Anna Chrismer Housman

Anna Chrismer Housman, 74, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

In the spring of 1954, the late F. Wayde and Katie Chrismer welcomed their first daughter, Anna Catherine Chrismer, into their tribe of five sons. As the sixth child, her father jokingly nicknamed her “five ‘o’clock … quitting time!” Her older brothers doted over their dear little sister, acted as her protectors, and helped shape the strong, spirited woman she became. This bond of love continues to hold the family together to this day, a lasting tribute to their parents.

Anna and her brothers grew up on Bond Street in Bel Air before moving to Hall Street, where they made memories and collected stories of “old” Bel Air—from the walks to Richardsons’ or Boyd & Fulford Drug Stores to get milkshakes to the daring exploits of her older brother Brady, who climbed the water tower right behind their house.

To instill a strong sense of faith, Bel Air community, and a high level of education, Katie and Wayde provided Anna and her brothers with an education at Saint Margaret School, where her legacy lives today through her grandchildren, third generation students. It was there that she formed an unbreakable bond with her life-long friends Scootsie (Close) Hatter, Deletta Scopel, Ann Harlan, and Bethy Walker.

When Anna was 13, she met Chuck at White’s pond off Joppa Road. He fell in love with her that day and later told a friend, “I’m going to marry that girl.” The two were inseparable from that day forward, sharing more than 60 years together, including nearly 58 years of marriage. She remains his sweetheart and love of his life.

After graduating from John Carroll High School, Anna attended Towson State, where she studied journalism. She later shared her love of Bel Air and its people through her column in The Aegis, writing about local happenings, upcoming events, and the places and activities she enjoyed with her children. In many ways, Anna was Bel Air’s original social media influencer.

Above all else, Anna took the greatest pride in being a mother. Much like her parents, she and Chuck were honored to send their three children to her alma mater, John Carroll. Anna cherished her family and found immense joy in the lives of her children and grandchildren, as well as several well-loved and pampered dogs she had over the years. Always finding ways to stay engaged in her community and her children’s lives, she frequently volunteered for the PTA, Boosters, and the Harford County Public Library, where she later worked.

Anna had a rare ability to bring light, joy, and humor to every situation. She always loved the Beatles and attended their concert in Baltimore in 1964, where she was confident Paul McCartney told her, “I love you, too!” Her chosen confirmation name was even inspired by a Beatle’s song, Michelle.

A dedicated Orioles fan, Anna attended several World Series games at Memorial Stadium and enjoyed lunch with Brooks Robinson on several occasions. When her son Christopher was born at Union Memorial Hospital, she was thrilled to have a room overlooking Memorial Stadium, then home of her beloved Orioles. In fact, some of Christopher’s first words were the names of Orioles players from the early 1970s.

Anna had a genuine appreciation for musicals and never turned down an opportunity to see live theater, whether in New York City or at a local high school. She also loved swimming and water aerobics at the Bel Air Athletic Club. She especially enjoyed family vacations at the beaches of Ocean City and, later, Bethany Beach, traditions her family continues to cherish.

For years, Anna’s homes in both Marywood and Leeswoods were the gathering places for family and friends, where she hosted countless crab feasts, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and cookouts. There was always room for another person at the table, another guest at the crab feast, and another dog at the cookout.

Her family will miss her contagious laughter and her ability to spontaneously sing and dance to show tunes, inspiring, if not everyone in the room, at least her daughters to follow suit. That was Anna. She made ordinary moments memorable, and her joy was impossible not to share.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael Chrismer and David Chrismer.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, Chuck Housman; her children Chris Housman; Kathleen (Alex) Maistros and Molly (Matthew) Roseland; her grandchildren, Davis, Effie, Marlena, Georgia, and Andrew Maistros, Grace and Emily Roseland; and her brothers, James Chrismer, Stephen Chrismer, and Brady Chrismer. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anna’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?