Joyce Bertha Thompson

Joyce B. Thompson, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022. She was 94.

Joyce was born in Somerset, England on Sept. 12, 1927 to the late Bertha (Tyler) and Ralph Hallett.  She grew up with her sister Cynthia, and her brothers Peter (deceased) and David.  

Joyce met her husband Robert L. Cook (deceased) while he was stationed in Somerset, England during World War II.  She fell in love and married Robert and moved to the United States where they resided in Chatham, Pa. 

Joyce is survived by her three children, Stephen L. Cook, Robert R. Cook, and Adrienne C. Snik and their spouses, Peggy, Jo-Anne, and Peter as well as six grandchildren and their spouses,  Stephen and Shannon Cook, Christopher and Dawn Cook, Brock and Amanda Cook,  Tjerand and Sarah Snik, Adrienne J. and Denis Snik-Gumanov, and Allyson and Chris Smith.  She was a loving great- grandmother to her nine great-grandchildren, Ryan, Peylan, Emmy, Audrey, Chelsea, Nora, Allyson J. , Kyle, and Jordan.  

Later in life, Joyce was blessed to have a second loving marriage to Charles Thompson (now deceased) and was a stepmother to his five children, John, Jim, Kenneth, Diana and Douglas.   Joyce often expressed how fortunate she was to have such a wonderful and close-knit family and took pride in her position as the “matriarch” of this clan.  Her positive attitude was inspirational; as was the joy she experienced in spending time with her family.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Joyce received a degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama.  She was a reading aide at Avon Grove Middle School, a Head Start teacher for Chester County, and a special education teacher for children with learning disabilities in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  

Among her many and varied interests, Joyce was a skilled gardener.  She had a well-earned reputation for a green thumb and her verdant yard is proof of this talent. While in Alabama, Joyce served as president of Tuscaloosa’s George Wood Chapter of the Alabama Wildflower Society and was an active member of the Oxford Garden Club.  She also enjoyed painting, playing the piano, sewing, crocheting, playing pinochle and bridge, line dancing, golf, and making arts and crafts-especially with her great-grandchildren. 

Joyce had a strong faith in her savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of several churches over the years.  She served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, MYF leader, and church organist.  Most recently she was an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church in Oxford. She loved her sweet church family and took great pleasure in their fellowship.

Joyce was a positive, intelligent, independent, strong, and very talented woman, as well as an adoring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She will be greatly missed.  

Family and friends gathered for a memorial service at the Oxford United Methodist Church on July 19.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the Oxford United Methodist Church.  

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Fred Dexter Main

Fred Dexter Main, of Oxford passed away on July 16, 2022 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 88.

Born in Toliver City, NC, he was the son of the late Letcher and Mamie Eldreth Main.

Fred was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War.

He owned and operated Fred’s TV in Oxford and owned several real estate properties.

He was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church.

Fred was an avid golfer.

He is survived by two sons, Michael D. Main of North East, Md. and Glenn S. Main of Mount Wolf; one step-daughter, Susan Bowers of Shamong, NJ; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ruby Metzer of North East, Md.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jack “Dexter” Main and a step-son, David Howell.

Funeral services were held on July 22 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church in Nottingham.

Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Legion Mason Dixon Post #194, 388 E. Main St., Rising Sun, MD 21911. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Carmen Ana Ortiz Aponte

Carmen Ana Ortiz Aponte, of Oxford, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at her residence. She was 82.

She was the wife of the late Angel Manuel Rosado Rosa.

Born in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Margaro Ortiz Burgo and the late Rosa Aponte Candelaria.

She was a homemaker.

Carmen enjoyed listening to music, watching preachers on TV and attending church. She also enjoyed being around people and was always smiling. Carmen touched many lives and Oxford will miss her.

She attended the Igl. Pent. Peña Inconmovible Church in Oxford.

She is survived by five sons and six daughters, Luis Angel Villafañe (Nilda) of Kenosha WI, Angel M Villafañe of Coatesville Pa., William Villafañe (Maria) of Coatesville Pa., Hector Villafañe of Puerto Rico, Victor Villafañe (Rosa) of Oxford, Gladys Ortiz of Camden, NJ, Luz Cruz (Jose) Of Oxford, Nardaliz Villafañe of Oxford, Nancy Villafañe (Wenceslao) of Puerto Rico, Soraida Villafañe ( Miguel) Of Atglen Pa., and Yolanda Villafañe of Wilmington Del.; one brother, Joaquim Ortiz of Puerto Rico; 41 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by one sister and two brothers, Gloria Ortiz Aponte , Jose Ortiz Aponte and Jorge Ortiz Aponte.

Her funeral service was held on July 28. Burial will be in Oxford Cemetery, Route 10, in Oxford.

In memory of Carmen, a contribution may be made to the Igl. Pent. Peña Inconmovible, P.O. Box 256, Oxford PA 19363.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

James Ronald Hendrickson

James Ronald Hendrickson, 85, of Landenberg, passed away on June 19, 2022 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Doris Simpkins Hendrickson.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Lawrence and Marion Lake Hendrickson.

He was self-employed as a plumber for 45 years.

James attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Avondale. 

He enjoyed operating the backhoe and pick-up trucks. 

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Vickie Riley (James) of Oxford; two grandchildren, Jennifer Ayers (Dave) of Rising Sun, Md. and James Riley, III of Oxford; four great-grandchildren, Marissa Ayers, Joanna Ayers, Grace Ayers and Olivia Riley; two brothers, Richard Hendrickson of Oxford and Robert Owens (Shelva) of Townsend, Del.; three sisters, Mary Jane of Newark, Del., Louise of Oxford and Edith; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by nine brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were held on June 25 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Avondale.

Interment will be in Rosebank Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Michael S. Stankiewicz

Michael S. Stankiewicz, of Avondale, passed away on July 22, 2022 while surrounded by his family and friends. He was 65.

He was the husband of Beatrice “Bea” Cicala, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage.

Born in Camp Lejeune, NC, he was a son of the late Barbara Kret Stankiewicz. 

Michael graduated from Lasalle College High School in 1974 and attended Montgomery County Community College. Michael was a general contractor and had his own business for 30 years.

A USA Archery Level III NTS coach and instructor, he enjoyed many years volunteering and teaching archery for the Octoraro District of the Chester County Council Boy Scouts.  He was a den leader, troop leader, outreach leader, and unit commissioner for Chester County and helped at local day camps and summer camps including Camp Horseshoe. 

He loved the community and was a mentor for the Kennett High School FIRST robotics team (4342), assisting students with the building of their mock fields for robotics testing.

Mike was always outdoors hunting, fishing, playing golf, and sharing those passions with others. He was rarely without a camera in his hand. He loved to travel and make his family visit every lighthouse, significant landmark, or fort wherever they went.

In addition to his wife Bea, he is survived by their children, Ethan and Mae Stankiewicz; five brothers, Mark (and his wife Lora), Stan, Steve (and his wife Cathy), Kenneth, and Keith.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Debbie and many nieces and nephews. 

His life celebration service  took place on July 29. Interment will be held privately. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to "KCSD Activities /DEMON ROBOTICS 4342 c/o Kennett High School Attn: Dan Folmar 100 East South Street Kennett Square PA 19348 or Venmo to @DemonRobotics4342.  

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).  

To view his online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Shirley Marie Byrd

Shirley Marie (Paisley) Byrd passed away on July 20, 2022, losing her battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 86. She was born on July 8, 1936 in West Grove to the late Walter and China (Mcmillan) Paisley.

In her youth, Shirley played with her friends near Baker Station and would go roller skating at the Avondale roller rink. She was also known to sneak off to swim in the Avondale quarry.

On November 10, 1951, Shirley married her husband, the late Richard Carson Byrd. They had four children, Debbie (McMahon), John Byrd, Sharon (Ham), and Richard Byrd Jr.

Shirley was initially a stay-at-home mom on their farm. Eventually, they built a new house on the property. Some hobbies of hers included gardening, planting flowers, and decorating the home for all seasons. Shirley also enjoyed attending bingo, shopping, boating and vacationing in Florida for many years. 

Shirley was involved in the West Grove Playground Mothers Association and she worked for several years in the Avon Grove School District cafeteria. She also worked in various gift shops or antique shops in her later years, often bringing home her paycheck in the form of trinkets.

Shirley is predeceased by her siblings, Christine Troilo, Dean Paisley and Logene  DiStefano. She is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

There will be no services.  

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. Please visit Mrs. Byrd’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Freni G. Aungst

Freni G. Aungst, 69, of Selinsgrove, Pa., passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022.  

She was born on May 15, 1953 to Russell Mack of Cornwall, Pa. and the late Ruth (Andes) Mack.

Freni was a graduate of Shippensburg University where she earned a bachelor’s degree.  She held several positions in the Selinsgrove area, having worked for Susquehanna University, Northumberland County in human services, and lastly worked as a social worker for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in the Selinsgrove Area School District. She retired in 2018.  When she wasn’t working, Freni was an avid sports fan who cheered just as hard against teams as she did for teams. She loved the beach, reading, bird watching and was always the life of the party.  She touched many lives and was full of life. She was always caring for others and loved her friends.  Most of all, she loved her children and grandchildren. She viewed them as her greatest accomplishment and visited them frequently. Freni will be remembered as a spirit dedicated to making others feel happy and was always a bright light in the room.  Her deep relationship with her grandchildren allows her legacy to live on.

In addition to her father, Freni is survived by her daughter, Kathryn F. Erb (Joshua) of Downingtown, Pa. and her son, Daniel C. Aungst (Heather) of Chadds Ford. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Kaelyn and Evan Erb and Landon and Hayley Aungst as well as her two brothers, Richard and Andrew Mack.  

All services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Freni’s name to Family Planning Plus, 4612 Westbranch Hwy, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.