Bernard "Bernie" DeSavage, 71, a resident of Laurel for more than 40 years, died June 21, 2009 at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, after loosing his battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 21, 1938 in Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Bernard F. DeSavage Sr. and Helen (Fedis) DeSavage. He graduated from Boston College in 1959. He met his future wife when they were both acting in a church play; they were married in 1960. He continued his education at the University of Maryland and received a Master of Science in 1965. After 41 years of service with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, he retired in 2000. He received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1974 and the Superior Civilian Service Award in 2000. He was also a contributor to Nitinol (nickel titanium), an "alloy with a memory." During retirement, he volunteered with his church and drove elderly parishioners to doctors' offices and other appointments. He had a strong love of education and learning and is remembered by his family and friends for his quick wit.

A grandson, Eric Sellner, preceded him in death.

Mr. DeSavage is survived by his wife, Sally Anne (Curran) DeSavage; children Cheryl Sellner, Janet Spates and Ken DeSavage and his wife, Judy; grandchildren Christina Petite, Sara DeSavage, Robert Beatty, Melissa DeSavage, Brian Spates and Kathryn Spates; and brother Robert DeSavage and his daughters, Gabrielle and Heather.

Visitation is June 26 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 27 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsvile. Burial follows immediately at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge.

Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Resurrection, Building Fund, 3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, MD 20866.

Mary L. Galarza-Auchu

Mary L. Galarza-Auchu, 58, of Laurel, died June 16, 2009 at her residence.

Born May 17, 1951 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late George W. and Lena M. (Guntow) Romick. She was as an account executive for the Health and Pensions Benefit Administration and worked for GEMGroup, out of Oxon Hill.

Mrs. Galarza-Auchu is survived by her husband, David J. Auchu; sons and daughters-in-law Mario Galarza Jr. and Anna Galarza, Joseph and Melody Galarza and John and Madeline Galarza; grandchildren Charles, Joel, Mariana, Alexis, Olivia and Sophia; sister Nancy Harris; and brother James Romick;

Visitation was June 19 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory in Odenton, with funeral services at 8 p.m., with the Rev. Mitch Young, of Maryland City Baptist Church, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to University of Maryland Medical System, Greenbaum Cancer Center, P.O. Box 64573, Baltimore, MD 21264-4573.

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