Mary Ellen Sherburne

Mary Ellen Sherburne of Vienna, Virginia, passed away on May 16, 2026.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by husband Paul Hoshall and former husband Franklin Smith as well as family members John Sherburne, Mary Sherburne-Wills, Jo Ann Sherburne, Jerry and John Shadle, and is survived by daughters Kristen Pappano and Patricia Golden, four grandchildren: Madison Pappano, Mitchell Pappano, Megan Golden, and Jacob Golden, and sisters Sue Reed and Joyce Gentry, as well as extended family and many cherished friends.

Growing up in Falls Church on Hillwood Ave, she graduated from Falls Church High School. After high school she met and married her first husband Franklin. She became devoted to her marriage and raising their daughters. She always worked to help support their family, and as their girls got older, she began pursuing her own career. One of the highlights of that very successful era was a position with a defense contractor which worked on software for Marine One. That afforded her the opportunity to tour Marine One, meet President George H.W Bush and work closely with his communications team.

She eventually changed careers and embraced her true passion. She began her education in Thanatology and became a Grief Counselor. For decades, she has worked helping countless individuals and families deal with the loss of their loved ones. Her kind and caring heart was a true gift in her career, which she never considered work because when she was helping others it truly brought her joy.

Later in life she met her second husband Paul Hoshall. They had a grand love affair while they were together on this Earth. Above all, the light that illuminated her soul was her four grandchildren. There was nothing she would not do for them and her love for each of them was absolutely immeasurable.

Mary Ellen was a blessing to everyone who knew her, and she felt the same about them.  She will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 27^th, 11 am at Oakton United Methodist