MONTGOMERY — Paulette E. Montgomery (nee Hartswick) age 76 of Mt. Royal passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 7, 2023, in the Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia.
Mrs. Montgomery was born in Washington, DC on March 5, 1947, to Paul and Dorothy (nee Brown) Hartswick. She was raised in Paulsboro and had lived in Mt. Royal since 1977. She graduated as a salutatorian from Paulsboro High School in 1965. Mrs. Montgomery attended the Franklin School of Science and Arts, Philadelphia, graduating in 1967.
Her diverse 46-year career as an executive administrative assistant included positions at University of Pennsylvania, SunGard Data Systems and Campbell Soup Company, where she retired from in 2013.
In 1977 on Christmas Eve, Mrs. Montgomery married fellow Paulsboro Red Raider, Arthur B. Montgomery III. Together they spent the next 27 years raising their two daughters and enduring life’s trials and tribulations including significant medical issues. No matter the adversity or odds, Mrs. Montgomery maintained her faith and unwavering spirit, choosing always to maximize what she felt was “borrowed time”. This included raising her daughters by modeling integrity, honesty, work ethic, love, and kindness.
Mrs. Montgomery was a lifelong active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Paulsboro, where she willingly shared her talents including serving as financial secretary, various committee appointments, member of the United Methodist Women and of course, as part of the choir. Mrs. Montgomery was a lifelong member of the Ladies’ Auxiliaries at the Anthony T. Calista V.F.W. Post #5579, Gibbstown and Marine Corps League, Oak Valley. She also served multiple appointments as the New Jersey state soloist for the VFW. Mrs. Montgomery was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Paulsboro-Swedesboro Lodge #157.
In addition to her active participation within her community, Mrs. Montgomery enjoyed attending and supporting the arts including the Philadelphia Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Broadway Theatre of Pitman. She enjoyed gardening and could often be found meticulously attending to the flowers in her yard.
Traveling was also prioritized including adventures as close as Wildwood and as far as an African Safari. Mrs. Montgomery thoroughly enjoyed spending time and celebrating the accomplishments of her three grandsons, no matter the distance of a wrestling match or baseball tournament, she could always be found rooting for them in the stands.
She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer E. McFadden of Swedesboro and Ardith B. Vasquez of Mt. Royal; her grandsons, Finnegan B. McFadden, Shea A. McFadden and Rowan A. Stone. She was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Arthur B. Montgomery III.
Arrangements by McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. To honor Mrs. Montgomery’s commitment to supporting efforts to protect our nation’s American Bald Eagles, donations can be made to the Southwest Florida (SWFL) Eagle Cam Foundation, PO Box 2148, Fort Myers, Florida, 33902. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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LONG — Wanda Elizabeth Long, 64 of Swedesboro, passed away Aug. 24, 2023 at her residence. She was born, raised and lived in Chester, PA, for most of her life before moving to Swedesboro 7 years ago.
Wanda was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Media, PA and was an Executive Assistant for the Law Firm of Marshall, Denehey, Coleman and Goggin in Philadelphia, Pa. She loved to read and enjoyed time with her family.
Wanda is survived by her daughters, Jayme Gortman and Janelle (John) Bonhomme, a daughter -in-law, Myisha Long, her parents, William J and Shirley Elizabeth Long, Sr. She was predeceased by a son, Anthony Long, (2015). Her grandchildren, Jonathan, Madeline, Aria and Ashton; and her siblings, Peggy Marquerite Jones, Devonia Lytle, William Long Jr. and Bruce Long.
Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
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STRING — Jane Coombs String, age 73 of Pilesgrove, formerly of Woolwich, died Aug. 31, 2023.
Born on May 17, 1950, she was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth “Betty” (Beal) Coombs. Jane was a 1968 graduate of Woodstown High School. She and her classmates had a memorable senior trip to Williamsburg.
As a young adult, she was known to go back road racing with the boys from “the shack” in her blue 1970 396 SS Chevelle with a cowl-induction hood and black racing stripes. She always missed that car.
A lifelong farmer, she was raised on her family’s potato farm in Upper Pittsgrove and became a dairy farmer alongside her husband in her adulthood. In addition to farming, she was a medical lab technician at Elmer Hospital.
She was involved in 4-H her whole life. In her younger years, she was involved in sewing and cooking, and served on 4-H Council. As an adult, she was involved with dairy along with her husband and children.
She was very active in Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church. She had served as a trustee and session member, chaired the finance committee, served on numerous other committees and helped to restore the manse.
She was also involved in the Swedesboro-Woolwich school system, serving as president of the Board of Education, president of Little League, and active in the Swedesboro-Woolwich Soccer Association, traveling to soccer tournaments all over the country with her kids. She also was a Salem County Women of Achievement award winner and a member of the D.A.R.
She loved her pets and enjoyed caring for them and the hummingbirds that visited her home, and she enjoyed spending her time at the Cowtown rodeo. Most importantly, she loved her family, and she was fiercely loyal and very tough. She loved her grandkids. She was the first person to call in an emergency and always knew what to do and who to call.
Jane is survived by her husband, Donald String; her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Oak Ale; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Nichole String; her grandchildren, Gabriella, Rebecca, Allison, Matthew, Patrick, and Emily; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Betty Coombs and John and Donna Coombs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem County Fair Association, PO Box 571, Carneys Point, NJ 08069. Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to Jane’s family.
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SCAFFO — Helen (Elena) Scaffo, 82 of Woolwich Township, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 6, 2023.
A lifelong resident of the Swedesboro area, she was a graduate of Swedesboro High School, Class of 1960. Helen was a member of the basketball championship team while in school. She had served as financial manager for Chadler USA in Bridgeport.
From 1965 to 1975, she owned and operated Mom’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Paulsboro, NJ. Many years later, people would still stop her and tell her that they missed her pizza! She also worked on the family farm for over 20 years.
Helen was a member of Living Water Bible Church, Mt. Royal, NJ. Once a month she hosted Fellowship Luncheons at her home. She loved to cook and enjoyed her time with family and friends.
Helen is survived by her twin sister, Dora Marino, brother Sam (Bonnie) Scaffo, her nieces, Angela (Thomas) Hickey and their son Jordan, Susan Cecola and Joan Garrity, Nancy (Chuck) Kubacki, Stephanie (Larry) Gardner and Karen (Bruce) Leiman; along with her nephews, Michael and Timothy Scaffo, Tony Scaffo. Great nieces, nephews and her extended Church family. She was predeceased by her parents, Angela and Benny Scaffo, her nephews, Sam and Joe Scaffo.
Donations to Living Water Bible Church, in Helen’s memory, would be appreciated. The CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro, was in charge of arrangements.
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CASELLA — John G. Casella, 63 of Mullica Hill, passed away Sept. 7 Inspira Medical Center, Mullica Hill.
Born in Woodbury, NJ, John lived his life in Mullica Hill, graduated from Clearview High School, Class of ’80 and continued working on the family farm. He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Swedesboro.
John was predeceased by his parents, John and Sadie (Nee Bonaccorsi) Casella and is survived by his brother, Mario (Kathleen) Casella and his aunt, Mary Bonaccorsi.
CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME was in charge of arrangements. Contributions in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. would be appreciated.
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STEMMLER — John E. Stemmler, 93 of Woolwich Township, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 12, 2023.
Born in New York, John has lived in Woolwich Township for the past 18 years. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and served as a Flight School instructor while in the Air Force. He obtained a Master’s Degree and later became an elementary school teacher.
He was married to his wife, Sue, for 40 years, and for their honeymoon, they took a six week excursion across Canada. He loved to travel, was an avid tennis player, enjoyed reading, loved the History Channel and History Books.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, a son, Johnny Stemmler, daughters, Cathy Stratoti, Cindy Foster, and Heather Gall, four grandchildren and a sister, Peggy Ann Rosenthal.
The CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro, NJ was in charge of arrangements.
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VICTOR — Dianne ‘Mickey” Victor (nee Brokenbaugh), 82, of Logan Township transitioned peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023.
Wife of the late Warren Victor. Mother of Jaye Smith, Crystal Daniels, Troy (Joann) Smith, Carla Smith-McCrorey, Shawn Smith and the late Rhonda Sharper. Grandmother of 22, great-grandmother of 53 and great-great grandmother of 10. Sister of Laura Brokenbaugh, Luxury Johnson and the late Robert “Pingy”(Eleanor) Muse and Doris “Skipper” Abbott and a faithful, nationwide village of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A lifelong resident of NJ, Mickey was born in Paulsboro, later moved to Penns Grove and finally settled in Logan Township, where she lived for the past 46 yrs. There she served as one of the first black elected officials in township history. She taught elementary school in Penns Grove/Carney’s Point School District for many years. She served as Past-President of the Missionary Circle and was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church Pedricktown, NJ.
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BOULTON — Linda S. Boulton (nee Howarth) age 69, of Mullica Hill passed Sept. 11, 2023. Linda grew up as a rebellious teenager, barrel racing champion and Wicker World Wonder Woman. She later graduated college with honors, becoming a paralegal for the US District Attorney’s Office. Linda was a proud breast cancer survivor, and, most importantly, a professional grandchild spoiler.
Linda generously dedicated her life to improving the lives of her friends, family, and her loving companion. Her heart was full of love, and she gave it freely to all. She loved playing board games with her grandchildren.
Linda is survived by her children, George Boulton Jr. (Amy), Stephanie Wescott (Dale), and Ryan Boulton (Sara); seven grandchildren, Liam, Owen, Phoebe, Blaine, Gunnar, Skylar, and Riley-Jo; and her great-granddaughter, Reagan. Also, by her mother, Elizabeth Howarth and her siblings, Terry (Barry) Root, Barbara (Marc) Sammacicci, and Kevin (Wendy) Howarth, her best friend, Nancy Letts, along with her two adored cats. She was recently predeceased by her beloved companion, Robert Maska.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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MASS — Paul S. Mass, Jr., 62, of Mullica Hill, passed away peacefully on Sept. 12, 2023.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He loved to be around his family, especially his kids which he was so proud of.
He was a huge sports fan, always watching football, baseball or basketball. An avid Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles fan. He enjoyed watching Alabama and Tennessee football, riding dirt bikes and boating on “Roll Tide”. Paul loved trucks especially his Kenworth.
Family.
He is the beloved husband of 20 wonderful years to Tara S. Freas-Mass. Devoted father of Natalie and Paul III. Son of the late Beverly and late Paul Mass, Sr. Dear brother of Maryann (Michael), Patty (late Jose), Christina (Don), Beverly (Dale), Stephen, Kevin (Dawn) and late Thomas. Brother-in-law to Tim (Catherine), Todd, Patrick, Thomas (Maria), Fran, and Matthew. Son-in-law to Robert (Joyce) Freas and Jane Freas-Fogg. He will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Christ Episcopal Church building fund-christchurch.woodburynj.org
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WILBRAHAM — John Wilbraham, 83, entered eternal rest on Sept. 17, 2023, after having spent some of his final days with his sons, visiting his favorite spots on the campus of his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.
How befitting that it ended for John where it had begun with his beloved wife, Kay Vogelsang in their cherished South Bend. Their love story began there when John was a student at Notre Dame and had gone on a double date. John was the other girl’s date but fell for Kay at first sight; he’d ask her out the next day.
They went to see “Some Like it Hot” at the drive-in theater, borrowing Kay’s mom’s car. A week after John’s graduation in 1962, they would marry. Their 56-year union was blessed by three boys: Thomas (Wade Kocsovsky), Christopher (Lori), and Patrick (Amy); and later by grandchildren, Tristan, Charlotte, Holly, Ava, and Harry. Additional surviving relatives include his brother, Edward (Lisa) and many nieces and nephews.
John graduated from St. Joseph’s Grammar school in Swedesboro, with his 15-month younger brother Francis. They both graduated together from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1958. They went on to attend the University of Notre Dame where they again graduated together in 1962.
Following graduation, John was employed by Clark Equipment Company, Niles, Michigan. A few years later, desiring a return to his South Jersey roots, John and Kay moved back to Swedesboro, where they remained lifelong residents and raised their sons. John pursued a banking career until his retirement.
Following his retirement, he worked as an in-house accountant at Botto’s Restaurant, where he was a frequent diner. He and Kay were avid cruisers (55 together). It gave John immense pleasure to continue the cruising tradition with his sons and their families. Fall Saturdays would find John religiously cheering on or shouting at his beloved Fighting Irish with a Manhattan in his hand.
The family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to a cause near and dear to his and his family’s hearts – The Boy Scouts of America, Troop 13, 109 Benito Drive, Swedesboro, NJ 08085. John and his two brothers proudly earned the ranks of Eagle Scout, as well as John’s sons, Patrick and Christopher. Throughout life, John stressed the importance of scouting and the lasting and positive impact it had had on his life.
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SPROCK — Mark Stephen Sprock, age 66, of Clarksboro, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 18, 2023, with his beloved wife Sherryl (Reeve), son, Timothy, and daughter, Rachel at his side, after a courageous battle against cancer.
Mark was born on Jan. 20, 1957 to Joseph and Anne Sprock in Woodbury, NJ. After graduating from Woodbury High School in 1975, he went on to receive his B.A. degree in Sociology from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) in Glassboro, NJ.
He began his career as an investigator with the Gloucester County Probation Department, and culminated his 36-year career retiring as the Trial Court Administrator for the State of NJ Judiciary Vicinage XV.
Mark was dedicated to volunteering in many different capacities.
He was a former president of the Woodbury Jaycees, an East Greenwich Twp. Cubmaster – Pack 59, a dedicated youth soccer coach, and was involved with a wonderful group of volunteers as a Kingsway Regional High School band parent. He was also an active member of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Clarksboro, NJ. A caring and compassionate person, Mark was always willing to lend a helping hand.
An avid music and sports fan, Mark enjoyed attending Bruce Springsteen concerts, cheering on the Phillies – including at spring training, rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, watching NASCAR, and he especially loved working on projects around the house.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Sherryl (Reeve), son, Timothy (Margaret), daughter, Rachel, grandchildren, Henry and Georgia, and sister-in-law, Kit Reeve. He was predeceased by his parents, Anne (Sacharnoski) and Joseph, and sister, Sandra Mullen.
Donations in Mark’s memory may be made to the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Attn: Steeple Repair Project, 302 Kings Highway, Clarksboro, NJ 08020.
Memories may be shared at www.buddfuneralhome.com
