Mary Martha “Marty” Harless, born August 29, 1944, in Killarney, Ireland, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026.
Marty was a strong, loving woman whose life was marked by devotion to her family and a spirit of adventure. At just 16 years old, she moved to the United States on her own, beginning a life full of love, resilience, and determination. She traveled all over the country and lived in many places alongside her beloved husband, Jimmy, as he served in the United States Navy. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy Harless; her children, Lisa Harless of Columbia, Maryland, Shannon (Robert) Stevens of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and James (Ashley) Harless of Olney, Maryland; her grandchildren, Casey Barr of Frederick, Maryland, Nicholas (Kara) Barr of Jacksonville, Fl. Connor (Sydney) Harless of Olney, Md.Ean Harless of Olney, Md.Brenin Stevens of Carolina Beach, North Carolina; and her great-grandchild, Rownan Harless of Olney Md. She also leaves behind her cherished grand dog, Finnegan.
Marty is also survived by her siblings: Bridget Caltieri of North Babylon, New York, Kathleen “Kathy” Staub of Virginia Beach, Va, Billy Duggan of London, Teddy Duggan of Rathmore, Ireland, and Ann (John) Hurley of Cork, Ireland, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Duggan; her brother, Dennis Duggan; and her brothers-in-law, Michael Caltieri and Edward Staub.
Marty lived in numerous locations including Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Delaware and North Carolina where she built a life centered around family, love, and strength. She will be remembered for her resilience, her deep love for her family, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In loving memory of my wife Marty-
Our song
I am a sailor, you’re my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered ‘round us, we have our own crew
Together we’re in this relationship
We built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination’s not marked on any charts
We’re navigating to the shores of the heart
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered ‘round us, we have our own crew
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered ‘round us, we have our own crew
Marty will be deeply missed and forever loved.
