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Chester County Press

Obituaries

06/25/2014 09:09AM ● By Acl

BERT HENRY MAHLMAN

Bert Henry Mahlman, 91, of Oxford, passed away on June 13 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Bismarck, N.D., he was the son of the late Henry and Adelaide Albers Mahlman.  He was the husband of the late Marian Jones Mahlman. They lived in West Chester for more than 40 years. They moved to Ware in 1995.

Bert was a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. He served in the 273rd Infantry in five major battles -- Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He was employed for 30 years with Hercules, Inc., in Wilmington, Del., as a research chemist. He was an active member for many years of the Unitarian Fellowship in West Chester, a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society, and taught navigation with the Wilmington Power Squadron. He enjoyed boating and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, especially the North East and Elk Rivers, plus hunting, fishing, and the game of bridge. He was known for his great intelligence, passion for sailing, and strong sense of humor.

He is survived by three children, Mary Lou Mahlman of Virginia Beach, Va., Michael Mahlman (Mia Stephens) of York Harbor, Maine,  and Jean Mahlman of Tampa, Fla.; one grandchild, Audrey Chisholm (Sean) of Maine; two great-grandchildren, Madi and Olivia Chisholm; and one brother, Henry Mahlman of Golden,  Colo.; plus nieces, nephews, and many cousins and long-time friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Peter Mahlman; sister, Mary Schaetzel; and his wife of 50 years, Marian Jones Mahlman. 

A memorial in celebration of Bert’s life will be held at the Pavilion at Ware Presbyterian Village (7 East Locust St, Oxford) on June 28 at 2 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benevolent Fund of Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 East Locust Street, Oxford, PA 19363.  

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

WILLIAM BEVIER DEVOE

William Bevier Devoe, 91, of Oxford, passed away at his home on June 11. 

Born in Yonkers, N.Y., he was the son of the late Albert E. and Catherine Harding Devoe. He was the husband of the late Helga Haid Devoe, who passed away in April 2007. A sales representative, he had worked as an independent contractor in the nuclear power generation field. He was a 1949 graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in mechanical engineering, and attended Temple University, working on his MBA. While in college, he interned with Ingersol Rand Company and then joined ITE Special Products Company in Philadelphia. He then worked for Delaval Corporation, which made turbine condensers for power plants, and then for Hayward Taylor as a sales engineer for nuclear station cooling equipment.

He served with the Merchant Marines during World War II, as a radio operator on Gallops Island, N.Y. He was a member of the Veterans Wireless Association and attended many radio operator reunions with his wife. He loved sailing and boating, and had participated in sailing regattas with the Red Dragon Canoe Club. He also enjoyed operating his ham radio, restoring antique furniture, doing camera repairs, taking beautiful,  award-winning photos of his children and nature, and flying radio-controlled airplanes as a member of the Cloud Kings Club.

Bill is survived by his children, Denise B. Devoe-Racine (Shane) of Rising Sun, Md., William B. Devoe of Bangor, Maine, James L., (Monica) Devoe of Miami Beach, Fla., Andrew L., (Shawna) Devoe of Lakewood, Calif., and Gregory W. Devoe, companion of Mary Wilsbach, of Meadowbrook, Pa.; his eight grandchildren, Steven Gallagher, Nicholas Devoe, Rachel DeRita, Sarah DeRita, Holloy Coston, Madison Devoe and Kelsey Devoe; and his great granddaughter, Harper Devoe.

A memorial service was held on June 21. Memorials may be sent in Bill’s memory to the World war II Memorial Fund,  Trust for the National Mall, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 370, Washington, DC  20004. To share a memory, visit www.lifecelebration.com.

SHIRLEY J. PALMER

Shirley J. Palmer, 85, of Lincoln University, passed away on June 17 at the Heartland Hospice in Wilmington, Del. She was the wife of Donald S. Palmer, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Somerset, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Alvah and Eva LaTourette. She was a secretary at Atlantic Aviation in Wilmington, Del., retiring in 1990. She was a member of the Kemblesville United Methodist Church. She enjoyed listening to music, her cats and dogs, and working with children. She and her husband, in earlier years, were advisors to high-school youths.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one brother, Alvah LaTourette of Seattle, Wash. She was predeceased by one sister, Doris Lennon.

Her memorial service was held on June 23. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Kemblesville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 189, Kemblesville, PA 19347. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ANGELA DEEGAN

Angela (Angie) S. Deegan, 94, of Sarasota, Fla., died on June 14 at The Crosslands in Kennett Square.  

She was the wife of the late LTC Richard (Dick) Deegan, U.S. Army Ret., who died in 2011, and with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. She was born in Wheeling, W.Va.  As an Army wife, she traveled the world for nearly three decades, raising a family and living abroad, including Japan, Germany and Hawaii. Upon her husband's military retirement, Angie settled in Simsbury, Conn., where she was a real estate broker.  In 1980, Angie and Dick moved to Sarasota, where they were members of St. Thomas More Church, and both graduated in 1998 from the Rice School of Pastoral Ministry.  She volunteered for many years for hospice in both Connecticut and Sarasota, Fla. 

Survivors include three daughters and a son, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Blanche Naegele of Wheeling, W. Va. 

Services and burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or to Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota, FL 34238. Online condolences are welcome at www.griecocares.com.

PHILIP C. PUSEY

Philip C. Pusey, 82, of West Grove, passed away on June 21 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. 

He was the husband of Dannette Dougherty Pusey, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. 

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Jesse D. and Nell Jones Pusey. He owned and operated Mushroom Express Company, Chester County Mushroom Sales and Avon Heights Mushrooms. Along with Louie Toto, he designed and patented the plastic stackable mushroom basket. He had served as a past president of the Avon Grove Lions Club and the Avon Lake Club. Among  his many generous acts, he donated the land and Boy Scout cabin in Avondale to Troop 191. He also donated the Avon  Lake property to London Grove Township. He served his country as a member of the U.S Air Force. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, going to auctions and thrift shops, farming, his pets, and being with his family and friends. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Jesse “Jay” Pusey  and his wife Connie of Landenberg, Philip C. Pusey, Jr. of Avondale, and Dale Pusey and his wife Jonna of New London; three daughters, Linda Pusey of Oxford, Carolyn Steel and her husband Larry of West Grove, and Amy Stike and her husband Joe of West Grove, and Devon Bernal of Virginia, who he and his wife raised as a son; one sister, Dorothy Miller of Bucks County, Pa.; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one granddaughter, Amber Pusey; and one sister, Sara McDaniel. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 27 at the London Grove Friends Meeting Cemetery (Route 926 and Newark Road, London Grove). In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19808, Attn: Layne Ross. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

CARL J. JONES 

Carl J. Jones, 85, of West Grove, passed awayon June 20 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of the late Nora B. Stout Jones, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Shouns, Tenn., he was the son of the late J. Franklin and Rosa Eastridge Jones. He was employed with The Watauga Dam in Tennessee, Passmore Supply in Avondale, and was employed for more than 40 years with NVF in Yorklyn, Del. He was a self-taught musician who played by ear. He could play the banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin. He was a bluegrass musician for most of his life. He played with the Tennessee Merry Makers and Blueridge Ramblers. In the 1950s, his music was heard on WCOJ and Channel 33 in Lebanon, Pa.  He played at a number of venues, such as Sunset Park in West Grove, New River Ranch in Conowingo, Md., Circle K Ranch in New Jersey, Hibernia Park at the Old Fiddlers Picnic, and White Oak Campground in Lancaster County. In his early years, he and the Blueridge Ramblers enjoyed playing concerts with the Stanley Brothers and Mac Wiseman. In his later years, he enjoyed playing with his close friends at a place they named Carl’s Place in West Grove, which was owned by his good friend, Daniel B. Proffitt, Sr. He had countless friends in the professional and local bluegrass community. Carl enjoyed repairing and tuning instruments for his friends.

He is survived by one son, Carl R. Jones and his wife Sharon of Oxford; one daughter, Doris Holbrook of West Grove; grandchildren, Jennifer Dunham and her husband Paul, Vannessa Risser and her companion Todd Stoops, Michael Holbrook and his wife Jennifer, Elise Frey and her husband Brad, and David Holbrook and his companion Amanda Sabin; one step-grandchild, Natalie Barroso and her husband Tony; seven great-grandchildren, Connor Dunham, Alexandria Dunham, Dalton Risser, Carlee Risser, Hannah Holbrook, George Frey, and David Holbrook; and one step-great-grandchild, Chloe Barroso. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer Jones and Conley Jones; and five sisters, Lillian Mae Stump, Bonnie Gambill, Effie Price, Ethel Tedder, and Ollie Willen. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 25 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

ANGELA WEAVER WYLIE 


Angela Weaver Wylie, 53, passed away on June 23, surrounded by her family in her home.

A lifelong resident of Oxford, she was a graduate of Oxford Area High School. She loved life, and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, David Wylie; four children, Rebecca Chandler of Harrington, Del., Rachael Weaver of Lancaster, Pa., Sarah Tabor of Rising Sun, Md., and Michael Weaver of Oxford, Pa.; and six grandchildren, Isaac Chandler, Jack Chandler, Isabella Chandler, Wyatt Chandler, Renwick Weaver, and Abigail Tabor. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Donna King and Robert King.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on June 28 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church (303 W. Christine Rd., Nottingham). The family will receive guests at 9 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Doris King in care of Yvonne Walters at 111 Rocky Glen Road, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

EDNA FARMER HUNLEY

Edna Farmer Hunley, 85, of Kennett Square, died on June 21 at Twin Pines Heath Care Center in Chatham, Pa.

Born in Max Meadows, Va., she was a daughter of the late William B. and the late Rosalie (Humphrey) Farmer. She worked for many years at the Hewlett Packard Company. In her later years, she owned her own ceramics business, Pud’s Ceramics, both here and in Virginia. She enjoyed arts and crafts, and singing country, gospel, patriotic and Elvis songs.  She was also an accomplished seamstress and loved ballroom dancing at the Adult Day Care of Chester County.

Survivors include one daughter, Rita C. Houck (LeRoy III); and one son, Elmer Roy Hunley of Kennett Square; four grandchildren, Heather Pannell, Heidi Houck, Frank Hunley III and Denise Gressner; seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas (Nicole), Vincent, Gabriel, Joshua, Abigail, Jade Lynn, and Audrey; one great-great-grandson (to be), Royan; and a sister-in-law, Edna Sherrill Farmer of West Grove. 

In addition to her ex-husband, Frank Jennings Hunley, she was predeceased by a son, Frank Hunley Jr.; and nine siblings, Pauline, Woodrow, Imogene, Ruth, Bernard, Lillian, Lloyd, Dorothy, and Horace. 

The family wishes to thank Twin Pines Health Care, Heartland Hospice, Pocopson Home and the Adult Day Care of Chester County for their care and concern for Edna over the past several years.   

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on June 28 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square).  A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m.  Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery. In memory of Edna, the family requests that you visit an elderly family member or friend at local care facilities. To view Edna’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

VICTORIA M. MOROZ COATES

Victoria M. Moroz Coates, 38, of Nottingham, passed away on June 21 at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia.

She was the wife of Philip D.  Coates, with whom she shared 13 years of marriage. Born in Yeadon, Pa., she was the daughter of Nina Skobel Moroz of Newark, Del., and the late Lynn Moroz. She was a member of the Calvary Chapel Southern Chester County of West Grove. She graduated from St. Mark’s High School in Newark, Del., in 1993. She received her degree in nuclear medicine from Delaware Technical Community College. She was employed as a nuclear medicine technologist at the Heart and Vascular Clinic in Newark, Del. She enjoyed the beach, skiing, taking care of her patients, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband; mother; one daughter, McKenzie H. Coates; three brothers, Chris Moroz of Avondale, Mark Moroz of Hockessin, Del., and Jeff Moroz of Townsend, Del.; and grandmother, Olga Moroz of Newark, Del.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on June 26 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford). Friends and family may visit on June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Calvary Chapel SCC Church, 

PO Box 8020, West Grove, PA 19390; or to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363 to help with expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.