Dorothy J. Bolt

Dorothy J. Bolt passed away on Sept. 21 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was 85.

She was the wife of Eugene W. Bolt, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Lincoln University, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Veryl J. and Bessie McComsey Brown. 

Dorothy enjoyed yard sales, gardening and cooking.

She is survived by her husband and their six children, Lawrence Bolt (Pam) of Oxford, Ronald Bolt (Linda) of Little Britain, Dorothy Little (Melvin) of Little Britain. Lisa Bare, Jeffrey Bolt (Shawnee) of MD and Michelle True. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and one sister, Nancy Ortega of Oxford.

She was preceded in death by five brothers, Harold Glen Brown, James Robert Brown, Richard Veryl Brown, Lewis Ernest Brown, Judge Donald Charles Brown, as well as two sisters, Ruth Brown Anderson and Betty Brown Rivera.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363.

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

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

Tomas C. Cahue

Tomas C. Cahue, 59, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away at home on Sept. 21.

He was the husband of the Deborah C. Custer Cahue, with whom he shared 15 years of marriage.

Born in Mexico, he was the son of Zenaida Cahue of Mexico and the late Tomas Cahue. 

Tomas was employed for over 30 years with Zeks Compressed Air Solutions in West Chester and retired from Delfera & Son Heating & Air Conditioning in West Grove.

He enjoyed fishing, home improvements, his dogs and spending time with family especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; mother; first wife, Christa Cahue of Folsom; two sons, Thomas Cahue, Jr. (Lisa) of Newark, Del. and Blair Cahue of Folsom; two step-children, Dianna Duffy and David Duffy, both of Lincoln University; and two grandsons, Josh and Julian.

Services were held on Sept. 25 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford. 

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to pennmedicine.org/hospice-donate.

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

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

SAPHRONIA MELVINA OLDAKER  

Saphronia Melvina Oldaker  went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 19 after a long struggle, both in the hospital and at home.  

She was the devoted wife of the late Emil Oldaker, with whom she shared over 47 years of marriage.

Born in Eldred, Illinois, she was a daughter of Alvin Everett and Mary Daisy Glowner Meeks.

Also known as Frony, as well as Sophie among her family and friends, Saphronia graduated from Hardin High School, in Hardin, Illinois in 1948.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by their son, Calvin Gary Oldaker, and three grandsons, Dennis Edward Oldaker, David Allen Sampson and Christopher Muzzy.

Saphronia was also preceded in death by four sisters, Agnes Thuer, Helen Meeks, Mary Hill and Alberta Bick, as well as her four brothers, John Meeks, Jerry Meeks, Herschel Meeks and Harry Meeks.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda Marie Sampson (married to David Harry Sampson). She also has one surviving sister, Dorothy Dabbs.   

Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Deborah (Timothy) Urbanski, James (Erica) Oldaker, Timothy Oldaker, Heather (Michael) Woodward, Melanie (William) Evans and Michelle August.  She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sophie enjoyed spending time with her family, happily watching the antics of the little ones and teaching them many of life's lessons and how to do everyday things, such as cooking and baking, quilting and sewing, and craft-making. 

She served her Lord well as a devout prayer warrior, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher. She occasionally sang with the church choir. Loving all kinds of music, she especially loved listening to gospel music and watching the Gaither music programs on television. Sophie also served on the administrative board of the Avondale United Methodist Church. 

Saphronia was one of the happiest people on this earth. She loved everyone and always had a big smile on her face.   

All services are private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to "Avon Grove Lions Club Foundation" and sent to Linda Sampson, 192 Saw Mill Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Please mark any checks with “For Diabetes Research Only.” These will be sent to the Diabetes Association in her name.  Please visit Saphronia’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Claire Perry Hofer

Claire Perry Hofer, a resident of Kennett Square, died peacefully on Sept. 21 in her 105th year at Kendal-Crosslands Retirement Community. 

She was the wife of the late W. Eric Hofer, who died in 1982 and with whom she shared 42 years of marriage.

Claire was born in Westerly, RI on Oct. 26, 1915, and was the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Alice (Edge) Perry.  

She graduated from Westtown School in 1934 and attended the School of Practical Art in Boston. She continued to work and live in Boston where she met her husband Eric, who was employed by the United Fruit Company and was asked to manage banana plantations in Honduras. Upon their marriage in 1940, she joined Eric in the jungle area near Progresso, Honduras where they immersed themselves in the local culture and started their family.

 

In 1947, they returned to Westerly, RI where Eric began a 30-year career working for Bostitch, Inc. During these years, Claire was very active as a volunteer for the Westerly Hospital, first as a nurse’s aid and then creating the hospital gift shop and becoming its manager.  She was also instrumental in the capital campaign for the hospital’s first new wing, which was built in 1952. She later worked as a buyer and bookkeeper for the Frank Hall Boat Yard gift shop. 

From 1962 to 1965, Claire and her family moved to Germany where Eric managed a foreign manufacturing plant for Bostitch. Claire loved every minute of these adventures and was eager to learn everything about the people, their language and their customs. When Eric retired, they returned to Westerly but continued their travels throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. She also resumed her volunteer work at the Westerly Hospital, accumulating well over 10,000 hours of service. She especially enjoyed helping patients and waiting with family members in the Emergency Room.

Claire was an active member of the Westerly Friends Quaker Meeting, serving in many capacities. In 2000, she moved to Kendal-Crosslands Retirement Community in Kennett Square, where she thrived in this Quaker setting, continuing to volunteer in their nursing care facility, and enjoying visits with many family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Eric L. Hofer (and his wife, Rita) of Exton, Pa., and her two daughters, Patricia Campbell (and her husband Leo) of Stoddard, NH, and Betsey Rice of Charlestown, RI.  She leaves 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by two brothers, five sisters and a son-in-law.

Claire’s ashes will remain with her family until a time when everyone can gather together for a celebration of her life.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Kendal-Crosslands Communities Charitable Giving, PO Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Westerly Friends Meeting, 57 Elm St. Westerly, RI  02891 or the Westerly Hospital Foundation, 25 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891.

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

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

Amie Beth Bowman

Amie Beth Bowman passed on to peace on Sept. 20. She was a 41-year-old resident of Ardmore, Pa.  

She was born in Chattanooga, TN on Oct. 21, 1978 to Rev. Roger and Madonna Hunter.  

She graduated from Villanova University in 2006 with a master of science degree as a nurse anesthetist. She wed Brian Bowman on Aug. 6, 2005 and they had four incredible children.

Amie made everything she did seem easy.  Whether it was putting herself through school, running a marathon, raising three kids in diapers at the same time, hosting a perfect birthday party, decorating a room, cooking a gourmet meal, or even squatting hundreds of pounds in the gym, she was always up for a challenge. Her beauty, strength, and determination were evident to all.  But those whom she loved will forever cherish the caring friend who was always in their corner.  Amie was not a person you could ever forget meeting. You can see her love come through her children’s eyes every day. 

She will be remembered as a pacesetter who consistently pushed others to do their personal best, even though her own race ended too soon.    

Amie is survived by her husband Brian Jason Bowman, children Blake Douglas, Lance Jason, Grant Roger and Charlotte Elizabeth, sisters Alisha Beth Eckburg and Ashley Beth Hostetter, parents Rev Roger Edwin and Madonna Beth Hunter, and grandmother Loretta Mae Hunter.

A private funeral and internment took place on Sept. 26.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Recovery Ministry at Covenant Fellowship, checks payable to Covenant Fellowship Church, memo line: Recovery Ministry, 1 Fellowship Dr. Glen Mills, PA 19342.

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

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

Linda S. Butler

Linda S. Butler (nee Clouser), age 65, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 22 while surrounded by her family, after a 14-year battle with breast cancer.  

Linda is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Edith Clouser (nee Shifflett).  

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ed (Edward) Butler, as well as her three sons, Carl (Carrie), Chris (Crystal) and Jason (Katie), her dog, Hunter, and two grandchildren, Cassandra and Jacob, as well as various other family members and friends.  

Linda was in born in Wilmington, Del. on March 5, 1955.  

Linda took great pride in her profession as a housekeeper for others and not only kept their houses expertly clean, but also many of her clients became her friends.  

Linda loved boating on the Chesapeake Bay as well as the occasional motorcycle ride with her husband, Ed, and her dog, Hunter, alongside of her in the sidecar.

Due to the current restrictions related to COVID-19, a  celebration of Linda’s life will be held sometime in the spring of 2021.

Arrangements are being handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.

Evelyn Twaddell D’Amico

Evelyn Twaddell D’Amico, a resident of Avondale, entered her eternal home on Sept. 16. 

Evelyn was born in West Chester, Pa. on May 30, 1937. 

She was the wife of the late Anthony J. D’Amico, with whom she shared the blessing of seven children.

Evelyn loved to pass the time enjoying the breeze on her front porch with family and friends. Some of her life’s passions included bird-watching, roses, the beach, the CB radio, and country music. 

As a homemaker, she was known for her talent in the kitchen. She was a family fashion icon, who always brought a little sparkle everywhere she went. A thoughtful woman, Evelyn enjoyed gifting to family and friends her favorite QVC finds. She is particularly famous for her caramel apples.

Evelyn was the daughter of the late John and Rita Donohoe Twaddell of Kennett Square. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony J. D’Amico; her son, Joseph J. D’Amico; her brother, Joseph P. Twaddell; and her grandson, Chris R. Miller.

She is survived by her son, John D’Amico (Sharon); her daughters, Deb D’Amico, Deanna D’Amico, Elaine Wright (Rick), Angela Miller (Bob), Theresa McMillan (Perry), and Louise D’Amico (Joseph); her 10 grandchildren, and her 10 great-grandchildren.

She will remain in her family’s hearts forever.

The services were held on Sept. 22 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother. The mass of Christian burial and interment were private.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

VINCENT VERGARA

Vincent Vergara, 91, passed away on Sept. 25 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

Vergara was a resident of Avondale and formerly of Syracuse, N.Y.

He was the husband of Carolyn Hemming Vergara, who passed away in 2017. They shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., Vincent was the son of the late Anthony Vergara and the late Catherine Ianollo Vergara.

He owned and operated Vergara’s Liquor Store in Syracuse, N.Y. for 20 years before retiring in 1980.

Vincent was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale.

He is survived by one sister, Ann Longenecker, and many nieces and nephews.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike (Route 41), in Avondale. 

The Funeral Mass will follow.  Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, RR #2, Annville, PA 17003.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS  66675.

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.

CATHERINE “Betty” Baker

Catherine “Betty” Baker, a lifelong resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 24 at her residence. She was 92.

She was the wife of Thomas S. Baker who passed away in 2007, and with whom she shared 39 years of marriage.

Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Harry J. Lynch and the late Lillian Proud Lynch.

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square and the Kennett Senior Center.

Betty enjoyed traveling, doing puzzles, playing  pinochle and Bingo, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas P. Baker (and his wife Amy) of Kennett Square and James E. Baker (and his wife Barbara) of Oxford, and five  grandchildren, James A. Baker, Matthew T. Baker, Jack D. Baker, Samantha A. Baker and Hailey C. Chandlee.

Betty was predeceased by four brothers, Harry Lynch, Jack Lynch, Bill Lynch and Francis Lynch.

Her Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Union Hill Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her memory, may be made to the National MS Society. P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090.

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

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