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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of December 11th

Amy Chapin Lewis

Amy Chapin Lewis, of Kennett Square, passed away on November 21, 2024 at Crosslands Retirement Community. She was 83.

She was born in Boston, Mass. on October 15, 1941 to Robert Williams Chapin and Amy Pemberton Martin. 

She spent her first years as a daughter of a Naval officer, who finally settled in Washington D.C.  Amy started riding horses in Wilton, CT and was a member of the first United States Pony Club. She graduated St. Timothy’s School (the third generation to do so) in 1959 and went to Bryn Mawr College.  The summer after her freshman year, Amy volunteered with the Frontier Nursing Service, delivering medical supplies via horseback.  

During a college mixer, she met her future husband, Francis A. Lewis III, whom she married in September of 1961.

While raising two daughters, Amy Pemberton (Lewis) Coppage and Maria Litchfield Lewis, Amy volunteered with Radnor Hunt Pony Club, rode to hounds, competed in Combined Training Events, and worked at Melmark School and USPC while it was in West Chester. She was also a devoted wife.  

Amy always had a knitting bag with her and had multiple projects going at the same time. She was a reluctant sailor, sitting in the cockpit of the current boat, knitting away.

During Amy’s time with RHPC, she was a parent, District Commissioner, Regional Supervisor and was on the original Show Jumping Committee.  USPC presented her the Living Legend award during the 50th annual meeting in Philadelphia in 2003.

After her husband, Frank, died in March of 2006, Amy moved to Crosslands in Kennett Square where she was a member of the Scottish dancing, knitting, and sewing groups. She kept riding and competing into her 70s, including the Waradoca 3-Day event.

Amy is survived by her daughters, her three grandchildren, and two great-grand children.

Her services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Frontier Nursing Service or ALZFDN.org.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Anne B. Pape

Anne B. Pape, of Unionville, passed away on November 12, 2024. She was 73.

She is survived by her husband and love of her life, William L. Pape, with whom she shared nearly 17 years of marriage. The couple split their time between their homes in Unionville and Saratoga Springs, NY. 

Anne was the daughter of the late Joan Parsons and Sidney P. Snyder Jr. She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1951 and spent much of her youth on Long Island, where she graduated from Long Island Lutheran High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Bradford Junior College. 

Anne was an accomplished junior equestrian in her youth and spent much of her time on and around horses. She was the second equestrian to win 20 USET classes, earning the bronze, silver and gold medals. She twice finished runner-up for the Alfred B. Maclay Trophy at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.

Anne channeled her love of horses into horse racing and breeding in her most recent years. Anne shared her passion for equine endeavors with her beloved husband, Bill. Together they participated in steeplechase and flat track racing and supported several equine charities including the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Anne had a keen eye when it came to horse breeding and a whimsical humor when it came to the naming of each new horse. Her greatest joy was being able to enjoy her favorite hobby with her favorite person, Bill. 

Anne is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her sisters, Elizabeth Walker and Linda Barber (Andrew); and her nieces Allison and Carolyn. She is also survived by Bill’s three sons, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be planned for late spring or early summer of 2025. 

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square. 

Tyler Janae Cannon

Tyler Janae Cannon, age 31, of Hockessin, Del., passed away at her home on November 21, 2024. 

Born in Coatesville in 1993, Tyler was the daughter of Terri Lynn Crampton and Roger Cannon. 

Tyler attended Thomas Edison Charter School for middle school and made many lifelong friends. She then attended William Penn High School. Following high school graduation, she went to cosmetology school and earned her license as a hairstylist. 

Tyler was, above all else, a mother. She adored her daughters, Zuri Simone Nelson and Zoey Milani Nelson, and they were the light of her life. Tyler loved her children and family with all of her heart.

She was born a natural artist. Tyler was extremely talented and succeeded at any artistic endeavor she pursued. In her younger years, she won several awards for her drawings. She was also an amazing baker and created beautiful one-of-a-kind cakes for any occasion. Her talent as a hairstylist was no exception. She had numerous clients that were faithful to her because of her exceptional skills with hair. Tyler was an artist through and through. 

You knew when Tyler walked into the room because she was the life of the party. She was beautiful, funny, cool and impossible not to love. She was protective of everyone she cared for and a loyal friend you could count on to always have your back. 

Tyler’s relationship with God strengthened as she grew older.  When she endured tough times, she began to turn to God, and he always saw her through. She found solace in God and was proud to know the peace he provided. 

Tyler is survived by her parents, Terri Lynn Crampton and Roger Cannon; her daughters, Zuri Simone Nelson and Zoey Milani Nelson; siblings, Tierra Crampton, Terrance Crampton, Tykiera Crampton, Rodrique Pennington, Chyna London, Roger Cannon, Jr., Kalista Cannon, and Calisse Cannon; uncle, Theodore Crampton; niece, Tristyn Crampton; as well as many cousins and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lillian Crampton and Earl Leaphart.

Her home-going ceremony took place on Dec. 7 at Kuzo Funeral Home. Interment was private. 

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square. 

John Edward Drenning

John Edward Drenning, of Lititz, passed away in Ware Presbyterian Village, Oxford, on December 4, 2024. He was 84.

He was born in Elizabeth, Pa., the son of the late Margaret (Curry) Thompson and John E. Drenning.  

He was preceded in death by Elizabeth, his wife of 56 years.  

John graduated from Bedford High School in 1958 and was trained as an electrician at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster. He then spent his entire 38-year career as a dedicated employee of the Denver and Ephrata Telephone Company, starting as a residential repair technician and moving upward through the company to manager of the company’s physical plant and security. 

He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Lebanon. John took great pride in maintaining the home he and his wife built, and they enjoyed many trips to Maine and New Hampshire to visit his beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Daniel and Frances Heisey, and his nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his whole family as well as his little dog, Molly. 

John was incredibly proud of his surviving daughters, Jennifer Drenning (Mark Hutchins) and Marijane Drenning and adored his grandchildren, Bryan Hutchins, Caroline Hutchins and Erin Shrader. 

Memorial service arrangements will be made at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com)  in Oxford. 

Everline C. Wilson

Everline C. Wilson, 96, of Oxford, passed away while at home on December 4, 2024.

She was the wife of the late James A. Wilson.

Born in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Viola Caddell Lynes.

Everline was employed with Bainbridge Naval Training Center and Aberdeen Proving Ground and retired after 31 years of service.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford.

Everline was also a member of Ocklokonee Council #212 Degree of Pocahontas, Oxford, Robert Fulton #446 Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron of the Octorara Chapter #463 Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by two sons, Douglas A. Wilson (Sandy) of Oxford and Wayne Wilson (Ina) of Peach Bottom; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.  

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sylvia A. Griest and three sisters, Janie Mae Pyke, Caronel Cawart and Lillian Gaskins.

Funeral Services were held on December 10 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Brian J. Porter

Brian Joseph Porter passed away at the age of 60 on November 30, 2024 at his home in West Grove. 

He was the spouse of Elizabeth Porter, with whom he shared 17 years of marriage. 

Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late George Porter and the late Edna (Harm) Porter. 

Brian served our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2002. He worked as a helicopter mechanic throughout his life. 

In his life, Brian enjoyed many hobbies. He often spent time at the shooting range, in his woodworking shop, and at the flying field with remote control helicopters and airplanes. Brian enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds, including camping, hiking, and fishing. He was also an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan, and he loved Newfoundland dogs. He and Elizabeth rescued a number of them over the years. 

Brian will be remembered for his silliness, his patience, his love of teaching others, and his never-ending support of family and friends. He will be missed dearly for his deep love of his family. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his stepsons, Evan Bernier (Courtney Wood) and Josh Bernier (Alaina Avila); his bonus daughters, Ivory Mendoza and Zoe Jennings; grandchildren Bradley, Kaleesi, Kingslee, Bentley, Rayne; and bonus grandchildren, Emmelina and Grayson. 

You are invited to visit with Brian’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 North Union Street, Kennett Square.

His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. 

The family encourages attendees to wear red (Brian’s favorite color) or Philadelphia Flyers jerseys (Brian’s favorite team) if they have them. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brian's memory can be made to the Newfoundland Rescue https://newfoundland.rescueme.org/.  

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

To view the online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Patricia Sabocsik

Patricia M. Sabocsik passed away peacefully at Jenners Pond Assisted Living Community on  December 6, 2024. 

She was born in Stamford, Connecticut to the late Patsy and Jennie (Longo) Verrico. 

Pat graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1960 and met her husband, Mike, while they both worked at Lancaster Tool & Die. Mike and Pat raised their two daughters in Toughkenamon. Together, Mike and Pat were both very instrumental in St. Gabriel's Parish and participated in many committees. They were especially involved in the effort to build a new church.

Pat recently resided at Jenner’s Pond Assisted Living community, and to those at Jenners Pond, Pat was affectionately known as “Ms. Pat”. During her time at Jenners Pond, her willingness to always help others never stopped. Even if it meant chatting, consoling or sharing some snacks with the other residents, her selfless demeanor never changed and she never, ever complained. She always made sure that the staff had plenty of snacks and candy and was very appreciative for all that they did for her. She even shared some of her favorite recipes with them.

She participated in all activities at Jenners Pond, especially cooking, chimes, bingo, Jeopardy and canasta, where everyone would want to be her partner. She had daily physical therapy with her favorite therapist and friend, Kyle.

Pat had many hobbies that made her happy, especially knitting over 200 Christmas stockings for family and friends; annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland, with her husband, Mike; girls trips with her daughters to the Bahamas and Cancun; shopping for bargains with her sister, Gerri; trips to Delaware Park with the two Lindas; summer trips to Connecticut; couponing with Barbara; dinners with Mike, Ernie and Judy; and cheering on the Phillies and Eagles. Pat loved to do the Sunday paper crossword puzzles (after she cut her coupons) and was an avid Scrabble player—no one could beat her.

Pat was a member of the choir at St. Gabriel's Church and along with her and her daughters, organized the desserts for their annual Spaghetti Dinner. Pat spent a lot of time in the kitchen and loved to cook and bake and always wanted to make sure that everyone had something good to eat. Christmas Eve dinner with the "seven fishes" was one of Pat's favorite holidays with her extended family. This is a holiday tradition that her daughters and grandchildren will carry on in her memory.

While Pat was passionate about all of these things, nothing was more important to her than her family and friends.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband, Michael, who passed away in 2018 after 54 years of marriage. She is survived by her two daughters, Michelle Murphy and her husband Ashley, and Melissa Maule and her husband Frank. Pat had two grandchildren to whom she shared a very special bond, Ian Murphy and his wife, Mandi and Nicholas Murphy. Pat was also great grandma to Ian “Michael” Murphy, Jr.

Pat is also survived by her sister, Gerri Weaver, her husband Ron, her nephew, Ron Weaver and family. Pat had many other family members and close friends who she loved and adored.

Pat’s daughters would like to graciously thank the staff at Jenner’s Pond Rustin Residence, and they consider them to be a part of the family. They also extend their gratitude to Willow Tree Hospice, Dr. Joseph Handler, and Carin Bonifacino of Grieco Funeral Home for the tremendous care that was provided to their Mom. A special thank you to all the family and friends who visited or sent cards to Ms. Pat.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Christiana Care Parkinson’s Research (giving.christianacare.org and select “Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder”) or to the Jenner’s Pond Council Holiday Fund (c/o Mandy Stauffer, Jenners Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390). In Pat's memory, please consider an act of kindness to someone in need.

You are invited to visit with Pat's family and friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, December 13 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother at 8910 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale. Her funeral mass will take place at noon.  

Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 460 North Union Street, Kennett Square.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Pat's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

James S. Humphrey, Jr.

James S. “Steve” Humphrey, Jr. entered into eternal rest on November 24, 2024, in Harrisburg. Born on May 12, 1938, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he was the son of the late James S. “Jim” and Mamie J. (Sullivan) Humphrey. 

Steve was a true genius and scholar; he obtained his Ph.D in chemistry and worked as a chemist until his retirement. He dedicated his life to science and his family, making sure they never went without love or his beautiful singing. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, the immense love he had for his family, and his willingness to always share his knowledge with others. 

Steve is survived by his son, Dana and wife Leslie Humphrey; daughter, Mimi L. and husband John Martz; grand-daughter, Megan (Martz) Cowan and husband Matthew; sister, Janet H. McFadden; brother, Michael L. Humphrey and wife Connie; as well as several other extended family members. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet G. (Harlow) Humphrey, and brother-in-law, Thomas McFadden.

A graveside service will be held privately by the family in Parkersburg, West Virginia.