ETSCHMAN — Barbara T. Etschman (nee Saskiewicz), 86, of Clarksboro, passed away on Aug. 29. Barbara was born and raised in the Bridesburg community in Philadelphia where she met her future husband at the local dances. She loved to attend where they showed off their fancy footwork. Their specialty was the jitterbug, and they raised their family together in Woodbury Heights where they danced in the living room.
She was a legal secretary for Moore, James Wright & Gibbons in Philadelphia and a medical secretary for Faith Walsh, MD in Woodbury.
Barbara was predeceased by brothers Benjamin & Frank Saskiewicz of Bridesburg; her husband Richard R. Etschman, and her daughter Laurie Meyer. She is survived by her son Richard W. Etschman of Franklinville and her daughter Joanne Etschman-Stone of Woodbury; grandchildren Stephanie Meyer (Derek Palladino), Andrea Spaho, Zachary Etschman, Jake and Jayden Stone, Jason Noonan and his father Michael Noonan; niece Theresa Saskiewicz and nephew Timothy Saskiewicz; and four great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Support Group in Sicklerville, NJ. Barbara lived her life anchored in her Catholic faith, bolstered by Polish humor and family, the many friends she made at St. Margaret Church and her pedal partners through the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. She lived with MS for 55 years. She loved to learn about scientific innovation and participate in research, new treatments, and studies. Her highest wish was to see a cure developed for MS.
Donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Our family finds great comfort in the memories and stories. We hope that you will share your memories of Barbara at daviswagner.com or Legacy.com.
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BONAVENTURA — Frances C Bonaventura, (nee Stout) 82, of Swedesboro, passed away Sept. 11 at Cooper University Medical Center, Camden, New Jersey. Born in Penns Grove, she graduated from Penns Grove Regional High School, Class of 1961.
Frani moved to Swedesboro after marrying her late husband, Alfio (Fred). She held several jobs in her lifetime but enjoyed being a homemaker the most. She was a happy soul, enjoyed entertaining her family and loved her dogs.
Frani is survived by her sisters, Norma Horty and Mildred Riek and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Alfio (Fred), and siblings, Helen, Doris, Blanche, Eleanor, Diane, Evelyn and John. Donations in her memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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GALLAGHER — Dennis R. Gallagher, affectionately known as “Denny G,” 66, of Woolwich Township, passed away on Sept. 23, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Dennis was a lifelong Philly sports fan. He was a long-time season ticket holder with the Philadelphia Flyers, loved cheering on the Phillies, and never missed watching the Birds.
Dennis found joy in the simple pleasures of life – strumming his guitar, enjoying a cigar, and sipping a beer and a B&B. He loved going to shows, concerts, and spending time at the shore with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife Jeannine (J9); his daughter Erin (Matthew); his son Matthew (Carly); his brother Dan (Pat); his sisters Maureen (Ken), Barb (Rick), and Patricia; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved and cared for deeply.
Denny G had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His warmth, humor, and larger-than-life presence will be missed by all.
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HANEY — Rufus N. Haney, age 83, passed on Sept. 28 under hospice care in Wilmington, DE. Rufe was a loving husband and father who was dedicated to his family. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren.
Rufe retired from PATCO after 32 years as an electrician. He attended Evangelical United Methodist Church in Clarksboro for many years, where he drove the church bus and helped with various maintenance projects.
He enjoyed spending time shooting targets at the Quinton Sportsman’s Club gun range with friends and with his grandsons. He even taught his wife Evelyn how to shoot.
In the spring and summer, you could find him in the backyard repairing lawnmowers for friends and neighbors and feeding and watching the birds (he especially loved the hummingbirds). He never missed the Saturday morning yard sales.
He liked to relax by completing cryptogram puzzles and watching old TV shows. Every year he planted a garden, and everyone loved receiving his gifts of Jersey tomatoes.
Rufe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Haney (nee Babcock); son Jason Haney and wife Sandy; daughter Joanna Bottiglieri and husband Steve; grandchildren, Vincent Bottiglieri, John Haney, Lydia Bottiglieri, and Sylvia Haney; sister and brother-in-law, Freda and Hal Ritter; brother-in-law George Bunting; sister-in-law Ruth McGraw; many nieces and nephews; and his granddog, Shera.
Rufe was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Polly Haney, and sister Margaret Bunting.
Donations in Rufe’s memory can be sent to Evangelical United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 238, Clarksboro, NJ 08020.
Online condolences can be made at https://www.smithfhmantua.com/.
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ZIMM — George E. Zimm Jr., 77, of Mickleton passed away on Oct. 14 in his home. He was born in Camden and raised in West Deptford where he was a 1967 graduate of West Deptford High School.
George retired as a Labor Foreman after 22 years of service with Local 172/472 in Trenton. He continued to work for a few years afterward with Work Zone Contractors, Deptford.
George was a past member of the Rotary Club, Dual Wheelers Camping Club and served on both the East Greenwich Planning and Zoning Boards. He held U.S. and International patents for a portable paint carrier he invented for hobbyists.
In his free time, George enjoyed traveling, playing shuffleboard, snow birding in Florida and hanging out with his family and friends. He also attended bimonthly meetings of the Old Geezers Breakfast Club.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy Zimm (nee DuBois) of Mickleton; his children, Sharon and Emmett Reeves of Idaho, Stacy Hindeman, formerly of Clarksboro, Samuel and Memi Zimm of Louisiana; several grandchildren and his brother, Philip and Susan Zimm of Paulsboro.
Services were held at the McBride-Foley Funeral Home, 228 West Broad St., Paulsboro. www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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LANE — Brenda Lane-Watkins (nee Lane) age 76 years of Clarksboro passed away on Oct. 24. She was born and raised in Perth Amboy and worked as a Lab Technician for Perth Amboy General Hospital (now Raritan Bay Medical Center), then for Union Carbide and later retired from Dow Chemical in Piscataway.
Mrs. Lane-Watkins enjoyed baking, journaling and writing poems.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joyce Lane of Clarksboro; her nephew, H. Paul III and Louisa Lane of Metuchen; her niece, Wednesday Lane of Clarksboro and her stepson, Keith Watkins Jr. of Georgia. She was predeceased by her husband, Keith Watkins Sr; her parents, Hadley P. Sr. and Lois Lane and her brother, Hadley P. Lane Jr.
Arrangements by McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
