HELEN PAGE BRINN

Helen Page Brinn, 83, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 11 at Kendal at Longwood.

She was the wife of Marvin S. Brinn, who passed away in 2010, and with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Glasgow, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Charles M. And Helen Mae Ellis Moore. She was employed as a physical therapist in hospitals before she had children, and also for a time was employed as a visiting physical therapist in the Wilmington, Del., area. Page studied music and received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, and then received a master's degree in physical therapy from Duke University. She enjoyed painting and drawing. She studied art during her later years at the University of Delaware and at Delaware Center for Creative Arts. Her beautiful paintings and drawings are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and elsewhere. Page also loved music and enjoyed playing the piano with her children and at parties. She also enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with family, including her five granddaughters. She died peacefully with all of her children caring for her during her final days. Her family is deeply appreciative of the staff at Kendal at Longwood and of the caring aides who were such a helpful blessing to Page and her family during the most recent year. Memorial services were held Feb. 16.

She is survived by two sons, Nathaniel Brinn and his wife Kimberly of Avon, Conn., and Cyrus Brinn and his wife Karen of Newark, Del.; one daughter, Winona Schwartz and her husband Fred of Grand Junction, Colo.; and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Matthew S. Moore.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Page’s memory may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOAN LAFFERTY PENNINGTON

Joan Lafferty Pennington, 79, of Avondale, died on Feb. 12 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

She was the wife of the late Robert P. Pennington, who died in 2010, and with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Kathleen Groves Lafferty. Joan was a lab technician in the mushroom industry, working for several companies, including Oakshire Company in Kirkwood; and MGA Spawning Company, and Phillips Mushrooms, both in Kennett Square. She loved to crochet, do puzzles and read books.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia K. Kennedy and husband Jeffery of Landenberg, and Karen L. Mellot and her husband Mike of Kirkwood; two sons, Robert F. Pennington and his wife Eileen of Landenberg, and Charles W. Pennington of Avondale; one sister, Kay C. Peirson of Peach Bottom, Pa.; five grandsons, Stephen, Thomas, David, Michael and Charles; and six great-grandchildren, Stevie, Kayla, Shyla, Caden, Burgan and Benjamin. She was predeceased by two sisters, Lenora Zimkowski and Arlene Schafferman.

A funeral was held Feb. 18. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JAMES A. DAVIES

James Arthur Davies, 85, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 13, surrounded by his family, at Neighborhood Hospice.

He was the husband of Carol Fry Davies, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in 1930 in Honesdale, Pa., he was the son of the late William J. and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Davies. Jim was raised in Williamsport, Pa., where he learned his love for the outdoors and the simple beauty of nature. Hiking, fishing, and playing sports with his friends filled his youth. He graduated from South Williamsport High, where he played basketball. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Air Group, and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Later in life he enjoyed his squadron reunions with this group. After the Korean War, Jim married his high-school sweetheart, Carol Fry Davies, and went on to graduate from his beloved Penn State University with a business degree, and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He went to work with RCA shortly after graduating. Jim retired as the vice president of GE RCA Patent Licensing after a long and impressive career that took him all over the world. Jim believed in serving his community and contributed in many ways. He was elected Fire Commissioner for Pocantico Hills Fire District in New York in the 1970s and later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Midway Fire and Rescue of Pawley’s Island, S.C. He also served as president of the Litchfield Plantation Home Owners Association in Pawley’s Island, S.C., as well as the Waccamaw Council of Property Owners Associations in South Carolina.

He was a member of the Litchfield Country Club and was an avid golfer and tennis player for many years. He also was an amateur radio operator, making wireless contacts with over 150 different countries. He received the honor of election to the DX Century Club from the American Radio Relay League, Inc. As a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, Jim served on numerous church councils over the years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen Davies and his wife Elizabeth of Sandy Hook, Conn.; one daughter, Christina D. Sappey and her husband Jonathan of West Chester; and five grandchildren, Julia, Truman and Henry Sappey and Jennifer and James Davies. He was predeceased by one brother, William Ronald Davies.

A funeral was held Feb. 20 at St. Michael Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Road, Unionville). In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375; or to Penn State University, 27 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802-1500 (giveto.psu.edu). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

MARY LEO HOPKINS

Mary Leo Hopkins, 87, of Avondale, died peacefully on Feb. 13 at Ware Presbyterian Home in Oxford, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of Robert J. Hopkins, Sr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late Angeline (Ingelido) and Peter V. Leo. She was predeceased by her son, Robert J. Hopkins, Jr.; her sister, Rosemarie Leo; and her brother, Peter V. Leo, Jr. Along with her husband, she leaves behind three children, Christine Hopkins Rizzotte, Michael Hopkins and his wife Donna, and Gary Hopkins and his wife Elizabeth.

She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale, and also received blessings while attending Mass and Rosary service while she lived at Ware. A graduate of Kennett High School and Goldey-Beacom, she first worked as a secretary at DuPont Chemical Company. She then followed in her parents' footsteps by entering the mushroom industry, working for many years as bookkeeper for Frezzo Brothers and later at Greenhill Farms. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating, tennis and growing up with her many cousins in Toughkenamon, where she met her husband. She was a dedicated wife and mother who enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, casino trips to Atlantic City, Saturday shopping with friends, and always loved having a house full of company. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed decorating the house and celebrating the holidays with family and friends.

She loved and was loved by her eight grandchildren, Diane Rizzotte Bucklaw, Nicholas Rizzotte, Kyle Hopkins, Kellianne Eckman and her husband Phil, Michael Hopkins, Jr., and his wife Kari, Jackie Hopkins, Gary Hopkins, Jr., Bryan Hopkins; and four great-grandchildren, Jeffrey Bird, Jr., Angela Bird, Jason Bucklaw and Zachary Eckman.

A memorial service was held Feb. 19. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

RAMON MIRANDA

Ramon R. Miranda, 76, of West Grove, formerly of Airmont, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 10.

He was the husband of Eileen Robbins Miranda, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. 

Born in Sonora, Mexico, he was the son of the late Ramon Garcia and Carmen Rivera Miranda.  Ramon was employed with UBS/Paine Webber in Weehawken, N.J., and retired in 2005.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. Ramon enjoyed playing chess and reading science fiction.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Andrew Miranda of West Grove, and Gavin Miranda of Quantico,Va.; two sisters, Delia Martinez of Tucson, Ariz., and Maria Elena Herron of Gaithersburg, Md.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Feb. 20. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DOROTHY RACHEL RUSSELL

Dorothy “Dot” Rachel Russell, 82, of West Grove, died on Feb. 16 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Kelton, she was a daughter of the late Oliver H. and the late Mary Cecil (Pierce) Russell. She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1952 and remained in West Grove all her life. She loved collecting data and memorabilia about the history of the area. Dot was a technician at the West Grove Pharmacy for over 53 years and worked part-time at Jennersville Regional Hospital for 13 years during her career. She was a longtime member of the West Grove United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crocheting doilies, knitting for other people (especially babies), spending time with her extended family, her church family and participating in church events. She was known for her positive attitude, engaging smile and sense of humor.

Survivors include five nieces, Janet Foltz (Adam), Judy Daugherty (Gene), Virginia Ritchie, Ruth Blankenbeckler (Ron) and Andrea Morgan (Norman); two nephews, David Russell (Jeanne) and Barry Thomas (Terri); and many great and great-great nieces and nephews and dear friends.

A funeral was held Feb. 20. Interment was in New London Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to West Grove UMC (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove, PA 19390). To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

B. WYN HILES

B. Wyn Hiles passed away on Feb. 14, surrounded by his family,after a brief, sudden illness.

Born in Harrisburg in 1949 to the late Bernard M. Hiles and Eva Runk Hiles, he grew up in Newark, Del., and was a longtime resident of Landenberg. A 1967 graduate of Christiana High School, he went on to earn his BS in economics from the University of Delaware.

In addition to his parents, Wyn was preceded in death by his first wife of eight years, Connie Young Hiles. He is survived by his current wife, Cindy, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage; his sons, Lee, son of Connie, and Andrew; his brother Dr. Samuel Allison; sister-in-law Marilyn; nephew Jim Allison; niece Susan Monticello, all of Sacramento, Calif. He is also survived by cousins Debbie Snow, and Mary K McCullough; an aunt, Carolyn Baker; and his in-laws, nieces, and nephew, all of whom will greatly miss him.

He was an employee of the DuPont Company at the Stine-Haskell Lab in Newark, Del., from 1980 until his retirement in January 2012. Wyn held many positions during his career, beginning as a lab technician in Crop Protection and at retirement as a Project Manager. Wyn enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his sons. He was happiest sketching, designing and building projects of every shape, form, and size. He was constantly redesigning and renovating, from the home in Landenberg he built in its entirety for Connie and Lee, to a cottage on the Bohemia River he renovated with Cindy and Lee. Wyn will be remembered by friends and family as a caring, loving husband, proud father, devoted son and brother, and loyal friend. 

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. On March 13 at Hartefeld National, One Hartefeld Drive, Avondale. A ceremony celebrating his life will be at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Eastern PA Chapter, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428 or to a charity of your choosing. To honor Wyn and to thank the dozens of Blood Bank of Delmarva members who donated platelets in his final days, the family would like to encourage those who can donate platelets to do so. Contact BBD at 1-888-8 BLOOD 8 to schedule an appointment, or go to DelmarvaBlood.org. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

SUSIE DABUNDO

Susie DaBundo, 91, of Toughkenamon, passed away on Feb. 15 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

She was the wife of Vincent A. DaBundo, who passed away in 1978, and with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Born in Toughkenamon, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Rosa DeFalcio Mattoscio. Susie was an assembler at Hewlett-Packard in Avondale, retiring in 1985 after 25 years of service. She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, word find, going to the casino, making Christmas eve dinner, and especially enjoyed being with her family and friends.

Susie is survived by one son, Dominic V. DaBundo and his wife Linda of Landenberg; two daughters, Maria D. Caputo and her husband Dibby of Kennett Square, and Kathleen S. Basciani and her husband Monnie of Toughkenamon; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held Feb. 20. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Susie, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, PA 19311. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ELLEN LAURA JONES

Ellen Laura Jones, 87, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 16 6 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Norman “Jack” Jones, Sr., with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Quarryville, she was the daughter of the late Charles W. and Laura Anna Dissinger Foultz. Ellen was a member of Mt. Vernon Christian Church in Kirkwood, and former member of Blessed Hope Tabernacle in Oxford. She was employed with Nottingham Mushroom Canning Company for seven years, and Ware Presbyterian Village for 10 years. Ellen enjoyed canning, embroidery, gardening and quilting.

She is survived by three sons, Richard Jones of Darlington, Md., Dean Jones of Marietta, Ga., and Rodney Jones (Virginia) of Parkesburg; two daughters, Jean Edwards (Richard) of Oxford, and Mary Ann Jones Mellett (Michael) of Pond Eddy, N.Y.; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Carolyn Newbert of Rockland, Maine, and Bonnie Hutchinson of Willow Street; and a brother, Kenneth “Bud” Foultz of Malvern. She was preceded in death by a son, Norman Jones, Jr.

Funeral services were held Feb. 19. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

EUGENE F. COYLE

Eugene “Mose” F. Coyle, 84, of Oxford, died on Feb. 19 at the Hospital Of The University Of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

He was the husband of the late Marie Elser Coyle, who died in 2009, and with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Riverside, N.J., he was a son of the late Charles and the late Sara (Beekler) Coyle. Mose served our country during the Korean War, in the Navy. He was a camp ranger for the Girl Scouts of Delaware County for 37 years, retiring in 2003. He coached and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He loved Notre Dame Football. He was a skilled carpenter, building birdhouses for anyone who cared for him or his family throughout his life.

Survivors include two sons, Bruce M. Coyle (Tracy) of Ottsville, Pa., and Brian P. Coyle (Tricia) of West Grove; one daughter, Sally Grimes of Oxford; sisters-in-law, Marlene Coyle of Reno, Nev., and Patricia Coyle of Medford Lakes, N.J.; five grandchildren, Logan and Nicholas Coyle, Brianna Grimes, and Jason and Johnathon Thiboutot; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Eugene J. and Daniel T.; and three brothers, Charles, James and Richard.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 656, Unionville, PA 19375. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GAIL L. McMAHON DOLAN

Gail L. McMahon Dolan, 63, of Oxford, died on Feb. 19 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of Linwood Dolan, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was a daughter of the late William J. and the late Edna Mae (Jenkins) McMahon. Gail graduated from the Kennett High School and Votech beauty school in 1970, and then owned and operated her own salon. For most of her career, she worked for Longwood Beauty Salon. Gail was well liked by her clients and went out of her way to care for them. She was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford. She enjoyed gardening, reading, the aquatics programs at the Jennersville YMCA, going to the beach, and was a lover of all animals, especially cats and dogs. Gail was a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's Brownie and Daisy troops and was involved in her daughter's 4-H and equestrian events. She volunteered and was a teacher’s parent helper for the Oxford elementary schools. Gail just recently embraced a passion for motorcycles and enjoyed riding with her husband and family every opportunity she had. She also adored spending time with her grandson.

Survivors include, in addition to her husband, one daughter, Tracy L. Dolan (Jonathan Novoa) of North East, Md.; two sisters, Sharon McMahon Journey (Harvey) of Chatham, and Sheila McMahon of Santa Fe, N.M.; and one grandson, Tristan Michael Novoa.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Feb. 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford). Her memorial mass will be at 10 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Pheonixville Pike, West Chester PA 19380; or to Father Martin's Ashley, 800 Tydings Lane, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. To view her online tribute or to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GUENTHER HENDRICH

Guenther Hendrich, 87, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 20 at his residence.

He was the husband of Maria Arbe Hendrich, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage. Born in Jena, Germany, he was the son of the late Kurt and Charlotte Scholze Hendrich. He was the director of sales for the Nestle Company in Berlin, Germany, retiring after 25 years of service. He traveled extensively throughout the world. He met his wife on a European cruise in 1993, and was married the following year and settled in Kennett Square.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Dieter Arbe and his wife Jan of Lake Worth, Fla.; one daughter, Jutta Manfredonia and her husband Frank of Devon, Pa.; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOHN MURPHY

On Feb. 2, John Arthur Murphy, of Oxford, passed away.

He and his wife Joan were devoted to each other for 63 years, and his devotion to her was one of the most remarkable aspects of his recent life. John was born in Philadelphia in 1931 and attended Germantown High School and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he met Joan. Post-graduation, he became a machinist and served in the Seabees during the Korean War in Cuba (Guantanamo Bay) and Newfoundland. He married Joan in 1953. Later, he attended Penn State University, where he studied business and management. He worked for many years at the United States Banknote Company, initially holding several positions as a manager. Then, without a formal engineering degree, he became their Vice President of Engineering and served in that role for many years. He was both an engineering and currency expert. He had a technical, sharp mind and expected others to hold themselves to the same high standard he held for himself, but was also witty and warm.

At home, he was not only a devoted husband, but also a dedicated, wise and loving father to his three children. Outside of work and family, he was a creative individual, skilled with woodworking, leather working, stained glass, and gardening. He was also a very talented lifelong singer, first as a boy soprano at several big Philadelphia churches, and then as a baritone soloist and bass singer in many different ensembles and at every church he ever attended. He was committed to his faith, and volunteered his time on many Lutheran church committees over the years. Beyond his work, home and church life, he and his wife loved to travel, and they trailered their way through most of the United States.

He will be missed by his wife, Joan; his three children, Judi (husband Bob), John (wife Dori) and Joy (husband Doug); and his grandchildren, Noelle and Aliza. Family and friends are invited to a service on Feb. 27 at the Community of Love Lutheran Church (117 N. Fourth St., Oxford). The service will be at 11 a.m., with calling time from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.  

ZELLA MAE TEEL

Zella Mae Teel, 82, of Quarryville, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 22 at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community.

She was the wife of the late Elmer Teel, and was preceded in death by her first husband, James “Jim” Wood. Born in Bluff City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Paul and Nola Ruth Cagle Carr. She was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Zella was an avid southern cook, and loved her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane Boyd (Chuck) of Quarryville; one son, Robert Paul Wood of Maryland; one grandson, Brandon Boyd; two step-grandchildren, Aaron Boyd and Leah Boyd Owens; and two brothers, Bill Carr (Ruth) of West Grove, and Ben (Michele) Carr of Landenberg.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Feb. 27 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church (303 W. Christine Rd., Nottingham), where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to noon.  Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.