Mary Ann Nikiel Deary

May 27, 1931 - July 25, 2014

Died July 25, 2014, resident of Alexandria, VA. Born in Detroit, MI on

May 27, 1931 to Joseph and Violet Nikiel. Beloved wife to William

Deary for 51 years; mother of David (Rita) Deary and Daniel (Nadyne)

Deary. Also survived by sister-in-law Mary Deary and three

grandsons: Nicholas, William, and Benjamin Deary.

Mary Ann received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from

Marygrove College in Detroit in 1952. Upon graduation, she worked

as the editor of The Detroit Westward, followed by positions as a

writer for The Chrysler Magazine and publicity director for Marygrove

College. Moving to Washington, DC in 1960, she served for eight

years as the public relations director at the National Council of

Catholic Women. After raising her children, she re-entered the

workforce as an historical interpreter at Mount Vernon and later

served as the assistant director of education for the estate.

Mary Ann was a member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church from

its founding in 1963. She also volunteered as a youth soccer

coordinator and a Cub Scout leader trainer; she offered her journalism

skills as the newsletter editor for the Parklawn Elementary Parent-

Teacher Association, Parklawn Recreation Association, and Thomas

Jefferson High School band boosters. In addition, she volunteered as

an historical interpreter at Gadsby’s Tavern.

Visitations are on August 3rd from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Demaine

Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Mass of

Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am on August 4th at Queen of

Apostles Catholic Church, 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Burial will follow at Quantico National Cemetery located at 18424

Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the

Scleroderma Foundation at www.scleroderma.org or (800) 722-4673.