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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 21

03/22/2016 08:53AM ● By J. Chambless

BETTY JANE PIERCE LETO

Betty Jane Pierce Leto, 91, of Kennett Square, died on March 11 at the Kendal Community in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Charles Leto, who died in 2012, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Phoenixville, she was a daughter of the late Norman A. and the late Sidney (Williamson) Pierce. In addition to raising four boys and three grand girls, Betty was a registered nurse, working for Chester County Hospital and retiring from Kendal at Longwood after over 25 years. She enjoyed cooking and gardening, and volunteered for the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Cancer Society, and was active at the Willowdale Chapel and local political campaigns.

Survivors include four sons, Keith (Sandy) of Harrisburg, Timothy (Janice) of Chadds Ford-Kennett Square, Larry of Chadds Ford-Kennett Square, and Thomas of Kennett Square; two brothers, William of Wilmington, Del., and Hubert of New Tripoli, Pa.; six grandchildren, Nicholas, Craig, Ben, Amy, Audrey and Abby; and six great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Emily, Charlie, Steven, Torin and Isabella. She was predeceased by four brothers, Alfred, Norman, Samuel, and Harry; and two sisters, Dora and Sydney.

A funeral was held March 19. Interment was in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

PATRICK CUBEL

Patrick Cubel, 24, of Oxford, passed away on March 12 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

Born in Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif., he was the son of Valerie Laird Cubel of Columbia, Md., and Patrick Allen Cubel of San Diego, Calif. Patrick loved music, cars, fishing, and his family, especially his two young children. He was well known for his warm and friendly nature, and his ability to find the humor in any situation, even if the laugh was at his own expense. Patrick was a giving, caring person who lived his life like an adventure and never shied away from a challenge. He will be sorely missed among his many loving friends and family.

Patrick is survived by his parents; his children, Lillian and Gavin Cubel; and companion Lacey Poorman of Wilmington, Del.; his siblings, Valerie D. Jerger of Kennett Square, Jonathon P. Wolske of Bear, Del., Amanda M. Cubel of Oxford, Nicole Strickland and Sarah Cubel, both of Fair Play, Ga.; and paternal grandfather, Ray Cubel of Indianapolis, Ind.

A funeral was held March 17. In lieu of flowers, an education trust fund has been established for Patrick’s children with Navy Federal Credit Union. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ISABEL MARIE MORLANDO

Isabel Marie Morlando, 72, of Cochranville, passed away March 13 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of Andrew Morlando, Jr. Born in Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Lucy Benedeto Oliviera. Isabel was employed with Siemens in Malvern in the Insurance Claims and Medical Billing Department. After retiring, she was a cafeteria aide in the Octorara School District. She loved the beach, shopping and gardening.

She is survived by her husband; three sons, Andrew Morlando (Barbara) of Atglen, Joseph M. Morlando of West Chester, and Russell F. Morlando of Hudson, Wis.; three grandsons, Andrew T., Ryan T., and Jacob M. Morlando; and one granddaughter, Lauren M. Morlando.

A funeral was held March 18. Interment was in Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to KenCrest, 521 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WALTER J. WINTHER

Walter J. Winther died peacefully of natural causes on March 14.

He was 89 years old and predeceased by Shirley, his wife of 68 years. Walt was born in Philadelphia, and after graduation from Frankford High, he joined the Navy and was trained as a gunner in the TBF Avenger. He attended the Wharton School and became the comptroller of Matlack Trucking prior to becoming owner and president of Delaware Express Trucking in Elkton, Md.

He is survived by his son, Robert; daughters, Janice and Jacqueline; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life plans are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Safe Harbor of West Chester, 20 N Matlack St., West Chester, PA 19380 (610-692-6550, www.safeharborofgwc.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.donohuefuneralhome.com.

GARY A. CLANTON

Gary Alan Clanton, 48, of West Grove, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 14 of natural causes at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Gary L. and Lois J. Griest Clanton of West Grove. Alan loved to travel and spent many vacations in the South with his Uncle Lance and extended family, also in California. He enjoyed country music and had met many country music stars. He was an amazing swimmer with an unique ability to hold his breath swimming underwater for long periods of time. He brought joy to his family his entire life and will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his parents; three siblings, Anthony Clanton and his wife Jacqueline of West Grove, Allison Marlene Clanton of West Grove, and Ashley Noelle Clanton of Santa Fe, N.M.; and maternal grandmother, Josephine Griest of Quarryville.

Funeral services were held March 19. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Adult Care of Chester County, 500 Old Forge Lane, Ste. 503, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

NELSON LUGO

Nelson Lugo, 67, of West Grove, passed away on March 16 at his home.

He was the husband of Jacqueline Serrano Lugo, with whom he shared 29 years of marriage. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Nelson and Teresa Lugo Vazquez. Nelson was a member of St. Agnes Church in West Chester. He was employed with United Technologies in Lionville. He loved boating, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and gardening.

He is survived by his wife; four sons, Nelson Lugo, Jr., of Wilmington, Del., Oscar Lugo of Wilmington, Del., Eric Lugo (Dely) of Coatesville, and Frank A. Claudio of Kirkwood; three daughters, Shirley Rodriguez (Milthon) of Downingtown, Emily Lugo (Mark Lewis) of West Chester, and Janet Quintana (Angel) of Lake Mary, Fla.; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Hilda Hernandez of Puerto Rico. and Miriam Melendez of Wilmington, Del.

A prayer service was held March 22. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SOFIA ELLIOTT

Sofia Elliott, 95, of Upper Chichester, passed away peacefully on March 15 at the Friends Home in Kennett Square, with her family by her side

Sofia “Aunt Sof” was the co-owner of Elliott Machine Company that she and her husband started in 1950. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman"Buss" Elliott; parents, Anastasia and Theodore Nychypor; and siblings, John Nychypor, Sr., and Eva Schrass. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews; and her beloved greyhound Heidi, which brought her great joy and companionship. Services and burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JUDITH ANN BOWERS BODDY

Judith Ann Bowers Boddy, daughter of the late Vance Franklin Bowers and Helen Josephine Anderson Bowers, was born in Philadelphia in 1947. She departed this world on the morning March 17, 2016. She was the eldest of three children.

Judy, as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Oxford Area School District, where she graduated in 1964. Throughout her working career, she was employed by Lincoln University, DuPont, University of Delaware, and Visiting Nurses Association, to name a few. She had a number of friends at these places of employment, in particular at DuPont, where she worked for more than 20 years.

In her spare time, Judy enjoyed working on crafts. Flower arrangements of every variety, greeting cards, and decorative wreaths were some of her trademark items that she prepared for craft shows and in home gatherings. Her creativity will live on in the craft items that are still in many of our houses.

Judith is survived by her only child, Traci Selene Boddy, Wilmington, Del.; her younger brother, Vance Franklin Bowers, Jr. and sister-in-law, Kip Kline Bowers of Bear Del.; a niece, Victoria Helen Bowers of Philadelphia; her caring former husband, Robert Wilson Boddy of Wilmington, Del.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Steven Alexander Bowers.

Services were private. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Judith’s name to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RUTH ANNA WILSON

Ruth Anna (Ritchie) Wilson, 91, of Lincoln University, passed away on March 18 at Jennersville Regional Hospital with her family by her side.

Born in Chester Springs, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Nellie Woodworth Ritchie. She was the wife of the late Edmund Wilson. Ruth worked as a housekeeper at Jennersville Regional Hospital for over 15 years. She was a member of the Oxford Senior Club, the West Grove Senior Club and the XYZ Club. She enjoyed butterflies, birds -- especially Cardinals -- long rides in the country and her Saturday afternoon luncheons. She also enjoyed watching game shows, National Geographic Channel, and was a diehard Phillies fan.

Ruth is survived by her three sons, Edmund (Vicki) of Oxford, Gary (Debbie) of Oxford, and Gerry (Teresa) of Lincoln University; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren ;and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service on March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Ruffenach Funeral Home (224 Penn Ave., Oxford). Family and friends may call on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Oxford Senior Center, 12 E. Locust St.,Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.

JAMES D. HORGAN

James D. Horgan, 70, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at home on March 15 after a lengthy illness.

Jim and his wife Cynthia settled in West Grove in 1971, where they raised two daughters, Molly and Maggie. Jim started his own carpentry contracting business in 1972, and in 1978-1979, he and Cynthia designed and built a passive solar, energy-efficient house in Penn Township with a lot of help from family, friends, and especially Roger Martin (now deceased), then an 18-year-old Avon Grove High School graduate, who went on to work with Jim until Jim’s retirement about 33 years later. Jim lived in that home with his wife until his death.

Jim spent much of his spare time in the spring and summer working in his organic vegetable garden, which expanded almost every year. He gave away lots of extra vegetables to family and friends, as well as local community food cupboards. Jim’s other spare-time passion over the years was tennis, which he played quite competitively in his day.

Jim thoroughly enjoyed granddaughters Olivia and Gracie as they were growing up. Jim contributed to the community in a number of ways over the years: Helping to build playground equipment at the old Avon Grove Elementary School, being a Big Brother, doing some carpentry projects for the Neighborhood Services Center Thrift Shop in Oxford, doing volunteer work along with Cynthia for the Kennett Symphony, and donating produce from his garden to local food cupboards.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia; daughters Molly Johnson of Oxford, and Margaret (Maggie) of Naples, Fla.; as well as his granddaughters Olivia and Grace Johnson of Oxford. Also surviving are his siblings, Sister Ancille Horgan of St. Francis, Wis., Carolyn Ninneman, of LaCrosse, Wis., Edward Horgan (Myrna) of Plover, Wis., Kathleen Hoerter (Robert) of Pella, Iowa, and Kenneth Horgan (Maxine) of Mountain View, Mo.; 17 nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Robert E. Kane of of Bowdoinham, Maine.

Visitation will be held on April 2 at Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rosehill Rd., West Grove) from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and a memorial service will be held from 11:30 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a small organic garden – or even a few tomato plants – in Jim’s memory.

WILMA L. HAYWORTH

Wilma L. Hayworth, 86, of Rising Sun, Md., formerly of Nottingham, passed away March 21 at Calvert Manor Health Care Center in Rising Sun, Md.

She was the wife of the late Offie Hayworth, Sr., and was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence Sanchez. Born in Rhodell, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Virginia Brown Shutt. Wilma enjoyed playing bingo.

She is survived by one daughter, Ann Shaw Brammer (Buddy) of Little River, S.C.; one granddaughter, Lynn Miller (Keith) of Quarryville; three great-grandchildren, Thomas Bennett in the Air Force, Taylor Bennett of Oxford, and Travis Bennett of Quarryville; and one sister, Mary Green of Beckley, W.Va. She was preceded in death by a brother, Carson Shutt; and sister, Lucille Pritchett.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. March 24 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (303 W. Christine Rd., Nottingham). In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

BERNARD C. FOSTER  

Bernard C. Foster, 80, of Avondale, passed away on March 21 at the Chester County Hospital.  

He was the husband of Kathleen Corcoran McHale Foster, with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. His first wife, Margaret Brockson Foster, passed away in 1998. Born in Danville, Pa., he was the son of the late Bernard J. and Mary Evelyn Moll Foster. He was a dispatcher at the Sun Refinery in Marcus Hook for many years, retiring in 1998. He was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove, and was a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Association. He was a past Mayor and Council Member of Sharon Hill, Pa., and was a former volunteer firefighter at the Briarcliffe Fire Company. His biggest joy was being with his family. 

He is survived by four sons, Joseph Foster (Elizabeth), John “Jack” Foster (Mary), James Foster, and Michael Foster (Donna); three daughters, Mary McGee,  Bernadette Wessels (Greg Tadduni) and Kathleen Dolan (Brendon);  three brothers, Daniel Foster, Martin Foster, John Foster; two sisters, Judith Cute and Susan Driscoll; 18 grandchildren, Luke, Grace, Caitlyn, John, Jenna, Katherine, Jillian, Megan, Michael, Thomas, Jamie, Kevin, Jacqueline, Margaret, Brigid, Peter, Monica and Justin; and two great-grandchildren, Gianna and Darcy. He was predeceased by one grandson, Matthew.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 8 to 9:45 a.m. on March 28 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in  Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Kennett Area Community Service (Kennett Food Cupboard), 136 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square, PA  19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.