Mary Jane Feldmann

Mary J. Feldmann, 82, a resident of The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, Sarasota, Florida, and formerly of Falls Church, Virginia, died quietly and peacefully on May 28, 2015 with her beloved husband by her side. Born in Chicago, IL, on July 13, 1932, Mary was the daughter of Van and Florence Evans (née Thompson). Although Mary often said her parents had been too indulgent, the result was that Mary was truly a ‘flower in the garden of life,’ bringing joy and laughter to all those around her. Dividing her time between Chicago, where the family business was located, and Whitewater, Wisconsin where the family resided on a scenic lake, Mary spent much of her childhood outdoors, riding horses bareback and developing a lifelong love of sports, swimming and the water. She met and married the love of her life, Dr. Edward G. Feldmann, while they both were attending Catholic colleges in the Chicago area – he at Loyola and she at Mundelein. They were married on August 30, 1952 and enjoyed almost 63 years together. Mary maintained a quiet faith throughout her lifetime and believed strongly in treating others well. During their three years in Madison, Wisconsin, Ed earned his PhD and Mary had their first child. Next, they spent four years in Chicago where their boys were born. By the time they moved to Falls Church, Virginia in 1959, Mary was running the household, overseeing the children’s education, and making sure the family budget included swimming, sports, and rustic vacations along the Shenandoah River. She also actively supported her husband’s career as a prominent medical scientist in the pharmaceutical field and entertained frequently for his associates and their neighbors. The arrival of their fourth child in 1965 joyfully extended Mary’s favorite season of life – being a Mother. She enjoyed helping her children successfully navigate the challenges of life in the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, inspiring each to overcome difficulties. The family moved to Lake Barcroft, Virginia in 1974. Now in her forties, Mary took up running and tennis. By the time the kids were grown, she surprised them all by competing in the Senior Olympics in both short and long distance races! In 1985, she and a friend won the Glebe County Ladies’ Tennis Tournament. As the seven grandchildren came along, Mary and Ed saved for their college educations, maintained a calendar full of visits, and inspired a new generation of wrestlers, gymnasts, runners, softball players, swimmers, weight-lifters and outdoor enthusiasts. Their oldest grandson spent several summers living with them. Never a complainer, Mary faced a diagnosis of Parkinson’s with grit and determination. In 1996, she and Ed relocated to a warmer climate with year-round outdoor pursuits by moving to the Venice Golf & Country Club, Florida. Mary made many new friends, renewed her interest in golf, and by the year 2000 had won the VGCC’s Women’s 9-Hole Golf Tournament. Mary enjoyed hosting family members frequently. After fourteen years of sweet friendships, Mary very reluctantly left the VGCC when her husband insisted they find a retirement community with the kind of care options that could keep Mary healthy as long as possible. To her family’s delight, Mary did as she always had and once again “bloomed where she was planted.” She made new friends and continued inspiring others to keep going. Her excellent caregivers at the Carroll Nursing Center at the Glenridge enjoyed her upbeat sense of humor and the sparkle in her bright blue eyes. Residents, staff, and family all marveled at Mary’s insistence that she be allowed to walk outside despite the risk of falls. Mary “bounced back” from so many medical struggles that her recent decline caught us by surprise despite her having lived with Parkinson’s for twenty years. Mary was predeceased by her parents, an older brother, Larry, and an older sister, Nancy Waters (and her husband, Robert). Left to remember and cherish Mary’s life and legacy are: her beloved husband, Dr. Edward George Feldmann; their four children, Ann Marie Whittington of Fayetteville, GA; Edward William Feldmann and wife, Rebecca Goodwin of Charlottesville, VA; Robert George Feldmann and wife, Dorothy of North Grafton, MA; Karen Zaragoza and husband, Larry of Mt. Vernon, VA; and seven grandchildren, 1st Lt. USMC Audy David (Autumn) Whittington; Jonathan Edward, Johanna Brooke, and Whitney Pauline Feldmann; Carolyn Dianne and Emily Marie Feldmann; and Matthew Lawrence Zaragoza. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Mary’s caregivers at the Carroll Center and the entire staff of The Glenridge. Mary truly appreciated your kindness and care. A brief Celebration of Life was held at the Glenridge on Monday, June 1st. The family hopes to gather this summer for a time of remembrance and to scatter her ashes in the Gulf of Mexico. Funeral arrangements are by Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home of Sarasota.