HIGGINSON — Regina Lee (Suchaverski) Higginson, age 73, of Swedesboro, passed away on Sept. 24.
Regina “Jeannie” was born on June 5, 1951 to Leon and Regina (Haverty) Suchaverski in Philadelphia, PA. After Jeannie graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School, she went on to work at Bell Telephone before meeting her husband Robert (Bob) in 1967.
Jeannie and Bob married two years later and went on to have three children: Robert, Tim, and Christina. In 1991, Bob, Jeannie, and their children moved from Philadelphia, PA to Swedesboro, where they settled into the new home they built themselves on their beautiful property with the most wonderful sunsets.
Jeannie spent time working as a preschool teacher’s aide and at Heritage’s Dairy Stores in Swedesboro before taking a job at the Gloucester County Unemployment Office in 1992. After spending 25 years working for the county, she retired in 2017 and spent her time gardening, tending to her pool and ponds, taking care of her cats and chickens, and spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren.
Jeannie and Bob would take any opportunity they could to spend time with their grandchildren. In fact, while expecting their second and third grandchildren, they went out and bought themselves a minivan to be sure they had room for them all.
They would take them on shopping trips to Boscov’s, Ollie’s, Booth’s Corner or the Amish Market and frequent so many restaurants and diners. They’d have them over to their house to swim, hike and find treasures in the woods, play outside, do crafts, or play games.
Jeannie always had the time for her grandchildren. She’d spend hours and hours sitting with them, listening to them, and playing with them. She had an abundance of patience for them, and they truly just loved spending time with her.
Jeannie always hosted Thanksgiving dinner, a tradition her children and grandchildren looked forward to every year. They’d spend the entire day cooking, eating, spending time outside, and playing board games together. The family was also fortunate to spend many summer vacations together, enjoying time at Knoebels, Tennessee, Disney World, and Cancun.
Jeannie was predeceased by her father and mother, Leon and Regina (Haverty) Suchaverski. She is survived by her husband Bob Higginson; children: Robert (Denise) Higginson, Tim (Jessica) Higginson, Christina (Rob) Barnabei; and her four grandchildren: Timmy, Oliver, and Annabelle Higginson and Vera Barnabei.
Jeannie loved her family, and we sure loved her back. We will miss sitting around the table together, out on the front porch, or on the back deck, just catching up and talking about life.
Graveside Service was held at Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich Township. Donations be made to Breakthrough T1D (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/JDRF) www.breakthrought1d.org
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CHELIUS — Kyle Chelius, 61. “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force,” Publilius Syrus.
Above all else, he was kind. As a leader in Boy Scouts, Kyle sought to turn young boys into good men. Kyle could connect with the scouts that the others couldn’t. Rather than tell them what to do, he listened intently to find out who they were.
As a dad he sought to do the same. He was the kind of dad who’d shovel a walkway for his kids all the way to their school, strip down to his underwear and jump in the snow just to see them smile, and make swords out of PVC to keep them entertained.
He was also a father figure to many of his children’s friends, offering them his home and the warmth of his spirit.
He was a master naturalist, enthralled by the world around him. Kyle was blessed to have a neighbor who introduced him to bird watching. He’d share his passion with many more, giving tours of the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge and the Cape May Bird Observatory. His favorite bird was the Northern Goshawk.
Of course, he always thought that he’d run into Bigfoot or Jersey Devil one day if he wandered around in the wilderness enough. Though his house was in South Harrison, he was just at home watching the sun rise on a mountain peak or casting his eyes on the evening sky.
It wasn’t just his birdwatching that he shared: Kyle had a love of all things medieval and loved showing off his armor suits to local schoolchildren and he was active for many years in the Society for Creative Anachronism, recreating medieval battles.
His taste in music was eclectic; the more unusual the better. He’d been to hundreds of concerts ranging from Grateful Dead to Pearl Jam to Peter Gabriel and Bowie. Kyle would even go by himself if he couldn’t find someone else to join him.
He’d start his career at the Navy Yard using his degree in Naval Architecture but would later segue into the Environmental Protection Agency, proud of the work he’d done keeping people safe from the dangers of lead and cleaning up Superfund sites.
He was born and raised in Reading, a graduate of Florida Institute of Technology and had lived in Fishtown and Logan Township before settling his family in South Harrison.
His love of medieval history paid off in more ways than one. Through his connections he’d meet a pretty girl named Ruthanne. They’d share a 38-year marriage blessed by four children; Arianna (Timothy) Zane, Morgan, Hunter (Kevin) Galli and Conor; and later by a grandson, Bennett and there’s a granddaughter, Kaylee on the way (due in December.) He is survived by his mother, Nancy, and his dogs, Hannah and Thatcher. Kyle was pre-deceased by his sister, Jamie Masters and his father James Chelius.
Donations to Friends of Forsythe (friendsofforsythe.org) will be appreciated.
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JONES — Harold D. Jones, 84. He lived in Pedricktown all but his last two years which were spent in Woodbury. Harold graduated from Penns Grove High School in 1957, worked for Litz Bros. Philadelphia, then 36 years for Delaware Port Authority on Walt Whitman Bridge and then Commadore Barry Bridge as a toll collector.
He worked for Porch Farm, Pedricktown, hauling vegetables to markets. Gardening was a favorite. Christmas was his favorite holiday as he transformed the dining room to his Christmas train village, and he loved watching the Phillies play.
He was predeceased by parents, Raymond and Ethel (Brennies) Jones; sister, Evelyn Winter, two brothers, Raymond and Alan Jones, niece, Wendy (Winter) Beckett and nephew, Wayne Winter.
Surviving family includes nieces, Dr. Donna (Winter) Coco (Russell) of Staley, NC; Lori (Jones) Necelis (Rick) of Pennsville; and Brenda (Winter) Buechler (David) of Woolwich Twp; nephews, Douglas Jones (Joy) of Pa; Greg (Lorraine) and Scott (Susan) Jones of Pennsville; Dean Beckett of Woolwich Twp, many great-nieces and great-nephews, along with several great-great nieces and nephews.
Donations to Pedricktown Fire Dept., 39 S. Railroad Ave, Pedricktown NJ 08067 will be appreciated.
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EASTLACK — Carole S. Eastlack (nee Stiles), 91, of Swedesboro, passed away at home with her family by her side on Oct. 5. She is the wife of the late Paul G. Eastlack, beloved mother of Priscilla (Penny) DeMora (Dan), Tuesday G. Eastlack (Debra), Paul S. Eastlack (Linda) and sister of Louis Stiles. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Carole was a life-long resident of Swedesboro who enjoyed crocheting, basket weaving, her flower garden, crafts and reading. She was also a life-long member of the Bethesda Methodist Church in Swedesboro and sang in the choir.
She worked for Lore Oil company as a secretary for many years and was a volunteer at Underwood Memorial Hospital for many years.
A graveside service was held at the Lake Park Cemetery, 701 Park Avenue, Swedesboro. To share condolences please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com
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DEMAREST — Kenneth H. Demarest Sr., 85 of Woolwich Township, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 27, surrounded by family. Ken was born in Teaneck, NJ in 1938 and grew up in Hoboken, NJ.
After serving in the Army, Ken spent his entire career at PSE&G, retiring in 1994 after 33 years of service. After moving to Woolwich Township in 2005, he became a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and the St. Francis Council #7526, Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Mary (Pat) Demarest, his four children, Virginia Lewis (the late Jeffrey Lewis), Butch (Mary Clermont), Daniel Sr., and Stephen C. (Tracy) Demarest, his 12 grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel Jr., Brenna, Amanda, Tyler, Brian, Brandon, Jessica, Kaitlin, Mickey, Sammie and Karen, his 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and multiple brothers and sisters-in-law. He is predeceased by his seven brothers and one sister, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
Contributions to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210 or online at https://missions.ewtn.com/donation/love-and-understanding/ would be greatly appreciated. The Cheega Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
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BAPTISTE — Donald Baptiste unexpectedly left us on Oct. 12. He was 63 years old. He is survived by his mother, Marion Mills; two sisters, Vicky (Steve) DeSantis and Suzanne (Joseph) Santa Maria and 5 nieces and nephews, Brian Green, Roger Green, Daniel Reese, Jacqueline Reese and Steven Reese, along with many friends and family who are deeply saddened of his passing. He was pre-deceased by his father, Donald Louis Baptiste.
Don was a quiet, kind and peaceful man who enjoyed visits with friends and family and he will truly be missed. He was raised in Barrington where he attended Haddon Heights High School and was a lifelong South Jersey resident. As a teenager he enjoyed playing sports, especially football and baseball where he was a pitcher, he loved dirt-bike riding and hanging at Uncle Jack’s and the “fort”.
He began his career as a successful drywall contractor establishing a reputation as a hard-working, honest businessman that provided him with a good living enjoying nice homes, fast cars, motorcycles and more. Much of his time away from work was spent hanging with John, Steve, Chris, Brian, and Roland, which he considered his “brothers”, and many other close family, friends and companions.
Don was an avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of all the Philadelphia professional sports teams, the Eagles first among them. Don loved having dogs and taking care of them. His current dog, Honey, went everywhere with him. They had a special bond and played fetch for hours. Honey will surely miss him. Later in life, Don became disabled and relied on friends, family and healthcare professionals to help him manage life’s challenges.
Don’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the health-care professionals at Healthcare Commons for their care and commitment for Don over the past few years. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Asbury United Methodist Church, Disciples Food Pantry and Volunteers of America for their care and generosity.
Donations to any of the following charity organizations who helped Don would be greatly appreciated: Disciples Food Pantry, 149 S Main St., Woodstown, NJ 08098 (via check/mail – no online donation option available) or Volunteers of America Ragan Homeless Shelter, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (voadv.org).
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