Edna R. (Skane) Birely, consummate homemaker
Edna R. (Skane) Birely, 96, formerly of Ellicott City, Md., passed away Monday, July 31, 2017, at her home in Rehoboth Beach.
She was the loving wife of William Clem Birely who preceded her in death in 2010. She was the beloved mother of Theresa Birely Judge and her husband Michael, and William Clem Birely Jr. and his late wife Christine Lanciotti, both of Reoboth Beach. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren: Edwin Chip Lohmeyer Jr. and his wife Diana of Vienna, Va., Leanne Lohmeyer of Stevensville, Md., Robert Lohmeyer and his wife Anneliese of Ashburn, Va., and Alexandra Maria Birely; and her great-grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, Abby, and Ross and Jocelyn Lohmeyer. She was also predeceased by her loving brother, William J. Skane and wife Leah, and in-laws Robert Birely and his wife Mary, and Carolyn Deems and her husband Edward.
Edna Birely was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Baltimore, Md., where she grew up and attended St. Ambrose School and Seton High School. Before her marriage and the birth of her children, Edna worked for Glenn L. Martin Co. in Baltimore. Later when her husband opened his own beer distributing company in Woodlawn, Md., she was his Girl Friday. They sold the business in 1988 and later retired to Ocean City, Md., where they enjoyed fishing with friends and family in Chesapeake Bay and Assawoman Bay as well as happy-houring where they made many wonderful friendships. Edna was dedicated to her family and was the consummate homemaker. She was very talented in cross stitch, crewel and loved playing card games and board games. In her 90s she took up painting in which she excelled.
Edna and Clem had a passion for dancing and won many dancing contests. Until her fall this July 4, Edna lived a vibrant, active life. She loved to shop, spend time on the Rehoboth Boardwalk, and visit friends. She had a multitude of friends, a wonderful wit and a great sense of humor. She loved everyone and everyone who knew her loved her. The world has been blessed by her presence and now Heaven will share in her love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Her family would also like to extend its gratitude to her caregivers for the past years of service to her, Wanda Wendell, Jen Brengle, Eula Deschilds and Autumn Wendell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Friends may call Sunday, Aug. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Md., at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 8.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WABAN Projects Inc., 5 Dunaway Drive, Sandford, ME 04073 (207-324-7955) in honor of her granddaughter Alexandra Maria Birely.
Please visit Edna's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
