Maria "Doe" M. Ladd

Maria “Doe” Ladd, 79, passed away on June 13, 2026 at home in Churchville, Maryland due to the effects of long-term Alzheimer’s. Doe was born on February 16, 1947, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Raymond and Grace (Corn) Rall.

Doe was a wonderful and special person with an outgoing personality, compassion, empathy, inner strength, perseverance, and sense of humor. Doe dedicated her life to her family and helping those in need. She was a loving wife for 57 years and a beloved mother, daughter and sister. Doe was a wonderful Mom to her sons and Nanny to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed activities with family and friends including family gatherings, decorating, gardening, travel, listening to music, her horse “Sweeney”, and helping others. She was a people person who touched the lives of many in a positive manner.

Doe was raised in Sunbury and graduated from Sunbury High School in 1965. She then worked as a secretary at Weis Market headquarters in Sunbury. She married David Ladd, who survives her, in 1969 and moved to Maryland. Doe was a stay-at-home mom until both of her sons entered elementary school. In the 1980’s and 1990’s she worked as a teacher’s aide by assisting with special needs children and later worked as a legal secretary for several law firms in Harford County.

In 2000, Doe and three other moms began the non-profit Addiction Connections Resource, Inc. (ACR) for the purpose of helping those struggling with substance abuse and providing support and hope for their families. She had a deep passion for ACR’s work and helped many people by giving them her personal assistance, guidance, care, and empathy without being judgmental. No task undertaken by ACR was too daunting for Doe. She was President of ACR for several years and a prime activist with ACR until 2016 when her early onset dementia began. She was appointed to the Maryland Council on Drug and Alcohol by the Governor in 2001 and 2004. Doe was proud to have established and led the first support group in Harford County for family members of those struggling with substance abuse.

Special thanks to two caregivers, Bette and Phyllis, who were essential for Doe’s at home care during her long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Doe’s family is most appreciative of them.

Doe is survived by her husband, David; sons Stephen (Alex) of Hope Valley, England and Jason in Churchville; five grandchildren: Chloe, Max, Jesse, Gracie and Dylan; five greatgrandchildren: Archie, Harley, Edie, Lennie, and Indy; two siblings: Trish (Tom) Henninger, and Tom (Julie) Rall; and numerous nieces, cousins and in-laws. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Ray, two sisters, Beverly and Sharon, and a nephew, Thomas.

Services for Doe will be private with interment at Harford Memorial Gardens near Churchville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Addiction Connections Resource, 1804 Harford Road, Fallston, Maryland 21047, admin@acrhelps.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://donor services.alz.org