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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of July 31

08/01/2017 12:56PM ● By J. Chambless

MARY LOUISE CALDWELL

Mary Louise Caldwell, 95, of Orange City, Fla., formerly of Chatham and Coatesville, passed away on June 27 in Orange City with her daughter Sally at her side.

Her husband of 59 years, Solomon Pusey Caldwell, predeceased her on July 1, 2005. Born in Chatham, Mary grew up on a dairy farm and was the daughter of the late William and Sarah Moore. Mary graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1943 with a B.S. degree in physical and health education. She then taught physical education in Claymont, Del., and the Coatesville Area School District.

She married Pusey in 1946. During their years together, they lived in Camden, N.J., Pittsburgh, Pa., Pampa, Texas, Coatesville, Pa., Newark, Del., Stuart, Fla., and Orange City, Fla. Mary lived at John Knox Retirement Village in Orange City since 2002, where she was very active, leading activities, and helping and serving others. Every August, she looked forward to coming to Pennsylvania to visit with her whole family at the Moore Family Reunion at London Grove Friends Meeting. She and Pusey enjoyed traveling, which took them to all 50 states, Europe and the Holy Land.

Mary was a birthright member of the Religious Society of Friends at the London Grove Meeting in London Grove. She loved the Lord and was an active member of the Presbyterian Church after her marriage. A member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg for 25 years, she taught Sunday school and was president of Presbyterian Women’s Association. She was active with Girl Scouts and Children’s Parents Club.

Mary is survived by two sons, John William Caldwell of West Chester, and Stephen Pusey Caldwell of Columbia, Md.; one daughter, Sarah Anne Lundy of Pasadena, Calif.; grandsons Tom and Andrew Caldwell; and great-grandchildren Bridget, Julia, and Finley. Granddaughter Allison predeceased Mary.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at London Grove Friends Meeting (500 W. Street Rd., Kennett Square). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Mary Caldwell to JKV Foundation – Benevolence Fund. Mail to JKV Foundation, 101 Northlake Drive, Orange City, FL 32763. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


JOHN R. MACHAMER, JR.

John Robert Machamer, Jr., better known as “Mock the Painter,” died at the age of 66 on July 24.

Best known for his quick wit and personality, Johnny enjoyed telling stories and cracking jokes. Always the entertainer, Johnny enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends at the Upland AC. Originally a union painter with Local 921, John continued to work into his retirement. However, the biggest part of John's life was his family. He spent most of his time with his devoted wife of 47 years, Teresa Machamer. On Friday nights, you could find them out to dinner, followed by dancing. John was especially proud of the family he and Teresa built together. He was always available to help or visit and enjoyed seeing his grandchildren playing sports or enjoying activities.

In addition to Teresa, he is survived by three children, Jodi (Zarrilli) Machamer, Terri Machamer, and Krista Bolmer and her husband Michael Bolmer; and his seven grandchildren, Matthew Zarrilli, Michael Bolmer, Jr., John (Jack) Zarrilli, John (Charlie) Machamer, Sara Zarrilli, Lilyanna Bolmer and Magnolia Bolmer. Johnny maintained a close relationship with his sibling, Tommy “Chico” Carrafa, Ronny Carrafa and Jude Morris.

Although Mock lived in Chadds Ford, he always considered Upland home A memorial service was held Aug. 1. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 N. Baker Station Rd., West Grove, PA 19390; or the Upland Fire Company, 1 Auburn Drive, Upland, PA 19015. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


L. GRACE EVERETT

L. Grace Everett, formerly of Oxford, passed away peacefully on July 25 in Chambersburg, Pa., where she lived for the past six years.

She was born in 1927 in Ashe County, N.C., to the late Reuben and Judy Dixon. She had several jobs throughout her life, including at Oxford Cabinet Mill in Oxford, Scarfo’s Restaurant in Nottingham, FMC in Kennett Square, and she retired from the Cyclop Corporation in Downingtown in 1996. Grace took pleasure in gardening, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. She was a member of the Oxford Church of the Nazarene, where she enjoyed helping pass out Sunday school bulletins and counting offerings each week.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Everett; and longtime companion, Harry Carr. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Mabel Dixon, Mattie Dixon, Mary Jones, Harvey Dixon, and Earsie Pennington. She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Lapp (wife of Richard), in Chambersburg, Pa., and Judy Whitaker (wife of Jim), in New Castle, Del. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Stacia Horton (wife of Aaron) in Chambersburg, Jason Summers (husband of Courtney) in Chambersburg, and Fred Whitaker of Smyrna, Del. She also had two great-granddaughters that she adored, Hailey and Makenna Horton, daughters of Stacia and Aaron.

A funeral was held July 29. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. A special thank you to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice in Chambersburg for helping care for Grace during her final weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ROBIN L. THOMSON

Robin L. Thomson, 50, of Coatesville, passed away on July 23 at her residence.

She was the wife of Michael L. Thomson, with whom she shared 10 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of Dolores Bailey Santiago of West Grove and the late Richard Santiago.

Robin was a self-employed house cleaner for 25 years, retiring in 2015. She attended the Safe Harbor Baptist Church. Robin was an animal lover. She enjoyed walking, boating, motorcycle riding, and being with her family and friends.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two brothers, Ricky Santiago and his wife Karen of Newark, Del., and Julius Santiago and his wife Florence of Newark, Del.; three sisters, Carmen Stoltzfus and her husband Roy of Lincoln University, Donna Oliver of Lincoln University, and Linda Pierce and her husband Paul of Peach Bottom, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

W visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). Her memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Safe Harbor Baptist Church, 478 Daleville Road, Cochranville, PA 19330. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


JOAQUIN AYLLON CORDOVA

Joaquin Ayllon Cordova, 64, of West Grove, passed away on July 27 at the Life Care Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Evelia Castaneda of West Grove. Born in Almoloya de Alquisiras, Mexico, he was the son of the late Soledad Ayllon and Petra Cordova. He was a maintenance worker at Kaolin Mushroom Farms, Kennett Square. He enjoyed working, helping others, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Pedro Ayllon Castaneda of Mexico and Mario Ayllon Castaneda of Newark, Del.; two daughters, Marisela Ayllon Castaneda of Virginia and Celina Ayllon Castaneda of West Grove; three brothers; two sisters; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at St. Rocco Catholic Church (313 Sunny Dell Rd., Avondale). His funeral mass will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Mexico. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.