Franklin Sherman Parent Dies Suddenly

Carol Ann Tallant, 49, mother of two Franklin Sherman students, died suddenly on Jan. 29 of a vascular aneurysm at her McLean home.

For many students at the McLean elementary school, this was their first encounter with loss. School principal Kathleen Quigley moved quickly to provide support for students and staff who knew Mrs. Tallant.

“The world has lost someone special, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the Tallant family,” Quigley said in a note to parents.

When students returned to school last Wednesday after a two-day break for teacher work days, the school’s guidance counselor, Ashlee Lentini, school  psychologist Lauren Forsythe and social worker Katherine Doyle were available to provide support for students and faculty.

“I know that many of you have had conversations with your children this week about loss and grief,” Quigley said. “Please feel free to reach out ... if you would like additional resources to support your children.”

“Because she had 6 children going through Franklin Sherman, many of the staff members have known her for many years. She was a frequent volunteer here helping out in the classrooms,” Quigley said.

Counselors went to talk to the classes where her two daughters were students in second and 5th grades, she said.

And teachers were provided resources for children to answer questions about death or loss that the children may have.

Mrs. Tallant was the only child of the late Robert M. and Shirley A. Ross, born in Washington, DC on April 7, 1961, according to an obituary in The Washington Post.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Mrs. Tallant’s life from 6-8pm. Monday, at Money and King Funeral Home  A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on at 2 pm. Wednesday.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Tony Tallant, and her daughters Jessica, Rebecca, Alyson, Kimberly and sons David and Robert.