George “Earl” Newton, 71, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away on April 18, 2022 at his home. Born on May 14, 1950 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Dorothy Newton and Leo Newton. Earl was the loving husband of Sarah Johns-Newton, whom he married on November 10, 1995 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD. He is survived by his children Myssi Williams (David) of Mechanicsville, MD and Mary Hughes of Mechanicsville, MD, his grandchildren Ryan Raley (Crystal), Brooke Raley, Scott Hughes, Brandon Hughes, DJ Williams, and Jace Williams, great grandchildren Christopher Raley and Rylynn Raley, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as his siblings Linda Johnson, Christine Hill, Charlie Newton, Dottie Wilcox, and Wanda Markakis. Earl was preceded in death by his siblings Snow Newton and Bobbie Palmer. Earl was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident, and graduated from Chopticon High School in 1968. He served in the Army National Guard for 12 years from November 1969 to retirement in 1981. Earl worked as a Firefighter and EMT for NAS Patuxent Fire Department for 25 years, retiring in 2008. He was a member of the Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Dept., Mechanicsville Vol. Rescue Squad […]

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John Francis Carroll, Sr., 93 of Lexington Park, MD, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on April 20, 2022. He was one of ten of children, born on February 22, 1929, to the late Douglas and Grace Tolson Carroll. He was affectionately known as “Francis” and also known as “Pop Carroll” to his children. He received his education from St. Peter Claver Catholic School. He worked as a caretaker for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD for 30 years, retiring November 1, 1984. After retiring, Francis went to work for Raley’s Furniture Store, Lexington Park, MD as a caretaker and part-time driver for 10 years. He was also a groundskeeper for St. Cecilia Catholic Church and St. James Catholic Cemetery for over 20 years. Francis was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Annie Cecilia (Somerville) Carroll on December 30, 1950, at St. James Catholic Church, St. Mary’s City, MD. From this union they were blessed with eight children and celebrated over 71 years of marriage, symbolizing true love, purity, rarity and strength. Francis was a faithful servant and lifelong member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, where he served as an […]

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Richard Thomas “Dick” Holden, 93 died on April 22nd, 2022, at his home in St. Georges Park. He was the son of the late Basil and Gertrude Holden of St. Georges Island. Mr. Holden was preceded in death by his wife Catherine Adele Holden. He is survived by his brother Robert Holden and sons: Richard T “Rich” Holden Jr., Earl A. “Andy” Holden and Wayne P. Holden along with a large extended family and many friends. Mr. Holden was born in Baltimore and moved with his family to St Georges Park before WWII, his father a carpenter was employed building the Patuxent River Naval base. He served briefly in the Maryland Army National Guard then joined the United States Air Force, serving for twenty years at locations all over the world, before retiring in 1969. He returned to Maryland and settled with his family. Mr. Holden was employed at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship for many years and was also an independent plumbing and carpentry contractor. Mr. Holden had been at times both a commercial and recreational crabber, fisherman and oysterman. He is remembered for his craftsmanship, especially as a boat builder, helpful nature and outgoing personality. He will […]

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Deborah Jean Langley, “Debbie”, 69, of Great Mills, MD, passed away on April 27, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Born on June 13, 1952 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of Charles Langley of Great Mills, MD and the late Betty Langley. Debbie was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident and is survived by her siblings Julie Hinthorne of Port Orchard, WA, Susan Trossbach of Great Mills, MD, Charlene Knott of Lexington Park, MD, Linda Langley of Lexington Park, MD, Charles Langley, Jr., of Great Mills, MD, and Robin Butterfield of Lexington Park, MD. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00AM with Father Jerry Gamrot officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Face Catholic Cemetery, Great Mills, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Lauren Blizek, Francis Trossbach, Matthew Knott, Jason Knott, Tyler Knott, and Charles Langley, Jr. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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The Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Walter Frank Willett, know by many as “Popeye”. Walter was a charter member for our department. May he Rest In Peace. Walter F. Willett, 97, went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2022. He was born on February 25, 1925 in Nanjemoy, Maryland to the late Frank and Marie Willett. He lived in Doncaster and Welcome, Maryland for his adult life. Walter is survived by his only child, Wanda Sellers, his brother Arthur (Mildred), and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of forty-five years, Gladys Shannon Willett and his second wife of twenty-three years, Betty Lou Arbogast Willett. Walter’s son-in-law, Dennis Sellers, his brother, Harold E. Willett, and his 4-year-old sister, Mary Louise, also preceded him in death. Walter, also known as Popeye to many, began his career as a carpenter’s apprentice in 1941. He immediately knew that he had found his calling and started his own construction business within a few years. His first job was to build a chicken coop, complete with nesting bins. Throughout the years, Walter […]

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CCPS: Charles County Public Schools is remembering Keith Hettel, a longtime CCPS educator who retired in 2016 as the assistant superintendent of supporting services. Mr. Hettel passed away earlier this week on Tuesday, May 3. The CCPS maintenance and operations departments are honoring Hettel through a visual memorial located outside of the maintenance bay on Radio Station Road in La Plata, across from the CCPS Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. Hettel retired from CCPS in 2016 after a 41-year career working with students, staff and families in Charles County. Hettel spent his entire education career with CCPS. He was well known in the community for his friendly personality and kind demeanor, but also for his support of all students and staff. When he retired in June 2016, Hettel was serving on former Superintendent Kimberly Hill’s executive leadership team as the assistant superintendent of supporting services. During his career with CCPS, Hettel served for many years in the roles of elementary school teacher and elementary school principal. When asked about his retirement in June 2016, Hettel shared the following career reflections. “I have had many varied experiences throughout my years with Charles County Public Schools. My major objectives have always been […]

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Terry Lynn Carson, 63, of Lusby, MD, formerly of Fort Washington, MD, passed away on April 24, 2022 at her home with her loving family by her side. Born on January 14, 1959, she was the daughter of Ronald Steven O’Leary and Jeanette Lee O’Leary. Terry is survived by her children Sara Lynn Merritt of La Plata, MD, Bernard Stephen Carson of Lusby, MD, her siblings Kevin O’Leary of Fort Washington, MD, and Tray Donnelly of Rotonda West, FL, and four grandchildren. Terry graduated from Friendly High School in 1977, and moved from Accokeek, MD to Calvert County, MD in 1990. She was a Registered Nurse and Medical IT Specialist at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for 30 years. A funeral service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Road Memphis, TN 38105 and CareNet Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland, 2196 Solomons Island Road Suite 3, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

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Edward Herman Bowles, 69, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away on May 1, 2022 at his home. Born on July 27, 1952 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Joseph Herman Bowles and the late Livy Ann Harrison. He is survived by his siblings Joanne Benfield, Livy Lee Herche, Donnie Bowles, David Bowles, Jackie Zielstorf, and Dale Bowles, as well as his half siblings Lilly Griffith and Joe Bowles. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Sandra Kay Thompson, Judy Lynn Kara, and Sharon Jean Bell, as well as his nephews Steven Benfield and Justin Bowles. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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Anne Marie Alvey, “Sissy”, 62, of Leonardtown, MD, passed away on May 5, 2022 at home. Born on October 6, 1959 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of Lois Ann Alvey of Leonardtown, MD and the late Leonard Jackson “Jack” Alvey. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her children Shannon Daly (Matthew) of Mechanicsville, MD and April Long (Michael) of Leonardtown, MD, her siblings Ronnie Alvey (Denise Costanzo) of Colton Point, MD, Barbara Emmart (Michael) of Mechanicsville, MD, and Eddie Alvey of Hollywood, MD, as well as her grandchildren Jayden, Trevor, Jackson, Raina, Owen, and Saylor. Sissy was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident and graduated from Chopticon High School in 1977. She started her career with the St. Mary’s County Library at Tudor Hall in Leonardtown, MD at the age of 15. Sissy served the patrons of the library for 46 years, making numerous friends throughout her time there before her retirement in 2021. After her retirement, Sissy spent her time making her log cabin a cozy gathering place for all, especially her grandchildren. Family was of the utmost importance to her. She hosted family dinner every Wednesday, making sure every grandchild’s favorite foods […]

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Mary Ann Blair, 83, of Leonardtown, MD, passed away on May 6, 2022. She was born on January 11, 1939 to the late Alfred and Lucy Blair in Washington, D.C., and was the youngest of five siblings. Mary Ann is survived by her children Diane White (Andy) of Clements, MD, Thomas Westfall of Chaptico, MD, and Joe Westfall of Lothian, MD. She was preceded in death by her siblings Edward Blair, James “Teeny” Blair, Francis (Sis) Boswell, and Daniel Blair. Mary Ann was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident and graduated from St. Dominic’s High in 1957. She worked as a Shipping Clerk for the Naval Air Warfare Center for 21 years, retiring in 1993. She developed a love for animals at a young age. From dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and more, she loved them all. As a young girl, she had a chicken named Chickadee that went everywhere with her. As an adult, she had many dogs and bred Yorkies for a decade. She took in a number of stray cats over the years, giving them a comfortable and loving home. Traveling with her sister, Francis (Sis), Mary visited her brother Eddie in California and brother James (Teeny) […]

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Clara Rosetta Joy, 92, of Hollywood, MD passed away on May 7, 2022 at her home surrounded by all her children’s love. Clara was born on August 14, 1929 at the family home located in Hollywood, MD to the late Robert Ditman and Myrtle Madeline Ferguson. She was the oldest of five siblings with James Ferguson, Robert Ferguson, and Agnes Marie (Higgs) preceding her in death with Catherine (Suite) being the only surviving sibling. Clara is survived by her loving children, Charles Joy (Garnett), Robert Joy (Joan), Clara Morgan (James), John Joy (Elaine), James Joy, Larry Joy, Ronnie Joy, Connie Martin (Charlie), Patricia Pennock (Doug), and Joseph Farrell (Tammy). Preceded in death are Joseph P. Joy and Virginia Ann Morgan (Raymond). Clara was also blessed with having thirty-two (32) grandchildren, fifty-four (54) Great grandchildren, and fifteen (15) Great-Great grandchildren to love and adore. Clara was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident. Born in Hollywood on a small farm, she learned the ways of the land by growing vegetables, planting flowers and other plants of all kinds. She loved to can everything grown from the garden enabling her to provide for her family. She was an amazing cook too! It was […]

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Irene Myrtle Wilt, 97 of Hollywood, MD passed on April 21, 2022 at her home. She was born on November 25, 1924 in Roanoke, WV to the late Alton Parker Heath and Mina Finster. Irene lived in St. Mary’s County, MD for the last 24 years moving from Buckhannon, WV. She married her husband Emery Thomas Wilt on February 26, 1943 and spent 59 years together before his passing in 2002. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her great Christmas Candy that she baked into her 90’s and the beautiful quilts and needlepoint projects that she made by hand. She enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls and Dollywood with her sister Mary and their husbands. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is survived by her children Sharon Ferris (Leonard) of Leonardtown, MD and Sandra Overman of Newport News, VA; her siblings/ Leona Moneypenny of Buckhannon, WV, Jean Summers of Lady Lake, FL; Mary Wall of Chocowinity, NC; A.P. Heath of Weston, WV; Joe Heath of Roanoke, WV and her grandchildren Kim Elgert, Deanna Shiplett, Robert Thomas Hood, Sr.; Robert Overman and Michael Overman […]

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Teresa Marie (Halenar) Snively, 90, of Bellaire died on the afternoon of Monday, April 25th, 2022 at her son and daughter-in-law’s home in Hollywood, Maryland, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 1, 1931 in Bellaire, the daughter of the late Teresa J. (Bilkovic) Halenar and Justin P. Halenar. Just prior to his death in 2013, Teresa celebrated 60 years of happy, married life with her husband, William (Bill) A. Snively. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Justin J. Halenar and Joseph J. Halenar. She is survived by her children Teresa (Leo) Pauwels of South Bend; Indiana, Bill (Linda) Snively of Hollywood, Maryland; Carol (Mandy) Schick of Columbia, Missouri; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as special friends Darlene Teliga, Angel Glitch, and Ruth England who provided care and support. Teresa, a lifelong resident of Bellaire, Ohio,  was a 1949 graduate of St John Central High School. She was a member of St Michael’s and St John’s Roman Catholic Churches where she served as a Eucharistic minister. She was also the President of the First Catholic Ladies Slovak Association in Bellaire. Teresa was proud to have been an employee of Farmers and Merchants Bank (Progressive Bank) […]

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Barbara Ann Bond, 79 of Leonardtown, MD passed on April 23, 2022 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with her loving family beside her. She was born on December 27, 1942 Baltimore, MD to the late Vincent DePaul Susnowitz and Rose C. Brennan Susnowitz. Barbara lived in St. Mary’s County, MD for the last 47 years moving from Baltimore, MD. She married her husband Robert Edward Bond in 1962 and were married in Baltimore, MD.  They enjoyed 59 years together before his passing in 2021. In her early years, Barbara loved to get dressed up and dance at local hotspots in Baltimore and St. Mary’s County.  She enjoyed meeting new friends and helping those in need.  She loved to garden; from vegetables to lovely flowers.  Barbara was very artistic, and developed a passion for ceramics, starting her own business – LP Ceramics.  Her proudest title was “Nan” to her grandsons.   She spent most of her time caring for and doting on them.  She enjoyed watching them grow and mature into adulthood.  While she loved her family, her greatest love was her husband, Bob.  She missed him dearly since his passing in 2021, and longed to be reunited with him. She is […]

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Margaret Ann (Woods) Brady of Mechanicsville, MD passed away at St. Mary’s Nursing Center on May 1, 2022.  Born on February 11, 1946, Margaret was the daughter of the late Joseph Franklin Woods and the late Margaret Nells (Penn) Woods. Margaret met her husband, Wayne Eugene Brady in 1963 and went on to marry him in 1964. She was a homemaker and together she and Wayne raised four children, Wayne and Raymond of Mansfield, OH, Bernard II of Mechanicsville, MD and Wanda Roig of Cheverly, MD.  Margaret was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be missed.  She enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.  Margaret was a 2-time cancer survivor and a very strong and loving woman. Margaret is survived by her children; daughter in law, Christina Brady; her brother; sisters, Frances Woods and Irene Windsor; 10 grandchildren, Bernie, Micheal, Terri, Jay, Jennifer, David, Amanda, Sheila, Mellissa and Joe and 11 great grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband. All services are private. The family requests that should you wish to make a memorial donation in Margaret’s name, please consider the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD. Condolences to the […]

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Michael Patrick Herron, 46, of Leonardtown, MD passed away at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital on April 27, 2022 surrounded by his family. Born on August 6, 1975, he was the son of Jack Edward Herron and Mary Patricia Hurley Herron. Michael, also known as “Mike” and “Captain Mikey”, attended La Plata High School and College of Southern Maryland. He then became a successful Management Information Program Manager for the National Guard Bureau. He was also President and part owner of Bay Medical helping provide medical equipment to people with disabilities and promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging participation in adaptive sports. In his free time, he enjoyed taking family and friends on his pontoon boat, playing rugby for the Capital Punishers, attending Capitals hockey and Washington Redskins football games, going to Disney World with his family, going on cruises, being at the beach or playing with his brown lab Maggie. Mike was a giver, he would give you anything he had including the shirt off his back. “No” was a word he rarely used. He was always helping family, friends or even strangers. Making others smile and happy is what made Mike happy. From starting Bay Medical, to helping family with their […]

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Deborrah Keene Ferguson, 68, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Deborrah was born on April 3, 1954, to Walter and Audrey Keene in the city of Dunn, NC. After Deborrah graduated from Wakefield High School in 1972 in Arlington, VA then pursued a degree in Nursing at Shenandoah University. After graduation, she worked in health care as a registered nurse for over 35 years. The majority of it is in kidney dialysis, with Fresenius Medical Care. Deborrah was passionate about nursing and loved what she did for a living, and even inspired her daughter in becoming a nurse. She was a great role model. Deborrah retired in 2015 and married Steven Soaper residing in Mechanicsville. While retired, she had time to pursue her love of camping, crafts, making gift cards, and baking lots of cookies. She also enjoyed spending time with family and her grandchildren. Deborrah was predeceased by her parents Walter and Audrey Keene, her brother Walter Keene, and her first husband Richard Ferguson. She is survived by her husband Steven Soaper of Mechanicsville, MD, her daughter Holly Fleshman (husband Nick Fleshman) of Hollywood, MD, and her niece Katherine Hatcher (husband PJ Hatcher) of Mechanicsville, MD. She is also survived by her nephews Justin and Jayden Hatcher, as well as her grandchildren Miles and Macie Fleshman. Services will be held at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch […]

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Patricia Ann “Patty” Downs, 70 of Avenue, MD passed away on April 26, 2022 at the Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, MD. Patty was born on September 23, 1951 in Washington, D.C. to the late Llewellyn Thomas Reed, Sr. and Catherine Loretta (Murray) Reed.  On May 20, 1972, she married James Steven “Jimmy” Downs in Oxon Hill, MD.  They spent 48 years together before his passing on December 10, 2020. Patty graduated from Crossland High School in 1969.  Just after high school she was employed as a secretary for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC until 1979.  She then relocated to St. Mary’s County where she was the co-owner and co-operator of Avenue General Store along with her husband from 1979 to 1989.  During her time at “the store”, she formed countless relationships with customers and vendors, many which grew into meaningful, long-lasting friendships.  She could be found working there 7 days a week from open to close, many times making pizzas in the evenings.  In 1990 she resumed her career as a secretary for St. Mary’s County Public Schools at Chopticon High School and later Central Office until her retirement in 2013. She enjoyed history and […]

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Lawrence Jack Van Gilder, 71, of Charlotte Hall, MD, a proud Vietnam veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on May 3, 2022. Jack was born on July 1, 1950, to William Stephen and Doris Jean Van Gilder in Morgantown, West Virginia. After Jack graduated from Sidney Lanier High School, AL, he pursued a degree in communications at West Virginia University. In January 1971, he enlisted in the United States Air force. After three years in the Air Force, Jack went on to work as a systems technician for 40 years, for telephone companies:  C & P Telephone, American Bell, Bell Atlantic, AT&T, and ending his career with Verizon. Known as the “Wizard” at work, Jack loved what he did for a living and loved helping people. There was no technology problem he couldn’t fix. Jack met Ellyn when he moved to Temple Hills, MD, not knowing they lived down the street from one another. Jack married the love of his life, Ellyn Jane Van Gilder, on April 3, 1971.  Together they spent 49 years growing in love and marriage. Jack and Ellyn went on to have three children: Greta Houser of Mechanicsville, MD, Andrew Van Gilder of […]

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David Elmer Morgal, 62, of Aquasco, MD, passed away on May 8, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. On February 26, 1960, David was born to Joseph and Gertrude Morgal in Cheverly, MD. He was the youngest of four children. As the son of sharecroppers, David grew up working the land and providing that which he grew to others. He excelled in school with a natural affinity for math and history. He participated in various varsity sports during his youth, including football, wrestling, baseball, and track and field. After David graduated from Largo High School in 1979, he went on to work with his family on their various farms and sold their produce goods as a part of the family business. He had many hobbies and often enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and the occasional game of pool, slot machine game, or hand of blackjack. A larger-than-life man (in both body mass and spirit), David was the owner of Morgal’s Produce, a family-owned business that farmed produce in the local Southern Maryland area and sold it on the Eastern Market in DC. David’s family has been associated with the Eastern Market back to the early 1900s, and it was ingrained in his […]

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