Mary Caroline McNally

Mary Caroline (Bulman) McNally passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, June 29th. Mary was born on October 21, 1935 to her loving parents John W. and Kathleen G. Bulman in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up with her sister Joan “Patsy” and her brother John in the seaside town of Margate, NJ and graduated magna cum laude at Holy Spirit High School in 1953. Mary was one of the first recruits in the Central Intelligence Agency’s early efforts to broaden their talent base outside the Ivy League realm. She was assigned overseas to Frankfurt, Germany where she met and married her first husband, U. S. French - an Army Officer, in 1959. Over the next 20 years with three kids in tow, the family moved 20+ times throughout the US and Germany. Mary continued to work for the Agency as assignments and deployments would allow, while at the same time perfecting her role as an Army Officer’s wife. Mary was in her element supporting and guiding military spouses, organizing charitable events, and hosting mid-morning coffees and elegant dinner parties with the style and poise that would make Emily Post proud. She touched many lives in this capacity. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Mary married Thomas McNally in 1981. Shortly afterwards they moved to Bangkok Thailand in what would be Mary’s final assignment at CIA. Thailand was her “happy place” and though she enjoyed her work, she loved shopping, food and exploring new cultures with Tom even more. And in 1990, after 30 years with the Agency, Mary retired with Tom to Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. There they were blessed by the local presence of Mary’s sister and brother and their loving extended families. Mary and Tom enjoyed 36 years of marriage together traveling to many continents including multiple around-the-world cruises, and trips to visit her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends located across world. She loved broadway shows/musicals, fine dining, and dancing at the Halifax River Yacht Club. And in quieter moments it was the panoramic view of the river and the ocean from within her home, that brought her the most peace. Her angelic voice, infectious smile and cackling laugh will be deeply missed. Mary’s family is profoundly grateful for the loving care she received in our home from Liseth and Asha of Baby Boomers Home Health Care. Along with the skill and compassion given by Jenn, Kathleen and Arion of Goodwin House Palliative Care + Hospice, and Regina Kasun, N.P. of Inova Medical Group - Advanced Illness and Geriatrics. Finally, our deep appreciation for Jihan N. Starr - Davenport Senior Connections for her soulful guidance and wisdom each step of the way. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sister. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 36 years, Thomas M. McNally; son, J. Michael French; daughters, Mary- Catherine French (Dan VanVleet); Carlie (Joel) Ross; granddaughters: Carly VanVleet, Jennifer Hill, Catherine VanVleet Kriner; grandsons: JP Ross, Brian Wilber, Will French, Ted French; great grandchildren: Jaiden, Jackson + Harlow Hill; Dante, Darrius, Garrett + Xavier Ross; Illea + Brecken Kriner; Lennox + Ariella Shellen. She is also survived by her brother John (Karen) Bulman, cousin William Minich and many loving nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday July 13, 2018 4 pm to 5 pm, followed by a reception, at National Funeral Home 7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA 22042 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Goodwin House Hospice Program https:// www.goodwinhouse.org/goodwin-house-foundation/programs/ ghi-hospice-program/ or the Alzheimer’s Association https:// www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate_(1)