FICHERA – Frank A. Fichera, age 86, of
Woolwich Twp. passed away Dec.14 at Manor Care in West Deptford. Born and raised
in Woolwich Township, Frank was a farmer, a man devoted to his family, a
gentleman who was liked by everyone he met. He was a member of St. Clare of
Assisi Parish, the Raccoon Club of Swedesboro, the Vineland Produce Auction and
the NJ Farm Bureau. Family always came first but Frank still found time to enjoy
a game of cards with friends, a trip to watch the ponies race and in his younger
days just cruise the skies in his plane.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rose (nee Catalano) his
devoted children, Diane Fichera, and Frank and his wife Debbie Fichera.
Grandchildren Marissa and Anthony. A brother John Fichera of Boca Raton, FL and
several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Anna Leone, Jennie
Pazdan and Paul Fichera.
Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich Twp. Services were held at the Cheega
Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
MINIX – Jessica Kristine Minix, 18, of Clarksboro died on Dec. 24, 2011.
Jessica will be remembered for her fun loving spirit, her sense of humor and her
ability to make others feel better.
If you were watching a game that Jessica was playing, you had to watch her. If
there was a ball involved, Jessica knew what to do with it. Whatever the
competition, Jessica was always number one! Along with her sisters, Jamie and
Jillian, Jessica was a member of the 2008 Kingsway state softball championship
team. Jessica also played field hockey for Kingsway.
Jessica had a wonderful singing voice and it will be remembered in the hearts of
those she loved. While Jessica left us far too soon, or before anyone was ready,
in time, we’ll remember the great spirit for life she possessed.
Jessica is survived by her loving parents, Dennis and Karen (nee Friars) Minix
and her siblings, Jacob, Jamie and Jillian. Granddaughter of Daniel Minix and
Rose and Thomas Friars. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and
friends.
Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.
SWEETEN – Dorothea “Dot” Sweeten (nee Moore) formerly of Mt. Royal and residing
in Port St. Lucie, FL, died at age 78 on Dec. 26, 2011 in Lawnwood Medical
Center, Ft. Pierce, FL. Dot was born in Thorofare on Feb. 21, 1933 and she was
the devoted wife of the late Edwin Robert “Bob” Sweeten. She was the former
owner of Sweetens Sports Center, Sweeten Bros. Florist and Timberlane
Campground. Dot, blessed with many talents, was one of the nation’s first female
professional sports photographers talking pictures of the Flyers, Eagles, and
Phillies for the Gloucester County Times beginning in 1969. She was a creative,
giving, selfless teacher of all.
She was the beloved Mom of the late Steve Sweeten (wife Julia), James “Rick”
(Karen) Sweeten, Glen (Nancy) Sweeten, Jeff (Lora Lee) Sweeten, Edwin Robert Jr.
“Rob” (Suzi) Sweeten, Tammy (Jeff) Wieand and her dog, Little Bear. Unofficial
Mom to many others, notably Gail Moyer and Larry Murdock. Loving and proud Grams
of Steven, Scott, Laura, Justin, Krista, Sarah, Emma, Glen, Nicole, Melissa,
Scott, Rebecca, John and Mackenzie. Cherished sister of Janice McStay and the
late Dale Verfaillie.
Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. Arrangements by McBride-Foley Funeral
Home, Paulsboro.
PEDRICK – Howard Y. Pedrick, age 98 of South Harrison Township passed away on
Dec. 31. 2011 at the home he resided in since 1944.
Mr. Pedrick had been employed in Miscellaneous Stores for DuPont – Chambers
Works for over 40 years, retiring in 1977.
He attended the First Baptist Church of Pedricktown.
Mr. Pedrick and his wife Ruby had cared for 39 foster children over the years.
He and his wife Ruby, a former clerk for South Harrison Township, had been
active in the community. He was predeceased by his wife in 1993.
Mr. Pedrick is survived by his children, Michael (Karen Johnson), Mark (Susan),
Annie Cushing, and Kathy (Vincent) Lloyd, as well as six grandchildren and one
great grandchild.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
BUTLER – Esther M. Butler. A gentle lady with a wicked sense of humor. She could
farm with the best, it was in her DNA. Raised on a family farm in Hurffville,
she had the tools to be the best partner to Milton, her late husband. She didn’t
mind getting her fingers dirty. Esther could be found pulling sprouts for sweet
potatoes and later packing tomatoes and peaches. She left the field a half hour
before anyone, not to rest but to prepare lunch and dinner for the crew. After
the harvest was complete and the canning finished she would take some time to
enjoy a mystery novel or track down some Heisey glassware in Lancaster County.
In addition to farming she was a world class mom and homemaker. Her children
were lucky to have a mom who typed school reports and term papers and also sewed
and tailored their clothing. Esther met Milton at the Oasis Ballroom where he
swept her off her feet. They married within six months. Their union was blessed
with a daughter, Carol and son, Wayne: two grandchildren and three great
grandchildren. Also surviving Esther is a brother, Ralph Johnson and a sister,
Lois Craig.
Services were held in the Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Burial Lake
Park Cemetery, Woolwich Twp. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 3 Eves Drive,
Suite 310, Marlton, NJ 08053-3431 would be appreciated.
ORTIZ – Marcelina M. Ortiz, age 87, of Salem, formerly of Mullica Hill, passed
away on Jan. 9. Born in Puerto Rico she has resided in NJ since 1964. Marcelina
enjoyed cooking, embroidery, shopping, watching soap operas, having a good laugh
and catching up with family and friends on the telephone. She loved the
summertime, flowers in bloom and Christmas gatherings with family at her home.
She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and was predeceased by her
husband of 59 years, Luis and 7 siblings.
Marcelina is survived by her children, Luz “Myrna” Mercado of Swedesboro and
Edwin “Charlie” Guzman and his wife Carmen of Salem, 6 grandchildren, 3
great-grandchildren, a sister and various nieces and nephews.
Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich Twp.
CARTER – Charlotte M. Carter passed away peacefully Jan. 11 at Parmley
LifePointes in Chisago City, MN.
She was born October 16, 1928 to Raymond and Mary (Frampton) Shoemaker in
Repaupo.
Charlotte can be remembered for her gift of hospitality: picnics were held
annually by the Carter pond for large family gatherings, the Friends Meeting
(Quakers), the Grange and more. She had been raised on a farm and in later years
would remark how happy she had been to marry and continue that way of life,
working and raising her family on the Carter farm.
Charlotte is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlton, S. Carter on
October 5, 2008; daughter S. Lee Carter on Oct. 6, 2010; parents; and sisters,
Betty Gaventa and Nancy Dalton.
She is deeply missed by her daughters, Anita (Ted) Winpenny of Florida and
Connecticut and June (Greg) Amundson of Scandia, MA; grandchildren, Erik
Amundson and Dana Amundson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Crispin of New
Jersey and numerous friends in New Jersey, Florida, Minnesota, and across the
country.
MAXIE – Marion Maxie. Marion was the master of the art of being a grandmother.
Her home was always the meeting place of her grandkids and all of their friends.
Each grandkid was given a trip to wherever their hearts desired. She may have
even sneaked them into the casinos when they were underage. Marion had plenty of
room in her two bedroom home to host people for as long as wanted: just be quiet
at 1 p.m. while she caught up on All My Children. She spoke of the show’s
characters like they were her friends. She kept a lottery book of every number
she ever played. Marion fought many a one armed bandit in A.C. and on Sundays
she’d gather her clan back close to her with a hearty dinner.
St. Patty’s Day 1956 was a memorable day. She was introduced to Jim while being
a designated driver, before it was fashionable. They would marry in November.
Their union was blessed by three sons: Richard and Jeff and the late Bruce; 9
grandchildren (her partners in crime); and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services were held at the Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Interment
Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.
FELMEY – John Palmer Felmey III, 28. When he entered a room, his larger than
life persona took it over. He gave it back as hard as he took it: he had a razor
sharp wit and coupled it nicely with his brand of physical humor. John was a
self-taught guitar player from his early teen years. Being influenced by Clapton
and Def Tones helped him start his own band, Complaint Department.
He is survived by his parents, John II (Dawn White) and Brenda Kukish (George);
siblings, Heather Felmey (Steve Kinsey), Justin (Paige Townsend); his
grandmother, Helena Targett, and step-daughter, Alissa Bender; uncles James
Felmey and Gary Sharrow.
Services were held at the Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. In anyone
wishes donations may be made to the charity of their choice.
MALIGNAGGI – Joseph L. Malignaggi Sr., age 83, of South Harrison Township passed
away on Jan. 16.
Born in Swedesboro to the late Carmelo and
Sebastiana (Vinci) Malignaggi, Joseph was a life-long farmer in South Harrison
Township. He married Erminia “Emily” Leonardi in 1956. Joseph proudly served in
the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Throughout his life he had many
achievements, including serving as Deputy Mayor of South Harrison Township and
Supervisor of the Public Works Department. Joe and Emily enjoyed summers in
Fortescue together and they were devoted to their family.
Beloved husband of the late Erminia
“Emily”. Dear brother of Grace (Richard) Sparks and Concetta “Connie” (Milford)
Merighi, all of South Harrison Township. Devoted father of Carmen (Carol)
Malignaggi of South Harrison, Lois Ann Pedrick of Woodbury and predeceased by
Joseph L. Malignaggi Jr. Loving grandfather of Devon Malignaggi (fiancé Richard
Small) and Jason Pedrick. Loving great-grandfather of Sydnee and Addison.
Entombment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Residents’ Recreation Fund, c/o Shady Lane
Nursing Home, 256 County House Rd., Clarksboro, NJ 08020 would be appreciated.
BAUS – Jean Marie Baus (nee Dunlap), age 74, of South Harrison Twp., passed away
on Jan. 17. Born in Delaware County, PA to the late Oliver and Marie (Bondurant)
Dunlap.
Jean has lived in South Harrison for 25
years. She was a homemaker, devoted to her family and her faith.
Beloved wife for 55 years of Joseph F. Baus
Sr. Devoted mother of Joseph F. Jr. (Susan) of Mantua, Regina L. (Russell M.)
Wood of Deptford, Patricia A. (Robert A.) Peterson of Westville and the late
Joanne M. (William) Kelly. Loving grandmother of Danielle, Samantha, Kristen,
Robert, Russell III, Alysia, Ryan and Brianna and the late Shannon. Dear sister
of Judith Grove of Delaware County, PA, Linda, Margaret and the late Lorretta
O’Malley and the late Maureen.
PATTEN – Philip F. Patten, 88, of Pilesgrove passed away quietly on Jan. 18 at
South Jersey Healthcare-Elmer surrounded by his loving family. Born in Repaupo,
he moved to Pilesgrove in 1948 where he purchased his first farm and went on to
add two additional farms. Phil was also known for building dozens of custom
homes in the South Jersey area. He was a dedicated family man whose life passion
was farming.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of
61 years, Marie E. Paten (Battiato), daughter Rosemary, who was 3 days old and a
grandson Michael Paten. Also six brothers and sisters, Rose Banscher, Josephine
Abbamondi, Ann Tomarchio, Biaggio (Willie) Patane, Vito Patten and twin brother
Carmen Patten.
Phil is survived by his devoted children,
Sebastian (Benny) and Virginia Patten of Pilesgrove, Mary Ann and William
Griscom of Lancaster , PA, Joseph and Janice Patten, Joanne and Skip Grover and
Elena and Frank Colubriale, all of Pilesgrove. His loving grandchildren, Sonja
Helman, Benjamin Patten, Christine White, Thomas Wetzel, Michelle Wetzel,
William Griscom Jr., Leanna Colubriale, Alex Grover and Nicolas Colubriale, and
4 great-grandchildren, Olivia Griscom, Sebastian White, Penelope Griscom and
Julianna Barkin.
Philip was a devout parishioner of St.
Clare of Assisi Parish, attending St. Joseph’s Church, Swedesboro. He was also
an active member and chair of several agricultural organizations that he
believed promoted the growth of farming. He received the Salem County Board of
Agricultural Distinguished Service Award and was recognized as a Successful
Salem County Farmer by the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Woolwich
Township. Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
Contributions may be made to his favorite
charities: the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ
08034 or the American Heart Association, #1 Union St., Ste 301, Robbinsville, NJ
08691.
DORNAN -- Dornan, Candace Lyn (Butler), 59, of Galloway passed away peacefully
on Saturday evening, Jan. 21 at home. Throughout her final days she had many
visits by family, friends and her BSGFs. Her two dear friends, Barb Sabath and
Nancy Sudol were a particular comfort to Candace throughout her long three year
courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Candace was born on Dec. 27, 1952 in
Woodbury. She grew up as the “Farmer’s daughter” and she was very proud of her
farming heritage. Throughout life, Candace loved anything sweet potato. She
loved making visits to the farm and had many fond memories of growing up on the
farm with her family.
Candace attended Swedesboro School System
and Kingsway High School. She then went on to attended West Virginia Wesleyan
College, where she was a sister in Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She also attended
the Univ. of North Carolina-Greensboro where she received her Master’s in Ed.
Candace had been lucky enough to have enjoyed all of her jobs; Rutgers Univ.
Home Economist, South Jersey Gas Co., Oakcrest High School, Atlantic County
Senior Services, and Atlantic City WIC. She worked at AC WIC until this past
November. Candace was especially happy to have made a short visit to WIC shortly
after Christmas.
Candace had been a long-time member of
Absecon United Methodist Church. She loved her church family and always looked
forward to the Monday Night Women’s Bible Study, where she was able to spend
happy times with her BSBF. She was a long time Sunday school teacher, Christmas
pageant committee member, Acolyte coordinator, and participated in the Puerto
Rico mission trip.
Candace loved scuba diving, skiing, the
Highland Swim club, cooking, the 49th St. Ocean City House, and traveling with
her husband and daughters. She married into the Penn State family and enjoyed
her frequent visits to their Happy Valley townhouse. She was a proud member of
the South Jersey Penn State Alumni.
Throughout her life, Candace loved
everything purple and fighting for equality for “left handed” people. Her
favorite quote was John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life.”
She is predeceased by her father, Walter H.
Butler.
Candace is survived by her soul mate and
husband of 23 years, Bill; daughters, Lindsay Dornan and Gayle (Bryan) Dornan
Connell; her grandchildren, Emerson and Weston Connell; mother, Gladys (Ty)
Gardiner Butler Ayars; siblings, Corrin (Bob) Sellen, Chip (Annette) Butler, and
Kathleen (Dave) Clark; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Jason, John, Patrick,
Grace, Gregory, Adam, Hilary and Myra. She will be missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
may be made to Absecon United Methodist Church Missions.
LAVIN -- Dennis M. Lavin, age 60 of Mickleton formerly of Chichester died on
Jan. 22.
Beloved husband of Suzzane Travis Lavin.
Dear father of Shaun, Colleen, Kevin and the late Maureen Lavin. Dear brother of
Nancy Olsen, William Lavin, Maureen Christopher, Daniel Lavin, Patricia Berry
and the late Rev. Martin E. Lavin. Son of the late Martin and Anna Burns Lavin.
Also survived by 6 grandchildren; Alexia Lavin, Travis Gordon, Kaylee Gordon,
Caila and Cassidy Fencl and Violet Lavin.
Mr. Lavin was a 1969 graduate of Chichester
High School, an Army veteran; he enjoyed salt water fishing; spending time with
his family and traveling to Cancun.
Memorial donations to the Maureen Lavin
Scholarship Fund Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians #61. Attention: Maureen
Lavin Scholarship, 4131 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136.
