Barbara A. Brey

Barbara Ann Brey of Laurel, MD passed away on May 19, 2018 after a brief illness.  She was born in 1935 to Mary Margaret Sullivan in Milwaukee, WI.

Barbara was a founding, life-long, and active member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church of Laurel.  Her generosity knew no bounds.  She donated her time and resources to more charities throughout her entire life, than it is possible to name.  She was an active member of many groups, and enjoyed many hobbies, including: reading, writing, quilting, weaving, hiking, her beloved dogs (Wayupa and Wanaci), and genealogy.  She traveled the world both to visit long-lost relatives, and explore new places.

After graduating Marquette University with a BA in English, Barbara began her career as a journalist at Fairchild Publications.  She became frustrated with the limited writing opportunities for women in that field at the time.  Although she knew nobody in Washington, had no contacts and no job lined up, she left Milwaukee for Washington, DC.  In 1962, she became a member of the White House Correspondents Association - the first year in which women were allowed to join. She also carried Press access to the United States Senate and House.  She left journalism to become a full-time mother, and raise a family.

When her children were grown, Barbara returned to the workforce and her studies. Discovering a love for computer programming, she received certification from the National Cryptologic School, and second degree from the University of Maryland. She worked as a Writer, Analyst, and Computer Programmer.  In 1998 she retired from the National Security Agency as a Deputy Branch Chief. In her 18 years of outstanding service, she received numerous commendations, citations, and awards.  

Barbara is survived by Leon Brey; her children Michael (Sally McGee), Kevin (Kris Regan), Kathlyn Landicho (Jim), and Daniel (Lisa Jung-Hee Huh); her grandchildren Nicholas Brey, Alicia Aldaz (Salvador), Daniel Gear, Michael Gear (Amber Dickinson), Sean Landicho; her great-grandchildren Amaya Gear, Xochitl Aldaz, Haloka Freeman, Emil Aldaz, Karmen Aldaz.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Margaret.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 2:00PM-4:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM at Donaldson Funeral Home Chapel, 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707.  Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 8603 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20708.

Memorial donations may be made to S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) at https://some.org/give/ or The American Cancer Society of Maryland at www.cancer.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara A. Brey, please visit our floral store.