LYDIA J. BOWERS

Mrs. Lydia J. Bowers (nee Wolf), wearer of many hats (literally), evangelist, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and matriarch, received her crown on Sept. 20 at the age of 91 at Ware Presbyterian Village. 

She was born in 1928 in Oxford, and was a lifelong resident of the Oxford area. She attended the Oxford Area Schools. She loved preaching and teaching, and began her religious call at Shiloh, previously Second Presbyterian Church. She was licensed to preach the gospel through the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World under the direction of her brother-in-law, Bishop Paul A Bowers (deceased). She was an active member of Greater Works (formerly Christ Temple) in Kennett Square and later her current church, Apostolic Church of Oxford under Pastor James Davis. Evangelist Bowers was a former member of Rachael Tent No. 29 of Oxford.

She held many jobs throughout her life, including working at the bookstore at Lincoln University and later retiring from Herr’s Foods. She was a Sunday school teacher and choir member at Second Presbyterian Church. She was a volunteer at Ware Presbyterian Village and received two Certificates of Recognition. “Aunt Liddy,” as she was affectionately called, was well known for her apple pies.

Evangelist Bowers was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann Mapp; her husband of 54 years, Raleigh; brothers John P. Wolf, Sr., and Rodney Nixon; and her maternal aunts and uncles Margaret, Lydia, James and John. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Samuel (Vicky), Barry (Sheila), Barbara (William), Raleigh Jr. (Robin), Russell (Jackie) and Gloria (David); her 15 grandchildren; a host of great-great-grandchildren; two nephews, John P. Wolf, Jr., and Michael Wolf; one brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Sister Marguerite and Sister Judy.

A service was held Sept. 30. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CARL F. BLAND

On Sept. 28, Carl Frederick Bland, 30, loving son and big brother, passed away following a car accident.

Born in 1989 in Newark, Del., Carl was a man of many trades and worked successfully as an auto technician at Rafferty Subaru in Newtown Square. An accomplished ice hockey player, Carl also liked to tinker and build everything from Legos and puzzles as a little boy to motorcycles later on. “Crazy” Carl, known for his loyalty and contagious smile, could often be found chilling, listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers and tending plants.

Carl is survived by his mother, Carol Lorah Bland; father, John R. Bland; and little sister, Rachel Lorah Bland; grandparents M. Virginia Lorah, Robert C. and Mary A. Bland; and numerous loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and stepfamily.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Kennett Friends Meeting (125 W. Sickle St., Kennett Square). Burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, Carl would often “pay it forward” and you are encouraged to do the same.

VIOLET M. PEREZ

Violet M. Perez, 90, of Kennett Square, died peacefully on Sept. 22 at Ware Presbyterian, surrounded by her family.

She was born in 1929, in Smyrna, Del., the daughter of the late George and Thelma Warrington. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Quino Perez-Alonzo, to whom she was faithfully dedicated.

Violet, alongside her husband, owned and operated Perez Garage for over 47 years. They were recognized as being the first Hispanic business owners in their hometown of Kennett Square. She enjoyed many things, such as country line dancing with close family and friends, playing cards with anyone that was interested, and listening to Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline and Alan Jackson, to name a few. She was also very involved in the sport of roller skating, making uniforms, traveling and attending events for almost 40 years. Those who knew Violet will remember her as a kind, outgoing and feisty woman who made friends wherever she went.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Davis; son and daughter-in-law John and April Davis; daughter and son-in-law Tammi and Dulcilio Ramos; son and daughter-in-law Quino and Joy Alonzo; and son and daughter-in-law Sesario and Marissa Alonzo. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children, Richard C. Davis Jr, Terrance R. Davis, and Brenda L. Duff.

A service was held Sept. 29. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

MA. GUADALUPE LOPEZ CORTES

Ma. Guadalupe Lopez Cortes, 85, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 23 at her residence. 

She was the wife of Salomon Lopez, who passed away in 2014. Born in Moroleon, GTO, Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Alberto Lopez and the late Isidora Cortes. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church, and she enjoyed gardening, the outdoors, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by four sons, J. Jesus Lopez of California, Jose Manuel Lopez of Mexico, J. Trinidad Lopez of Mexico and Miguel Angel Lopez of Chicago, Ill.; six daughters, Maria Lopez of Chicago, Ill., Ma. Carmen Lopez of Kennett Square, Ma de Los Angeles Lopez of Kennett Square, Ma. Guadalupe Lopez of Chicago, Ill, Ma Del Rosario Lopez of Kennett Square, and  Reyna Lopez of Kennett Square;  two brothers, Alfonso Lopez and Baltasar Lopez of Mexico;  four sisters, Luz Lopez of Mexico, Esperanza Lopez of Mexico, Carmen Lopez of California, and Fina Lopez of Mexico; 40 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

A service was held Sept. 27. Burial was at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

NICHOLAS F. CATANESE, JR.

Nicholas F. Catanese, Jr., 86, of Oxford, and formerly of Coatesville, died on Sept. 16 at Jenner's Pond in West Grove.

He was the husband of Naomi Robinson Catanese, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Nicholas F. and Rose Porreca Catanese. Nick was a 1951 graduate of Scott High School, where he was class vice president and continued being active in the class reunions and the Alumni Association. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. After his military service, he began working with various financial institutions, retiring in 2000 as a Regional Director of American General Finance. He was also a member of the Lions Club of Oxford.

Surviving him, in addition to his wife, Naomi, is a daughter, Ellen N. Hughes (Thomas); a son-in-law, Arthur Salatto; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynn Ann Catanese; and a sister, Geraldine Catanese.

A funeral was held Sept. 20. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery in Coatesville. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.harrismountain.com.

ALICE PATRICIA WILLIAMS

Alice Patricia “Pat” Williams, 76, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 26 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Alice Theilacker Madden. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Pat was a longtime employee at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood as an administrative assistant. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and creating memories with her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Michael Williams (Shirley) of Oxford; one daughter, Michelle Quinn of Oxford; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 2 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

KASIA AIST DAVIES

Kasia “Kay” Aist Davies, 72, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 27 at Crosslands in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of Donald V. Davies, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Newark, Del., she was the daughter of the late Wilmer Aist and the late Eileen Aist. Kay was a Chemist at the DuPont Company in Glasgow, Del. She enjoyed birds, plants, flowers, trees, and being with her family and friends. She was a gentle and quiet person and loved by all. She created beautiful artwork.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one brother, Kent Aist in Maryland; and one sister, Pamela Aist in Dedham, Mass. Kay’s services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.