Mark Burton Will

Mark B. Will, 50, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 10, 2011. He was surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 13, 1960 in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the son of the late Ralph Will and JoAnne Seitz Will. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Yvonne. Surviving are his wife of 20 years Nora Buchanan Will and his three children, Madeline, Ingrid and Ryan. He was the greatly loved brother of William (Joan) Will, Silver Spring; Carol (Luis) Ponce, Adamstown and JoAnne (Richard) Finch, Mt. Airy.

He is also survived by his in-laws, Michael and Karen Buchanan, Avondale, Pa; Brian Buchanan, Bristol, Pa and Erin Buchanan, Bear, De, who loved him like a brother. He was remembered in constant prayer by two special aunts Ann Lally, Archbald, Pa and Claire Paiko, Manlius, NY and a cousin, Sr. Mary Susan Connell. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark graduated from Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring, Md. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The George Washington University, Washington, DC and a paralegal certificate from Montgomery College, Takoma Park, Md.

Mark worked for the law firm of Silverstein & Mullens in Washington, D.C. and then for several independent contractors for the federal government, including the Department of Energy where he met his wife, and the Department of Justice. A highlight of his paralegal career came when he worked as a contractor for the Department of Justice and was given the privilege of proofreading appeal briefs in cases heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, under then Solicitor General Kenneth Starr. He was most recently employed as a payroll clerk at Marriott International.

Shortly after the birth of their first child, Mark left work to stay at home and care for his three children. He described this time as being, by far, the most rewarding period of his life. He was a wonderful, nurturing father who enjoyed spending time with his children and his family. He loved all sports but cherished family and friends the most. He had a terrific sense of humor, which he maintained throughout his courageous war against colon cancer. He was and will remain a hero to his family. He was a quiet man with great humility. He lived his life with great love and integrity and he will be deeply missed by many.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Keeney and Basford PA Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick. A memorial mass will be offered on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 12:15 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 116 East Second Street, Frederick. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Frederick Soup Kitchen, 100 South Market Street, Frederick, and will be used for the purchase of food.