Obituaries

Fall 2025

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Gerald A. Ahnert, 70

Gerald Achim Ahnert, 70, passed away in Silver Spring, MD on July 14, 2025.

Gerry was born on September 9, 1954, at Leland Memorial Hospital in Riverdale, MD. He spent his childhood in Mt. Ranier, Cheverly, and Laurel, where he graduated from high school in 1972. He is also a graduate of the University of Maryland.

A highlight of Gerry’s high school senior year was that he and two of his classmates won the local TV game show “It’s Academic,” twice. The prize to the school was $800, which was passed on to the winning contestants.

His hobbies were softball, baseball, golf, tennis, and bowling, which resulted in many trophies. He started his professional career as an accountant at Leland Memorial Hospital. He then went on to become Director of Information Systems at Columbia Hospital for Women and later, USA Today. During a long time of illnesses, Gerry moved back into his mother’s home. He then retired after 10 years of working for Walmart. He passed away after a long illness, having spent 11 months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Gerry is survived by his mother Christa Ahnert (nee Rath), daughters Stephanie Dunker (with Jeremy Dunker) and Taryn Harris (with Martin Harris), brothers Peter Rath Ahnert (with Giselle Ahnert), Stephan Manfred Ahnert (with Mary Menard), and grandsons Zachary Dunker and Eli Dunker. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Ahnert.

Daisy Belle Cruz, 86

Daisy Belle (Harding) Cruz, 86, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Mercy House of Chambersburg. Born in Howard County, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Geneva Harding.

She was a graduate of Laurel High School with the Class of 1957. Daisy was employed as a secretary for the National Security Agency in Maryland throughout her career.

She is survived by two sisters, Irma Harding and Joan Harding, both of New Oxford, PA; three step-children, Virginia Puaokalami Hostetler, Charles P. Cruz (Laurie), and Jona P. Cruz (Rose); and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Placido Cruz, who passed away January 23, 2016, and two step-children, JoAnna Puanani DeFreitas and Jonathan P. Cruz; two brothers; and two sisters.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Miliani Memorial Park, Waipahu, HI. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222.

Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com. 

Dora Jo Long, 94

Dora Jo Long, 94, passed away in Laurel, Maryland.

She was born on April 18, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, daughter of Rodgers and Mary Tidwell. She lived in many cities including Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Panama Canal Zone, and Fort Meade, Maryland. Mrs. Long worked as a childcare provider in her home for many years before retiring. Dora was a member of The Community United Methodist Church, The Laurel Senior Friendship Club, The Red Hats and The Ladies Auxiliary at Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department. She enjoyed bowling in leagues and traveled to many states to participate in tournaments. Dora traveled on many bus trips all over the states and Canada. Her interests were playing bingo and playing cards with her friends. She had a great love of animals and always had 4 or 5 pets at a time.

Dora Long is survived by her daughter Linda Susan Jeffries (Michael), grandchildren Rebecca Barth, (Joseph Barth), Sarah Jeffries, and Kirstin Sharp (Andrew). She is also survived by great-grandsons Timothy Barth, Kyle Barth, Leagan Sharp and Ellis Sharp, a niece Raye Brooks (Mike) , and great-nieces Virginia Stoneback (Jason) and Angela McPeak (Greg) and great-great nephew Miles. Dora was preceded in death by her husband Thomas E. Long and son Edward K. Long.

Paul G. McCarthy, 82

Paul Gregory McCarthy, 82, of Severna Park, Maryland, passed away July 1st peacefully at home. Paul was born on February 6, 1943.

Paul grew up in Silver Spring and went to Catholic school. He attended Sherwood High School and joined the Army in 1962. He graduated from University of Maine with a Masters degree in history and psychology.

He met his loving wife June Francis McCarthy in 1972 and they were married six months later. They were married 52 wonderful years. They moved to Severna Park together in 1984. His legacy is lived through his son, Shane Patrick Paul McCarthy (37).

Paul taught history at Laurel High school for grades 9th-11th, where he was also the baseball coach. He was a member of Maryland Ski Club and belonged to the American Legion. Paul was a huge Elvis fan; he would always sing when Elvis came on the radio. He was an avid Orioles, Ravens, and Notre Dame fan.

As Paul would always say... Blue and Gold Go Irish!    

Clara Joan Pomerantz, 92

Clara Joan Pomerantz, affectionately known as Joan, died on August 6, 2025, at 92 years old. Joan was born on February 5, 1933, in Portland, Maine; she was the loving daughter of Bert and Gertrude Goddard. She later moved to Lebanon, Ohio, where she was a 1951 graduate of Lebanon High School. She met her husband, Albert Pomerantz, while serving in the Army at Ft. Meade. They were married for 55 years before his death in 2009. The couple settled in Maryland City (located in Laurel) with their family, where Joan worked as a teacher’s aide in a multitude of departments such as the library, social studies, science, and driver’s ed. She retired from Meade High School after many years of dedicated service to the students and school.

In addition to her family and career, Joan enjoyed counter cross stitch (where she won many blue ribbons for her pictures), calligraphy, quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. There wasn’t a craft project that came her way that she could not do. She also loved doing yard work and took great pride in her immaculately kept hedges that lined the front yard of her home.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Albert Pomerantz; parents Bert and Gertrude Goddard; and her beloved son, Michael Pomerantz. She is survived by her children, Daniel Pomerantz (Karen), Stephen Pomerantz, David Pomerantz (Dana), and Laurie (Pomerantz) Nicholls; grandchildren Tara, Tracy, Jacob, Anna, Colin, Jonathan, Justin, Zachary, Matthew, Morgan, Allison, Sarah, Kyle, and Maeghan; Great-grandchildren Aliya, Kacie, Jackson, Aria, Cassian, Jayce, Sebastian, and 1 girl one the way; as well as two sisters, Delores Gans of Vernon, British Columbia, and Mitchell Landreth of West Chester, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made in Joan’s name to The American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Nancy Marie Smith, 83

Nancy Marie Smith, a ray of light and kindness, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 83. Born on July 5, 1942, in the rolling hills of Virginia, Nancy’s life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and service that touched many hearts.

Nancy’s journey through life was one marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her career. She shared a loving marriage with her late husband, Theodore Smith Jr., with whom she built a foundation of warmth and affection that extended to all who knew them. Nancy’s legacy of love is carried on by her son, Ted Smith, and his wife, Donna Smith; her cherished granddaughter, Brittany Smith; her adoring grandson, Travis Smith and his wife, Ashleigh Smith; and her youngest grandson, Zachary Smith. The light of her life shone brightest when she was with her great-grandchildren, Quinn and Tate Smith, whose adventures and milestones brought her immense joy.

For over four decades, Nancy served as an account executive at NASA Goddard Space Center, where her commitment and expertise contributed to the advancement of space exploration. Her colleagues revered her as a pillar of professionalism and a friend who brought warmth and compassion to the workplace. Nancy’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her to live with grace and love.

Nancy’s passion for life was evident in her many interests. An avid crafter, she could often be found creating beautiful works of art that she generously shared with friends and family. Thrifting was more than a hobby for Nancy; it was a treasure hunt that brought her excitement and joy. Halloween held a special place in her heart, a time when she delighted in the whimsy and fun of the season, creating magical experiences for her grandkids.

Above all, Nancy’s love for her grandkids was boundless. She invested her time, affection, and wisdom in their lives, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. Her gentle spirit, loving nature, and kind demeanor were the words that best described her, and these qualities resonated in every interaction and relationship she nurtured throughout her life.

Nancy’s life was a testament to the power of love, the beauty of faith, and the impact of a kind heart. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Nancy’s memory will continue to inspire and guide us, like a lighthouse of love that never ceases to shine.

Kevin Wagner, 69

Kevin James Wagner, 69, of Laurel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 13, 2025.

Kevin was born on October 24, 1955, to James and Margaret Wagner.

He was an avid bowler and fisherman. He loved to golf and play Keno. He was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. One of his favorite pasttimes was watching his grandson and namesake (Little Kev) play baseball.

He was a lifelong resident of Laurel and a graduate of Laurel High School.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carla Wagner (Pelletier); his children Jimmy (Becky), J.R. and Jessica (Bobby); three grandchildren, Brittany (Miguel), Ally (Brendan) and Kevin James; three great-grandsons; his brother Mike (Erika), and his sister Etta (Tom).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Jeffrey.

Donna Wilner, 67

Donna Parks-Wilner, born on April 15th, 1958, in Baltimore, passed away Sunday evening, August 31st, 2025, after a hard-fought battle against cancer. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by those she loved, and those that loved her.

Donna was stalwart in her friendships and loyalty, exceptional in her hospitality to all who crossed her doorstep, and unrivaled in her ability to face complex challenges with grace and ease. It’s these qualities she passed to her children, Cory, and Jennifer, and shared with the 44-year love of her life, Hal. She shared her warmth and joy openly and often with her grandchildren, who she loved being Mimi to in every way.

She was an avid and skilled equestrian throughout her life, passing that love of horses on to her daughter, becoming an equally-skilled and avid horse show mom. Her love of animals went further, as shown by her volunteer work at a potcake dog rescue center in the Bahamas.

Donna was Savage Mill’s long-time CFO, tireless advocate, and friend. Beginning with the Mill’s early transformation from a former cotton mill to the vibrant community it is today, she poured her energy and vision into shaping the place, knowing its historic buildings inside and out and guiding them through decades of change and growth. For 38 years, she was at the heart of Savage Mill, helping to build and strengthen its community with her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Known for her sharp insight, creative problem-solving, and ability to get things done with efficiency and wit, she was deeply respected by colleagues, tenants, and the broader community alike.

Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Mill. The community of small businesses, creativity, and connection that thrives there today stands as a testament to her vision and determination.

She is survived by Hal, her husband; Cory (Heather) and Jennifer (Ryan), her children; Emslee and Hunter, her grandchildren; Joseph, her godson; Cinda, her sister; and Julie and Matthew, her niece and nephew.

To best remember Donna, please go to a beach with a drink in your hand, put your feet into the sand, and look out over the ocean.

Kathryn Claire Wilson, 89

Kathryn (Kay) Wilson of Laurel  passed away, at the age of 89, on Thursday, August 7, 2025. She was born on July 28th, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, to G. (Gerard) Walter Koob and Gladys Claire (Shultz) Koob. Kay graduated from Notre Dame High School (Moylan, PA) in 1954. She started her professional career as an Administrative Assistant at the Lynch and Jerome law firm in Upper Darby, PA. After moving to Maryland in 1964, she dedicated the remainder of her working career to the Laurel Branch of the Prince George’s County’s Memorial Library system. In 2001, after 30 years, Kay retired as the library’s Circulation Supervisor. After retirement, she obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Prince George’s Community College.

Kay was a parishioner at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Laurel Women’s Club and the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, and a long-time volunteer at Elizabeth House and the Laurel Historical Society. She spent her retirement years traveling, having visited all 50 states and many countries of the world. She was also an avid reader, gardener, and painter.

She is survived by her sons John Martin (Shari) Wilson III, Stephen Michael (Allyson) Wilson, and Lawrence Andrew (Pam) Wilson; her grandchildren Keri Jones, Nathaniel (Jessica) Wilson, Colin Wilson, Cameron Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Kaela Wilson, Kirsten Wilson, and Liam Wilson; sister Claire (Koob) Marshall and brother G. Patrick (Patricia) Koob.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband John Martin Wilson Jr., brother Raymond Koob, and brother-in-law John Marshall.

Donations remembering Kay may be made to the American Heart Association.

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Because Voices of Laurel is a quarterly publication, obituaries are compiled over the course of each issue every three months. We do our best to include as many published notices as possible, and there is no charge for inclusion. Send obituaries with a photo to laurelhistoryboys@gmail.com.