March 2017 Issue Obituaries

ANDERSON, Martha and James — With great sadness, we announce that Martha A. Cain Anderson passed away on the morning of Dec. 28, 2016. Shortly thereafter, her husband, James O. Anderson, passed away on Jan. 14, 2017. Martha and Jim are survived by a daughter, Heather Latch; two sons-in-law, Robert Latch and John Chamberlin, and two grandchildren, Anderson Jacob, 20, and Lacey, 18. Martha also leaves behind an older brother, Jim Cain, of Monessen, Pa., and his wife, Jenis, and family. Jim is survived by one older sister, Reita Anderson, of Sumter, S.C., and her daughter, Rnita, and her children.

Martha was born in Monessen, PA, on June 15, 1945, to her parents, Jesse and Helen Cain. Jim was born in Somerset Township, PA, on Aug. 3, 1945, to his parents, Otto and Ethel Anderson. They met when they both attended California University of Pennsylvania, where they graduated with bachelor’s degrees, marrying in 1966. Eventually, Jim earned a PhD in genetics and cryobiology and led a career in science research and Martha retired as a VP of safety and security at Thomas Jefferson University.

If you have any fond memories of Martha and Jim and would like to share, please email them to Muscovy@comcast.net. For further information, please visit the funeral home website, Fertigfuneralhome.com.

CHAMPION — Mrs. Betty Champion, age 83, wife of 58 years to the late Donal Champion, Sr., died Jan. 21, 2017, after a long illness. She was predeceased by her parents, sister, and brother. Born in S.C., she spent 35 years in Westville, NJ, before returning to SC.

She was a member of the Westville Baptist Church and Woodbury Order of Eastern Star. She wrote a weekly human interest column for the Woodbury Times, sold Avon, and worked briefly for Columbia Records. She worked as the ‘Red Fox’ with her family’s ‘Silver Fox Auction’ in Sewell, Mullica Hill, and New Egypt, NJ. Mrs. Champion liked to quilt, paint, crochet, arrange flowers, and decorate for Christmas. She retired to SC, where she donated her time to the Salvation Army and later returned to Mullica Hill, and family for the remainder of her life.

She is survived by her four sons Steve (Linda), Donal Jr. (Suzanne), Douglas (Gloria) and Rance (Suni) Champion and her daughter Betty (Paul) Stubee. She was grandmother to 13 (predeceased by two) and great-grandmother to twelve. She will be missed.

FIORENTINO — Nino (John) Fiorentino, of Mullica Hill, age 79, went to our Lord on Jan. 22, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Florence Fiornetino (nee Chambers). He is survived by his children, Linda Reeves and husband Hank; John A. Fiorentino and wife, Debbie, and Jeffrey J. Fiorentino and wife, Laura. He is lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Sydney Fiorentino; Nicholas Fiorentino and Hollie Mahoney; Jenna Fiorentino, and Anthony John Fiorentino. He is further grieved by a host of friends and extended family members.

Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.

SULLIVAN — Ruth M. Rainey Sullivan, 96 years, of Potomac Falls, VA, died Jan. 24, 2017.   Born in Swedesboro, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna Rulon Rainey and the wife of Lt. Col. Donald E. Sullivan, USAF, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage before his death in 1999.  Ruth was a 1938 graduate of Swedesboro High School and a 1942 graduate of West Chester State Teacher’s College (now West Chester University), in West Chester, PA. She lived many places as an Air Force wife and then became a long time resident of Colorado Springs, CO, having lived there 50 years.

Ruth loved playing duplicate bridge, entertaining, gardening and reading. She was an avid fan of Air Force Academy football and from 1972 until 1992, she and her husband sponsored and provided a home away from home to more than 20 cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy, many of whom remained close friends to Ruth and Don.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Donna Sullivan Everage and her husband Henry (Buddy), of Burke, VA, and her brother-in-law Donald Chandler of Clearwater, FL.  Ruth is also survived by three step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Ruth is predeceased by her sisters, Laura Rainey Geitz and Helen Rainey Chandler.

Memorials in Ruth’s honor may be made to Freedom Service Dogs of America, 7193 S. Dillon Court, Englewood, Colorado 80112 (freedomservicedogs.org), or Paws With a Cause, 4646 South Division, Wayland, Michigan 49348.  (pawswithacause.org.) Be sure to indicate on your check or online that you are donating in the name of Ruth M. Sullivan.

JENKINS — Shirley A. Jenkins (nee Gilliam), age 80 years, of Mt. Royal died Jan. 24, 2017 in Inspira Hospital, Woodbury. Shirley was born in Swedesboro and was a lifelong Mt. Royal resident. She was a graduate of Swedesboro High School Class of 1954, where she participated in tennis, softball and field hockey. She was a graduate of Pierce Business School, Wilmington, Delaware, and worked for NJ Bell Telephone, sold Avon and as an Administrative Assistant at Charles Slack Co. in Thorofare.

Shirley was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mt. Royal Fire Company. She was an avid fan of the Phillies and Eagles and enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school and athletic events. Shirley liked traveling to the Jersey Shore, the Poconos and Disney World. She could often be found shopping in Lancaster, playing cards, bowling or going to lunch. Shirley was a strong willed woman who enjoyed a fulfilling life with many friends and loved ones.

She will be missed by all. She is survived by her sons, Jeffery F. and Eileen Jenkins of Mickleton, Mark C. Jenkins of Mt. Royal; her grandchildren, Andrea, Brian, Kelly, Mark, Caitlyn and Randy; her great-grandchildren, Lily, Owen and Evelyn; her brother, Richard and Darla Gilliam of Pitman and her sister-in-law, Lois Brown of Rockville, MD. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Samuel C. Jenkins Jr.

The funeral service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made to East Greenwich Fire and Rescue, PO Box 265, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

HARRIS — Phyllis Harris (nee Waxenfeld) age 74, of Swedesboro, passed away on Jan. 26, 2017. A selfless, protective, and caring woman, Phyllis dedicated her life to her family. She was set in her ways, but she always put the needs of others before her own. Phyllis enjoyed a simple life of gardening, couponing, the stock market, and family; especially her grandchildren. She was a retired accountant from Johnson and Johnson, and was known to be a financial wizard.

Phyllis will be missed deeply by those who knew and loved her. Beloved wife for over 50 years to the late Jeffrey; devoted mother of David (Jody), Jonathan (Susan) and Alan; cherished grandmother of Joshua Lawrence, Matthew Harold and Morgan Lindsay; treasured great grandmother of Joshua Joseph; dear sister of Gail (Aaron) Margulies; Phyllis also leaves behind several grandpets that she adored. Memorial donations may be made in Phyllis’ name to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation , 2 Princess Road, Suite D, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or American Diabetes Association , 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. Share the memories share love ShareLife at www.mcgfuneral.com.

MACLAY — Theodore R. Maclay Jr., 80, of  Clarksboro died on Jan. 30, 2017. Beloved husband of Mary V. (nee McNerney). Devoted father of Mary Fennell, Thomas Fennell, Michael Fennell, Elizabeth McCool (Jerry), James Maclay (Rita), Scott Maclay (Coleen) and Todd Maclay (Louden). Loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Maclay was graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned a B.S. in Hotel Management. He enjoyed a long career with Kraft Foods spanning more than 25 yrs. Following retirement, Ted spent much time as a consultant with several local dinners where he enjoyed many friendships. Ted was a former volunteer with the East Greenwich Ambulance Squad, and was involved with prison and nursing home ministries. He was also a devoted Eagles and Phillies fan.

Donations may be made to the Covenant House, www.covenanthouse.org. To express condolences visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com.

GRAY — William F. Gray age 73, of Mullica Hill Feb. 2 at home surrounded by family. He was retired from Philadelphia Electric Co. where he worked as an electrician. William was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during Vietnam. He enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren, he also spent many years coaching a variety of sports with the Mantua AA. William had a passion for sailing and had his Captain’s License.

William is survived by wife Marguerite “Peggy” (nee Cahill), sons William (Maureen), Kevin (Maureen) and Brian (Robyn). Also by his loving grandchildren Billy, Kerry, Erin, Joey, Katie, Dylan, Danny, Brendan, and Matthew. He was predeceased by brothers Matt, Joe, and Guy Gray and sister Marie.

Donations can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. https://vva.org/donate/ Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.

HANNIGAN — Lisa D. Hannigan, age 59, of Mullica Hill passed away on Feb. 4. Born in Worcester, MA, she was a daughter of Anthony James DiStefano Jr. and Helene Irene (nee Stachelek). She is survived by two brothers, Anthony DiStefano III, and Mark DiStefano; her sister, Deborah DiStefano; and several nieces and nephews. Lisa was predeceased by her son, Kyle Andrew Hannigan.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.

RUSSELL — Gloria J. Russell (nee Chew), age 76, longtime resident of Mullica Hill, passed away on Feb. 7. Born in Swedesboro, she graduated from Woodstown High School in 1958. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for 50 years. She was employed as an administrator with Prudential Insurance Co. prior to retirement, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Beloved wife for 51 years to Robert P. Russell, devoted mother of Kimberly Russell of Mullica Hill, Deborah Zanes of Durham, NC, and Robert Russell (Elizabeth) of Alloway. Loving grandmother of Joseph Zanes, Christine Storar, Jacquelyn and Victoria Russell. Dear sister of Richard Chew and Marion Robertson. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Thelma (Brooks) Chew, and siblings Charlotte Reustle and Norman Chew.

Please make contributions to Trinity UM Church, 284 Cedar Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Thoughts and prayers may be extended at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.

WHITE — Donald J. White,83.  Going fishing on Lake Narraticon, tossing back his catch, then going to breakfast rounded out his perfect day. Of course he was always most comfortable in the outdoors: in past years he trapped muskrats and sold their pelts. In Donald’s life he wore many hats. He dispatched for a trucking company, worked at local auction houses, and was a repairman. If it was broke, Don could fix it. He was Kingway’s and Rutgers biggest football fan. He knew the names of all the Dragons and the Scarlet Knights.

From his childhood Donald was a faithful member of The First Presbyterian Church of Swedesboro. Just about every free moment found him mowing the grass and keeping things neat and tidy. He grew tomatoes with the best of them, the large bounty spread amongst his friends.

Donald was blessed with three children: Marie White, Patti Lowe and Donald White, three grandchildren, two sisters: Rae Feldman and Edith “Sis” Perry and friends, Elizabeth and Bill Eosso, and Al Iezzi . Burial Lake Park Cemetery.

NOTHDURFT —  George A. “Drip” Nothdurft Sr., age 87 years, of Paulsboro died Feb. 15 in his home surrounded by his family. Drip was raised in Thorofare, moved to Paulsboro in 1963, and he spent the last 10 years living in Mickleton with his companion, Claire Kauffman.

George was a veteran serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired after 35 years of service as a boilermaker with DuPont Repauno Works in Gibbstown. He was a member of the George D. Patton V.F.W. Post No. 678, Paulsboro; Disabled American VeteransCommanders Club; Life Member of the American Hunting Club and a former member of the Mt. Royal Gun Club. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and being outdoors.

He is survived by his children, George Jr. and Linda Nothdurft of Repaupo, Terri and Brian Manning of Paulsboro, April and Raymond Zieger of Clayton; his grandchildren, George III, Jamielyn, James, Jeremy, Danny, Tracy and Raymond III, and his great-grandchildren, Ella Rae and Masyn. George was predeceased by his wife, Myrna Nothdurft, and his sisters, Katherine Carney and Geraldine Schuster.

The funeral service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to DAV – Disabled American Veterans , P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

PHILIPPI — Agnes C. Philippi, 83, Woolwich Township. Agnes never met a stranger; everyone was just a friend she hadn’t encountered yet. A trip to the grocery store might take half the day with all her conversations. She raised her children with lots of discipline. It was her way (the right way) or else. You might even have to hoof it home. She was a bus driver for Deptford Schools for 25 years. Turned out, same rules applied for the kids she drove. But, of course, for “Mrs. P,” safety was her major concern. With summers off she traveled, cruising Alaska, Hawaii and the Panama Canal. But never one to limit herself she also went to see the Holy Land; even rode a camel. It was easy to spot her friends and acquaintances during the winter time: they’d be wearing her crochet creations. She’d meet a guy just back from Korea at the Dellwood Skating Rink. Agnes and the late William would marry and be blessed by three children: Gloria (Ed) Johnson, William III (Elizabeth) Carl (Joan); five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Fessler (Joe). Agnes was pre- deceased by infant daughter, Norma Gale. Donations to St. John’s UM Church, 3 Main St., Harrisonville, 08039 in memory of Agnes will be appreciated.

 

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