Mary Catherine Fenhagen
November 17, 1942 - January 20, 2026

Mary Catherine Fenhagen, 83, of Ridge, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 17, 1942, in Leonardtown, Maryland, Mary was the beloved daughter of Harry Calvin Wright and Annie Lucille (Wise) Wright. She was the oldest of four children and the only daughter, a role she carried with strength, grace, and quiet leadership throughout her life. Mary spent her life deeply rooted in Southern Maryland, a place she loved dearly and proudly called home.

Mary was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Raymond "Ray" Lee Fenhagen, on February 11, 1961. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and tradition. Much of their time was spent on the water, which they both cherished, with the Chesapeake Bay holding a special place in Mary's heart. The bay was more than a backdrop; it was where memories were made, laughter was shared, and peace was found.

While her children were young, Mary devoted herself fully as a homemaker. She poured her love into her family, beginning each morning with a full, home-cooked breakfast before school and ending every day with the family gathered around the table for dinner, a tradition of togetherness that defined her home. Later, Mary worked for many years as a customer service representative first at Taylor Gas Company and then Burch Oil Company, where she was known for her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic.

Above all else, Mary valued her family. Known lovingly as "Mema" to her grandchildren, she was their world, especially to Melanie and Tara, with whom she shared countless cherished memories. Some of their most treasured moments were spent at Mema's house, which always felt like home. She created traditions that became lifelong touchstones, including Christmas Eve celebrations at her house and annual summer trips to Ocean City, MD that were eagerly anticipated year after year.

Mema's love extended just as deeply to the next generation, and they loved her just as fiercely in return. She adored her great-grandchildren, Colton, Milo, and Lydia, and nothing brought her more joy than watching them play outside by the creek at her house, running back to her with excitement to show off the treasures they had found.

As her family grew, Mary welcomed Amanda and Cody into her life with open arms, embracing them not as additions, but as her own. Her heart expanded even more with the welcoming of great-grandchildren, Owen, Ellie, and Rhys, whom she loved just as fully and unconditionally. To Mary, family was not defined by titles or timelines, but by love, and she gave it freely to all who were blessed to be part of her life.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Raymond "Ray" Lee Fenhagen; her children, Ramona Leigh Bradburn and Joseph Raymond Fenhagen (June); her brother, Robert Wright (Catherine); her grandchildren, Melanie Spears, Tara Cole (Michael), Amanda Sinnett (Phillip), and Cody Pappendick; and her great-grandchildren, Colton, Milo, Lydia, Owen, Ellie, and Rhys. She is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lucille Wright; her son-in-law, David Bradburn; and her brothers, Joseph Wright (Connie) and Butch Wright (Ellen).

Mary's legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the love she gave so freely, and the countless memories made within the walls of her home and along the waters she loved. She was, and always will be, deeply cherished, and her love will continue to guide her family, just as it always has.

Family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Mary's name be made to Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, 16515 Three Notch Road Ridge, MD 20680.

Visitation
Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

Thursday, January 29, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
22955 Hollywood Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650