GARY L. GAMACHE

Gary Lance Gamache, 64, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at his home on May 27 while surrounded by his loving family, after a brave fight with brain cancer.

Born in 1955 in Southington, Conn., he was the son of George and Myrna (Krampitz) Gamache, beloved husband of Rita (Androwick) for 30 years, and loving father to Heidi (Anthony) Raimato, Britta, and Krista Gamache. He was also a loving brother to Sheri (David) Lejeune and Lori (Michael) Maghini.

Gary attended Immanuel Lutheran School & Bristol Central High School in Bristol, Conn., where he enjoyed track and cross-county. He received his Bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University and his Master’s degree in personnel management from Troy State University. He enthusiastically served his country in the Army, earning many medals and commendations, and achieved the rank of Captain before entering the civilian workforce. Gary found his career passion in being a financial advisor, which he did for almost 30 years. His reputation for honesty and exceptional skill led him to many accolades and more importantly, lifelong friendships with clients. Gary took the time to share his talent and mentored countless people along the way. He loved spending time with his family hiking, traveling, attending concerts and watching sports. He loved making others smile and will forever be missed.

A service was held May 31. Interment was in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery in Kennett Square. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA SHENEMAN WEIR

Patricia (Patty) Sheneman Weir, 64, of Kemblesville, died peacefully on May 24.

She was the beloved wife of Charles W. Weir, Jr., of Kemblesville. Born in Drexel Hill, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy and Harry Sheneman. Patty retired from PNC Bank after 44 years of service. 

She is survived by her stepdaughter, Kimberly (Weir) Bright and her husband, Ronald Bright; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Evelyn Weir; two sisters, Karen Briggs and Dottieann Tjersland; one brother, George Sheneman; brother-in-law, Ronald Weir and his wife, Lois Weir; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Shenenman, Jr.; and father-in-law, Charles W. Weir, Sr. Patty leaves behind many friends and co-workers.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (www.stjude.org). Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

LETISHA BETH KINSEY COPELAND

Letisha Beth “Tish” Kinsey Copeland of Kennett Square, 55, went to be with her King, Lord and Savior on May 27 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tish was born in Washington, D.C., in 1964 to Lewis P. H. Kinsey and Rosemary Kinsey (Scragg). Her family moved to Kennett Square in 1969 and Tish graduated from Kennett High School in 1982. Tish was a varsity cheerleader, varsity tennis co-captain, and played varsity softball while attending Kennett High School. She was also a competitive swimmer and summer recreation tennis league athlete at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. She received a tennis scholarship to Penn State University and graduated in 1986 with a B.S. in petroleum engineering. After graduating college, Tish and her brother, Stockton, hopped in the car and set off on a road trip across country. She relocated to Boulder, Colo., and moved three more times until she returned back home to Kennett Square with her two children in 1999 to be close to family after the passing of her first husband. Tish was currently working for the Chester County Intermediate Unit as a teacher specializing in providing life skills to students transitioning from high school to adulthood. She loved flowers and gardening, as well as her new passion and hobby of beekeeping.  Tish also enjoyed playing paddleball and tennis with friends.

She is survived by her husband, Jason Copeland of Kennett Squar; and her two daughters, Tori Himelstein and Anna Himelstein; her brother, Stockton Kinsey (Tina); and two nephews, Joshua Kinsey and Blake Kinsey. She was predeceased by her father, Lewis P. H. Kinsey; her mother, Rosemary Kinsey (Scragg); and her first husband and father of Tori and Anna, Mead Himelstein.

A service was held June 1. Interment was at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, send a donation to Water For Life (https://my.lifetoday.org/give), which is an organization that digs clean water wells in third-world countries. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

EILEEN ELIZABETH ROBBINS MIRANDA

Eileen Elizabeth Robbins Miranda, 76, of West Grove, passed away on May 22 at home. 

Second of eight children, Eileen was born in Jamaica, N.Y., to the late Frank Henry and Margery Curtin Robbins. She joined the convent after high school, then eventually left to start a family and become a teacher. After attending Brentwood College, and earning a master’s degree at the College of New Rochelle, she spent over 30 years dedicated to education.  She last taught fifth grade in Cottage Lane Elementary School, Blauvelt, N.Y., where she was adored by students and colleagues. Eileen enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She spent a lot of free time organizing social events within her neighborhood, in addition to arranging family vacations and functions. She liked to support the troops overseas by sending fresh baked cookies by the hundreds to deployed units. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

She is survived by her two sons, Andrew R. Miranda of West Grove and Gavin J. Miranda; and future daughter-in-law, Jenissa K. Hendrickson of Pensacola, Fla.; four brothers, Paul Robbins, Robert Robbins, Frank Robbins and Joseph Robbins; and two sisters, Rosemary Mattia and Kathleen Nestor. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margery Gifford.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 31. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to www.gofundme.com/remembering-Eileen-Miranda to help offset funeral expenses. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

GENEVIA MAE BARNETT

Singing evangelist Genevia Mae Barnett gained her wings on May 23.

She was born in 1931 to Clayton and Elsie Jones Alexander in Oxford.  She was the sixth of seven children born to Clayton and Elsie. Genevia was a shy child who loved reading by the wood stove at home, playing baseball, and being active in many school clubs. As a teen, she sang on both the Junior Chorus and the Operetta. In 1951, Genevia became the first in her family to graduate with a high school diploma.

She was married to Leo Lafayette Barnett from 1951 to 1976.  Genevia was proud to raise nine children, Philena Mae, Beverly Jean, Elizabeth Ruth, Wanda Geanine, Velma Terell, Stewart Jerome, Stephanie Katrina, Marcellus Edward, and Marina Corine. 

Genevia was a lifetime member and Pastor Steward of Trinity AUMP Church and a singing evangelist in the AUMP Church Conference. She had a heavenly contralto voice and was a sought-after soloist who performed with the Senior Choir, Mass Choir, Conference Choir, and the Ray Gospel Singers. She also served as a missionary with Hosana’s Angels, a ministry started with her daughters to raise funds to support the historic Hosana AUMP church in Lincoln, Pa.

In 1964, she was hired by the Red Rose Inn. She remained at the inn for 16 years, eventually rising to the position of head chef. Genevia also worked for the Avon Grove Diner and Hunter’s Sale Barn, and baked pies and pastries for the Octoraro Inn.

Genevia’s legacy spans four generations and includes nine children, 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.  She adored her family and loved her nieces, nephews, cousins, her children’s spouses, and host of adoptive children as her own.

A service was held May 30. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

ROBERT H. IRWIN

Robert H. Irwin, 91, of Greenville, Del., passed away on May 28 at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del.

He was born in Chadds Ford in 1928 to the late Andrew P. Irwin and Helen Chalfant. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering.  He had a long and successful career, starting with Chrysler Corporation International, where he lived and worked in Australia, South Africa and Great Britain and traveled extensively to South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Later, he became president of the Batesville Casket Company in Batesville, Ind., and president and CEO of LeRoy Industries in LeRoy, N.Y.

His formative years on a farm cultivated an everlasting passion for the outdoors. He loved to travel and spent many years living part-time in a home he designed and built in Bermuda. He was a keen golfer, a loyal University of Michigan football fan and later in life spent several years cruising the inland waterway on his much beloved boat, Laurali. He was a mentor to many and will be missed by all those who love him.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Barbara Hammett Irwin. His first wife of 35 years, Elizabeth Symonds Irwin, died in 1993. In addition to his second wife, he is survived by his children, Lauren Irwin and spouse Robert Bugbee of New York, N.Y., and Lisa Irwin and spouse Graham Burgess of London, England; and five grandchildren.

His funeral was held June 3. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given to the American Stroke Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago IL 60693 (www.strokeassociation.org).

 

RONALD G. PUCCI

Ronald G. Pucci, 76, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 29 after a lengthy battle with COPD.  

He was born in 1942 in Wellsville, Ohio, the son of Renaldo and Irene Gerace Pucci. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia, and Villanova University School of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career working in engineering sales, later was employed by the former ICI Americas, became an independent engineering consultant, and was also involved in environmental clean-up projects. Ron liked many sports and had been an avid hunter before his illness.  He enjoyed his many friends and was always available to lend a helping hand. Ron enjoyed memberships in the Sons of Italy, the Italian American Club, the Safari Club International, and the NRA (benefactor status).

Survivors include his loving wife, Irene Lovisa; sister, Victoria Kressler (Carey); daughters, Renee Solomon (Charles) and Janine Jackson (Lee); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Ronald Pucci.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 5 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church (160 Ridge Rd., Chadds Ford). His funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the American Lung Association (COPD Research), 527 Plymouth Road, Suite 415, Plymouth Meeting, PA  19462. Visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

 GRACE  COX McLIMANS

Grace Cox McLimans, 86, of West Grove, passed away on May 31 at the Pocopson Home.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Orville Cox and the late Alice Hipkins Cox. She was a homemaker. In her earlier years, she was a waitress at the Brown Derby and she also drove a school bus for the Shortlidge Bus Company. Grace enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing cards, traveling, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons, John H. McLimans, Jr, and his wife Shirley of West Grove, and W. Scott McLimans and his wife Denise of West Grove; one daughter,  Deborah L. Hampton of Avondale; one brother, Arthur Cox of West Grove; one sister, Joan Gresham of Vero Beach, Fla.; ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She was predeceased by one grandson, Fred Hampton, Jr.; one brother, William Cox; and a son-in-law, Fred Hampton, Sr.

Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 7 at the Manor Presbyterian Church (505 Street Road, Cochranville). Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the West Grove Fire Company, P.O. Box 201, West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

JULIA ANN CAPUTO

Julia Ann Caputo, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away at her residence on May 31.

Born in Toughkenamon, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Masciantonio and the late Mary diDominic Masciantonio. She was a bookkeeper for 42 years at the family business, Caputo & Guest Mushrooms, Kennett Square. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends, playing the slot machines at Delaware Park, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Louis J. Caputo, Jr., and his wife Anita of Kennett Square; two daughters, Constance Guest and her husband Jeff  “Herbie” of Kennett Square, and Kathleen Caputo Nelms and her husband Rick of Avondale; two sisters, Anna Basciani of Avondale, and Helen “Babe” Vallorani of Toughkenamon; six grandsons; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, Nick Masciantonio.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon June 7 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church (8910 Gap Newport Pike, Route 41, Avondale). Her funeral Mass will follow at noon.  Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

MARY A. WHITESIDE

Mary A. Whiteside,101, of Oxford, passed away on May 31 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Jeremia Whiteside. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rozalia Lempicka Wiercienski. Mary was a devout member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford since 1950. She was employed with Continental Fiber Company in Newark, Del., before moving to Oxford.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Henry Wiercienski; and sister, Ann Wiercienski. Though Mary outlived all her natural family, she is survived by many, many friends and acquaintances who loved Mary and she loved them. Mary loved to pray. She resided at Ware Presbyterian Village for over ten years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. June 6 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 Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington on June 7 at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

 

MARGARET KATHRYN WALLS

Margaret Kathryn Walls, 100, of Oxford, passed away May 30 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late James Edger Walls, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John Vincent and Helen Morgan Owens. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Margaret was very active and enjoyed cooking, softball, tennis, loved music and dancing, praying the rosary and especially spending time with her neighbors and friends.

She is survived by her children, James Owens Walls of Philadelphia, Mary Lou Walls Christie of Oxford, Helen Edith Walls of Elverson, Walter Walls of Oxford, and Sara Marie Walls of Washington, D.C.; and one grandson, Kevin Christie. She was preceded in death by her siblings, John Owens, Ruth Owens Black, Eddie Owens, Freda Hines, Marie Owens, Bill Owens and Lillian Pennington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. June 6 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 Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

 

 WILLIAM N. SALLANDER, SR.

William N. Sallander Sr., of Port Orange, Fla., recently passed away at the age of 80.

He was born in Providence, R.I., in 1938, a son to the late Carl and Edith (Nunberg) Sallander. At the age of 18 he married his beloved wife, Florence, a blessed marriage of 62 years. Their four children were also born in Rhode Island, not only residing in Providence but also Warwick as well as Coventry, until the family moved to Oxford, Pa., in 1976. William worked in maintenance at a gold foundry and later as a landscaper. He found his true employment desire as a truck driver, driving for different companies such as Herr’s Motor Express, Sealand and finally Venezia, where he retired from in 2004 -- a total of 35 years in the trucking Industry.

William, Florence and William, Jr., moved to Port Orange, Fla., in 2004. While in Florida he loved traveling, the beach, enjoying his hobbies and most of all, spending time at home with Florence.

Survivors include his wife Florence; two sons, John E. (Dorothy) Sallander of New Providence Pa., and William N. Sallander Jr. of South Daytona, Fla.; two daughters, Karen L. Reeder of Warren, Ohio, and Pamela A. (Terry) Ruble of Avenue, Md.; four grandsons; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Carleen Dubois of Warren, R.I.

 A funeral will be held June 8 in Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

 

MARY TOWNSEND HANEY

Mary Townsend Haney, 94, of Oxford, passed away on June 3 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late J. Colson Haney. She farmed in Elk Township with her sons for 50 years. Mary was a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. She loved cats and her family.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael P. Haney, James C. Haney III, and Stephen D. Haney, all of Oxford; and two sisters, Barbara Tucci of St. Paul, Minn., and Eleanor Laird of Texas.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. June 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery, Cochranville. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.