LORRAINE A. STEELE

Lorraine A. “Lorrie” Steele, 63, of West Grove, passed away on Sept. 14 in the memory care unit at Sunrise of Westtown after a seven-year battle with dementia.

She was the beloved wife of R. Scott Steele. Born in Philadelphia and raised in West Chester, Lorrie was the daughter of the late Charles “Chip” and Marjorie Frey Gibson. She was a 1972 graduate of Henderson High School, followed by an art degree from Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a master’s degree in special education. Before her retirement, Lorrie was employed with the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown for 27 years, ending her career as the Supervisor of Special Education Services. Lorrie loved music, and as a faithful member of the West Grove United Methodist Church, found much joy singing in the Chancel Choir. In addition to singing, she enjoyed painting, playing the violin, 70s rock music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends in Ocean City, N.J. But what brought the most joy to Lorrie’s life was time spent with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Lorrie is survived by her daughters, Lindsay Hetherington and her husband Scott of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Megan DuBois and her husband Greg of West Chester; a son, Adam Brannan and his wife Gabrielle of Perkasie, Pa.; a stepdaughter, Mandy Steele Baran and her husband Chris of Wilmington, Del.; two grandchildren, Rachel and Josh Hetherington; and a sister, Donna Logsdon of Horse Cave, Ky.

A funeral was held Sept. 20. Contributions in Lorrie’s memory may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 North Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

L. ETHEL WEAVER

Ethel Weaver, 86, resident of Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community and formerly of West Grove, passed peacefully from this life on Sept. 16 while in hospice care at her residence in the retirement community.

She was the wife of, and proceeded in death by, Edgar H. Weaver. Ethel was the daughter of the late Fay DuVall Miles and Jesse Clarence Miles. In her spiritual life, Ethel loved Bible study and hymn singing. Due to relocations, including North Carolina and Tennessee, Ethel was active in several different churches and had previously taught children's Sunday school classes. Most recently she enjoyed attending New London Baptist Church in Kelton prior to her move to Quarryville. In her personal life, Ethel loved gardening, sewing, quilting, and just spending time with her family.

Born in Troutdale, Va., Ethel relocated to Landenberg and graduated from Avon Grove High School, class of 1949. Ethel was a career homemaker, although she had also worked for the Hewlett Packard Company in Avondale.

She is survived by one son, Kenneth Weaver of Parkesburg; two daughters, Peggy Thomas of Quarryville, and Linda Ashley of Mountain Home, Ark.; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Edna Paisley of Genesse, Pa., Reba McLimans of Oxford, and Blanch Newhouser of Onley,Va. She was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, and two grandsons.

A funeral was held Sept. 22. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ethel’s memory may be made to The Kinsman Fund at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, or to Hospice and Community Care at 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT N. CLEAVER

Robert (Bob) Newton Cleaver of Chestertown, Md., passed away peacefully on Sept. 11 with his family by his side. He was 83 years old.

Bob was born in 1933 in West Grove, and is the son of the late Arthur Davis Cleaver and Ruth Newton Cleaver of Chrome, Pa. Bob’s first eight years of school were spent at the Chestnut Grove one-room school house in Oxford. He later graduated from the Oxford High School in 1951. Following this, he attended the Goldie Beacom Business College in Wilmington, Del., and received an associates degree in business. He enlisted in the Army in 1953 and served until 1955.

After his military service, he attended Washington College and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1958. It was there that he met and married fellow student, Elizabeth Ann Hurst, his wife of 57 years. They had two daughters, Catherine and Nancy. They enjoyed extensive travel, gardening, entertaining and visiting their grandchildren.

After graduation from college, Bob began his 32-year career with Aetna Life and Casualty. Bob retired from Aetna in 1990. Following retirement, Bob and Ann moved back to Chestertown and built a home.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Catherine Scott and her husband Robert Scott of Kingwood, Texas, and his daughter, Nancy Beam and her husband Troy Beam of Wallkill, N.Y. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Jessica, Evan and Rachel Scott; as well as several cousins. He is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Hurst Cleaver; and his sister, Helen Cleaver Reburn.

A memorial service was held Sept. 23. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cleaver Hurst Fund at Washington College. This is an endowed fund that assists with the financial needs of students from the Eastern Shore particularly from Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne's counties. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

CLIFFORD B. STEARNS

Clifford Bernard Stearns, 66, of Conowingo, Md., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sept. 14.

Born in 1950 in Concord, N.H., he was the son of Helen Hood Stearns and the late Bernard Clifford Stearns. Cliff was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He married his wife, Hoppy, in 1979 and that same year they purchased their family farm, Whizard’s Lair Farm. Cliff worked many jobs in his lifetime, including: training Standardbred Racehorses, driving the Budweiser Clydesdales, moving houses, dredging, and installing Geotextile tubes. He also had a pilot’s license. Cliff enjoyed foxhunting, but his favorite time of the year was always deer season. A boisterous man with a keen sense of fashion and a larger than life personality, Cliff will always be remembered for his love of joking and laughing with his family and friends.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Elise duPont Stearns; daughter, Winter N. Paxson and her husband Greg; sons Simon Stearns and Hunter Stearns; five grandchildren, with one on the way; uncle Gilbert H. Norris; loving mother Helen Stearns; and loving sister Caroline Stearns. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Cliff’s honor can be made payable to “River Hills Foxhounds” and sent care of the funeral home, PO Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

AGNES J. DAVIA

Agnes J. DaVia, 90, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 19 at Manor Care Pike Creek in Wilmington, Del.

Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Eusebius J. and the late Emilia Rosso DaVia. She was a retiree of Delmarva Power, and enjoyed wildlife, reading and everyday living. Agnes was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square, a Longwood volunteer at the Pierce-DuPont House for many years, and was a past president of the Kennett Auxiliary of the former Southern Chester County Hospital. She also enjoyed learning the Italian language.

She is survived by her sister, Emily DePippo; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Angelo DaVia; and a sister, Valentina DaVia Caputo.

A funeral was held Sept. 23. Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ELIZABETH A. CARDWELL

Elizabeth Ann Cardwell, 58, of Lincoln University, passed away on Sept. 17 at home.

She was the wife of the late John “Jake” Elliott Cardwell, Jr., with whom she shared 16 years of marriage. Elizabeth was born in Chester. She loved animals.

She is survived by one son, Kevin M. Smith of Lincoln University; one stepson, John Elliott Cardwell III of Trainor; and three grandchildren, John Cardwell IV, Julie Cardwell and Hannah Cardwell.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford). Interment will be in Edgewood Memorial Park in Glen Mills. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Go Fund Me, Cody Smith. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOHN T. WOODS

John Thomas Woods, 75, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 16 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

Born in Manhattan, NY he was the son of the late Walter and Mary Kalamar Woods. He was employed and retired from JP Morgan in Manhattan, N.Y. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, coins, records, antiques and watches.

He is survived by five sons, James R. Woods of Perkasie, Daniel B. Woods of Oxford, Kevin T. Woods of Oxford, Brandon R. Woods of Nottingham, and Patrick E. Woods of Nottingham; and one brother, Walter Woods of Monroe, N.Y.

A funeral was held Sept. 25. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

STEVEN A. PORTER

Steven A. Porter, 38, of West Grove, passed away on Sept. 16 at home.

Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of Michael L. Porter Sr. of West Grove and Katherine Carpenter Porter of Newark, Del. Steven was a chef and was employed in North Carolina and New York. He enjoyed writing, science fiction and traveling.

He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Michael L. Porter, Jr. of Lancaster, and Timothy Brian Porter (Amanda) of Bel Air, Mich.; fiancee Lende Whitmire and her daughter, Kaylie Whitmire, of West Grove; aunts and uncles, Diane Francisco of Newark, Del., Ken Carpenter of Wilmington, Del., and Bill Carpenter (Debbie) of Norfolk, Va., John Porter VI (Christine) of Landenberg, Kimberly Eldreth (James) of Elk Mills, Md., Karen Mannheim (Darryl) of Landenberg, and James Porter (Jacquelyn) of Oxford; nieces Amber Porter, Raelynn Jade Porter; and nephews Matthew and Taylan Porter.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (10 Johnson Rd., Newark, Del.). In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the family at the service to offset the memorial expenses, or Wells Fargo Bank, where an account has been set up in Steven’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MIGUEL GUTIERREZ BARAJAS

Miguel Gutierrez Barajas, 70, of Wilmington, Del., passed away on Sept. 23 at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospice, Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Isabel Pantoja De Gutierrez, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Yuriria, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of Margarita Barajas of Mexico and the late Jesus Gutierrez. Miguel was a laborer at Phillips Mushroom Company, retiring in 2015 after 15 years of service. He had a good sense of humor, always wore a sombrero, enjoyed watching old movies, scratch-off lottery tickets, rodeos and being with his family.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by one son, Daniel Gutierrez and his wife Mirella of Landenberg; one daughter, Carmen Gutierrez and her husband Juan of Wilmington, Del.; two brothers, Manuel Gutierrez Barajas and Trinidad Gutierrez Barajas, both of Mexico; four sisters, Guadalupe Gutierrez Barajas of Mexico, Rosa Gutierrez Barajas of Grand Rapids, Mich., Elena Gutierrez of Arvin, Calif., and Soledad Gutierrez Barajas of Mexico; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Rocco Catholic Church (313 Sunny Dell Rd., Avondale). His funeral will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be at noon on Sept. 28 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www,griecocares.com.

HERBERT A. ANDRESS

Herbert “Andy” Anthony Andress, 48, of West Chester, passed away on Sept. 21 at his residence.

Born in Twentynine Palms, Calif., he was the son of William H.Andress and Shirley Huff Andress of Pattison, Miss. Andy served his country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, his cats and chickens, and being with his wife.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by one son, Michael Andress of Mississippi; and one brother, Timothy Andress of San Jose, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

His services will be held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BILL J. OSBORNE

Bill J. Osborne, 77, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 19 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

He was the husband Selma Bernice Ham Osborne, who passed away in 2012, and with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Mountain City, Tenn., he was the son of the late Burl Osborne and the late Rebecca Church Osborne. Bill was a steel worker, retiring from Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville. He enjoyed yard work, gardening, and taking care of his family. He was a hard worker, and would help anyone, whether he knew them or not.

He is survived by one son, Thomas Osborne and his wife Angie of Nottingham; and a grandson, Austin Pierce of Kennett Square, who he helped raise; four daughters, Delores Garst and her husband Paul of West Grove, Victoria Harris of West Grove, Ronnice Osborne of Kennett Square, and Katrice Osborne of Kennett Square; several brothers and sisters; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by four sons, William Osborne Jr., Richard Osborne, John Osborne, and Tommy Briley; and his first wife, Brenda Daddazio Osborne.

A memorial service was held Sept. 26. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ILSE NINA WATKINS

Ilse Nina Watkins, 99, of Nottingham, passed away on Sept. 19 at home.

She was the wife of the late Samuel G. Watkins. Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Max and Martha Schmidt Waldner. Ilse was 6 years old when she moved to the United States from Germany. She was an exceptional artist, especially oil painting.

She is survived by three sons, Todd Watkins of Moore, S.C., Robert Watkins of Nottingham, and Scott Watkins of Nottingham; two grandchildren, Craig Watkins and Erin Lenone; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Nickelson.

Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOSEPH W. BOHMIER

Joseph William “Bill” Bohmier, 92, of New London, passed on Sept. 22 at his home.

He was the husband of Valerie “Joyce” (Trelawny) Bohmier, who died in 2015, and with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in 1925, he was a son of Antoine “Tony” and Mary “Mae” (Osterman) Bohmier.

Mr. Bohmier is survived by four of his six children, Michael Bohmier (Joy), Patti Crossan (Ken), Tom Bohmier (Robbie), and Polly Preston (Ed). He was predeceased by daughter Terry Bohmier, son Tim Bohmier and family (Sharon, Jessica, and Christina), and “adopted” son, Teddy Marshall. He has eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Baraga, Mich., Bill developed business and outdoorsman skills early on while selling and guiding fishing excursions in the Great Lakes as a youth. Once Bill and Joyce settled in New London, he and his business partner, Al Sheves, created and operated the New London Airport. They also co-founded Chester County Aviation Corporation (the longtime operator of Chester County Airport). In addition to a long-lasting career in aviation, he owned and operated many business concerns – most notably Quality Pools (a distributorship of the Foxx Pool Corporation). Bill was an avid North American hunter and fisherman. As a way to share this passion, he established the Canadian Fishing Camp, which continues to be enjoyed by members today.

Visitations to honor Mr. Bohmier and his family will be held at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., Lincoln University) on Sept. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Sept. 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. A service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, and his burial will follow at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: “Future Aviators Summer Camp” (memo - Bill Bohmier), c/o New Garden Flying Field, 1235 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374. Visit www.griecocares.com.

WALTER E. STEFFY, SR.

Walter “Rick” E. Steffy, Sr., 60, of Quarryville, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 24.

He was the husband of Karen Bennett Steffy, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Horace and Harriet Messler Steffy. Rick was employed with G. Guizzetti & Sons Mushroom Farm in Landenberg as a truck driver. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association, and Southern Lancaster County Farmers Sportsman’s Association. Rick enjoyed flat-track motorcycle racing, and spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Walter E. Steffy II (Rebekah) of Oxford, and Nathan T. Steffy (Arianna) of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Adelynn, Caden and Emmersyn; one brother, Horace “Mickey” Steffy, Jr., of Lincoln University; and two sisters, Jennie Johnston of Ephrata, and Patti Arrowood of Clarkesville, Ark. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathi Moore.

A memorial service will be held 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Wesley Church (1104 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville), where friends may visit from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wesley Church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

HARRY D. SKELTON, JR.

Harry D. Skelton, Jr., 76, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 20 at Churchman Village in Newark, Del.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Harry D., Sr., and Grace Ironside Skelton. Harry graduated from Unionville High School and West Chester University. He attended Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington. He was a veteran of the PA Air Force National Guard. Harry was retired from the DuPont Company in 2013, and was formerly employed with Hercules Corporation, both of Wilmington, Del. He attended Oxford Presbyterian Church. Harry was an avid follower of the University of Delaware baseball team.

He is survived by one son, Gregory D. Skelton and his wife, Shannon; and three grandchildren, Emily, Mackenzie and Hunter.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SUSAN BARLOW PEZZUTO

Susan Barlow Pezzuto, 67, of Kennett Square, formerly of Glenolden, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25 at Preston Residence at Jenner’s Pond, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Glenolden, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Walter Barlow, Jr., and Ethel Sarah Barlow. She graduated from Glenolden High School in 1968 and West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1982, as a returning single mother, and earned her BA in elementary education. After completing her education, she began teaching adults how to utilize business software applications for numerous software companies. She was a sales executive for several software companies. She retired from SAP Americas as a global partner manager in 2015. During her retirement, she returned to her love of theater by appearing in several Kennett Amateur Theatre Society (KATS) productions and started working part-time at Longwood Gardens -- a job she loved because she got to work with compassionate colleagues and spend time in the beautiful gardens.

Since moving to Kennett Square 20 years ago, she proudly served her college alumnae association, the Brandywine Community Chorus, and KATS. Susan had a lifelong love of animals (particularly of the feline variety), the arts, shopping for antiques or an outfit for an upcoming event, and fly fishing.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Kimberlie Flammini (Sabatino); her sisters, Elaine Barlow Shipman (David), and Aimee Barlow (Randy); and her brothers, Thomas Barlow (Clara) and Andrew Barlow; her aunt, Betty McCausland; her cousins, Jill and Lowman Halley and Lynn McCausland; many special nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and her beloved feline companion, Isabella “Tater” Cheyenne. She is also survived by her special friends Marti Millington, Linda Pyle, Donna Gregg, Linda Williams, Dixie Anderson, Regina Painter, Nancy Nowlan, Terrie Stickle, Eileen and Ed Murray, Janice Ask, and Rebecca Rodriguez; and her faithful neighbors, Joyce Ryan and Thomas Dame.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square,). Her funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Susan’s name may be made to Meals on Wheels of Chester County, Inc. (mowcc.org), 404 Willowbrook Lane, West Chester, PA 19382; or Castaway Cats (www.castawaycatsde.com), or by visiting the Pet Valu store in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.