Alberta Shelton Stornetta

Mary Alberta Shelton Stornetta died peacefully on April 24, 2023. She was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, June 15, 1931. She graduated from Maury High School, Norfolk, Virginia, in 1949, and Mary Washington College, now University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1953. In college she performed with both the orchestra and marching band. She married Lt. Wakefield Scott Stornetta in June, 1953. Alberta taught elementary school for several years. Wake’s career as a naval officer required a number of assignments including Virginia, California, Rhode Island, and finally Annapolis, Maryland.

Alberta was active in church music from an early age, singing in the choir and playing the piano and organ. She acted as choir director, organist, and bell choir director at many churches during her long career in church music. She studied organ with Professor Donald C. Gilley and was a member of the American Guild of Organists. She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Alberta taught piano for twenty years. She was active in the quilting community and a member of the Annapolis Quilt Guild for many years, winning several awards for her quilts at quilt shows. She enjoyed making quilts and giving them away. Alberta was a member of the history committee of the Arnold Preservation Council, and published a book, Arnold, Maryland and Neighbors on The Broadneck. She also published a book recounting the history of Arnold Asbury United Methodist Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Lynn Stornetta, Charlottesville, Virginia, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Gale, Falmouth, Massachusetts, and two sons, Wakefield Scott Stornetta, Jr., Morristown, New Jersey, and David Walter Stornetta, Arnold, Maryland. She was predeceased by her husband, Wakefield Scott Stornetta, and her daughter, Mary Alberta IV Stornetta. She was blessed with five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, May 28 in Arnold Asbury United Methodist Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on this website.