Anna Maria Mullins

Anna Maria Mullins, age 5, passed away suddenly Thursday morning, June 23, 2022. She was born on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28, 2016, in Arlington, VA, to parents Scott and Tonya (Newman) Mullins. Anna Maria was the youngest of three daughters.

Against all odds, she fought through multiple complex surgeries. She thrived and taught us so much about perseverance and fortitude in the face of adversity. And, in the midst of her challenges, she always had a smile and an unmatched joy for life that was infectious to everyone around her.

She was happiest with family and friends – whether it be simply clinking glasses at “Sunday happy hour” to say “cheers” or dancing to the tune of any song that was being played. She adored her sisters and cherished being able to run around with them.

Anna Maria was fiercely independent. Being outdoors was a place of adventure and fun for her as she always spent time with her family riding bikes, rock climbing, camping, swimming, and going on a boat. Last summer, she climbed at Seneca Rocks in West Virginia and boated and snorkeled in Florida with unmatched enjoyment. A bike ride to a local café or bistro was one of her favorite family activities.

Anna Maria had a deep love for God and shared that love with everyone. Even at a young age, she had a servant heart and brought people closer to Him. At Mass every Sunday, she sang and prayed with a joy that moved everyone’s heart. She knew where to find Jesus.

She was so excited to attend and graduate from St. James Catholic Preschool and attend Nottingham Elementary School. She adored her time with her teachers and classmates and was eager each morning for “School!”

The family takes comfort that she is in the arms of Jesus, in the kingdom of heaven.

Anna Maria will forever be missed in the hearts of those who loved her the most, her parents, Scott and Tonya; siblings, Mary Margaret (9) and Elizabeth “Ellie” Marie (7); grandparents, William and Joann Mullins and Greg and Harriette Newman; godparents James Queen and Cynthia Toups; as well as her loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and so many relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held June 27, 2022 at Murphy Funeral Home of Arlington [4510 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22203] from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church [905 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046]. Burial will follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery [3411 Arlington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201]. A reception will be held afterwards in Heller Hall at St. James Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Porto Charities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the educational and employment resources available to young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a grants program in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, VA.

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

Anna Maria, Pray for us.