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Chester County Press

Obituaries

11/25/2014 12:27PM ● By J. Chambless


LOUIS M. PETICCA

Louis M. Peticca, 70, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 16 at his home, with his loving wife and children by his side.

Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Louis and Elaine Griffin Peticca. He graduated from Chichester High School and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was employed with PennDOT for 31 years until retirement, at which time he began consulting work with CMC Engineering in Kimberton.

He mentored many young athletes when he was a coach for the Chichester Crusaders youth football league; a head coach for the Oxford Golden Bears, where he won their first series of championship titles; and an assistant coach for the Oxford Area High School football team. An avid fan of the Eagles and Penn State football teams, he enjoyed music, gardening, art museums, and cooking. He was famously known for "LouPa’s Gravy," but what Lou enjoyed most was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marie H. Brennan Peticca; three children, Mark J. Peticca (Beth) of Strasburg, Leanne M. Stapleton (Chris) of Cochranville, and Louis F. Peticca (Jen) of Elkton, Md.; and seven grandchildren, Nate, Marco, Ben, Mary Grace, Gracie, Adrienne, and Vince.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Nov. 22. Interment was private.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Lou Peticca and mailed directly to: The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, c/o Cancer Research, 750 East Pratt St, 17th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; or Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 203 Church Rd., Oxford, PA, 19363. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MELBA W. MELRATH

Melba W. Melrath, 87, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17 at her home.

She was the wife of Harry L. "Hank" Melrath, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Born in Elbert, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Talmadge and Georgia Bise Waddell. She was a member of the Oxford Church of the Nazarene. She was a 1946 graduate of Calvert High School. She enjoyed traveling to Marion, Va., Muncy Valley, Pa., and St. Petersburg, Fla., as well as crocheting, quilting, crafts, making Christmas ornaments, solitaire, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and family. In Melba’s lifetime she donated over five gallons of blood to the Red Cross.
She is survived by her husband; two sons, Daniel L. Melrath (Bernadette) of Colora, Md., and Dennis A. Melrath (Dana) of Nottingham; two daughters, Dena E. Bedolla (Robbie) of Oxford and Dawn M. Zunino (Joe) of Toughkenamon.; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Nov. 21. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CHARLES R. FISHER

Charles R Fisher, 83, of Quarryville, passed away on Nov. 18 at his home.

He was the husband of Louise Mombert Fisher, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Union, Pa., Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Rush Floyd and Lucy Lee McThenia Fisher. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He spent his entire career in Oxford banking, retiring in 1996 from the Peoples Bank of Oxford. He served on the Oxford Area School Board, Oxford Borough Council, Oxford Lion’s Club, and the Oxford Athletic Association. He owned and worked with race horses. He was a fan of the Baltimore Colts and Philadelphia Phillies, and enjoyed playing golf in his younger years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Charles R. Fisher, Jr., of Quarryville; one daughter, Terry L. Root of Lancaster; four grandchildren, Paul M. Root, Samantha Cauffman, Danielle L. Tercha and C. Alexander Fisher; five great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Mary Ross of Cochranville, Edith Donnelly of Georgia, Allen Leech of Illinois, and Kathryn Steele of West Grove. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were held Nov. 22. Interment was in Quarryville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WARREN H. LAUDER

Warren H. Lauder, 92, of West Grove, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 18, at Jenner’s Pond.

He shared 63 years of marriage with his wife, Dorothy, who passed away in 2011. Born in Mileses, N.Y., Warren was the son of the late Adolph John Lauder and Emma Landeck Lauder. He was senior editor of the Chemical Engineering newsletter for the DuPont Company, retiring in 1984 after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square for 49 years, where he served as a deacon, an elder and sang in the choir. He was a lifelong environmentalist and conservationist who loved nature, volunteered at Longwood Gardens for 20 years and was known as "the bluebird man." He designed a nesting box for bluebirds to restore their population, which was near extinction. Warren built and installed nesting boxes at Longwood and throughout the region, monitored the nesting birds, banded the chicks and frequently lectured on bluebirds to scout troops, garden clubs and at Longwood. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army, as an airborne infantryman. He served in France and Germany, parachuting behind enemy lines at night, and commanded an anti-tank unit.

Warren is survived by one son, John W. Lauder and his wife Deborah Alessandro of South Orange, N.J.; one daughter, Nancy L. Keltner of Santa Barbara, Calif.; a sister, Marian Malsky of Wichita, Kan.; and four grandchildren.

His memorial service was held on Nov. 24. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Missions Fund of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA; or to the Heifer Project at Heifer International,
1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.griecocares.com.

OLIVE D. BRINTON

Olive D. Brinton, 93, of Landenberg, passed away on Nov. 19 at Kendal at Longwood.

She was the wife of Richard O. Brinton, who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Red Lion, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph H. Deckman, Sr., and Lydia Fox Deckman. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, crafting, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was well known for her baking and potato salad. Trips to Disney World were also a favorite, where, at the age of  90, she rode Splash Mountain. Being with her family was her greatest joy, especially her great-grandchildren. She was a member of the West Grove United Methodist Church, where she was very active on church committees, and active in the Community Café. She was also a 4-H leader and a member of the West Grove Playground Mothers.

She is survived by one daughter, Susan B. Paisley of Landenberg; one granddaughter, Rebecca Rinehimer and her husband Kenneth; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob. She was predeceased by five brothers, Clarence, Hooker, Jim, Fred and Roland; and three sisters, Ida, Marion, and Alice.

A funeral was held Nov. 22. Burial was in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 North Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

DIANA WYNN WOODS

Diana Wynn Woods, 45, of Cochranville, died on Nov. 19 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of Herbert Woods, with whom she shared 27 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late William and the late Lucille (Mains) Wynn. She was a manager in the electronics department at Walmart in Parkesburg for over 10 years. She loved her pet bird "Pretty Boy," and walking on the beach, but only up to her ankles. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include, in addition to her husband Herb, one son, Justin Woods, at home. The family would also like to recognize two close friends, Lynn and Colleen, who were like family to Diana.

A funeral was held Nov. 24. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, C/O Esophageal research division, 1626 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOANNE MEREDITH

Joanne Meredith, 72, of West Grove, passed on Nov. 20 at Jenner’s Pond.

Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Anna Coleman Meredith. She was teacher at the Academy of Hair Design in Wilmington, and after that, she was a fraud analyst at Discover Card in Wilmington for 18 years, retiring in 2008. She enjoyed going to the beach, bingo, bowling, crafts, shopping, going to the casinos, collecting ceramics, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Thomas J. Wardell and his wife Sherry of West Grove; one brother, Joseph A. Meredith, Sr., and his wife Betty of Newark, Del.; one sister, June Zimmerman and her husband James of Waldorf, Md.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by one son, Richard A. Wardell; and one sister, Patricia Pierce.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Gracelawn Memorial Park (2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, Del.). Her funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining Memorial Park. In memory of Joanne, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ANSELMO S. ASCHIERO

Anselmo S Aschiero, 90, of Christiana, Pa., formerly of Avondale, died on Nov. 20 at the Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville.

He was the husband of the late Joan Pia Aschiero, who died in 1987, and with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Italy, he was a son of the late Francesco and Rina Aschiero. He owned and operated his own mushroom business for many years before retiring. He enjoyed making wine, and won several wine making competitions. He was an excellent cook and was known for his ravioli. He had a green thumb and loved working in his gardens, and was a longtime member of the Italian American club in Kennett Square. 

Survivors include two sons, Joseph Aschiero and his wife Carrie of Pike Creek, Del., and Thomas of Bear, Del.; one daughter, Joann McFarlane and her husband Brian of Wilmington, Del.; four grandchildren, Thomas, Caitlin, Alina and Anton; and one great-granddaughter, Samantha. He was predeceased by a son, Anselmo John, in 1984; and one sister.  

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 26 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square).  A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

LOUISE M.

WILKINS MASON

Louise M. Wilkins Mason, 85, of West Grove, died on Nov. 22 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Charles Roy Mason, Jr., who died in 2007. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was a daughter of the late John Henry Wilkins and the late Hazel Mae Dadds Wilkins. She owned and operated her own grocery store, Mason’s Market, in Penn Township for many years, retiring in 1986. She attended the West Grove United Methodist Church and Church of the Vineyard. She loved yard sales, her beach houses in Florida and Maryland, antiquing, and the love her life, her dog Snickers.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her family, including four sons, Richard Mason (Renata) of New London, Curtis Mason, Sr. (Dena) of West Grove, Charles Mason III (Valerie) of Millsboro, Del., and Gary Mason of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; three brothers, Jim Wilkins (Lisa) of Elkton, Md., Tom Wilkins (Vickie) of Salisbury, Md., and Jack Wilkins (Neva) of Las Vegas, Nev.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Sonny Wilkins.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 29 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Luther Foundation of Southern Chester County, 122 Jenners Pond Rd., West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

KIMBERLY RENEE DILLON

Kimberly Renee (Schovajsa) Dillon, 58, of East Marlborough Township, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22 at her home. 

Born in Midland, Texas, she was a daughter of the late Albert G. Schovajsa, Sr., and Leta (Lacy) Schovajsa. She was a graduate of Miles Rural High School in Miles, Texas, and Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. She received a BBA in business administration. She later trained in Scottsdale, Ariz., and received her certification as an Accredited Staging Professional. (ASP). In 2005, she established Creative Eye Home Staging in southern Chester County. She was a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate member of West Suburban Realtor Association, and a member of the International Women's Club. She enjoyed sports, and traveling in the United States and abroad. Survivors include one son, Austin Dillon of West Chester; one daughter, Denee Dillon of Kennett Square; one brother, Albert George Schovajsa, Jr., and his wife Libby of Hotchkiss, Colo.; one sister, Lacy E., wife of Albert Whitehead of Tulsa, Okla.; as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.

E. MARIE JOHNSON

E. Marie Johnson, 91, of Oxford, formerly of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on Nov. 23 at Conestoga View in Lancaster, Pa.

She was the wife of the late George L. (Shine) Johnson. Born in Greensboro, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Ollie Glenn and Carrie Juanita Bosher Williams. She retired in 1998 from the Borough of Oxford as a bookkeeper, and was formerly employed with the town of Elkton, Md., as a bookkeeper.

She is survived by one son, George L. (Les) Johnson, Jr., of Nottingham; two daughters, Donna Blake of Quarryville, and Diane Michelle Johnson of Elkton, Md.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Glenn Williams of North Carolina. She was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Bowers; and a brother, Jack Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 28 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JANNIDA SMYTH

Jannida Smyth (nee Henderson), 79, of Nottingham, passed peacefully on Nov. 21 at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville.

She was the wife of John B. Smyth, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Rugby, Va., she was the daughter of the late DeDe Lake and Nina Blevins Henderson. She was a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Oxford. She enjoyed gardening and family gatherings.
She is survived by her husband; children, Nina M. Shepet of Nottingham, John D. (Terry) Smyth of Oxford, James B. (Rita) Smyth of Lincoln University, Daniel P. (Kimberly) Smyth of Nottingham, Christopher P. Smyth of Peach Bottom; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Taylor of Northeast, Md. She was preceded in death by two brothers, William Carver Henderson and Howard Hays.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 26 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the MS Society, 30 S. 17th St., Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MARGARET R.
ROSS JAMISON

Margaret R. Ross Jamison, 94, of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 21 at the Twin Pines Health Center, after a brief ilness.

She was the wife of the late Paul C. "Dutch" Jamison, with whom she had celebrated 50 years of marriage. She was the daughter of the late William and Eva Beltz Ross. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Oxford for over 75 years. She taught music there for 65 years, also teaching music for vacation Bible school, the Sunday school Christmas program, and sang in the choir for 75 years. She enjoyed knitting, painting, playing the piano and singing, and she was an avid crossword puzzler.
She is survived by her daughter Robin, wife of Joseph Gallo of Kemblesville; her son Mark, husband of Linda Jamison of Oxford; and three grandchildren, Paul and Dan Gallo, and Kristen Jamison. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Seiders.

A funeral was held Nov. 25. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's memory can be made to the United Methodist Church of Oxford, 18 Addison St., Oxford, PA 19363.

MACEL M. KELLER

Macel M. Keller, 92, of Kennett Square, formerly of Clayton, N.J., died on Nov. 20 in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Earl W. Keller, who died in 2008, and with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Mount Sterling, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Robert and the late Alice (Barnes) Leatherwood. She was an accomplished seamstress, and loved spending time with family and friends. She worked as a civilian employee in a munitions factory during World War II. Always willing to put the needs of others before her own, she delivered meals and provided companionship as part of the Meals on Wheels program in Gloucester County, N.J., for many years.

Survivors include five sons and one daughter: John and his wife Susan of Washington Township, N.J.; Roger and his wife Elizabeth (Sis) of Kamuela, Hawaii; Eric of Philadelphia; Cindy Faulkner and her husband Michael of Kennett Square; Carl of Williamstown, N.J.; and Grant and his wife Margaret of Pitman, N.J. Also remembered are her daughter-in-law, Marie Keller of Malaga, N.J.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Diane, in 2003; and by five brothers and one sister.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 29 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Cedar Green Cemetery, in Clayton, N.J. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Ian Keller Trust, P.O. Box 6174, Kamuela, HI 96743. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.