Mary Breda French

Mary Breda French passed away peacefully on August 20, 2015 in her home in Alexandria, VA surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Elizabeth, NJ on May 20, 1940, to John George Breda and Catherine Sullivan Breda.

Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years Capt. John Compton French Jr. USN (ret). She is also survived by her son John Compton French III and daughter-in-law Maria Paraoan French, of Fort Washington, MD; and her daughter Perrin French Gallen and son-in-law Kenneth Michael Gallen, of Stafford, VA. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Compton Paraoan French, Bryn Sullivan Gallen, and Sara McLean Gallen. Additionally, Mary is survived by her brother Jack Breda and sister-in-law Maureen Breda, of Brick, NJ.

Mary graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School in 1958.

She graduated from Florida State University in 1963 where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994.While living domestically and abroad, Mary was deeply involved with wives of military officers and diplomats. She lived an active life and enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband and children.

Mary brought light and laughter to every life she touched in such a way that if you knew her, you loved her. She was a remarkable woman who was very much loved and will be sorely missed.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Demaine Funeral Home,520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10:30am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309. A reception at the church will follow.

Mary will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.