Archive for September, 2018

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

MANNIX, Kathleen McLaughlin

Kathleen McLaughlin Mannix

Kathleen McLaughlin Mannix was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on June 11, 1927. She entered Heaven’s gates on August 25, 2018.

A loving mother, Kathleen dedicated her life to her faith and family. She was raised in Washington, DC, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School, worked for the National Institute of Health before marrying her husband in 1956. As a loving mother, she raised her family with grace and Catholic values. The Mannix Family were long time parishioners of the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament. Kathleen remained devoted to St John Neumann, whom had blessed her life many times.

Kathleen was blessed from God with a beautiful voice. She sang for many years with choirs, and was requested to sing “O Holy Night” at Christmas, even when she was in her late 80’s. In the instructions to her children she included a tribute to her mother, Peggy O’Neil, who had often been given solos to sing as she had a very high sweet voice. Kathleen shared that she showed her love for God at Mass by singing His Praises. She also often sang with “my dear” Sisters of the Religious of the Eucharist Chapel. Her final request was “to be sent to my rest with her chosen hymns that they might just let me become a part of the choirs in Heaven so I can continue to praise my God in heavenly song.”

She was a woman of grace that shared a smile with everyone. She loved her Irish heritage and shared her dry humor with a twinkle in her eye.
She was a wonderful seamstress, loved travel and photography. When her husband died, she returned to work at a bakery, and then at Lafayette Elementary School. She finished her career, returning to the National Institute of Health, and receiving honors upon her retirement.

Kathleen lovingly cared for her mother in her home, before moving to Sun City, Florida. She loved her time in Florida, where she was active in the HOA and a dedicated Hospice Volunteer. Following two heart attacks, Kathleen moved to Georgia, where she lived close to family. During her life at Atherton Place, she was an active member of the Resident Council, the Red Hat Ladies and a devout parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was a dedicated football fan, loved to read and mastered the “tablet” for games and puzzles.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul F. Mannix and her beloved mother Margaret O’Neill McLaughlin. Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Charlene Mannix Bunts, her sons James J. Mannix and his wife, Beth, and son Paul Mannix. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Nicole Atencio, Brian Bunts, Christine Leigh Bunts, Kerry Pantaleo, Meredith J. Mannix, Michael J. Mannix, Mathew J. Mannix and Max J. Mannix. She had one great-granddaughter, Addison Kate Atencio.

Kathleen spent the last 10 years at Atherton Place, and her final week at WellStar Community Hospice -Tranquility Hospice -Kennestone Mountain. The family wishes to thank those who cared for Kathleen with their greatest and warmest gratitude.

Relatives and friends may call at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 5949 Western Ave. NW, Washington, DC, Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her Memory to: The National Shrine of St John Neumann, 1019 N 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
https://stjohnneumann.org/memorials-giving/memorial-opportunities/ or to
National Hospice Foundation, 1731 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
https://www.nationalhospicefoundation.org

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

KITTS, Ryan Lee

Ryan Lee Kitts

On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved son of Kevin and Monica Kitts; brother of Brianna and Tyler Kitts; grandson of Halburn and Rebecca Kitts, and of Gordon and Mabel Chin; nephew of Bryan Chin, Deby Covey and Stephanie Kitts.

Friends and Relatives may come to Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, Saturday, September 8, for public visitation between 2 and 3 pm and for the memorial service at 3 pm.

One of Ryan’s passions was to help disadvantaged children learn music. Hungry for Music  provides music instruments to children that would otherwise not have this opportunity. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a contribution, please make a donation in Ryan Kitts’ name to Hungry for Music at the link below.

 https://hungryformusic.org/make-a-dedication-donation/

 

In addition to teaching students, Ryan enjoyed writing music and performing. To see some of his work, or to leave a comment or share a memory, please see Ryan’s online memorial page at the link below.

http://ryan-kitts.forevermissed.com

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

PARKER, Lois Proctor

Lois Proctor Parker 
(Age 90)
On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, of Olney, MD. Beloved mother of Robin Kokolis (Terry); grandmother of James Duncan and Erin Kokolis; great-grandmother of James Parker Duncan; sister of Frank B. Proctor and Meredith Arneson (Jon); sister-in-law of Melinda Proctor; Also survived by many loving family members. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 20901 (Valet Parking), Sunday, September 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3427 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, MD, 20832 on Monday, September 10, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, www.donatenow.heart.org or Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter, www.act.alz.org.
Monday, September 3rd, 2018

FRANCOIS, Jean-Claude

Jean-Claude Francois

On Thursday, August 2, 2018, of Silver Spring, MD.  Beloved father of Stephie Antoine, Charvelie Anthony and Fanola Francois; grandfather of Lorvina Nesida Francois and Samuel Antoine , Layla-Eve and Aliya-Esther Anthony;  son of the late Judge Rene Francois and the late Nesida Osam;  brother of Renold and Marie Renette Francois.  Also survived by son in laws Musaque Antoine and Rayon Anthony. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Friday, September 7, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.  Interment private.

Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

WELCH, Dorothea M.

Dorothea M. Welch 
(Age 91)
On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, of Crofton, MD. Beloved wife of the late Francis Augustine Welch, Jr.; mother of Frank A. Welch, III, (Deborah), Constance M. Welch, Lawrence M. Welch, Susan M. Welch, and the late Carol Welch Lusk; Also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd., Silver Spring, MD, 20906 on Wednesday, September 5, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

TOWERS, Rhoda Marian

Rhoda Marian Towers
(Age 100)
On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, of Rockville, MD. Beloved wife of the late Jack H. Towers; mother of Martha Caudill, Jeanie Kemp and the late Richard Towers: grandmother of Ann Marie McIntyre. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, Tuesday, September 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. where service will be held at 11 a.m. Interment Norbeck Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 6513 Queens Chapel Rd., University Park, MD 20782.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

JONES, Geraldine “Gerry”

Geraldine Jones
“Gerry” 
Passed to her eternal rest on August 30, 2018 in Frederick, MD. Gerry was born and raised in Beaver County, PA. After high school, Gerry moved to Washington, DC to work at the Pentagon. This was followed by a long and successful career at the US Postal Service and ATF. She retired from government service in 2000 and assisted her husband with his business, “Bill’s Auto Supply”. She loved to travel and visit family relations in Alabama and Pennsylvania, with whom she had warm and special memories. With her husband, Gerry raised two daughters in Silver Spring, MD and had the love of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as several four-legged companions. She was a member of Glenmont UMC for many years and later in life attended the Interfaith Chapel at Leisure World in Montgomery County MD. Beloved wife of the late William Granger Jones; daughter of the late Harold and Maude McMichael; sister of the late Beverly Young; mother of Kristie Kay Burns (Mikeal, Sr.) and Janet Marie Barnes (Ray): grandmother of Janet Slater, Robert McGrath, Daniel McGrath, Mikeal Burns, Jr., Nigel Burns, Emily D. Barnes and Kathleen “Kate” Barnes; great-grandmother of Tyler Slater, Eireann Jones, Akira Burns, Gareth Jones, Lynnette Jones, Maeve Day, Leyla McGrath, Evangelene Day and Gabriella Shoemaker. Friends and family are welcome to visit at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD on Thursday, September 6, from 7 to 9 p.m., where memorial service will be held on Friday, September 7, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

GIKAS, Athena Maggos

Athena Maggos Gikas   (Age 90)

On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, Athena Gikas passed away at the Brook Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, MD, following several years of declining health.  She was 91.  She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Gikas (Steve Stovall), son, James Gikas (Carol Hacquebord) and granddaughter, Julie A. Hacquebord-Gikas.  Her beloved husband, Thomas Gikas passed away in January 2018. Relatives and friends may call at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, Friday, September 7, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., where the Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m.  Interment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery will follow the funeral.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen. Athena was born in Kent Ohio on October 1, 1927 to a Greek immigrant family.  Her parents were Peter and Demetra Maggos.  They had journeyed from nearby mountain villages above the city of Sparta to start a family in Ohio, where a relative lived.  Accompanied by their first daughter, Marie, the family moved to Washington D.C, where Demetra’s sister, Ester, was also raising a family.  After their arrival in the District, the family grew with another daughter, Irene, and son, George.  Athena and her siblings received their education at local schools in the District.  They grew up close to their cousins and the rest of the Greek community in D.C.  After graduating from high school, Athena briefly attended the Benjamin Franklin University.  She also found work at the offices of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) office in Washington DC.  It was there that she met her future husband, Tom Gikas.  Tom was going to school at Georgetown University and was also doing volunteer work at the AHEPA.  The two fell in love and became engaged.  After Tom graduated, he took a job with the State Department in post-war Germany.  He was followed to Europe by Athena, and they were married in Paris, France in November 1949.  In October 1950, their son, James, was born in Berlin, Germany.  Upon their return to Washington DC, their daughter, Catherine, was born in June 1952.  In 1953, Tom and Athena bought a house in the Wheaton area, where they raised their family.  While Tom worked during the day, Athena took care of the home.  She managed the household finances, especially in keeping her family well fed, as she was an extraordinary cook.  As the family grew, Athena continued to keep the focus on family and the Greek community.  Weekly visits with cousins, aunts, and other close friends were the norm.  She actively participated in many Church and other ethnic community events, lending her culinary skills when the occasion called for it.  Although Athena and Tom moved to a new house in 1987, they continued to live in the same part of Montgomery County throughout their lives.  Following her children’s graduation from college, Athena devoted even more of her time to various Greek charitable organizations.  For a while she was active in the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.  She then transferred her efforts to the AHEPA’s Daughters of Penelope, where she remained an active participant including district chairwoman and contributor until failing health made it impossible for her to continue.  She will be remembered for her classic Greek beauty, kind spirit and devotion to family, friends and community.

FROM WASHINGTON POST

On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Gikas; mother of Catherine (Steve) Stovall and James (Carol) Gikas; grandmother of Julie. Relatives and friends may call at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 701-A Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20905 on Friday, September 7, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., where Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine & Helen.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

BURKE, Ruby Reynolds

RUBY REYNOLDS BURKE (Age 91)
On Saturday August 25, 2018 of Pasadena, MD, formerly of Silver Spring, MD, Mrs. Ruby Reynolds Burke passed away peacefully. Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Byron Karl Burke and her son, John Patrick Burke. She is survived by her two daughters, Vicki Stuart of Myrtle Beach, SC and Sandra Burke Anderson of Chestnut Hill Cove, MD; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and one great granddaughter. Ruby started her employment at WEPM radio station in Martinsburg, WV when it first aired in 1946. Most people knew her as Penny while she was there. Her next employment was working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. She worked on the Senate side of the US Capital and left there in 1956. She began outside employment again in the late 1970’s with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland until retirement in 1998. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet parking available), Thursday, September 6, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Service and Interment will be held on September 7, 2018 at Rosedale Cemetery in Martinsburg, WV at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

BIGLEY, Joseph Aloysius

Joseph Aloysius Bigley 
(Age 93)
On Thursday, August 30, 2018, of Kensington, MD. Beloved husband of Eleanor L. Bigley; loving father of Joseph Aloysius (Denyce) Bigley, Jr. and Marie Louise (Oliver) Pagan. Also survived by seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 9705 Summit Ave, Kensington, MD, Friday, September 7, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s National,111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20010.
Saturday, September 1st, 2018

MAZZUCA, Samuel Robert

SAMUEL ROBERT MAZZUCA (age 88)

On Friday, August 31, 2018, of Rockville, MD.  Beloved husband of Anna M. Mazzuca; father of James Mazzuca, Connie Swanson, Larry Mazzuca, Robert Mazzuca and Mathew Mazzuca; grandfather of Kate, Matthew, Rebecca, Matthew, Emma, Samantha, and the late Mason; great-grandfather of Hailey, Abby, Leah, Luke, Taylor and Blake; brother of Ronald, Michael, William, and the late Anthony, John, Joseph, Richard, and Phillip Mazzuca.  Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m.  Graveside Service and Interment at  Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 9:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers please consider visiting thecommunityfoundation.org and select “Mason Strong Village” from the fund list to support Sam’s Grandson Mason’s Foundation.

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Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc.
500 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Phone: 301.593.9500