Xan DeMarinis

Xan Kaitlin DeMarinis, 42, of Annapolis, MD, passed away on December 22, 2018,following a lengthy illness.Born in Northampton, MA, Xan was the daughter of Beverly (Huber) and Peter Desch, of Lambertville, NJ. The family moved to Lambertville when Xan was a baby, and she grew up in this small American town, learning the importance of community and close friendships. She is survived by her husband, Jared DeMarinis, her daughters Aidyn and Zoe, her parents, her sister, Karlsson and husband Brian Salek, of Houston, TX, and their children Anders and Edison. There are many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and countless friends who are missing her, as well as Chewy, her adopted furry companion.Xan graduated from the Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ, in 1993, and was a 1998 graduate of the University of Vermont, where she majored in Anthropology, with a minor in World Religions. During college, she was chosen to spend a year at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, a defining experience that cemented life-long friendships.Following university, Xan attended the law school of Rutgers University. She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar and began her legal career as an Associate at the law firm of Jamieson, Moore, Peskin, and Spicer, in Morristown, NJ. After moving to Washington, DC, in 2004, Xan continued her legal career at the Steptoe and Johnson law firm. Since 2008, Xan has been a staff attorney at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the General Counsel. Her high standards and professional demeanor earned her the respect of everyone in the legal community and she will be missed by colleagues and opposing counsel alike.Of all her accomplishments, Xan considered her crowning achievement being Aidyn and Zoe's mother. She has taught her girls the importance of traditions, such as summer at the Jersey Shore and the yearly trip to Skytop Lodge. Jared and Xan traveled the world but wanted to plant roots and raise their girls in Annapolis. Along with a strong community involvement, they have imbued the girls with an appreciation of their Swedish and Italian cultures, sports, music, and how to embrace silliness, because silliness is a necessary buffer in life.Xan's community contributions will long be remembered. She has been a Girl Scout Leader and has generously donated her time and energy to many local causes. If riches are counted in friendships, Xan has been truly wealthy.The family wishes to thank the caring staff of the Hospice of the Chesapeake and Xan's many friends for filling her final weeks with joy and love. A Celebration of Xan's Life will be held at a later time. Meanwhile, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the girls' 529 College Funds:https://www.troweprice.com/usis/go-tuition-gift/maryland-529/611e09fbbe4f403997652314a4d79f50https://www.troweprice.com/usis/go-tuition-gift/maryland-529/b83c65365adc4958961d10e4ee71bccd