Mary Ann Murphy of Lake Ridge, Va., died on Oct. 20, 2019, of complications from surgery. She was three months shy of her 90th birthday.
Born Mary Ann Best on Jan. 16, 1930, in Philadelphia to Rufina (Swartz) Best and Dr. Harry Clyde Best, she grew up in Devon, Pa., and graduated from the Baldwin School before attending Connecticut College, where she studied art and history.
She worked as an occupational therapist in Portland, Ore., while taking classes in current affairs at Reed College and then moving to San Francisco, where she was a salesgirl at the legendary Gump’s (Eleanor Roosevelt bought purses from her) and also designed jewelry for the store.
In San Francisco, Mary Ann met Edward M. Murphy, a young Army officer stationed at the Presidio. They wed at Valley Forge, Pa., and were married for 44 years before Edward’s death in 2000. They raised three daughters, first in San Diego, then in London, and finally in Virginia.
Mary Ann read widely. She was never without a book and introduced the classics to her daughters and grandsons. She loved history, archeology, travel, the natural world, the fine arts and classical music, attending the symphony and the Met in New York. In England in the 1970s, Mary Ann was an avid brass rubber, marching into country churches, lifting up the rugs, and getting out her rolls of paper and black and gold crayons. Mary Ann was a magnificent knitter, a good Scrabble player and a decent bridge player. She was an accomplished artist, and resumed the piano lessons of her childhood in her 80s. She was a kind and beloved friend, especially to her Baldwin classmate Dale Child and her neighbors at Westminster at Lake Ridge and River Ridge, as well as a cherished mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Redman, Mary Jo Murphy and Susan Flynn; their husbands, Doug Redman, Bill Sweeney and Kurt Flynn; grandsons Brendan Flynn and Andy Flynn; sister Harriet Sweeton; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at Westminster at Lake Ridge, and she will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. Details pending.
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The Stafford County Simply Perfect Wedding Expo is coming up on February 8, 2025, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fredericksburg! This event is a must for couples planning their big day, featuring top wedding vendors, venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and more—all in one place.
If you’re a wedding professional, vendor opportunities are available, but spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to connect with engaged couples ready to plan their special day!
Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill announced that online applications are open for the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending Virginia colleges and universities who are majoring in criminal justice, excluding those pursuing a law degree or legal career. Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from their resident sheriff before applying.
Prince William County residents must contact the Sheriff’s Office by April 4, 2025, to schedule an appointment with Sheriff Hill for the recommendation. The deadline to submit the online application and required documents is May 1, 2025. More details and application materials are available on the VSI website.
Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70 homes, faced rising costs, land acquisition hurdles, and a lack of Fairfax County support. Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger criticized the decision, saying her city is “stuck in the middle.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Danica Roem is pushing forward with $62.5 million in intersection improvements. A town hall on Route 28’s future will be held Feb. 26 at Manassas Park City Hall. Read more about what’s next for local transportation.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
