Betty Barrett Maag was born in Medford, Massachusetts on September 10, 1924. She lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California, ultimately moving to Alexandria, Virginia in 1934 with her mother, Margaret M. Barrett, and father, Lt. Commander Michael J. Barrett (USN), and younger siblings, Billy and Mary. Betty was an active parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria since 1937. She belonged to the Catholic Daughters, counted collection, was an Eucharistic minister, and was a founding member of the Conference of Saint Mary. She remained a member for 25 years, serving as President for many of those years. Betty graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1941 and then attended Strayer College. After graduation, she began working at the U. S. Naval Torpedo Station in Alexandria and was the War Bond Queen in 1944. She met the charming Arthur "Fritz" Maag (USMC) at a USO dance around this time, and after his return from overseas duty in 1945, they married and would celebrate 55 memorable anniversaries together. They raised three children and Betty returned to work when they were in school. Betty was employed at the Naval Research Laboratory from 1961-1985, she retired as Administrative Officer for the Management Information Division, Commander's Office. She was born into eternal life on April 15, 2017. Betty is survived by her son, Michael Maag (and wife Donna), and daughters, Kristy Force (and husband Paul) and Marykate Foley (and husband Mike); five grandchildren: Josh (and wife Jenna), Erin, and Natalie Foley, Leif Force, Danny Maag (and wife Sherrie); four great grandchildren: Colin Foley, Adriana, Ryland, and Mason Maag, and many dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends old and new. Sadly, her sweet grandson Toby Maag preceded her in passing on, as did her beloved father, mother, and siblings Billy Barrett (and wife Betty) and Mary Ralston (and husband Jack).
The wake will be Thursday, April 20 from 6-8 pm at Everly Wheatley, W. Braddock Rd., and the funeral will be April 21 at 10:30am at St. Mary's Church in Old Town Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alexandria non-profit Kelley Cares Foundation (www.kelleycares.org), which is a mission of love in honor of Betty's vibrant late grandniece Kelley Swanson, would be greatly appreciated.
Betty is united with us in love of the human spirit, the interconnectedness of All, and the power of a smile and a shared laugh!
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