Longtime staff member Mary Wolfe dies unexpectedly
This story was last updated on Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Mary Wolfe, who had been a member of the AHS staff since September 1994, passed away on Jan. 31.
Assistant Principal Megan Sherill created a digital memory book in which the Annandale community can share stories and photos of Mary by adding a page.
At the time, there are currently no formal remembrance events planned due to Covid-19. A celebration of her life and contribution to AHS will potentially be held in the future, at which point more details will be provided.
In the meantime, Wolfe’s family has requested that any sympathy cards be sent to 5410 Jamie Ct, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
She had seen her family earlier in the day and was not in pain. They do not believe her death was due to Covid-19. She complained of being dizzy to her daughter and, once the EMT arrived in response to an emergency call, she became unresponsive. The cause of death is not yet known.
“Mary Wolfe was the one who always had the answers, was always willing to help others, and always went out of her way to check if you needed anything,” said Linnett Cormier, her longtime friend who retired last year as the principal’s executive assistant.
Wolfe’s family expressed how much the Annandale staff and community meant to her, especially since the loss of her husband in the spring. Wolfe attended AHS as did all her children.
“The school meant a lot to her and she meant a lot to the school,” English teacher Bill Maglisceau said.
She will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her.
“My classroom is in the same hallway as her office, so we saw each other in passing every day,” said English teacher Bonnie Vining, who had known her since 2004. “She was a sweet and kind woman with a great sense of humor.”
She was always a positive force, lending a helping hand and reminding others to be caring.
“Mary was always light hearted,” Cormier said, “and whenever you saw her in the hallway, she would have something funny to say.”
“She was super helpful whenever I needed anything and she always reminded me to give ‘warm fuzzies’ to my students,” Maglisceau said.
Her time at AHS was invaluable and dedicated to service to others. She began her career at AHS as an aide and eventually worked her way up to being an administrative assistant.
“Her contributions to Dr. Fugate’s, Mr. Carayiannis’ and Mrs. Higgins’ careers cannot be measured and I’m sure all of the administrators she supported over the years are super grateful for her dedication and dependability,” Maglisceau said.
She was always willing to help, no matter what the task may be.
“If I needed to track down a student or anyone in the school she was ready to help me, Vining said. “When I was the graduation co-coordinator with Coach [Cindy] Hook, Mrs. Wolfe helped us immensely because she knew everything about the process because she had been Mrs. Grim’s right hand lady when she had the coordinator position.”
Her unflinching warmth and care for others will not be forgotten.
“The wall behind her desk was filled with photos of her family and former students and colleagues,” Vining said. “She was one of the friendliest people I have ever known, and I will miss her dearly.”
“Please keep Mary’s family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time,” Principal Shawn DeRose said at the end of his email to the staff on her passing.
“Mary has left a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends,” Cormier said. “Mary was my confidant, my Sassy Sister, my friend. She will be missed.”
The A-Blast will be adding photos to the slideshow below. Any photos of Mary Wolfe that would like to be shared can be sent to [email protected]
Correction: Mary Wolfe was not found unresponsive and instead became unresponsive in front of her family and an EMT.
Senior Khadija Ahmed is in her fourth year at The A-Blast. She has previously been a staff writer, Academics Editor and Managing Editor. In her free time,...
Erik chalkey • Mar 25, 2021 at 6:17 pm
To my Dear aunt Mary and uncle Denny .
Mary was the light of many people’s life and a reminder to always stay strong and positive no matter what. Her smile always light up the darkest of days and your secret was always safe.she was light she was joy.
And my my uncle was the Rock that held it there.
Always gentle always kind . Always firm always there always true always firm. I will forever miss and love them
Gail Chmura • Feb 16, 2021 at 4:59 pm
She was an Angel. AHS was blessed to have her. She was always ready to help, always knew what was going on and how to help. There was always a wink or roll in her eyes over “interesting” issues! God Bless her family! RIP Mary! You are loved by so many!
Ashleigh • Feb 4, 2021 at 9:48 pm
Honestly she wasn’t on FB or connected to online publications and she would have absolutely hated being announced this way but we know that the friends and coworkers who loved her seem to want a place to vent and connect. She had a family filled weekend celebrating my sons 13th birthday and her passing was surrounded by us. At no point was she “found unresponsive,” she became unresponsive right before our and the EMT’s eyes after a sudden dizzy spell that warranted an emergency call. We are grateful she was not home alone, as we lost our father, her husband of nearly 43years last June. As a family we had been working together on processing his passing so her following is a complete heartbreaking shock. We know how much AHS meant to her and how the school will truly have a void without her. She was a graduate like her brother, my father, both of my siblings and I. She was a faculty member through all of our high school years, helped sell tickets at football games, coached cheer, made it to every one of our sporting events and performances (baseball, cheer, softball,volleyball, talent shows and theatre.) We were all Atoms over the years. Those that were very close over the past few years have been in communication with us as we navigate what life is without her presence.
Linda Guglielmo • Feb 3, 2021 at 11:44 pm
Mary always made me laugh, even when she was trying to be serious. She was a quick wit, kind, and went out of her way to be helpful to students, parents, and staff. Mary was a tremendous resource for me when I was newly hired as an AA Support Team member in 2010. She was always patient when I had questions, and ready to lend a hand when things got crazy busy in the main office. Mary spoke often of her children, grandchildren, and husband. It was obvious, they were the loves of her life! I’m so grateful to have had the chance to know Mary. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family. In time may you find joy in the memories of your lovely mother, Mary. Sincerely, Linda Guglielmo
Karl Kerns • Feb 2, 2021 at 2:27 pm
My condolences to her family and friends. I will always remember Mary as a kind-hearted soul who would always go the extra mile to make sure staff and student needs were met at Annandale High School. RIP