Noreen Carol McCann

Noreen Carol McCann, 63, of Warrenton, Virginia, passed away on July 8th, 2026. She was born on February 9th, 1963 in Washington, DC, to Robert and Ida Mae McCann (Saylor). Noreen’s childhood included traveling around the US with her parents while Robert was in the service. She spent many days at the pool competitively swimming and being a lifeguard. She had an endless love for studying and furthering her education and considered herself a life long learner. Noreen attended Virginia Tech receiving her undergraduate degree and meeting her best friend for life, Ron, and then continuing to double Master in English and History at George Mason University. Beginning in 1988 and retiring in 2019, for over 31 years, Noreen pursued a successful and fulfilling career at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, Virginia as a historian and interpreter. She began working in the museum store, and received a permanent position as Visitor Services Manager in 1993. She loved interacting with children and families while hosting hundreds of public history programs and tours. Her creative energy, passion for American history, and her love for talking to all types of people made her a wonderful museum professional. Her award winning and favorite work included creating new programs that took place in the old historic kitchen, researching original 18th century recipes, and working with volunteer cooks to produce educational and memorable programs. She helped manage larger special events, her favorites being the Father’s Day Antique Car Show, Quilt Show, and many Christmas programs. She also assisted the site with numerous team projects, including creating new exhibits, garden interpretation, and school programs for children of all ages. Her former colleagues, park volunteers and friends will truly miss her passionate and bubbly personality and her constant positive spirit. Noreen was the first to lend a helping hand and assist her community in any way she could. Noreen donated to every charity she came across, including Best Friends Animal Society, World Wildlife Fund, Compassion International while sponsoring a child for years and community outreach events at church including cooking for the homeless. Noreen has been an active member of her church since she started attending as a child with her mother. Since then she has always been a part of their services either serving as a Decon, helping out with VBS (science room with the assistance of Melissa and Shawna), leading women's groups and bible studies. Anyone who knows Nor, knew she lived her life for the Lord. Noreen’s passion for music was vast and included everything under the sun. Noreen could bop around to anything but loved something with a good beat and groove. Her favorite was Lenny Kravitz (she would joke that his looks were a nice touch to her love for him). Better known as NorNor to her nieces, NorNor was heavily involved in their lives especially when it came to education. NorNor took them to library programs, summer education programs, and assisted with school throughout their years. The tradition continued with her great niece and nephew, attending library programs and sending them Highlights magazines. Noreen had an army of people around her as she battled Ovarian cancer since 2014. Although her battle was long and difficult at some points, Noreen’s smile and faith never wavered. Noreen was an inspiration to everyone who was blessed to meet her. Noreen was surrounded by love and family throughout her whole journey, and at the end her sister-in-law, Carolyn was able to take care of her for the last few months. Noreen joins her parents, Robert and Ida Mae McCann, her brother Darren McCann and her baby brother McCann. She is survived by her nieces, Melissa Bates (Ashton) and Shawna McCann (Anthony); her sister-in-law Carolyn Jacques; great niece and nephew Marley and Shawn Bates; and various distant family members. A viewing will be held for Noreen from 6 - 8 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Pierce Funeral Home. Her service will take place the following day, August 2nd at 1PM at Manassas Presbyterian Church. In honor of Noreen, please dress in your brightest colors or patterns for both occasions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choosing in Noreen’s name. Animal and education charities are most appropriate.

Noreen Carol McCann

February 9, 1963 - July 8, 2026