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 funeral was held Nov. 19. Interment was 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.

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 was held Nov. 18. 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.

A funeral was held Nov. 21. 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 was held Nov. 20 at the New London United Methodist Cemetery. 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 funeral was held Nov. 21. Burial was 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.

MARGARET CLOUD ELVIN

Margaret Cloud Elvin, 97, died on Nov. 17 at Kendal Community in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Harold T. Elvin, who died in 1999, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in 1918, she was the daughter of the late Pusey Cloud and Ida Hoopes Cloud. She enjoyed more than 20 years of teaching first grade at Upland Country Day School and Chadds Ford Elementary. She was a graduate of Unionville High School and Drexel University and received her teaching certificate from West Chester University. She served as a school board director for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, was a member and past master of East Lynn Grange in Unionville, and a member of Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company and Marlborough Friends Meeting. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and entertaining family and friends. She appreciated art and took lessons in painting. Her hobbies included quilting, needlepoint and playing pinochle.

She is survived by sons Wayne T. Elvin and his wife Diane of New Castle Del., Donald J. Elvin of Warsaw, N.C., Roger K. Elvin and wife Lisa of Unionville; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral was held Nov. 21. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to either Marlborough Friends Meeting, c/o Debbie Stamm, 4 Owenwood Dr., Lincoln University, PA 19352; or Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, P.O. Box 36, Unionville, PA 19375. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MARIAN C. TAVONI

Marian “Mannie” C. Tavoni, 90, of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 18 at her daughter’s residence.

She was the wife of Samuel J. Tavoni, who passed away in 2011, and with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Francis P. and Grace O’Neil Campbell. She was a homemaker, and a member of St. Patrick’s Church.

She is survived by one son, Stephen K. Tavoni and his wife Kathleen of Kennett Square; one daughter, Phyllis Anne Tavoni Smith and her husband Barry of Kennett Square; one sister, Patricia Brown of Kennett Square; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son, Samuel J. Tavoni, Jr., and one sister, Carolyn C. Field.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In her memory, a contribution may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 209, Wilmington, DE 19801; or to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2600 Network Blvd., Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ROBERT H. WELLS

Robert Henry Wells, 56, of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 18 at Heartland Hospice in Wilmington, Del.

He was the husband of Pamela Jane Burkholder Wells. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of Janet Hibberd Wells Kirk of Coatesville and the late Henry Wells. Robert was a graduate of Coatesville High School class of 1976. He received his bachelor’s degree from Immaculata University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was employed as area network manager for AT&T Wireless in Digital Life. Robert enjoyed hiking, kayaking, bicycling, and dining at restaurants.

He is survived by his wife; mother; two sons, Nicholas Amoriello of Dallas, Texas, and Kevin Patrick Wells, at home; two granddaughters; and two sisters, Carol Balcavage of Allenton, and Cathy Psaros of Braintree, Mass.

A memorial service was held Nov. 24. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JAMES HOWELL

James Howell, an easygoing friend to all, a devoted animal lover and a ladies' man, died

after a short skirmish with cancer on Nov. 21st at the age of 69 in his home in Avondale.

Once he realized the fight was futile, he chose the good folks at Willow Tree Hospice to ensure

he could enjoy as many of his final days as possible, sitting outside, watching the birds and

petting his cats. Jim overcame many, many obstacles in life. Just one example of his life's hardships includes growing up hungry at times. However, being hungry may stimulate artistic abilities. While living in Chadds Ford and attending the local elementary school, he somehow managed to be given a few art lessons by Andrew Wyeth. Jim submitted a painting to his school's art contest and won. The contest was judged by Wyeth, so he may have had an inside track. Thanks posthumously, Mr. Wyeth!

As a young man, Uncle Sam insisted he join his Army. Still, someone had to serve during

the Vietnam War and so he persevered and was honorably discharged.

Jim could always attract women. He had three wives, several live-in partners and other women

friends. Jim spent 42 years working hard as a machine operator. At his retirement, he was given

a plaque to honor “the man, the myth and the legend.” Jim had a good sense of humor and laughed often. In his later years, a “soldier” who believed in Jehovah and wanted to witness knocked on his

door. Jim soon was a true believer and brooked no transgression of a strict moral code. He attended Kingdom Hall in Chatham, where he experienced many kindnesses.

Jim chose to forego a viewing and traditional burial and so, per his wishes, his ashes were

strewn in his chosen places. He hopes you will remember to laugh often, love generously and

remain loyal to your family and friends until hell freezes over or sometime thereabouts. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ERNEST W. MARVEL

Ernest W. Marvel, 73, passed away on Nov. 17 at his home in Kennett Square.

He was born in Chester to the late Ernest M. and Florence E. (Esterling) Marvel. He first attended the one-room school house in Ogden, Pa., then moved to Garden City, where he attended Nether Providence schools. As a teenager, he rode with the Rose Tree Hunt and the Valleybrook Hounds. Upon graduation from Williamson Trade School in 1962, he began his life’s work as a mason, eventually forming Mar-John Masonry, Inc., a highly regarded group which continues to this day.

His passion was helping his three sons and other young masons learn the trade. As a young man, he took up saltwater fishing, spending many fine days on the ocean or bay, taking one last charter trip on his birthday in June. He had been active in Cub Scouts as well as the Indian Guides, and enjoyed traveling when he was able.

Left to mourn his loss are his devoted wife, Carol (Krauss) Marvel; his loving children, LuAnn (Jeff) Jahnke, EJ (Kelli) Marvel, Andy (Kelly) Marvel and Matt (Lisa) Marvel; eight adoring grandchildren, Devin Jahnke; Alexis, Carli, Madeline, Lauren, Ashley, Justin, and Lena Jane Marvel; his sister, Cindi Marvel; his aunts, MaryAnn (Ed) Brady and Joan Esterling; special in-laws Diane (Bruce) Sheaffer and Bob (Elaine) Krauss; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family invites friends and family to join them in a celebration of his life at noon on Nov. 28 at the Italian American Club (30 Ways Lane in Kennett Square), where lunch will be served and memories shared. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be to Williamson College of the Trades, 106 S. New Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063; to the American Cancer Society; or to Four Paws Rescue at 218 Pine Grove Rd, Nottingham, PA 19362. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

MYRTLE SMITH PALMER

Myrtle Smith Palmer, 94, of West Chester, passed away on Nov. 19 at Twin Pines Health Care.

She was the wife of James T. Palmer, who passed away in 1983, and with whom she shared 32 years of marriage. Born in Unionville, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Hollis Smith. She was a cafeteria manager for the Red Clay School District for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter, NAOMI No. 20, OES. She enjoyed playing bingo, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Charles T. Palmer and his wife Sally of The Villages, Fla.; three daughters, DeeDee Kretzschmar of West Chester, Rene Sylvester of Kennett Square, and Cathy Palmer-Warner and her husband Michael of Rehoboth, Del.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held Nov. 24. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

EDWARD J. O’DONNELL

Edward J. O'Donnell, 77, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 20 at his residence.

He was the husband of Stella Siedzikowski O’Donnell, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Carmelita Browne O’Donnell. He was a shop planner at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard for 28 years, retiring in 1995. Prior to that, he was a policeman on the Philadelphia Police Department for 13 years. After his retirement, he worked for the DuVall Bus Company, driving a bus for handicapped children. Ed enjoyed hunting, fly tying and salmon fishing. He was an avid beekeeper, bird carver, pet lover, and a great storyteller. He especially enjoyed being with his family and friends. He was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in West Grove, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 7585; the Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion in Kennett Square, and the White Clay Creek Fisherman’s Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Edward J. O’Donnell, III and his wife Flávia of Boston, Mass.; three daughters, Kelly Ann O’Donnell Clampitt and her husband Corey of Smyrna, Del., Carmelita O’Donnell Senatz and her husband Jonathan of Downingtown, and Erin O’Donnell Shindle and her husband William of Kennett Square; one sister, Kathleen Booth of West Chester; eight grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 28 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Malachi Cemetery in Londonderry Township. In memory of Ed, a contribution may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

BETTY A. HOOD

Betty A. Hood, 85, of West Grove,  passed away on Nov. 23 at Jenner’s Pond retirement community in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Lawrence P. Hood, who died in 1987, and with whom she shared 34 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late Elmer L. and the late Catherine Marie (Moyer) Armentrout. Betty enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and reading. In recent years, she particularly enjoyed playing bridge with her friends at Jenner’s Pond.  In early years, she worked on the family poultry farm and had her own egg delivery route.

Survivors include Susan Burnett (Jimmy) of West Grove, Lawrence P. Hood Jr. of Unionville, and Bev Laws (Pete) of New London; and three grandchildren, Jenny Burnett, Larry Hood III and Morgan Hood.

Betty’s family would like to offer special thanks to Willow Tree Hospice for their care the past several weeks and the activities and nursing staff at Jenner’s Pond during her time at Jenner’s Pond.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). A service celebrating her life will follow at 7 p.m.  Interment will be held privately at London Grove Friends Meeting.  To view her online obituary and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOSEPH C. HARPER

Joseph C. Harper, 41, of Avondale, passed away on Nov. 20.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late James and Betty Johnson Harper. Joseph was employed with Snow Ball Mushroom in Avondale as a truck driver. He enjoyed his motorcycle, working on cars, fishing, and spending time with his family. He loved helping people just out of the kindness of his heart.

He is survived by his sister, Jeannie Potter and husband Don of Oxford; two brothers, Michael Harper and wife Lynn of Kennett Square, and Jeffery Harper of Oxford; nieces and nephews Tim Martone, Shelby Martone, Donny Potter, Michael Harper, Joshua Harper, Nicole Harper, Brittany Harper and Jessica Harper; fiancee Carmen Torres of Avondale; and three stepchildren, Ryan Peticca, Gabrielle Peticca and Jamie Russell, all at home.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 30 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., to offset the funeral cost. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.