MARGARET O'SULLIVAN

Margaret (Maggie) Ann O’Sullivan, 18, of Kennett Square, died on April 20 at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., from complications due to a flu-like virus. 

Born in Norwalk, Conn., she was the daughter of Joseph S. and Cheryl Szabaday O’Sullivan. Maggie was a ray of sunshine and activist who fought for equality and acceptance for all. She was loved by those who were fortunate enough to know her and will not be forgotten. Maggie was a proud 2017 graduate of Kennett High School, where she was a National Honor Society member, class treasurer, junior prom queen, and a participant of the Feminist Club, marching band, swim team, and softball team, among many other activities. She was about to finish her freshman year at Wake Forest, where she was a Dean’s List student and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Survivors include her parents; her brother P.J. O’Sullivan, a junior at Dartmouth College; her grandmothers, Roberta J. O’Sullivan of Kennett Square and Lina Dolores Mattiello of Mahwah, N.J.; two aunts, Jane O’Sullivan of West Africa and Sara O’Sullivan of Manhattan, N.Y.; and one uncle, Doug Szabaday of Midland Park, N.J. Maggie is also missed by her extended family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as her dear friends both at home and at Wake Forest.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on April 29 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. April 30, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square.  

Cheryl and Joe will host a celebration of Maggie’s life on June 15 at 4 p.m. at their home in Kennett Square. If Maggie touched your life, you are welcome to join. Your stories and memories are welcomed and encouraged. In lieu of food or flowers, the family asks you to consider contributing a memorial donation to Kennett Friends of Music. Funds received will be used to create an annual award for a graduating student in Maggie’s honor. It will be named the Maggie O’Sullivan Ray of Light Award. If you wish to donate, make checks payable to Friends of Music and mail to Kennett High School, 100 E South Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. If there are any questions, contact Kristi Skross Morgan at [email protected].  To view Maggie’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com. 

 

RUTH ANN CRAMPTON

Ruth Ann Crampton, 75, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 15 at her residence.

She was the wife of Clifford B. Crampton, who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared over 30 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late John N. Jackson and the late Margaret Snowden. She was a program technician at Agilent Technology (Hewlett-Packard), retiring in 2007 after 33 years of service. Ruth Ann was a competitive bowler and bowled in many tournaments. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, barbecues and family functions, was an Philadelphia sports fan, and especially enjoyed tennis, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Michael A. Crampton; four brothers, John H. Jackson of Toughkenamon, Wilson Jackson of Kennett Square, Robert A. Jackson of Colorado, and James R. Jackson and his wife Melissa of Bear, Del.; three sisters, Joyce J. Anderson and her husband William of Avondale, Betty J. Jackson of Kennett Square, and Rosalind Jackson of Michigan; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter, Linda Crampton; one brother, William E. Jackson; and one sister, Mary Louise Jackson.

A funeral was held April 23. Burial was in the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

HELEN B. GALLAGHER

Helen Baker Gallagher, 97, of Oxford, passed away on April 3 at Calvert Manor Nursing Home in Rising Sun, Md.

Born at home in 1920 at White Rock, Lancaster County, she was the daughter of the late Harry M. and Alice (Wicks) Baker. She is survived by sons Walter M. Gallagher, Jr. (Mary), and Charles L. Gallagher (Darlene); four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

She attended Solanco schools for 11 years and graduated from Oxford High School in 1939. During World War II, Helen worked at the munitions factory in Elkton, Md., later at Bainbridge Naval Base in Port Deposit, and retired from the Army Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md. She was proud to be a long-serving member of the ladies Auxiliary to the Union Fire Company in Oxford, and the Order of the Eastern Star in Oxford. An animal caretaker, Helen would always rescue a stray. She especially loved her dog, Star. She enjoyed painting, creating and firing ceramics, and was an avid dollmaker. Many of her creations are enjoyed by family and friends in the area.

At the discretion of the family, services were private.

JONAS PETERSON

Jonas Peterson, 85 of West Grove, passed away on April 13 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois F Peterson, with whom he was married to for 61 years.  He was born in 1932 in Poplar, N.C. He was the son of the late Samuel and Tex Peterson and was the youngest of 13 children. Jonas worked for NVF Paper Company in Yorklyn, Del., for over 30 years. He loved to play the guitar and sing gospel songs. He was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. He was a loyal Phillies fan. He enjoyed whittling, listening to bluegrass, and was the best horseshoe player in Chester County.

He is survived by four daughters, Sheila Jo Peterson of Avondale, Joyce Peterson of Hesperia, Calif., Ima Jean Peterson of Avondale, Mary Lou Visser of North East, Md.; one son, Jonas Peterson, Jr., of West Grove; special friend of the family Ken Barker of Avondale; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles Peterson of West Grove. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, April Burnett.

A funeral was held April 20. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

FRANCES FERRANTO

Frances Ferranto, 73, of Kennett Square, died on April 16 at the Pocopson Home in West Chester after a long illness.

Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late Pietro Ferranto and the late Anna Rita (Macellaro) Ferranto. Frances was a longtime resident of Kennett Square and a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick Church. She graduated from Kennett High School and started her career at J.B. Swayne Mushroom, where she worked for 35 years. Her love of the outdoors was evident with her small vegetable garden and her beautiful display of seasonal flowers which adorned her yard in the borough. It was fitting that she later completed her career working at Longwood Gardens. She enjoyed life as a borough resident, where you would regularly see her taking morning walks with friends and volunteering for local charities including The Mushroom Festival. Frances was a sun worshiper and had done so in many places around the globe.

She travelled extensively and was always eager for a new adventure. Other hobbies included ceramics and playing cards with friends. Frances was a loving daughter, sister and aunt, opening up her home to two generations of nieces and nephews.

She is survived by one sister, Loretta Battaglia of Landenberg; one brother, Robert Ferranto, Sr., of Avondale; Godmother to Leslie Brooks Bernens (Joe), Julianne Toto, and the late Robert Ferranto, Jr.; nieces and nephews, LouAnn BascianiToto, Linda Brooks Wanex (Bruce), Peter Ferranto (Kim), Gale Ferranto Coon (Bill), Eileen Palmer Ferranto, and Jennifer Ferranto and their children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Anna Marie (Dolly) Basciani Brooks; and brother, Louis Ferranto, both of Avondale.

A funeral was held April 20. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to The Mushroom Festival (In memo: Mushroom Run & Fun Walk), P.O. Box 1000, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

DOLORES ANN NOBILE KEATING

Dolores Ann Nobile Keating, 87, of Kennett Square, died on April 15 at the Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, N.C.

She was the wife of the late Donald Francis Keating, who died in 2000, and with whom she shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Columbia, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Michael and the late Carmella (Russo) Nobile. Dolores graduated from Millersville University with a BA in English. She was a teacher and retired from Kennett Consolidated School District. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Antoinette Keating Hilyard of Ruther Glen, Va.; three sons, Kevin Keating (Nora) of Cochranville, Donald F. Keating (Donna) of Avondale, and Sean Keating (Kelly) of Jacksonville, N.C.; and eight grandchildren.

A service was held April 21. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Consolation Church, 603 W. 2nd Ave., Parkesburg, PA 19365. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MICHAEL A. MOSES

Michael Arrin Moses, 60, of New Castle, Del., passed away on April 15.

Born in 1958 in West Chester to the late Warren G. and Theola A. Moses, Michael graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1977. He married Maria Bennett in 1989. Together, they raised three children.

Michael served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by NVF in Yorklyn, Del., General Motors in Boxwood, Del., and the Philadelphia Ship Yard. Michael’s most gratifying job was doing maintenance in the development where he lived for 23 years. He took pride in his neighborhood and loved spending time with his neighbors. He was a very passionate fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles. He also enjoyed drag racing, and was an avid fisherman, never missing opening day.

Michael is survived by his wife, Maria, and children Michael Moses and Janine Moses, both of New Castle, Del.; stepson Jim Bennett of Wilmington, Del.; and two grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Raymond Moses (Rose); and one sister, Ada Prigg (Clyde) of Lincoln University, Pa.; one sister-in-law, Frances Moses of Wilmington, Del.; two aunts, Edna Hymes of Silver Spring, Md., and Beverly Hymes of Madison, Wis.; one uncle, Ray Moses of Petersburg, Va.; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his eldest brother, George Moses.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 5 at Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford), PA 19363, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

IRENE PUSEY STRODE

Irene Pusey Strode, 102, of Oxford, formerly of Avondale, passed away on April 16 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late James Hudders Porter and Anna L. Dague Porter.

Irene graduated with a B.S. in education from Penn State University, where she met her husband, the late Horace H. Pusey. Together they had three children, Marjorie (Howard) Hall of Ovid, N.Y., Phyllis (the late Richard) Biddle of Lower Gwynedd, Pa., and James (Penny) Pusey of Raeford, N.C.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her second husband, Paul R. Strode. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Coxl; and brother-in-law, William Cox.

She owned and operated, with her late husband, Horace H. Pusey and Sidney Handy, the J. Norman Pusey Company Hardware Store in Avondale. She also taught at Craig Ridgeway School in Coatesville until she started her family. Irene was a member and past trustee of New Garden Friends Meeting, member of Avon-Grove Women’s Club, Avondale Mother’s Club and the Auxiliary Board of Ware Presbyterian Village. She was a past board Member of Jennersville Regional Hospital and The Friends Home in Kennett Square.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. May 12 at Ware Presbyterian Village Health Center Chapel (7 E. Locust St., Oxford). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Friends Home in Kennett, 47 West State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348 c/o Christine McDonald. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

KERMIT K. HAMPTON

Kermit Keith Hampton, 61, of Trade, Tenn., passed away on April 20 at his residence.

He was born in Wilmington, Del., in 1956 to the late Kermit Dwight Hampton and Betty Lou Campbell Hampton. Kermit enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 23 years, Nancy Hampton; daughters, Toni Stella of Oxford, and Nicole Hampton of Hot Springs, Va.; son, Keith D. Hampton of Roanoke, Va.; stepdaughter, Samantha Fuentes of Boone, N.C.; and several grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

MARGARET FORSYTHE BAKER

Margaret Forsythe Baker, 91, passed away on April 22.

Known to her friends and family as Peg, she demonstrated her interest in social justice through her active involvement in a variety of community programs in the Kennett Square area. A few of these included After the Bell, Bridging and the Kennett Area Food Cupboard. An avid Scrabble player, her favorite word was “Empathy,” which she showed daily. A math major, Peg graduated from Rutgers Douglass College.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Baker; and daughter, Barbara Ann Baker. She is survived by her two children, Joan Castleman and John Baker, their spouses William Castleman and Mary Baker; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A longtime member of Kennett Friends Meeting, Peg served on multiple committees. A focus of her service was advocating for at-risk populations. Her hobbies included participating in multiple activities at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community. Peg’s humor, wisdom and lemon squares will be missed.

A celebration of Peg’s life is planned for June. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kennett Square Area Food Cupboard, 136 W. Cedar St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

SARA ELIZABETH WHITE

Sara Elizabeth White, 24, of Kennett Square, died on April 22, 2018 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of Andrew M. and Margaret (Smith) White. Sara loved all types of music, but especially the Irish group Celtic Women and music from the 60s 70s and 80s. She also loved shopping, and her favorite cartoon shows were the Muppets and Fraggles. In her short life, Sara inspired all who knew and loved her. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and she will not be forgotten.

Survivors include, in addition to her parents, her paternal grandmother, Barbara White of Massena, N.Y.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Thomas C. and Betty H. Smith.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. April 28 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her life celebration service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to her gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/SaraWhiteMemorialFund. To view Sara’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.