Ann Elizabeth (DuLaney) Parry

Ann Elizabeth Parry died peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 surrounded by family.  Ann is survived by her four devoted children, Paul (San), Rosemary (Michael), Leisa, and Christopher (Melanie) DuLaney; her three grandchildren, Nicholas DuLaney, Richard (Marjorie) DuLaney, and Kathryn Delany; and, her great-granddaughter, Nikkie DuLaney. 

Also survived by her brother, Charles E. (Mary) Parry; Ann was one of seven siblings, all sixth-generation Washingtonians. This only partially explains her love of family and tradition, to which her scores of nieces and nephews fondly attest. Then there was music.  At a young age, her gifts as a prodigy vocalist and musician became apparent. Soprano. Pianist.  Organist.  

Raised on Capitol Hill, Ann attended St. Martin’s Catholic School and Church where she excelled in her studies and received a scholarship to Academy of Notre Dame, Washington, D.C. and graduated in 1951. 

Before marrying in 1953, she worked for the United States Coast Guard and resigned when she was expecting her first child.  While raising four school-aged children, Ann worked in the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the Special Projects Officer in the Office of the Protection of Human Subjects of Research. She retired from the federal government after 29 years of distinguished service. 

Concurrently, Ann was the Director of Liturgical Music and Choir Director at St. John the Evangelist Church in Silver Spring for 27 years. In that position, she taught piano, organ, voice, and chorus to children and adults. 

After retiring from NIH, Ann joined Montgomery County Public Schools as a para educator for Special Education students of high school age and was Resource Teacher for the Social Studies Department at Einstein High School. She taught inclusion children who attended on-level classes in Social Studies. Ann left Einstein at age 80 after she was injured at school, but always spoke of returning after she healed. 

Ann was a marvelous cook and was known for her ability to create healthy, gourmet meals in 20 minutes using the simplest ingredients. Her coconut cake and French pastries were legendary in the family.

Our Mother led an exemplary, dignified life and modeled the true teachings of Christ.  We were led by example to lovingly embrace people from all walks of life. She believed that everyone deserved respect and we should celebrate the differences in our faith, culture, race, and sexual orientation. 

We will all miss her terribly and will console ourselves with the knowledge that she is at peace and is reunited with her departed loved ones and pets.

Visitation at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 10103 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902 where Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Interment private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist or Montgomery Hospice, Casey House.