Mary Alice Marks

Mary Alice Marks, 90, of Frederick, passed away Monday March 26, 2018 at her residence at Homewood in Frederick. She was preceded in death by her husband James D. Marks Jr. in 2008, after 61 years of marriage.

Born May 20, 1927, in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late George and Grace Davis of Frederick. Mary Alice graduated from Frederick High School in 1944. During her long and fruitful life, one might conclude she was a true "Renaissance Woman", with a multitude of varied occupational endeavors. During her elongated career life, she taught at Parkway Elementary School, where her class included her son.  She was also a dental assistant for long time Frederick dentist Dr. William Thomas.  At one point in her career, Mrs. Marks worked at Remsburg’s Jewelry Store on East Patrick Street in Frederick.  Later, she was the manager of a shoe store on North Market Street in Frederick.  By far though, Mary Alice's most storied career in her employment path was the 28 years she worked as an administrator for the Board of County Commissioners, not retiring until she was 81, after the death of her husband.  During that time, she served under several different county commissioner boards, actively participating in a plethora of commission related duties working with the Frederick County Builders Association and the Maryland Association of Counties.  Activities related to her job with the commission and its link to politics was always a passion for Mary Alice.

Mrs. Marks was also involved with volunteer work during her life.  She contributed in work as a lifelong member at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick, with activities relating to Luther League, Sunday School, serving as teacher and superintendent, church dinners, and the like.  Mary Alice helped with the annual Rose Hill Event on North Market Street.  Late in life at Homewood, she did volunteer work in fund raising with the annual golf event.  She participated in the various plays presented by residents of Homewood, worked part time at the Country Store, as well as a regular at the Tuesday evening bridge group.  Mary Alice cherished the company and activities of her friends and "extended family" at Homewood.

In her enduring life, Mary Alice had several passions.  As an excellent swimmer (and sun lover), she loved going to Braddock Heights Swimming Pool with her family on summer Saturdays or Sundays, followed by picnics at the Braddock Heights Park after the pool would close. Bingo at all of the fireman's carnivals in the county was a regular event for Mary Alice. Winter brought the occasional family ice skating outings at Culler Lake or with friends at farm ponds or Eastview Lake off Shookstown Road.  Mrs. Marks was an avid duckpin league bowler at the bowling alley beside the old Ebert’s Ice Cream Parlor on North Market Street extended. She was also a lifelong enthusiast in playing cards, especially bridge. Mary Alice enjoyed listening to Baltimore Orioles Baseball on the radio or on television as well as watching golf on T.V.

Mrs. Marks is survived by her daughter Sandy Gangawere and her husband Jim of Frederick; son Greg Marks and his wife Sue of Martinsburg, WV; three grandchildren, Heather Farley and her husband Jacob of Crandall, Texas; Kara Burnett and her husband Eric of Martinsburg; and Forrest Marks of Gun Barrel City, Texas; great-grand-children Cassidy Farley and Chance Tolbert of Crandall, Texas, and Camden Burnett of Martinsburg. Mary Alice is also survived by her sister Evelyn Davis of Frederick; brother-in-law, Kenneth Crampton of Frederick; nieces, Pam Wachter and her husband Reed, Fran Norwood, all of Frederick and nephew, Ross Crampton, and wife, Mary, of Chesapeake Beach.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Lois Jean Norwood and Darlene Davis; brother-in-law William Norwood, nephews, William Norwood, Jr and sister-in-law, Renie Crampton.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm on Friday, March 30 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E Church Street, Frederick, where funeral services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 31. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Homewood Benevolent Fund or to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at keeneybasford.com