Maria Helena Vannier Ferree

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Maria Helena Vannier Ferree, born on February 18 1923, passed away peacefully at her home in Arlington, Virginia on December 11 2012. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul J Ferree and mother of three sons Patrick, Robert and John (Betty) Ferree. She is also survived by three grandchildren Amanda (James) Sage, Jacob and Evan Ferree. She was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil to Georges Vannier and Amanda Serra Vannier and had five siblings - the late Orlando Vannier and Hebe Vannier and is survived by the remaining three Cleo Vannier Ribeiro Alves, Suzana Vannier Savi and Sonia Vannier, all of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also leaves three Brazilian neices and nephews Irene Ribeiro Alves Zuardi, Helena Ribeiro Alves Barboza Vianna and Jorge Vannier Ribeiro Alves along with numerous grandneices and nephews. Maria Helena met her husband Paul Ferree at the United States embassy in Rio de Janeiro soon after he embarked on a lifelong career with the Foreign Agricultural Service. As a result, the family spent 25 years abroad, residing in Rhodesia, the Congo, Morocco, Peru, Iran and Thailand in addition to visiting many others along the way. A skilled cook and gracious entertainer, she tried to incorporate the best elements of the culture and cuisine her host country had to offer. Mrs. Ferree will always be remembered for the compassionate care and attention she gave her husband Paul as he suffered from a tragic and devastating illness for over 2 decades. The obvious affection she showed to her various canine pets through the years was only surpassed by the doting love she had for her three grandchildren. In addition, her passion for playing bridge with her many friends and a love of French studies brought her many years of pleasure. A very devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia, she would have preferred that your gifts be so directed to enable them to continue their good works. Please rest in peace.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm at St. Agnes Catholic Church 2002 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22207. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery 401 Roosevelt Blvd Falls Church VA 22044. Arrangements entrusted to Murphy Funeral Home 4510 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22203 703-920-4800 murphyfuneralhomes.com