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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of May 6

05/07/2019 10:47AM ● By J. Chambless

SUSAN E. CURRAN

Susan E. Curran, 55, of Kirkwood, passed away peacefully in her home on April 29 after a courageous seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was the beloved wife of Patrick Curran for over 38 years. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of Darrell and Patricia Roark Mckinney of Nottingham. Susan graduated from Oxford Area High School. She lived a fulfilling life as a loving wife and mother to her children and grandchildren.  She was a friend to many and was always there to brighten the day. She also loved gardening and her many pets. She had a strong faith in God and practiced Christian principles in her life.

She is survived by her husband; parents; three children, Nicholas O. Curran (Jaclyn) of Harrisburg,  Megan E. Mitchem (Christopher) of  Nottingham,  and Ryan P. Curran (Sydney Powers) of Baltimore, Md.; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra Tilghman (John) of Dover, Del., and Christina Davis (Parke) of Willow Street; and one brother, John Edward Mckinney (Alexis) of Little Britain, Pa. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Miranda Yvette Curran; and son-in-law, Jay Ross Hendry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 3. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOHN W. WALTON

John W. Walton, 89, of Glastonbury, Conn., passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on April 28.  

He was the widower of Beverly A. Walton, to whom he was married for 62 years. Born in Oxford, Pa., in 1929, John was the son of the late Earl Ray and Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Walton.  He was a 1947 graduate of Oxford High School, a 1951 graduate of the University of Delaware, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, and a 1955 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received his Masters of Electrical Engineering degree.

John’s grandfather, Howard Walton, started H.T. Walton and Sons, a Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership in Oxford. He worked there as a young man and also became a salesman in the early 1960s until he returned to Connecticut to work for Pratt and Whitney. He began his 35-year career at Pratt and Whitney/United Technologies Corporation in 1957 and retired in 1992.  John then went on to consult with Gerber Garment Technology, Inc., from 1992 to 2002. 

Those who had the privilege to know John, know that his real passion was his many radio telecommunications systems, his involvement with the ARRL Amateur Radio Organization, and most especially his role as deputy director for Glastonbury Connecticut Emergency Management. John was awarded the American Red Cross Spirit of the Red Cross award in 2010.

As a child, John was a Life Scout, played the drums for his high school orchestra, and played junior varsity basketball.  John was a volunteer firefighter for the Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford since 1955, and remained an honorary active member for the next 64 years.

John is survived by his three daughters, Susan Perrault of Salem, N.H., Anne (Gary) Constantine of South Glastonbury, and Carol Breen also of South Glastonbury.  He is also survived by his seven grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held June 2 in Glastonbury, Conn. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice (https://hartfordhealthcareathome.org/services/hospice), or to the Town of Glastonbury, Special Gifts and Contributions. Note ‘John Walton’ in the memo line. Mail to: Glastonbury Town Hall, Attn: Town Manager, 2155 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033. These contributions will be used in support of Emergency Management and Planning. For online condolences, visit www.mulryanfh.com.

 

LINDA ELAINE PARKER

Linda Elaine Parker, 71, passed away at her residence on April 30. 

She was the wife of Joel Ross Parker, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Carol “Bun” Daddezio and the late Maurice “Mutt” Daddezio. Linda was a hairdresser for over 50 years. Working from her home, she enjoyed spending time with her clients and took great pride in her work. Linda loved country music and dancing, especially when her husband was part of the band. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Joel M. Parker and  his wife Angela; her granddaughter, Emily A. Parker; her sister, Marcella Stewart; and her brother, James Wickline and his wife Gail (all of Toughkenamon); and nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass was held May 7. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

ELSIE M. LEWIS

Elsie M. Lewis, 76, of West Grove, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on April 30. 

She was the wife of Donald F. Lewis, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late James P. May and the late Ada Schukraft May. Elsie was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading, gardening, family gatherings, and going on vacation to Hilton Head and Florida. She was a very loving, caring and nurturing person who was devoted to her family. She enjoyed being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Donald F. Lewis, Jr. (Beverly) of Avondale;  four daughters, Teresa L. Ledezma (Juan) of Kennett Square, Diane L. Plummer (John) of Kennett Square, Kathy J. Trautman (Daniel) of Lincoln University, and Millie L. Tyler (John) of Harleysville; five sisters, Dorothy Russell, Barbara May, Kathleen Dixon, Evella Linderman and Mary Sadone; two brothers, Edward May and James May; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon May 9 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral will follow at noon. Burial will be held privately. To view her online tribute and to leave a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfhcom.

 

PATRICIA LAUBE BODINE

Patricia Laube Bodine, 71, of West Grove, formerly a longtime resident of Kennett Square, passed away on May 3 at Seasons Hospice in Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del.

She was the wife of Pastor Danny N. Bodine, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Vernon, N.Y., she was the daughter of Marion Smith Laube and the late Willard Laube. Patricia received her bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and her master’s in education from West Chester University. She was retired from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, where she taught first grade at Pocopson Elementary School and formerly taught kindergarten, pre-first and first grades at Unionville Elementary School. She was a member of St Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville. She went to Central America on eight mission trips. She enjoyed children, hosting eight exchange students over the years. She also enjoyed spoiling her dogs and traveling.

She is survived by her husband; mother; one son, Michael B. Bodine and his wife Amy of Leola; one daughter, Heather Wadas and her husband Mark of Shippensburg; four grandchildren; and one sister, Janet Moore of Sherrill, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 11 at St. Michael Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St Michael Lutheran Church or Missionary Ventures, 1544 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32809. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

 

HELEN JEAN ARKATIN

Helen Jean Arkatin, 87, of Nottingham, passed away peacefully on May 5, at home with her family by her side.

She was the wife of the late Paul Arkatin, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. Born in 1932 in Hartly, Del., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Dorothy Barclay Booth. She spent many years in Earlville, Md., with her parents before moving to Pennsylvania to raise her own family. Helen was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and a member of the Young at Heart. While Helen enjoyed flowers, vacations in Wildwood, N.J., bird watching and bingo, her most treasured times were spent with family. She will be missed by her entire family.

She is survived by six children, Louetta Crossan, Marlene Dunn (Earl), Suzette Thompson (Harry), Ronald Arkatin, Theresa Bare, Paul Arkatin (Laura); 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four siblings, John Henry Booth, Walter Booth, Jr. (Joan), Phyllis Crawford (Brodie) and Patricia Jamison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; and two brothers, Lauder and Russell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. May 8 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com