KAY Z. ATKINSON

Kay Z. Atkinson, a resident of Kirkwood, Pa., died from pancreatic cancer on May 27 at home. She was 67.

Kay was born September 1952 in Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lois Vogt Ziegler and the late Dean F. Ziegler. She attended school in Lewistown, Pa., graduating in 1970. She graduated from Messiah College, Penn State University and Brandywine School of Nursing.

She married her current husband, Stephen R. Smith in 2012 and is also survived by three sons, Andrew T. Atkinson (Bethany), Lt. Co. Philip Z Atkinson (Maritza) and Major Mark B. Atkinson (Lisa) plus two step-sons, Alexander W. Smith (Leslie) and S. Andrew Smith (Laura). 

She had five grandchildren that she cherished and adored. 

Kay was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Theodore S. Atkinson in 2004, having shared 28 years of marriage. She was especially proud of her three sons, and thought they were her greatest accomplishment.

Surviving are her mother, Lois V. Ziegler, sister, Ann Z. Lauder (David) and brother, Paul D. Ziegler (Sonya). Her sister, Lucy Z. Wilson (David) died in 1992.

Kay was employed as a school teacher and registered nurse during her working years. She retired in January 2016. She taught in Northern York, Mifflin County, Solanco and Oxford school districts. She was a registered nurse at Ware Presbyterian Village, Brandywine River Valley Home Health and Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community.

Kay was active in Oxford Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and playing in the hand bell choir. She was a former deacon and elder and received an award for outstanding Presbyterian women. She volunteered at various events in community. 

She also enjoyed reading, sewing, traveling, gardening and time with family and friends. Kay had a gift for hospitality and service.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.   

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363. Kay’s last altruistic act was to the Human Gifts Registry.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford.

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

Susan C. Gold

 On Tuesday, May 26, Susan C. Gold, devoted wife and mother, succumbed to complications associated with Alzheimer’s while in the care of Calvert Manor Healthcare Center, Rising Sun, Maryland, at the age of 74.

Susan was born on March 19, 1946 to the late Sim C. Cronrath and Marion E. (Faux) Cronrath, in Watsontown Pennsylvania, where she also grew up.  As a child, Susan was active in her community, having a paper route, participating in girl scouts, and helping in her grandparent’s laundry business. In 1964, Susan graduated from Warrior Run High School, where she had been a straight-A student and Homecoming Queen.

In 1966, she and her husband Scott S. Gold II and young daughter, Brenda, moved to Oxford Pennsylvania when Scott had taken a teaching job at the local high school.  Upon arriving in Oxford, Susan became active with the local girl scouts serving not only as a junior troop leader and adult program trainer for many years, but also as a board member to the Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council. Susan maintained a lifetime membership with the Girl Scouts of the USA.  

After her son, Scott S. Gold III, was born, Susan continued to associate with a variety of community and school-related organizations.  She had been a member of the Contemporary Club, a local women’s civic organization. For 25 years she was the primary score keeper for the Oxford Area High School wrestling team, for which her husband served as the coach.  She became active as an American Red Cross volunteer and served as a community blood drive coordinator, in addition to donating blood regularly.  Once both of her children were in school, Susan also went back to school and earned her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Cecil College in Maryland. She later took a job outside of the home as a local mail carrier.  While in the postal system she took advantage of upward mobility programs and in 1985 she became the Postmaster of Kemblesville, PA where she served until 1997.   

Once retired from the postal system, Susan enjoyed assisting her husband with his wood crafts business.  She found much pleasure in the opportunities to travel and meet new people because of partnering in this fulfilling venture.  Additionally, she was able to devote her time once again to some of her favorite hobbies - sewing, crafting, and gardening.  Her love of sewing, which originated with the making of many dresses and outfits for Brenda as a child, also led her to turnout a wide variety of machine-stitched quilts in recent years for her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews.  

Some recent notable life experiences that Susan enjoyed talking about were: the cruise vacations she and Scott had taken with friends, ziplining in Saint Martin’s, walking on a glacier in Alaska, traveling the original rail routes up the White Pass to the Yukon gold fields, going to Ireland and kissing the Blarney Stone, traveling to Italy with her daughter Brenda, but most especially the pride and joy associated with being able to attend the many varied activities of her four grandchildren, Mallory, Connor, Gabrielle, and Zachary.

Susan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Scott S. Gold II, her children Brenda (Gold) Moran and Scott S. Gold III, grandchildren Mallory (Moran) Kaliner, Connor Moran, Gabrielle and Zachary Gold, and brother Roger W. Cronrath. She was preceded in death by her brother George R. Cronrath.  

A private memorial service will be held by the immediate family, with a celebration of life gathering for extended family and friends to be arranged for later.   In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/donate or give the gift of life and sign up to give blood at https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford.

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

MARGARET HARRIS COOK

Margaret Harris Cook, fondly known as Peg, peacefully left her worldly body and entered heaven on May 20 at Kendal at Longwood in Kennett Square. She was 89.

Peg was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Ben Cook, in 2011.  

Peg was born on May 24, 1931 to George and Philena Harris of West Grove.  She and her brothers attended Avon Grove High School. 

Ben and Peg were married in 1948 and resided in Landenberg for more than 50 years before moving to West Grove and then to Kennett Square.

She was a member of West Grove United Methodist Church.

In her early years, Peg worked in the school lunchroom at Avon Grove, later going to Goldey-Beacom College and ultimately retired as the director of admissions for Kendal at Longwood.

Peg is survived by her children, Dennis Cook of Toughkenamon, Thomas Cook (and wife Bonnie) of Lancaster, Pa. and Sandra Brackin Herbst (and husband Dan) of Landenberg. Surviving grandchildren are Sherry Silva (Chris), Michelle McConnell (Josh), Tom Cook (Dana), Kelli Bruzik (Chris), Dennis Cook (Karen), Kyle Hitchens (Amy), Brandon Cook and Kory Hitchens (Michelle), as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.

Peg was predeceased by her husband Ben and her brothers Francis Harris, Raymond Harris, Donald Harris, Robert Harris, and Roy Harris.

Interment will be private. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

MARY MARGARET DINORSCIA

Mary Margaret DiNorscia, age 97, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on May 21 while she was surrounded by her family at Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood in Kennett Square. 

She was the wife of Guy J. DiNorscia, who passed away in 1998, and with whom she spent 54 years of marriage.

She was born in Drexel Hill, Pa. and was the daughter of the late Pietro Antonio DeCicco and the late Antoinette Chicelli DeCicco.  Mary came to Kennett Square 77 years ago to marry the love of her life, Guy DiNorscia. Together, they made a life in Kennett Square. He was a mushroom farmer and she was a child caregiver in her home for over 34 years.  During those years, she cared for countless children who grew up to be beloved acquaintances of "Aunt Mary.”

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking Italian cookies, playing cards, listening to her Italian music, eating funnel cake on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Kennett Area Senior Center.

She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Anne Atkins of Landenberg, Pa., Janet Girolami (Louis) of Glen Mills, Pa., Gale Lattanzio (William) of Centreville, Del., six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her three brothers and a sister. 

Mary’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers over the past five years for the kindness and compassion.

A celebration of her life will be held at a future time due to the COVID-19 restrictions.  Her burial will be private.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfolkfh.com.

RICHARD A. SYDENSTRICKER

Richard A. Sydenstricker, 68, of Toughkenamon, passed away on May 21 in the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Gail Sakers Sydenstricker.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Russell and Kathryn Dilly Sydenstricker.

Richard was a lifetime resident of Chester County. He retired in 2019 as a corrections officer with Chester County Prison.

He enjoyed farming and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Carina Daddario of West Grove; three step-children, Jennifer Lewis of West Grove, Jodi Viscuso of Oxford and Michael Viscuso of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren; three brothers,  Greg Sydenstricker and Barry Sydenstricker both of West Grove and Charles Sydenstricker of Florida; and one sister, Debra Difilippo of Kennett Square.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0424.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

 

CLYDE C. CANNON

Clyde C. Cannon, of West Grove, passed away on May 22 at Twin Pines Health Care Services. He was 72.

Clyde, who was also known by his nickname, “Mannie,” was born in West Chester, on Aug. 29, 1947.  He was the son of the late Clyde Christie and Virginia Cannon.  Clyde was raised by his grandparents, the late William W. and Mary P. Christie.

Clyde graduated from Avon-Grove High School.  He served his country in the U.S. Army and was awarded the national Defense Service Medal and Marksman Medal (Rifle).

Clyde worked for a while at Lenape Forge.  He was also a self-trained carpenter, plumber, electrician and handyman.

Clyde is survived by an aunt, Barbara Cornelius (Allen), of Kennett Square, an uncle Reginald Christie (Jackie) of Myrtle Beach, SC, two half-brothers, two half-sisters, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Clyde was predeceased by his brother, Anthony F. Cannon.

As a result of the restrictions related to public gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be a private family graveside service at the convenience of the family.  Contributions may be made in Clyde’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.  Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. Please share online memorials by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

JEFFREY A. BRITTINGHAM

Jeffrey A. Brittingham, of Avondale, passed away on May 24 at the Chester County Hospital. He was the devoted husband for over 35 years of Diane M. (DiProspero) Brittingham. Born on July 1, 1959 in West Chester, he was the son of Shirley (Bahel) Brittingham Decker and the late Hilborn A. Brittingham, Jr. He was 60.

Jeffrey dedicated his life to hard work, owning his own business, Britt’s Handyman Service, and going above and beyond for his loyal customers. He loved spending time with his family and cooking holiday breakfast. He certainly kept the people around him laughing – especially when in “Jeffrey’s World.” In his free time, he liked to work on his vegetable garden and hosting Philadelphia Eagles viewing parties for all of his friends. He was a member at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother in Avondale. 

Jeffrey was the loving father of Lauren and David Brittingham. In addition to his wife, mother and children, he is also survived by his siblings: MaryAnn (Dan) Peters of Kennett Square, Hilborn “Gus” (Pam) Brittingham of Avondale, Michael (Sheila) Brittingham of McMinnville, OR, Patti (Albert) Schrack of Delaware City, Del., Debbie (Claude) Chamberlain of Evanston, WY, and Andrew (Brenda) Brittingham or Tuscumbia, AL as well as his step family, in-laws, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and adoring friends. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center and to everyone at CCH CCU for their support. 

All services will be private with a burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Daniel Alan Pugh

Daniel Alan Pugh, 35, of Oxford, passed away on May 23 at home. 

Born in Lancaster, Pa.,  he was the son of William Alan and Cynthia Drennen Pugh.

Daniel graduated from Oxford Area High School in 2003. He worked at Custom Machine and Design and as a painter with his father’s painting business Alan Pugh Painting.

Daniel loved music and was a self-taught guitarist. He loved composing his own songs and playing with several of his friends. His greatest love was his 5-year-old son, Jacob.

He is survived by his son, Jacob Benjamin Williams; his mother and father; his sister, Joanna L. Harmelin and her husband Richard, of Newtown Square, Pa.; his brother, Galen D. Pugh and his partner, Shannon Ashe of Philadelphia; one nephew, Chase Harmelin; two nieces, Avery and Remi Harmelin; and his canine companion, Sonny.

A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cynthia Pugh, at an account at Truist BB&T Bank for the benefit of Daniel’s son, Jacob B. Williams and should be mailed to the Edward L. Collins, Jr, Funeral Home Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford.

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

RICHARD WHITEHEAD, SR.

Richard Dorrance Whitehead Sr. passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on May 22 at his home at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community.

He was born in Auburn, NY on May 1, 1932 to the late Louis Henry Whitehead and the late Dorothy Hawthorne Whitehead.

Dick celebrated his 88th birthday three weeks prior to his passing. He and Doris, his wife of 63 years, recently moved to the area from their beloved Lake Edge Farm, on Black Lake in New York where he had resided for thirty years.

As a young child, Dick lived in Maplewood, NJ and attended local schools. Dick graduated

from Columbia High School. Dick met his wife, Doris Kleissler, while he was a senior in high

school. He attended Williams College and graduated with high honors from Rutgers University

School of Business in 1955.

In 1955, Dick joined Ernst & Ernst a Certified Public Accounting firm now known as Ernst and Young for a lifelong career in auditing. His career began in the firm’s New York City office. Shortly after joining the firm he was drafted into the Army serving from 1956 to 1958. After completing his service, Dick returned to his career at Ernst & Ernst. In 1967, Dick was transferred to Caracas, Venezuela to manage Ernst and Ernst’s Venezuelan offices for more than 7 years. Dick, Doris and their three children have very fond memories of the years they lived in Venezuela. 

In 1970, Dick was named a partner of the firm.  In 1974, Dick and his family relocated to the Hartford, Connecticut area where he continued his career. In 1979, Dick then joined the firm’s national legal team as an audit advisor to the lawyers. During the last ten years of his career, he combined his depth of accounting knowledge with his interest in business law. Back in 1955, he attended New York University Law School but decided to concentrate on his accounting career. Dick retired from Ernst and Young in 1989.

Dick and his wife retired to a farm on Black Lake in the North Country of New York. As a child

he had enjoyed working on his grandparents’ farms and especially enjoyed the time with the

animals. Their Lake Edge Farm was known as their hobby farm and he raised chickens, horses,

cows, goats and donkeys and even peacocks. Fondly known as the “Eggman” of Lake Edge

Farm, his eggs were special because they could not be purchased. Dick gave away dozens of

eggs each week. After 23 years, he then decided to downsize so that he could travel more.

Dick and Doris visited many foreign countries, traveled in their RV and visited all 48 contiguous states in the United States and many provinces in Canada. Dick was also very active in his community. He was an elder with Ogdensburg Presbyterian Stone Church, on the Board of Directors of the Frederic Remington Art Museum and a board member of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doris, and three children, Pamela Cornforth (Doug), Richard Whitehead Jr. (Jane) and Theodore Whitehead (Anastasia) and seven grandchildren, Ashley, Bradley, Anna, Rebecca, Richard, Theo and Zoe and three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Alice and Benjamin, , and his brother Louis Henry Whitehead ( Sandra).  

He was predeceased by a brother, Donald Wharton Whitehead.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to send donations to Ogdensburg Presbyterian Stone Church, 533 Stone Church Road, Ogdensburg, NY 13669, or to Frederic Remington Art Museum 303 Washington St. Ogdensburg NY or a charity of your choice.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a  future memorial service and burial at Ogdensburg Presbyterian Stone Church in Ogdensburg, New York.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit  www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.