Anne Helen Darr

Anne Darr, independent businesswoman and entrepreneur, McLean, Virginia, left her earthly life January 22, 2020. Anne Helen was born May 27, 1939, to Russell and Helen Scherrer, Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Saint Clara Academy, a private Dominican boarding school for young women, Edgewood College, and the University of Iowa, at which she majored in literature and the classics. In 1967, she married Kurt Darr, whom she met while both worked at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. In 1971, Ms. Darr was hired by Dehart and Broide, a Washington, D.C., federal legislative and regulatory advocacy and consulting firm.

In 1977, Ms. Darr was made partner and became sole owner of Dehart and Darr in 1982. Deregulation in the 1980s shifted the firm’s focus to the states. In almost 50 years of advocacy and consulting, Ms. Darr assisted trade associations, diverse retailers and manufacturers, foreign governments, and individual entrepreneurs in resolving legislative and regulatory issues. Her influence can be seen in consumer-focused legislation and regulation nationwide. The epitome of the work ethic and blessed with a near photographic memory and encyclopedic organizing skills, Ms. Darr attended client meetings without notes. Her presentations detailed legislative and regulatory developments in the 50 states in alphabetical order, including bill numbers, sponsors, and status. Writing furiously, attendees checked later for the report’s accuracy; there were no remonstrances.

Ms. Darr’s professional credo was reflected in her work: Honesty and full disclosure from sellers gives consumers the information to make informed choices. Loyal and generous to a fault, Anne gave unselfishly and unstintingly of love, time, and substance to her family. Her many friends were treated with kindness and respect. There was some domestic and international travel and thoughts of an Italian luxury goods boutique. Alas, there was never enough time for the fun things. Personally and professionally, Anne’s was “The life well-lived.” Anne is survived by her husband of 52 years, Kurt, sister, Elizabeth, niece Kathleen (Daniel), and grandniece, Madeline.

Following a Funeral Mass at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace McLean, VA. Interment will be at Mount Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Emmitsburg, Maryland. Communications are welcome at P.O. Box 73, McLean, Virginia 22101 or [email protected]. Condolences and fond memories may be made at murphyfuneralhomes.com.