Adeline Agnes Perna Corby Merlini
Adeline “Alice” Agnes Perna Corby Merlini, beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt to many generations of nieces and nephews, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2023 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove.  

She was born on Jan. 23, 1921 in Wilmington Del. to the late Michael R. Perna and the late Assunta De Geuglio. She graduated from Darby High School in 1939.  She was married to Edward T. Corby from 1941 until his death in 1965. They had two children, Rose Agnes, who was born in 1942 and died at age twenty-nine, and Edward “Little Eddie,” Jr., who was born in 1945 and died at age 19, both from congenital illnesses. In 1967, Alice married Ralph A. Merlini, became stepmother to William and Ralph Jr., and shared 46 years of marriage before Ralph senior’s death in 2013.  Alice is pre-deceased by siblings Florence, Rose, Frank, Joseph and “Little Joey.”

The Corbys had involved their children in as many activities as their health would allow, such as swimming in the backyard pool, where Alice also taught many youngsters how to swim and dive.  She became den mother for Little Eddie’s Boy Scout troop and set up a small “store” in their home where he was the proprietor.  She was very athletic, playing tennis and golf throughout most of her life, and was also an avid card player and active in many church and civic activities.

Lovingly referred to as “Aunt Alice” by many, she had a green thumb and a home full of vibrant greenery. During holiday celebrations, all gathered around her in song as she played the piano.  One could not visit her home without having a home-cooked Italian meal or sweets made by “Aunt Alice” and niece, Agnes Kennedy. She is remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, inner and outer beauty, and perpetual smile. She is survived by her stepson Ralph Jr. and members of the Perna, Corby and Merlini families.

The family would like to thank all the members of the Jenners Pond Assisted Living care team where Alice lived the last seven years of her life.

A viewing will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 at the Longwood Funeral Home & Cremation of Matthew Genereux at 913 East Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square.  A morning viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 2 at  Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at 300 State Road in West Grove.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. 

Memorial Donations can be made to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.

The obituary can also be viewed at www.longwoodfuneralhome.com.

Diane Marie Ginn and Matthew James Ginn
Diane Marie Ginn, age 59, and Matthew James Ginn, age 21, both of Landenberg, passed away at home on Aug. 21, 2023. The family’s hearts are broken with this tremendous loss and they will treasure the time that was shared with them in this life.

Born November 29, 1963 in Chester, Pa. and raised in Wilmington, Del., Diane was the daughter of the late Tadeusz and Joan Ann Delawski (Rayhoe). Upon graduating from Delaware Technical High School, she began her nursing career. She continued her nursing education at Delaware Technical Community College as well as the University of Delaware. Prior to becoming a full-time caretaker, Diane worked as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del. for many years and raised her two sons lovingly.

Diane enjoyed sunny summer days at the beach or pool as well as cold winter days on the slopes. She liked to be out enjoying life by traveling, attending concerts and events with her co-workers, family and friends. She was compassionately devoted to caring for her son Matthew for the last 15 years doing so with quiet strength and humility. She felt strongly about helping others and donated funds to add a swing to A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital playground which accommodated children in their wheelchair.

Matthew was born Aug. 2, 2002 in Newark, Del. to Diane and Vernon Allee Ginn, II. His bold and courageous spirit brought much joy and adventure to the family. Much like his mom, Matthew loved the outdoors. When he was young, the world was his playground, especially enjoying time outside at their Landenberg home. Even though later he was not able to enjoy the outdoors in the same way, he continued to appreciate the beauty of nature both outdoors and in watercolor art. Matthew was extremely intelligent and knowledgeable on many topics. He had strong convictions and was a fierce opponent in any debate. He loved dogs and compassionately donated regularly to the ASPCA.

Diane and Matthew leave behind a much loved son/brother, David Ginn; Matthew’s father, Vernon Ginn, II; sisters/aunts, Irene Heller (Paul) and Lorraine Lampert (Steve); brother/uncle, Ed Delawski (Brighid); aunt/sister-in-law, Dana Ginn Morrison (Chris); as well as nieces/cousins Mackenzie, Juliane and Lauren; and nephew/cousin Ryan.

Family and friends are invited to join the family in remembrance on Friday, Sept. 29 from 10 to 11 at Foulk Funeral Home, 200 Rose Hill Road in West Grove. A memorial service will begin at 11. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, in remembrance of Diane’s wish to help other families of children with health challenges, or to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 in remembrance of Matthew’s love and support of dogs.

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

Dorothy May Garzia
Dorothy May Garzia passed away on Sept. 22, 2023 in West Grove. Her friends called her “Dot.” She was 95 years old.

Dorothy was born in Lower Macungie Township, Pa. on October 25, 1927. She was the daughter of the late Emma Reinbold Rohrbach Gaugler and William S. Rohrbach. She was married to Robert Garzia (also known as “Peck”) until his death in 2006. They were married 56 years.

Dorothy spent her early years in Montgomery County, Pa. She moved to West Grove in 1950 where she raised her family and spent almost all of her adult life. She was employed in the sewing industry in Oxford and West Grove.

Dorothy was an avid gardener and spent many hours canning and freezing home grown and local produce. She had a “green thumb” and was known in the family for having beautiful flowers in the yard and being a miraculous plant doctor for other people’s plants that were sickly.

Dorothy loved to crochet. She made afghans, doilies, rugs, mats, hats, scarves, baby blankets, and Barbie doll clothes that she donated to many. Her hands were always busy.

Dorothy also loved country music, league bowling, her Pennsylvania Dutch roots, and having a clean house at all times.

Dorothy was active in the VFW Auxiliary # 5467 in Kennett Square. She and her husband were also active in local camping chapters and snowmobile clubs. They travelled the USA in their RV and shared adventures and memories which brought Dorothy great joy in her golden years.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Pardon of Rochester, Michigan, Patricia Davis (John) and Linda Nichol (John) of Landenberg; seven grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband; her loving son-in-law Thomas Pardon; siblings Warren Rohrbach, Mildred (Betty) Barclay; Pauline (Polly) Longstreth; Francis Rohrbach; and her first husband, Willard K. Benner.

The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding support and care provided by VITAS and Willow Tree hospices

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 at New London Presbyterian Church, 1986 Newark Road (Route 896, New London). Friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will take place immediately following the service in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. Visit https://donate.lovetotherescue.org.to make an online donation.

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

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

Caryl Entwistle Huffaker
Caryl Entwistle Huffaker, of Kennett Square, passed away in Media, Pa. on Sept. 20. She was 92.

 Caryl was born Feb. 26, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia to Frederick Turner Entwistle and Blanch Greene Entwistle.

Caryl grew up in Richmond and Buenos Aries, Argentina due to her father’s career moves. She graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in American Literature and later did graduate work in the School of Critical Studies at the University of Vermont and Columbia University. She started her career with the BBD & O Advertising of NY, and then the DuPont Company, where she met William, her loving husband of 63 years. They were married in Taunton, MA and lived in various North Carolina and Pennsylvania locations before settling into their Kennett Square countryside home for the last 58 years.

Caryl later became a homemaker, raising three children and a large assortment of wayward pets that needed homes. She was active in local and community affairs throughout her life, ultimately taking her writing passion to the Kennett Paper. In her time there, she wrote her "Down Wind" Social and Arts column for over 30 years.

Caryl loved the arts, literature, and music, and participated with groups such as the Richmond Church Choir, the Charlotte Westminster Church Choir, the Charlotte Voices Christmas Tree Choir, and the Wilmington Skating Club. She also served actively with Pen Women, The Red Hat Society, and The Kennett Symphony where she was recently recognized for her decades of volunteer service. 

Caryl laughed easily, enjoyed strong conversation, and made friends for life. She loved to entertain.  She frequently hosted large dinner parties, firework picnics, and extended-family gatherings.  A particularly memorable event was a formal re-creation of the Titanic's final dinner. She loved English tea, steamed clams, ginger ale, fresh flowers, chocolate brownies, fine china, big dogs, noble cats, good gossip, and an even better flea market. Above all, she and Bill loved the theatre and travel which they pursued passionately over their lifetime together.

Caryl is survived by her husband, Bill; three children, Miles "Hoot" Huffaker and his spouse Linda, Turner Huffaker and his spouse Michele, and Hillary Clark; six grandchildren, Charlotte Huffaker, Wyatt Huffaker, Asa Huffaker, Quinn Huffaker, Owen Huffaker, and Ellie Clark; her brother-in-law, John Huffaker; and nieces, Meg Huffaker and Christiana Logan-Smith, and their families. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother she adored, Fredrick T. Entwistle, Jr., her son-in-law, Doug Clark; and a large assortment of friends and relatives whom she cherished.

You are invited to visit with Caryl’s family and friends for her viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church, 101 Old Kennett Road in Wilmington, Del.

Her life celebration funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.  A reception will follow in the church hall.  Memorial donations may be made in Caryl's name to the Kennett Symphony https://kennettsymphony.org.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share memories, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.