Mary Agnes Eshman

Mary was born in Lima, Ohio on September 5, 1930 and later fell in love with John Robert Eshman of Sidney, Ohio. They married in 1953 following John’s graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. Mary had the opportunity to live around the world and experience different cultures and lifestyles throughout John’s 30-year Navy career. After his retirement, they spent several years in Saudi Arabia and then returned to live in Annapolis.

Mary was a devoted volunteer for years at the U.S. Naval Academy, where she led tours at the Visitor Center and arranged altar flowers for the Chapel. She was an active gardener and nutured an extensive waterfront property that blossomed with beautiful azaleas and daffodils each year. When she wasn’t volunteering or gardening, she played bridge with several groups of friends. Mary was passionate about politics and current events and enjoyed friendly political debate with her family and friends. Travel was one of her favorite hobbies, and she loved sharing stories of her adventures with her 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, John, a U.S. Navy Captain; her son, U.S. Navy Commander Dr. Stephen Jeffrey Eshman, U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1977; her parents, Marie and Raymond Dorley; and her brothers, Ray, Donnie, Reverend Father Paul, and Pat Dorley. She is survived by her sister, Jean Holtz, of Lima, Ohio; daughter, Cathy High, and her husband Michael, of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Andrea Rybczynski, and her husband Ed of Havre de Grace, Maryland; and daughter-in-law, Dr. Rosemary Tiernan of Darnestown, Maryland.

Her family will hold a Mass of Christian Burial to Celebrate Mary’s life at Holy Family Catholic Church 826 Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035 on Thursday, December 8, 2022 with visitation at 10:30 AM and Mass at 11 AM. Mary will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 2 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church. Her family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Chesapeake for their extraordinary care and kindness.