Virginia Ann (Demola) Brust

Virginia Ann Demola Brust, born August 2, 1935, Scranton, PA, was the only child of the late Daniel Demola and Virginia Domenick. She returned home to the Lord on December 24, 2023. Her parents were first- and second-generation Italian immigrants. In 1960, she married Joseph P. Brust, who predeceased her in 2001. They began their life together in Hyattsville, MD, moving to Kettering, MD in 1969, where they raised their family.

Virginia is survived by three devoted children: Joseph Paul (Jeannette Plante), Jennifer Marie (Quintin Krisp), and Daniel Demola (Haley). She leaves three grandchildren: Amelia Hilary Brust, Aaron Domenick Brust, and Scarlett Elizabeth Brust.

In 1953, she graduated from Marywood Seminary High School, Scranton, taught and guided by The Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Known by her friends as “Ginny,” her yearbook identified her as “Senior Class Secretary and competent Editor-in-Chief”, and “asset to any crowd.”. In 1957, she graduated from Marywood University with a B.A. degree in Psychology and Secondary Education. Her yearbook memorialized her as: “Competent veep of the senior class, Ginny was best known for the soft-spoken, careful preciseness that was a welcome element in the execution of her official duties. Her psychology background was seen in the many gatherings she brightened up with a clear-headed analysis of the problem or, if the situation so demanded, with her contagious giggle.”

Virginia attended Fordham University School of Social Work, N.Y.C. Prior to marriage, Virginia was a social worker in adoption services at St. Joseph Children’s and Maternity Hospital, Scranton, PA. Virginia’s Patron Saint is St. Ann, and she was a lifelong supporter of St. Ann’s Monastery in Scranton, which includes on its Memorial Walkway a brick inscribed with her and her husband Joe’s names.

During her years as wife, mother, and educator, Virginia continued her own education. In 1980, she graduated from the inaugural class of the Education for Parish Service (EPS) Program, Trinity College, Washington D.C. In 1991, she earned a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from The Washington Theological Union, Silver Spring, MD. She spent many late-night hours typing assignments and research papers, remaining focused on her studies while maintaining a job and a busy home life.

Virginia began teaching the Catholic faith to grade school children when she was in high school. In 1969, she picked up teaching the faith again at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Largo, MD. In 1976, she became Coordinator of Religious Education. Upon completing her Master’s Degree in 1991, she became the full time Director of Religious Education (DRE) at St. Joseph for the children [Confraternity of Christine Doctrine, CCD], adults [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA], Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and Infant Baptism Preparation for parents. Her work brought many challenges, which she accomplished alongside dedicated teams of colleagues, some of whom remain parishioners today.

Virginia was a member of Our Lady of Grace Sodality, and Children’s Liturgy of the Word. She worked in Youth Ministry, taught preparation for marriage to twelfth grade students, Natural Family Planning, and morning Bible sessions for adults. She was among the first Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers to serve at St. Joseph, and contributed to many ministry events as a parish historian. For decades, her beautiful singing voice filled the air with celebration at Sunday Masses with her family.

Virginia retired in 2006. She was presented several acknowledgements, including the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service and Lasting Contribution to the Parishioners. She returned in 2007 as a volunteer leader for the RCIA, where she brought together a great team of instructors and sponsors. She continued to flourish in the education realm, touching the lives of many as they entered the Church.

One of Virginia’s hidden talents was painting. At an early age, she created some beautiful scenes. In later life, she dabbled again in painting, focusing on her love of flowers and birds.

A variety of activities laced together to form Virginia’s life of service to others. The house in Kettering was often filled with carefully placed China to host family events; parishioners and neighbors celebrating special occasions; the aroma of chicken being cooked for the Boy Scouts’ Blue and Gold banquets; and the giggles of Girl Scouts around the table working on projects to earn their Marian Medal under her leadership. Whether substitute teaching at nearby parochial schools, chaperoning class field trips, or shuttling carpools to and from DeMatha and Elizabeth Seton high schools, Virginia gave her time and energy for decades so that her children, and countless others, could grow and achieve.

In her later adult years, Virginia traveled with close friends to numerous destinations, including Italy, Ireland, England, Spain, Russia and Canada, Hawaii and various parts of the U.S., fulfilling a lifelong dream to immerse herself in other cultures and learn their histories. One of her pursuits was to be inspired by, and bring home works of original art. She eventually filled the home with colorful treasures from abroad, such as paintings, tapestries and carvings. When she moved into Autumn Lake nursing home and lost wall space, Virginia gifted the works of art to her children, her friends and her caregivers.

Virginia spoke of seeing the magnificence of God in experiencing the White Cliffs of Dover, and Siena, Italy. She eagerly took opportunities to fulfill her appetite for adventure, hot air ballooning at sunrise over Napa Valley, rafting in Canada, riding the gondolas in Europe and snorkeling in Turks and Caicos.

Even as Virginia became mostly confined to a hospital bed over her final six years due to lymphedema, she remained a cheerful friend to the many who visited, phoned, and cared for her, always looking on the bright side. And she never lost her faith.

Virginia leaves a lifetime legacy of leaving all those she met feeling uplifted, inspired and loved. She will be dearly missed.

A visitation for Virginia will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM & 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

For those who were unable to attend the visitation at the funeral home, Saint Josephs is offering a visitation prior to the Mass of Christian Burial from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on January 5, 2024.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 5, 2024, at 11:30 AM in Saint Joseph Catholic Church - 2020 St Joseph's Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

A all are welcome to attend her graveside service which will occur Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735.