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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Nov. 16

11/16/2015 12:47PM ● By J. Chambless

ELIZABETH STALLER WHITTLE

Elizabeth “Betty” Staller Whittle, 95, of Kennett Square, died on Nov. 8 at Kendal Community in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Wilson H. Whittle, who died in 2003, and with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Mount Carmel, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Howard W. and the late Grace Owens Staller. Betty studied dental hygiene at Penn and was a dental hygienist in Philadelphia in the early years, where she met Wilson. They married in 1942. She was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent and enjoyed hosting the annual church picnic at the family farm in Kennett. She was a member of the Seedlings garden club, and the Kennett Country Club, where she loved playing golf and tennis. She volunteered for many years at the Encore Resale shop. She loved gardening and cooking for her children and grandchildren. Her kitchen was known as “Gramma’s bar and grill.” She loved traveling abroad and to many of the 50 states with Wilson in their RV. They especially loved their campground in the Florida Keys and going to Penn State football games. She enjoyed the Philadelphia Orchestra, theatre, and playing tennis with the girls.

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey Whittle and his wife Carolyn of Kennett Square; one daughter, Katherine W. Turner and her husband Bill of Kennett Square; six grandchildren, Matthew Grieco (Sherry) of Avondale, Susan Grieco of West Grove, Scott Whittle (Gina) of West Chester, Leslie Brewer (David) of Leesburg, Va., Josh Turner (Angelina) of Maine, and Benjamin Turner of Maine; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Nov. 14. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions in her memory made be made to the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 201 Crestline Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

FRANK J. SIPALA, JR.

Frank J. Sipala, Jr., 87, of Lincoln University, passed away suddenly on Nov. 7, surrounded by his family at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Marie A. Jacobs Sipala, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Frank, Sr., and Mary Lamonica Sipala. Frank was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. He retired as a real estate broker. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus and served as usher. He was a golfer, artist and woodworker. Frank was a family man who was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Debra Broadbent (Randy) of New London, and Joyce Justison of Wilmington, Del.; one son, Frank J. Sipala, III of Middletown, Del.; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Haws, Erin Sharp, Fredrick Justison, Jr., Katherine Broadbent, Dr. Jason Justison, Eric Broadbent, Jaclyn Wimmer, Frank J. Sipala, IV and Jamie Lynn Sipala; six great-grandchildren; one brother, George Sipala (Helen) of Chadds Ford; one sister, Lucille North of Wilmington, Del.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Sipala; and two sisters, Jenny Razze and Mary King.

A mass of Christian burial was held Nov. 14. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WINIFRED FITTIN WISMER

Winifred Fittin Wismer, 81, of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 9 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Walter Graham Wismer and was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Francis Fittin. Born in Upper Darby, she was the daughter of the late Edmund M. and Edna McIntire Blanken. Winifred graduated from Hershey High School in 1952 and received her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Delaware in 1956. She was analytical chemist for Atlas Chemical, and later taught science for the Morrestown Friends School in Nre Jersey. She was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church. She served in a church choir since the 11th grade, president of Women’s Fellowship, served as a Sunday and Bible school teacher and was active in Christian Women’s Club. Winifred also served her community by volunteering at Ware Presbyterian Village. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, counted cross-stitch, gardening and flower arranging.

She is survived by one son, David F. Fittin of Shillington; two daughters, Michele F. Jarvis (Richard W.) of Naples, Fla., and Deborah L. Snyder (Kenneth W.) of Wilmington, Del.; two stepsons, John G. Wismer (Vikki) of Williamsburg, Va., and Linwood R. Wismer (Cindy) of Marlton, N.J.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles M. Blanken (Nancy) of Lancaster. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother, Carolyn Brown and Edmund M. Blanken.

A memorial service was held Nov. 12. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOAN C. WENERD

Joan C. Wenerd, 83, formerly of Willow View Home in Lancaster, passed away on Nov. 9 at the Laurel Nursing Center in Hamburg, Pa.

She was the wife of the late William Wenerd of Secane, Pa. Joan was the daughter of James Cameron, Sr., and Helen Albridge, and sister of James Cameron, Jr. Two nephews, James Cameron III of Maryland, and Scott Cameron of Nottingham, survive her; as well as two nieces, Michelle Henne and Paula Printz, both of Hamburg.

Joan was an avid Penn State and Eagles fan, and loved buying gifts for her family and friends on QVC.

She will be greatly missed by her dear friends Janie, Gwen, Kathy, Carol and David.

Services were private. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.

JOHN C. DAVIS

John C. Davis, of Jenner’s Pond, formerly of Lexington Woods in Concord Township, Pa., died at age 88 on Nov. 10.

“Jack” was the husband of the late Barbara “Babs” Miller Davis, who died in March 2010, to whom he was married for 55 years. He was the son of the late Raymond O. and Pauline E. Davis of Amesbury, Mass. He was born in Newburyport, Mass., and raised in Amesbury. Jack attended schools in Amesbury and graduated from Wilbraham Academy in Wilbraham, Mass. After graduation in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Taconic. After discharge, he entered Tufts University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He then moved to Bucks County to work at U.S. Steel in Fairless Hills for 14 years, to Gulf & Western in Swarthmore for 13 years, and finally to ICI Explosives in Valley Forge until retiring in 1992.

Jack and Babs were married in Washington, D.C., and lived in Concord Township for nearly 34 years before relocating to the Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in West Grove in 2000. They enjoyed sailing their small sloop in the waters of New England, Pennsylvania and Canada. They also camped throughout the United States and Canada. They were members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, and most recently the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mendenhall. Jack volunteered at the Newlin Grist Mill in Concord Township, and the Hagley Museum in Delaware; and was active in the Jenner’s Pond woodshop.

Jack is survived by two sons and their families, John and Barbara and their daughter Lindsey of Pequannock, N.J.; and Stephen and Randy and their three sons, Brian, Christopher, and Brendan of Branchburg, N.J.. Also his sister-in-law, Jean Lamson Davis of Amesbury, Mass.

A memorial service will be held in the Alison Building Theatre at Jenner’s Pond on Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, where he will be with his wife Babs again. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Benevolent Care Fund at Jenner’s Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

HOPE WINGATE MARTIN

Hope Wingate Martin was called to be with her beloved Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, on Nov. 13.

The daughter of F. Camet Wingate and Hannah Kimble Wingate, Hope was born in 1940 in West Grove. She was a member of Chadds Ford Baptist Church and Chatham Methodist Church. Hope graduated with honors from Avon Grove High School in 1958 and Bloomsburg University in 1962, and was a passionate, devoted high school business education teacher at Mount Pleasant Senior High School in Wilmington, Oakcrest High School in New Jersey, Naha Air Base in Japan, and A.I. duPont High School in Wilmington. She also served in positions with Dupont at Chestnut Run, Larmore & Scarlett in Kennett Square, and as office manager for HRA Services, Inc., in Chadds Ford.

Hope loved people and the outdoors, planting gardens, flowers and trees. She eagerly participated in parent and support organizations at Upland Country Day School and Tatnall School, and was an avid and regular cheerleader at hockey and lacrosse games and skating events.

Hope is survived by her husband of 52 years, David W. Martin; her daughter Jennifer Singer and her husband Rand; her son Jonathan Martin and his wife Rachael; and grandchildren Lain and Teryn Singer, and Jonathan Jr. and Alyssa Martin.

A visitation with family and friends will be heldfrom noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at Chadds Ford Baptist Church (415 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford). Her funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be in London Grove Friends Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Chadds Ford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 322, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305-1425. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

AGNES HELEN KOREJWO

Agnes “Dolly” Helen Korejwo, 97, of Downingtown, passed away on Nov. 13 at Simpson Meadows Assisted Living in Downingtown.

Her first husband, Joseph Hamilton, passed away in 1958; and her second husband, Alfred Korejwo, passed away in 1997. Born in Chester, she was the daughter of the late Pius and Hedwig Munzer. Agnes was a salesperson at Wilmington Dry Goods in Wilmington, Del., until her retirement. She attended Assumption BVM in West Grove. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Richard Hamilton and his wife Maggie of Dover, Del.; three daughters, Barbara Jones of West Grove, Frances Herbster and her husband Richard of Exton, and Marlene Howley of Mahanoy, Pa.; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Nov. 19 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). Her funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, Pa. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.

ROBERT JONES PEIRCE

Robert Jones Peirce, 80, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 14.

Born in Wilmington, Del., he retired to Florida and then moved back to Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late E. Herbert and Gertrude Jones Peirce. He was a graduate of the University of Delaware, where he received a degree in engineering. He worked for Lockheed Martin, retiring in 1990. Prior to working a Lockheed Martin, he worked at RCA. He worked in the space programs at both companies. He enjoyed traveling, robotics and watching the news on TV.

He is survived by one sister, Ruth P. Matteson and her husband Max of Avondale; two nieces and one nephew. His memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ANNE BUSH HARLAN

Anne Bush Harlan, 96, lifetime resident of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 14 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late William F. Harlan. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late Ira Leroy and Roma Lamborn Bush. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1937 and West Chester University in 1941, with a degree in music. Anne taught music in the Cochranville School and later was a substitute teacher in the Oxford Area School District. She also gave private lessons in her home. She was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church for 83 years and played the organ at the church for 60 years. Anne played the organ at 273 weddings. She enjoyed knitting and was an avid reader.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy H. Kodish and her husband Richard A. Kodish of Oxford; five grandchildren, Laurie Simpers and her husband Joey, Curtis Kodish and his wife Ashley, Katie McFadien, Leslie Fanning and her husband Matthew, and Raymond Kodish; three great-grandchildren, Kayla Kodish, Hannah Kodish and Elliot Simpers; and two nieces, Janis Schrader and her husband William, and Rebecca McMullen and her husband Edgar. She was preceded in death by her son, William R. Harlan; brother, Robert Bush and his wife, Sarah Bush.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Oxford Library, 48 S. Second St., Oxford, PA 19363; or the Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MARTIN RODRIQUEZ

Martin Rodriquez, 89, of Oxford, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 11 at Twin Pines in West Grove.

Born in Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Sebestian and Francisca Rodriquez. He retired from Martelli Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square. He enjoyed playing the lottery, Delaware Park, and loving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived in loving memory by his four sons, Martin Rodriquez, Jr., of Puerto Rico, Barry Martin Phipps of Newark, Del., Richard Anthony Phipps of Harrisburg, and Raymond Brian Phipps (Stephanie) of Wilmington, Del.; daughter, Rhonda Phipps-Patton of West Chester; 11 grandchildren, Dwayne Phipps (Wendy), Kadijah Phipps, TaKeia Phipps, Sydney Phipps, Chandler Phipps, Kisha Phipps-Rosiles (Jaime), Maria Phipps (Francisco), Morgan Phipps (Xaymara), Christopher M. Phipps (Monique), Stefany Patton and Jason Patton (Leia); 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Juane Cheverez of Stanford, Conn.; and two nieces, Mona Cheveres and Maria Bezaida, both of Stanford, Conn.; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sherry Lynn Phipps; and son, Fernando.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Nov. 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  

COLEMAN L. HIPKINS

Coleman (“Sonny,” “Pops,” “Hippy”) L. Hipkins, 67, of Wilmington, Del., passed away at the Christiana Hospital on Nov. 15.

He was the husband of Carol Amberg Hipkins, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Coleman L. Hipkins, Sr., and the late Nellie Work Hipkins. Sonny was a 1967 graduate of Avon Grove High School. After that, he served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Alaska. He was a member of the Brandywine Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, talking about cars, traveling, boating, going to the beach, and he was a ham radio operator. He loved his family, and no matter what he was doing, spending time with them was the important thing to him. The family would like to thank Dr. Gaetano Pastore, Dr. Michael Lankiewicz, Dr. Jorge Uribe and Dr. Meenakshi Bhalla for the special care that was given to Sonny.

The family has requested that everyone bring a permanent marker to the graveside service, so that you may leave a personal message on his casket.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Stephanie C. Hipkins of Wilmington, Del., and Jennifer N. Carter and her husband Johne of Wilmington, Del.; two brothers, Doug Hipkins of West Grove, and Denny Hipkins of Newark, Del.; and two sisters, Wanda Lamplugh of Kennett Square, and Laura Smith of Glen Mills. He was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Phillips and Robert Phillips.

His Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 at the New London United Methodist Cemetery, Route 896 and State Road, New London. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Airedale Rescue at ARADV, c/o Dewey Yesner, 15 Locksley Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342; or to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Clarkston, MI 48346. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

MICHAEL  W.  KEBA

Michael William Keba, 87, of West Chester, passed away on Nov. 16 at Barclay Friends in West Chester.

He was the husband of  Rosemary Wethers  Keba, who passed away  in 2003, and with whom he shared  55 years of marriage. Born in Hazelton, Pa., he was the son of the late Michael W. and Anna Mehallo Keba. He was a district supervisor for the A&P Tea Company in  Philadelphia for  30 years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in  West  Grove. He enjoyed telling jokes, golfing and all the Philadelphia sports teams.

He is survived by one son, Michael W. Keba (Denise) of Malvern; four daughters,  Diane Wiegand  (Jon) of Crew, Va., Kathleen Maloney (Matt) of Saucon Valley, Pa., Karen Packard of Florida, and Kim Houser (Tony) of West Chester; one sister, Priscilla Heffernan of Hazelton, Pa.; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Nov. 21 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His memorial mass will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Barclay Friends, 700 North Franklin Street, West Chester, PA 19380, Attn: Development Department. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JEAN MARIE McMILLAN

Jean Marie McMillan, 78, passed away peacefully on Oct. 28 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in 1937 in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Eva (Lee) Maxwell and Randolph Bowers. She was raised by her Aunt, the late Mabel (Bowers) Martin. She attended Oxford Schools, graduating from Oxford Area High School in 1955.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, George O McMillan, Sr.; three daughters, Lalietia (Felix) Kennedy of Cartersville, Ga., Juanita (Wayne) Dyer of Oxford, Sonja McMillan of Pottstown; two sons, George O. McMillan, Jr., of Oxford, and Gregory (Kristie) McMillan of Newark, Del.; brothers, including Frederick O. (Sonia) Maxwell and Donald R. Maxwell, Randolf Bowers, Jr., Robert Bowers, Carless Bowers, and John Bowers; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jean was a member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Oxford. She enjoyed baking, and cooking the big Sunday dinner that was enjoyed by all who stopped by to visit. Her other passions were bingo and her family, especially her grands and great-grands, and she was also a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan.

A funeral was held Nov. 3. To send an online condolence, visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.