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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of June 25

06/26/2018 10:35AM ● By J. Chambless

PATRICIA L. JONES

Patricia L. Jones, 76, of Oxford, passed away on June 18 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

She was the wife of Gary B. Jones, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Patricia retired in 1997 from Chrysler in Newark, Del. She enjoyed her grandchildren, her cat and shopping.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Taunya James (Jonathan) of Bangor, Maine, and Danielle Jones (Dion) of Oxford; one son, Gary A. Jones (Jennie) of Oxford; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one brother, Roger Tate of Florida.… She was preceded in death by a brother, Grant Tate; and father-in-law, Leonard Jones.

A service was held June 23. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 42 S. Fifth St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ERNEST R. GIESE

Ernest R. Giese, 78, of Avondale, formerly of Philadelphia, died on June 13 in Avondale.

He was the devoted husband of the late Edith A. Giese, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in 1939 in Philadelphia, Ernie was the son of Ernest and Matilda Giese (Sefcik). He graduated from Central High School in 1957, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Albright College in 1961, and a Master of Science degree in education from Temple University in 1964. Ernie was fluent in sign language, and a teacher of deaf and hearing-impaired adolescents for over 40 years. During the summer months he was affectionately known as Uncle Ernie at the Episcopal Academy Day Camp in Merion, where he specialized as a campcraft and boy’s group counselor for 40 years. A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, Ernie enjoyed playing a good game of tennis and cards, and lulling his children to sleep with his idiosyncratic renderings of Chopin’s preludes and etudes. He loved the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, where he introduced two generations of youngsters into the art and spirit of fishing, canoeing, and mountain climbing. His good nature put everyone around him at ease; he was quick with a smile and always ready to lend a hand.

Survivors include his son Ken Giese and partner Cecille Cabigon of Glenside; his daughter Laura Judd and husband Christopher Judd of Avondale; three grandchildren; and sister Roberta Perini of Cinnaminson, N.J.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held for Ernie at the Auburn Heights Preserve on June 30 at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for those who were touched by Ernie’s life to share their memories. The Preserve is at 3000 Creek Road in Yorklyn, Del. For GPS purposes, use 3000 Creek Road, Hockessin, Del.   Contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (email: [email protected]), PO Box 65, Keene Valley, NY 12943. To view Ernie’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


DEBORAH S. ROBERTS

Deborah S. Roberts, of Landenberg, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on June 20.

Debby was the founder of Nonantum Veterinary Clinic. She was devoted to her patients, their families and to her colleagues. Debby’s passion for her work was evident to everyone around her. That passion was second only to her love for her family.

Debby was born Deborah Bruce Smith in 1952, the daughter of Bernard E. Smith, Jr., and Leonore Smart Smith of Bedford, N.Y. Her childhood love for animals never diminished, and in 1976 she enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1978, Debby married Kenneth J. Roberts of Avondale. Soon they purchased their farm in Landenberg and celebrated the arrival of their first child. In 1981, Kenny sold a prized cow in order to pay Debby’s final tuition bill before her graduation from vet school. Together, Debby and Kenny built Nonantum Veterinary Clinic, Debby with her plans and Kenny with his hands. The clinic opened in 1983.

The success of Nonantum Veterinary Clinic was a source of great satisfaction, pride and happiness for Debby. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Debby and Kenny raised three boys on their farm at Nonantum. The boys, like their parents, are committed to the land and they have remained in Landenberg, working on the farm or managing the clinic.

Debby is survived by her husband, Kenneth J. Roberts; her children, Jonathan W. Roberts, Bernard B. and Andrea Roberts, Kenneth P. and Cindy Roberts; and by six grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother and by five sisters.

Services at Avondale Presbyterian Church will be on July 7.  Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Debby’s family would appreciate a donation to the Veterinary Care Foundation. The link can be found at Nonantum’s home page (www.nonantumvet.com). Alternatively, donations can be made by check to: London Britain Township Land Trust, c/o London Britain Twp, PO Box 215, Kemblesville, PA 19347. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


EVA POGONYI

Eva Pogonyi, of the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on June 14 at the age of 93.

Known to her family as Nagyi, she immigrated from Budapest, Hungary, in 1956 with her husband Tibor and two sons, Miklos and Andrew. They lived in their Mt. Airy home for over 56 years. Eva was an accomplished concert pianist and shared her love of music as a piano teacher for many young students. She also turned her love of animals into a successful dog walking enterprise. Eva loved her family and especially loved to entertain family on weekends with her wonderful Hungarian cooking.

Eva is predeceased by her husband Tibor, and her eldest son, Miklos. She is survived by her son Andrew, his wife Julie; grandson Ryan and his wife Meredith; granddaughter Christa and her husband Paul; granddaughter Kate and her husband Drew; granddaughter Kelsey; and six great-grandchildren.

Her service and burial were private. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


DANIEL J. MARGIST, SR.

Daniel James Margist, Sr., 58, of Oxford, passed away on June 23 at his home.

He was the husband of Jacquelyn McHale Margist. Born in Ridley Park, he was the son of Leda Glenn Widdoes of Oxford, and James Henry Margist of Florida. Daniel was the former owner of Bread and Butter Catering and Numzee’s Tavern in Oxford. He was a member and past Master of Lodge No. 353 F&AM, and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2666, both of Oxford. Daniel was a great husband, father and son. Loved by all, he was the first one to volunteer to help someone.

He is survived by wife; parents; two sons, Daniel James Margist, Jr., of Polk City, Fla., and Joseph (Tiffany) Margist of Bartow, Fla.; one stepson, Robbie Mullen of Paradise; two sisters, Lisa (Kerry) Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla., and Michelle (Thomas) Hartley of Oxford; two brothers, James (April) Margist of New Providence, and Michael (Kathleen) Widdoes of Oxford; numerous distant siblings; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. June 29 at the Oxford Masonic Lodge (246 N. Third St., Oxford), where family and friends may visit from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Oxford Masonic Lodge, 246 N. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363; or Oxford Football Boosters, P.O. Box 195, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DOROTHY MAY GRIMES

Dorothy May Grimes, 76, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at her home on June 22.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin R. and Dorothy Elizabeth Alburger Sauselein. Dorothy graduated from William Penn High School, Class of 1959. She was employed with Delmarva Power and Light, retiring after 17 years of service. Dorothy was a member of Octoraro Chapter No. 463 Order of Eastern Star, Oxford, for 30 years. After retiring, Dorothy enjoyed quiet times, Sunday afternoons with family, church, and above all, she was a devoted grandmother.

She is survived by four daughters, Kathy May and her fiancé Steve Walton of Cochranville, Diane Keen and her husband Tony of Conowingo, Md., Linda Lockard and her husband James of North East, Md., and Janet Byington and her husband Thomas of North East, Md.; five grandsons; a great-granddaughter; one brother, Benjamin Sauselein and his wife Nancy of Port Deposit, Md.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Kevin Hadwin and Randall Smith; a granddaughter, Sabrina Lockard; and a brother, Beau William Sauselein.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. June 30 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 10:55 a.m. An Eastern Star Service will be held Saturday at 10:55 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SHERIDAN OSBORNE

Sheridan Osborne, 85, of West Grove, passed away June 24 at home, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Joan McGinley Osborne, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Creston, N.C., he was the son of the late Henry and Minnie Mahala Osborne. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. He retired from Delchester Oil Company in West Chester, and the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Joseph Cooper (Laura) of West Grove, Jerry Osborne (Susan) of Stanton, Del., and Keith Osborne (Eva) of New Castle, Del.; one daughter, Sandy Fiumara (late husband, Mike); 12 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Odell Osborne of Avondale; and one sister, Ola Roark of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tracey and Eula Osborne; and two sisters, Zell Lewis and Maebel Price.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 30 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.