Archive for November, 2018

Leng Hay Tang (Age 74)

On Friday, November 30, 2018, of Silver Spring, MD.  Beloved husband of Chu Ly Hok; father of China, Michael, Navan and Alice Hok;  grandfather of Maya, Lillian and Ava Hok and Brandon, Tatum and Jameson Lee.  Also survived by two sisters.  Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m., where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m.  Interment  Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Bryant Edmund Langham, Sr. (Age 61)

Suddenly on Monday, November 26, 2018, of Fulton, MD.  Beloved husband of Lachon Raiford Langham; loving father of Bryant Edmund Langham, Jr. Beloved son of the late Houston and Rose Virginia (Nee Tunstall) Langham. Brother of Houston Ray (Gloria) Langham, Margaret Johnson, Lynda Mitchell, Ruth (Mathis) Matthews, Eleanor Crockett, Iris (Brad) Chapman and Erin Langham.  Son-in-law Robert Raiford, Brother-in-law of XX Raiford.  Also survived by numerous extended family & friends .  Relatives and friends may call at Living Word International Christian Church, 16819 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 12 to 12:30 PM, where Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM.  Interment Crestlawn Memorial Gardens. Repast to follow in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

ANNA PITELA BROCKETT

BROCKETT, Ann Pitela, ( Anna ), died peacefully after a decade-long struggle with vascular dementia on November 26, 2018. She was a resident of Bethesda, Maryland for over fifty years before moving to Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 2005.

Ann was born in Easton, PA, of Ukrainian parents. She was a first generation American, as are her sister Helen and brother Stephen. She grew up in Easton, PA, where she met her husband, Buzz ( HR ) Brockett. He had enlisted in the US Army in Nebraska during World War II, and was sent to Lafayette College in Easton to study Electrical Engineering. He was transferred to West Virginia University for continuing studies and had orders to go to Japan when he finished his degree. The war ended, and he was honorably discharged.

He returned to Easton, PA, to finish his education at Lafayette College. Ann and Buzz were married in 1946. They lived in her parents’ attic while he was finishing college as apartments were hard to find.

Ann and Buzz moved to Hampton, VA, where he got his first job working at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which became the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) after the launch of the satellite Sputnik. They bought their first home in Hampton, VA, where they had their first two children, son Lee, and daughter Connie.  Ann was pregnant with their second son Steve when Buzz was transferred to NASA headquarters in Washington, DC. Buzz was the Deputy Director of the Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition at NASA.

Ann liked to think that their family helped put the men on the moon because of Buzz’s efforts, and all the traveling he did, working with foreign governments where NASA wanted to put tracking stations. As a result, he often traveled to Australia, Spain, and several countries in Africa and South America.

Ann was a stay-at-home mother until her children were in high school. Then she held part-time jobs in a bookstore, Lord & Taylor, Donnelly Directory (The Yellow Page), and the consulting firm Booz Allen & Hamilton.

Ann felt the need of religious training for her children, so she joined the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church (CLUUC) where she enjoyed many volunteer activities. She helped with administration on Sundays in the Religious Education program for several years, and taught for three. She was a secretary in the Membership Committee for several years, and was on the Committee on Aging. Ann spent two decades involved in administrating the NSO Concert Series for Seniors. She was also one of the original members of the Planned Giving Committee when it started in 1987, which helped fund the Endowment Fund for CLUUC. She was a “greeter,” and also “ushered” for several years. She also acted as a volunteer receptionist to answer phones in the office to reduce the load on the staff.

Ann took advantage of the many Adult Programs available at CLUUC. She regularly attended the Science and Religion Discussion Group. She joined a dinner discussion group after her husband died in 1980, and was a member of it for over twenty years. She especially enjoyed knowing the many friends that she made at CLUUC throughout the years.

She is survived by son Lee Brockett of Gaithersburg, MD, daughter Constance Brockett Murray and husband Patrick Murray of Spokane, WA, son Steven Brockett of Alexandria, VA; sister Helen LaFever of Lehighton, PA, brother Stephen Pitela of Vass, NC and Old Forge, NY; four grandchildren, Robert Brockett, wife Katie, and their son Emmett of New Market, MD, Kevin and Charlotte Murray of Spokane, WA; niece Jill Moulthrope and husband Mark of Lehighton, PA, and Jill’s two children, Lori and Julie and their families of Easton, PA.

A memorial service for Ann will be on January, 7th, 2019, at 11 am at the Chapel at Riderwood Village, 3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Her cremains will be buried next to Buzz at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill, Maryland.

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Robert Crandall Semmig

Visitation services for Robert Crandall Semmig of Rockville, MD will be held on Saturday, December 1^st from 10 to 11 am, at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd., Silver Spring, MD, where funeral service will follow at 11 am. A private family burial will be in the Quaker Burial Ground in Galesville, MD. Robert passed Friday, November 23rd.  He was born January 31, 1945 in Washington, DC. He was a graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, Washington, DC.

Robert worked as an electrician for the Federal Government for 42 years, retiring from the Government Printing Office in 2007.  He taught motor controls coursework for IBEW local 26, Montgomery College and Prince Georges College.  He volunteered through the Career Education Program in Montgomery County Public Schools and at Thomas Edison High School supporting the Industrial Motor Controls Program for many years.

Robert was a member of the Wheaton Moose Lodge, the Retired Members IBEW local 26, Rossmoor Railroad Club and Parklawn Sailing Association.  He served in volunteer roles with Parents Without Partners and New Beginnings.

His hobby’s included collecting model trains, sailing, organizing, traveling abroad, and repairing everything from shoes to electronics.

He is survived by daughter, Christine (Tommy) Hamilton of Montross, VA and three sons, Jeffrey (Wan) Semmig of Oceanside, CA, Michael Semmig of Wesley Chapel, FL James (Kate) Semmig of Broadway, VA, and his partner, Mary Sue Rainey of Kensington, MD.  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Nathan Riel, Dustin Semmig, Nicholas Semmig, Chase Semmig, Jimmy Price, Billy Callas, Barbara Hamilton, Wade Hamilton and 2 great grandchildren, Cora Hamilton and Camden Price.

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Luke Walter Engler (Age 7)

On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, of Olney, MD. Beloved son of Nancy and Rich Engler; loving brother of Lucy and Amber; grandson of Bonnie and Doug Holder and and the late Thelma and Walter Engler; nephew of Stacey Bonilla (JJ), James Engler (Joanne) and Lynn Gross (Doug); Also survived by many loving family members and friends. Relatives and friends may call at St. Peter’s Church, 2900 Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD, Friday, November 30, 2018, from 10:30 am to 12 pm, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 pm. Those attending are asked to wear bright attire, in case you are wondering Luke’s favorite color is Orange. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park to follow. In lieu memorial contributions may be made to www.defeatdipg.org/luke/  . Following the interment family and friends are welcome to the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, The Oak Room, 17921 Brooke Rd. Sandy Spring, MD 20860 for a reception.

MARGARET DARBY HURLEY

“Peggy”  

On Friday, November 23, 2018, Margaret “Peggy” Hurley passed away at the tender age of 93. She died, as she lived, with grace, dignity, and faith. To the end she exhibited the intelligence, affection, and sense of humor for which she was known and loved by all. Peggy was born and raised in Washington, DC, and attended high school at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. She was a master bridge player and ardent member of Little Flower Parish in Bethesda, MD. Peggy is survived by two sons, Neil and Brennan Hurley, four grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Shannon, and Connor Hurley, and a sister, Marianne Stohlman. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Hurley, a son, Michael Hurley, two sisters, Joan Stohlman and Joyce Coyle, and a brother, John Darby. A funeral mass will be held at 12 noon on Friday, November 30, 2018, at the Church of the Little Flower, 5607 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Montgomery Hospice, which provided great comfort and care to Peggy in her waning days.

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ANNA M. PETTENATI

Anna Marie McKeirnan was born in February of 1928 in a small rural area in northern Pennsylvania. She was raised on a farm in Bush Hill with 5 sisters and 2 brothers. She worked for Sylvania in Emporium, PA. Ann married Oliver “Ollie” Pettenati in 1949. In 1963, they moved to Silver Spring, MD to raise their 5 children.

Ann enjoyed traveling/school field trips, crafting with ceramics, leather, eggs, and collecting swizzle sticks.

She is survived by her 5 children: Tomi, Jeff (Erin), Pete, Cully (Dana), and Trina (Larry); 5 grandchildren: Evan (Ashley), Maddie, Oliver (Leigh), Quinn, and Joey; her newest addition, a great-grandchild, Logan: her siblings: Julia Faes, Chuck McKeirnan, and Patty Perrine; and many nieces and nephews.

God peacefully called her back home Monday morning, November 19^th, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Montgomery Hospice Casey House, 6001 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville MD 20855.

ANNA TOUTLIAN

Anna Toutlian, age 84 of La Mirada, California formerly of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018.  She was born to the late Stephen Gazurian and Anna Jarjatian Gazurian on July 4, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A loving mother and homemaker, Anna was an excellent cook, and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, most especially over the holidays.  She also had a passion for gardening and was referenced by many as a “green thumb”.  Anna held an administrative position for 20 years at the Vitro Corporation in Rockville, Maryland before moving to California in 2000.  Her megawatt smile and contagious laugh will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Anna was predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Astor Toutlian and her sister Veronica Gazurian Walker.  Anna is survived by her brother George Gazurian, her son Michael Toutlian and his wife Susan and her daughter Carol Ann Malkasian and her husband Zaven.  She is also survived by four grandchildren Michele Malkasian, Talene Malkasian, Shant Malkasian and Karla Toutlian.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 7PM at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 900 Lincoln Ave., Montebello, California.  A graveside burial will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 1PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Ararat Nursing Facility, 15099 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, California 91345.

REV. JOHN CHARLES WALKER  (Age 91)  

On Wednesday, November 21, 2018, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband for 63 years of the late Beverly “Bobbie” Walker; father of Betsy Walker, Jorgy (Peter) Gorog and Christopher (Trudy) Walker; brother of Clay Walker; grandfather of Shari Smith, Laura Walburn, Anna Moraff, Ilana Gorog and Ben Walker; great grandfather of Amelia Walburn. He is also survived by other loving family and friends. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 10401 Armory Avenue, Kensington, MD , on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 1 p.m. Inurnment Private. Contributions, in his memory, may be made to Montgomery Hospice Casey House, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850.

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Jose Estanislao Funes (Age 86)

On Thursday, November 22, 2018, of Hyattsville, MD.  Beloved husband of Maria Rivera de Funes; father of Victoria Duarte, Fulvia Funes, Hilda Estela Funes and Elsy Funes; grandfather of Erik, Cindy, Fernando, Fatima, Roberto, Keiry, Christian; son of the late Petronilo Funes and the late Carmen Guardado;  brother of Evelio, Napoleon, Tito, Ana, Antonia, Aminta, Lucia, Angelica and the late Cristobal, Isabel and Avilia.  Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, November 26, from 7 to 9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine Laboure Church, Veirs Mill & Claridge Roads, Wheaton, MD, on Tuesday, November 27, 12:00 p.m.  Interment  Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

IRENE JONES HOFFMAN (Age 102)  

On Monday, November 19, 2018, of Hampton, VA. Beloved wife of the late William Maurice Hoffman, Jr.; mother of Virginia H. Caruso, Robert A. Hoffman and Flora H. Milans. Grandmother of Michael Caruso, Whitney Hoffman Suttell, Kevin Milans and Kimberly M. Stonehouse. Great grandmother of Jessica Caruso, Henry and William Suttell, and Calvin and Chloe Stonehouse. She was a long-time member of Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD and recently Hampton Baptist Church, Hampton, VA. She was also an active member of Silver Spring Chapter No. 66 of the Order of the Eastern Star and Woman’s Club. Funeral service will be celebrated at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd., West, Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, November 24 at 11 am. Interment at Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, DC, followed by a reception and luncheon at Maplewood Park Place, 9707 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD at 2:00 P.M. Donations in her memory may be made to the Virginia Association of Workers for the Blind, vawb.org.

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William Norman McCarthy (Age 82)

On Monday, November 19, 2018, of Okatie, SC. Beloved husband of Dian A. McCarthy; father of William N. McCarthy, III, Dennis E. McCarthy, and Fr. Thomas H. McCarthy; grandfather of William N. McCarthy, IV, Joseph E. McCarthy, Declan E. McCarthy, and Aidan T. McCarthy; brother of J. Patrick McCarthy. Mass of Christian Burial at The Chapel at St. Louis Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD, on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 10 am. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Washington, DC. Memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Low Country, 1 Cardinal Road, Suites 1 & 2, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 www.pregnancycenterhhi.org OR St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Gregory the Great Church, 31 Sainte Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. www.sgg.cc

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John M. Thangaraja (Age 58)

On Wednesday, November 14, 2018, of Gaithersburg, MD. Survived by many loving family members both here and Sri Lanka. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, Saturday, November 24, 2018, from 3 to 5 pm. Interment Private.

John E. Stephens (Age 91)

On Sunday, November 18, 2018, John E. Stephens of Kensington, MD, died peacefully at home. Dr. Stephens was the beloved husband of Barbara Bickley Stephens; loving father of Claudette, Cynthia, Roderick, Curtis and Karl; grandfather of Darren, Amanda, Karly, Andrew and Max; and great-grandfather of Addison.

John Stephens- musician, composer, conductor and teacher – received his DMA in composition from Catholic University. He actively participated in the music scene in D.C for over 70 years. Dr. Stephens founded and was artistic director of The American Camerata for New Music- a professional chamber orchestra which performed concert series of contemporary music for over twenty years in the Washington- Baltimore area, bringing numerous notable premiere performances to the area.

Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Tuesday, November 27, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where a Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 28, at 11 a.m.  Interment Parklawn Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or to Holy Cross Hospice.

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