EDWARD AYRE

AYRE Edward Roberts Ayre Edward Roberts Ayre, 80, of Chevy Chase, MD died on March 19, 2021, with his long time love Mary Ellen Shepherd by his side. He is survived by his son, Eddie Ayre (Ronda), his daughter, Christy Olsen (Chris), and four grandchildren, Taylor Ayre, Daniel Ayre, Catherine Goldstein and Reed Goldstein. A native Washingtonian, Ed was a fixture in and around downtown DC. His family jewelry store, Edward E. Ayre, Inc., founded in 1914, was based in the Mayflower Hotel mezzanine before it moved to its final location just down the street in the Washington Square Building. For many years, Ed devoted six days a week to adding a little sparkle to countless lives. He truly loved his job and making people happy. Ed will long be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. The campfire scene in "Blazing Saddles" was known to send him into convulsive laughter, bringing everyone else along with him. The mischievous twinkle in his eye was his signal that he was about to hit us with something marvelously funny. An avid sailor, he and Mary Ellen sailed almost every weekend, often spending the night tucked in quiet coves in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Ed and Mary Ellen also loved to travel the world and experience new places. Perhaps his greatest passion, though, was his love of cars. He was a devout racing enthusiast who won an ample number of trophies during his racing tenure. It was never a secret to anyone who knew him or saw the joy on his face as he described his prized automobiles. An enormous sports fan, he spent significant time watching and supporting (and yelling at) the Nationals and the Caps. In his latter years, Ed loved to attend Army Navy games, and was a proud United States Military Cullum Society member. He was also a longtime member of Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD. Ed leaves behind a host of extended family and friends to cherish his memory. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Funeral arrangements to be made at a later date.Ed leaves behind a host of extended family and friends to cherish his memory. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Funeral arrangements to be made at a later date.