelle Downey

Virginia Abell

Maureen Weyers