Edith Eleanor Tulumello

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Edith Eleanor Tulumello, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us on March 23, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on July 30, 1929, in Malvern, Pa., Edith lived a life rich in love, dedication, and achievement.

Edith devoted herself to her family, serving as a nurturing mother to her son, Michael Tulumello (Jeanne Barrett) of Oakland, MI and her daughter, Linda Dillon, of North East, Md. She fully enjoyed being a grandmother to Jamie Tulumello of Chesham, England and Ryan Tulumello of North East, Md., and great-grandmother to Madison Drew and Sylvie Drew, with boundless affection. As the matriarch of her family, she instilled strong values and shared countless moments of joy, laughter, and wisdom that will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind, including her brother, Vincent Coletta (Sandy) of San Diego, Calif. and Karen McCauley, mother of Jamie and Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sal Tulumello, parents, Michael and Ernestina (Amore) Coletta, and brother, Patrick Coletta.

Professionally, Edith excelled in the banking industry, achieving the prominent position of vice president of Meridian Bank (formerly of Kennett Square), where she garnered respect and admiration for her leadership and commitment to excellence. She was also active in Kennett Square’s Chamber of Commerce and was elected to serve a term as its president, where she took pride in contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local business community.

Edith's spirit of generosity and unwavering support touched countless lives, and her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Crouch Funeral Home P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, Md. Loved ones can pay their respects and share in the loving memories of Edith’s extraordinary journey.

A memorial mass service to celebrate Edith’s joyful life will take place at noon on April 23 at St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church at 928 Turkey Point Road in North East, Md. 

Though she is no longer with us, Edith Eleanor Tulumello’s light will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the love she cultivated.

For condolences, please visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jean Caraballo

Mary Jean Caraballo (née Shatley), a force of nature and a loving matriarch, passed away at the age of 78 on April 5, 2025. 

Born on February 17, 1947, in Washington, Virginia, she spent the majority of her life in Chester County, where she left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Mary Jean possessed a vibrant and spirited personality. She had a passion for spirited debates and a knack for collecting treasures that caught her eye. Beneath her sometimes-fiery exterior was a heart that loved fiercely and deeply.

Her proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly her family. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, finding immense joy in the company of her daughters, grandkids, cherubs, and her beloved girl. She valued her independence above all else, and maintained it throughout her life.

Mary Jean is survived by her devoted daughters, Gloria Rosado, Margaret Garcia, and Jessica Caraballo, her loving grandchildren, Jeremy Caraballo, Gina Caraballo, Juan Lemus, Kattie Lemus, Sarah Rosado, and Samantha McCracken, and her adored great-grandchildren. Her memory will be held dear by all who were fortunate enough to experience her unique spirit and unwavering love.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary Jean’s life was held on April 11 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jean’s name to the National Kidney Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford. 

Walter Dean Pierson

Walter Dean Pierson, of Oxford, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family and loved ones at his home on April 1, 2025. He was 85.

Dean was born on September 7, 1939, in Lewisville, Elk Township, Chester County, to the late Walter A. and Alice E. Hammond Pierson.

He graduated from Oxford Area High School, Class of 1957, and was married to Jacklyn S. Roten, the love of his life, for 64 years. Dean served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged prior to the birth of his daughter. His time in the service left him with countless stories that kept you guessing until the very end—he had a way of telling Army tales that made you lean in and hang on every word.

Dean was a man of many talents. He was a precise welder, a skilled heavy equipment operator, carpenter, mason—you name it, he could build it, fix it, or even engineer it. Over the years, he worked for Robert L. Terry, Harold Futty, and Howard Twyford, and later at Star Roses/Conard-Pyle. He also worked at a fertilizer company with his nephew Kenny. After retirement, he spent several years driving for the Amish in the local area.

Dean ran a small farm where he raised beef cattle, and he loved working on farming equipment. He especially enjoyed baling hay and telling stories about his hunting trips with his buddies from back in the day.

He had a passion for all things Ford, especially his 1985 Crown Victoria, and he took great pride in his collection of John Deere tractors.

Dean’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and made a point to attend everything from sports and music events to Grandparents Day and (grand)father-daughter dances. He was a proud, caring man who was always there when someone needed help—no matter the time or task.

Dean was also a dedicated member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church and helped haul donated supplies to Erbacon, WV, after storm damage struck the area.

He is survived by his wife, Jacklyn; his daughter, Barbara L. Pierson-Riley of Oxford; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Anne (Wayne) Reisler of Mansfield, Pa. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Howard T., Robert W., and Joseph H., and infant siblings, George C. and Joyce I. Pierson.

A service was held on April 11 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church.

Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Alicia Lynn Delvalle

Alicia Lynn Delvalle, 38, of Wilmington, Del., passed away while at home on March 28, 2025.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of Bobby Brown of West Grove and Edna Ruth Pierce Mayo of Wilmington, Del.  

Alicia worked in Chester County and her patients adored her. She enjoyed drawing and being outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her son and her family. 

She is survived by one son, Elijah Ojeda, at home; by her mother and her husband, Donald Mayo; her father and his wife, Marie; three brothers, Joe Pierce of Gap, Andre Brown of West Grove and Julian Brown of West Grove; a sister, Kimberly Delvalle of West Grove; a step-father, Salustiano Delvalle of West Grove; her uncle Edward Pierce of West Grove and aunt Perla Pierce of Brookhaven; and nieces and nephew as well multiple cousins. 

Funeral services were held on April 12 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford. 

Kevin D. Price

Kevin Dean Price passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family while at his home in West Grove on April 3, 2025. He was 73.

He was the devoted husband of Linda (Kimball) Price, with whom he shared 38 wonderful years of marriage.

Kevin was born on January 13, 1952 in Lansdowne, Pa., the son of the late Maxwell and Katherine (Horley) Price. He spent much of his life in Delaware and Chester counties, with some of his younger years spent in Florida.

Kevin was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and was known for his warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. His presence touched the lives of many.

Professionally, Kevin enjoyed a variety of careers, though he was most passionate about his work in auto sales. He also owned and took great pride in running his coffee shop, the Lincoln Coffee Exchange in West Chester.

Outside of his career, Kevin had a deep love for the water. He enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay and he also liked muscle cars. He was happiest spending time with his family and sharing his many stories. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and they adored him deeply.

In addition to his wife, Kevin is survived by his six children: Dawn (Tom), Joseph (Lisa), Kevin (Ciara), Stephanie (Christopher), Kenny (Elizabeth), and Kelly. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Jenna, Joseph, Alyssa, Julianna, Olivia, Sienna, and Hallie, as well as his siblings Eddie (Patti), Lisa, and Gregory. Kevin was predeceased by his brother Jamie.

Services were held on April 10 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in West Grove.

Interment will be held privately.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).

To view Kevin’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Everett Ray Johnson

Everett Ray Johnson, of Oxford, passed away on April 6, 2025 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Md. He was 80.

Everett was born on November 6, 1944 in Chester, Pa. to Samuel Freemont and Margaret C. Matteson Johnson.

He was employed as a crane operator and truck driver for 43 years with Nowland Associates, Inc. of Newark, Del.

He was a member of the Oxford Church of God and former member of the North East Church of God in Maryland.

He married Dianna Doss Johnson, on July 25, 1965. She was the love of his life and together they raised their children, Gail (Tim) Nugent and Jolene Dianna Johnson. They were blessed with nine grandchildren, Nathan (Tiffany) Nugent, Justin (Kim) Nugent, Chad (Christine) Wilson, Branson (Hanna) Wilson, Amber Wilson, Dianna Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Curtis Norstrum, and Grace Johnson. Also surviving are 11 great-grandchildren, and three siblings, Jane Weaver of Paoli, Shirley Christiano of Scranton and Samuel Johnson of Cochranville. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Freemont and Margaret C. Johnson, his daughter, Sherry Wilson and nine siblings. His loving memory will live on through surviving children, grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com)  in Oxford.

James R. Sims, II

James Richard Sims II, known as Jim, died on April 8, 2025 at the age of 68. He was a resident of Rising Sun, Md.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jim was respected as a lifelong musician and man of God.

Jim was born in West Grove on October 21, 1956, to James R. Sr. and Donna Rosalie (Simmons) Sims. Jim graduated from Oxford Area High School in the Class of 1974, where he served as Class President. He was also an Eagle Scout.

His love for music began at a young age. He played a variety of instruments, from oboe in the marching band to the drums, electric guitar, and the Hammond organ. Jim could often be found in neighbors' garages jamming with friends after school.

He attended the University of Delaware and received a Certificate for Advanced Audio Engineering at the College for Recording Arts in San Francisco, Calif.

In his early twenties, Jim followed The Grateful Dead along their tour around the United States. He was an avid concert-goer and loved rock and roll. At the age of 30, Jim met Jesus and his life changed completely. He began attending church services in Oxford, where he met his wife, Audrey, and they married in 1989. Together, Jim and Audrey served in worship bands at many churches in the area, leading worship services on Sundays and attending small groups. Jim often served the church by running sound, using his gifts in audio engineering for the glory of God.

He began his career in technology sales before transitioning to electrical engineering, developing systems for large-scale office and industrial developments. He was also formerly employed by W.L. Gore in quality control and by Cecil College, where he taught Computer Basics. In 2018, Jim retired from Computer Sciences Corporation where he worked as a network security engineer for 20 years.

He is survived by Audrey T. Sims, his wife of 36 years, one son, David Sims, one daughter, Alicia Tablazon and her husband, James, and one grandson, James Sims Tablazon V, known as JT. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Daniel Sims, and by his infant daughter, Rachel Hannah Sims.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 17 at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison Street in Oxford. A viewing for friends and family will take place at 11 a.m. and the formal service will begin at noon. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery following the service.

Jim cared deeply about generously supporting ministry work in his community and around the globe. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Paris Foundation to alleviate homelessness in Elkton, Md. at theparisfoundation.org or Touch the World Ministries to equip youth and young adults for missions work at touchtheworld.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Roberta Grace Elrick

Roberta Grace “Robin” Elrick, 80, of Midland, died on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Olson Manor of Midland.

She was born in Kennett Square on June 26, 1944, the daughter of the late Robert and Grace (Angle) Elrick Brewster. 

Roberta was formerly of Upland, Pa. and had been employed in the banking industry for 48 years. She retired as a bank manager with First Federal Savings and Loan of Swarthmore, Pa. before moving to Midland.

Robin is survived by her sister Peggy (John IV) Wharton of Midland, a nephew, John (Amy) Wharton V of Steamboat Springs, CO, great nephews, John (Sophia) Wharton VI, Benjamin Wharton, and Peter Wharton, all of Denver, and a nephew Dave Mattson of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by many friends she encountered throughout her banking career.  

In addition to her parents, Roberta was preceded in death by her sister, Jacqueline Elrick, and her niece, Veronica Mattson.

Roberta’s family wishes to show their appreciation to everyone at King’s Daughters Home, Olson Manor, and Care Team Hospice for the loving care shown to her at all times.

Memorial services for Robin will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Midland Evangelical Free Church, 7221 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48642 with Pastor Gib Giblin officiating. Her family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 3 p.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Elrick family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.

James Frederick DiFilippo

James Frederick “Fish” DiFilippo, 80, of Aston, passed away at home on April 12, 2025 after a long illness. 

Fish was a devoted family man and fisherman, and not necessarily in that order. If he wasn’t fishing or tying flies, he was on the road or in the skies on his way to cast lines in beautiful streams in the Poconos, Alaska, out west, in Canada, and beyond. He often brought his family along, instilling in them a deep love of the outdoors. He was known as “World Famous Mr. Fish” and later, just “Fish,” the latter a nickname he preferred even in official capacities.

He married his wife of 56 years in 1968 after they met at a nightclub and fell fast for each other — she, no doubt, smitten by his quick humor and dance moves. They had three children, who gave them eight grandchildren, all of whom they loved dearly. He and Judy spoiled them rotten, taking them on Disney trips, meddling in their affairs with the best of intentions, and even buying a house by the Delaware beaches to ensure they always had a fun family retreat. 

In recent years, Fish and Judy spent a lot of time at that home in Millsboro, Del., where they became regulars at the region’s restaurants, explored every inlet of the Indian River and Rehoboth bays in their pontoon boat, and made many good friends. In keeping with their love of the outdoors, Fish and Judy adopted a stretch of road in Millsboro to keep clean, as the Long Neck Litter Pickers.

Fish also enjoyed hunting and driving old forest roads, especially with his son Jim Jr. He loved to take his friends on fishing and hunting trips too.

He was a certified public accountant for more than 50 years in Toughkenamon, where he started his own firm in 1970 and eventually brought his wife, son, and daughter-in-law into the business. He also spent years helping his father and uncle run the family’s general store.

He graduated from Salesianum School in Wilmington and Temple University. He also served in the National Guard and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was the eldest son of the late Eugene and Glenna DiFilippo. He is survived by his wife Judy; his children, Paige Henry, Dana (and Saed) Hindash, and Jimmy (and Annie) DiFilippo; and his beloved grandchildren Dana, Maura, and Meghan Henry, Zaki and Amalie Hindash, and Maddie, Chloe, and Jimmy DiFilippo.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square. Visitation will also be held Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until the time of his funeral mass at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, 8910 Gap Newport Road in Avondale. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. 

Memorial donations may be made to Trout Unlimited or the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute of Delaware. 

Arrangements are being handled by by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

Lydia Julia Heidler

Lydia Julia Heidler, 21, of West Grove, passed away on April 7, 2025 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pa.

Born in Doylestown, Pa., she was the daughter of Michelle (Heidler) McCleary and Timothy McCleary.

Lydia was an avid reader of classic literature as well as contemporary authors. She enjoyed spending time in the mountains, hiking, and exploring the architecture of old abandoned buildings. She also loved creating and sharing artisan-style sandwiches, going out for sushi, and enjoying her daily lattes. Although largely introverted, when among family, Lydia kept everyone laughing with her quick wit and impeccable comedic timing. Lydia was also a talented artist, with boundless compassion for animals of all kinds.

She is survived by her mother and father; two sisters, Rae and Cecilia; her maternal grandfather, John Heidler of West Grove; her maternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Sue and Jim Crognale of Gilbertsville, Pa.; her maternal great-grandmother, Lillian Pellissier of Glen Mills, Pa.; her paternal grandparents, Jane and Bob McCleary of Lincoln University, Pa.; and paternal grandparents, Leslie and Frank Cuthbertson of Philadelphia; one maternal aunt, Brittany Heidler of Gilbertsville, Pa.; her maternal uncle, Michael Heidler, along with his wife, Danielle (Tracy) Heidler, and their daughter Emily, and soon-to-be daughter Hailey, of Norristown, Pa.

Lydia and Emily shared a special bond despite their 20-year age difference. The two would light up any room they entered, and their love for each other was clear to see. The family prays that God will bestow upon Lydia the honorary title of “Guardian Angel” to watch over her little cousin Emily, whom she adored so much.

Lydia also leaves behind a kitten she named Marie. During one of Lydia’s spontaneous adventures, she found a tiny white kitten by the side of the road. Sensing that the little creature was alone in the world, Lydia scooped her up and cared for her, showering her with love for the rest of her days on Earth.

Lydia is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Road, Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Interment will be private

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Marlene E. Hamilton

Marlene E. Stewart Hamilton, a resident of Cochranville who was born in Colora, Md., passed away at home surrounded by her family. She was 90.

She was raised by her grandparents, Cora and Wiley DuVall. She was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Mary Jane and Harry B. Ruth, and her father Roscoe Stewart. 

Marlene graduated from Oxford High School in 1953. She married her loving husband, the late Edward “Ted” Hamilton (d. 2009) on Sept. 4, 1954.

Marlene’s first and foremost important “job” was raising her family. When her children started their own families, she had more nurturing to give and spent the following 20 years working as a nurse’s aide at Pocopson Home. 

In her spare time, she loved spending time with her large multi-generational family, gardening, bird watching, time at the Potter County cabin, antiquing, yard sales and spoiling her special “child” Abby the cat.

She is survived by her children, E. Allen Hamilton Jr. (Cynthia), Marshall R. Hamilton (Laura), Robert S. Hamilton (Lori) and Teresa M. Hamilton Hamson (Kenneth), and her grandchildren, Evelyn, Neshaminy (Lawrence), Marshall Jr. (Devyn), Zachary (Nicole), Benjamin (Heather), Jacob, James (Brianna), Danielle, Maxwell, Alexander, Kenneth III (Rosalia) and Kurt (Megan). 

Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Jaheim, Jaden, Jemnesa, Jennia, Angela, Lance, Robin, Jenna, Palyn, Addison, Harper, Chloe, Logan, Nicholas, George, Frederick, Samuel, Josephine and Mila, and her great- great grandchildren, Adrianna and Memphis. 

She was also predeceased by her brother, Roger Stewart (survived by wife Maxine), her daughter- in-law, Robin Hamilton, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Wertz.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 18 at Safe Harbor Baptist Church at 478 Daleville Road in Cochranville. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will be held at Longwood Gardens Cemetery following the service. Luncheon to follow at the church.

Please send flower arrangements to Safe Harbor Baptist Church, 478 Daleville Road, Cochranville, PA 19330. 

Contributions in Marlene’s memory may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to St. Labre Indian School at give.stlabre.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.   

Larry Elliot Jones

Larry Elliot Jones, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2025. He was 84.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member, Larry left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Born on October 13, 1940, Larry was raised on a family farm in Chester County, where he spent his youth tending cattle and riding horses. He graduated from West Nottingham Academy in 1958 and went on to earn a degree in business administration from Elizabethtown College. He later received his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1965.
Larry spent most of his life in West Grove, becoming something of a local legend—riding his Harley-Davidson in a suit, passionately supporting the Philadelphia Eagles, and befriending nearly everyone he met. He was a true original. Known for his iconic mustache, booming laugh, and unwavering generosity, Larry had a one-of-a-kind spirit and a love for life. He loved sushi, sunbathing, desserts, and—during his younger years—long rides to Florida on his Harley, which he rode into his late 70s.
He used his legal skills to serve others, offering pro bono work to a battered women’s shelter, supporting individuals in recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous, and quietly helping countless friends and neighbors in meaningful ways.
Even in his final months, as Lewy Body Dementia began to take its toll, Larry’s warmth, humor, and love endured. One of his final joys was watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl again this year—an unforgettable moment shared with family.
To his loved ones, he was “Dado”—a fiercely devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his children, Elliot Jones (Mark), Jennifer Jones, Ben Jones (Sarah), Andrew Jones (Eliza), and Alexandra Jones, and his cherished grandchildren, Corrina, Annika, Liana, Elias, Adelaide, and Alpheus.

In lieu of flowers, family asks donations be made to La Mancha Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 656 Unionville, PA 19375.
A summer celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Sandra Cooper Souder

Sandra Kay Cooper Souder (formerly Shivery) passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2025 while surrounded by loved ones.

She was an 85-year-old resident of Oxford who fought a long and courageous battle with dementia before her passing.

Born at home in Oxford to Pauline and Jack Shivery, Sandy rooted her life deeply in the small town she would eventually return to in retirement. Quiet in demeanor, but lively and fun-loving in spirit, she graduated from Oxford High School in 1958, where she had a deep passion for the arts and was often found in the art room working on her drawings and paintings or in the library lending her organizational skills to the school.

After high school, Sandy graduated from Coatesville Hospital’s Nursing School in 1961 and began her career in the Coatesville Hospital Emergency Room before dedicating decades to long-term care. With a compassionate heart, she served as an RN at Friends Hall in West Chester, working with geriatric patients, and later at Elwyn Institute in Media, where she brought her warmth and compassion to adults with Down syndrome.

Upon retiring from nursing, Sandy lived a quiet life of service, volunteering at the Oxford Public Library, the Penn’s Grove Middle School Library in Oxford, and serving up goodies at the Oxford United Methodist Church’s Pancake Breakfasts and their well-known Chocolate Festival. She also welcomed every stray cat, bird, squirrel, or dog that wandered to her doorstep. She was famous for her love of adopted pets.

A true plant enthusiast, she designed and maintained all of the landscaping at her Oxford home, earning a reputation for her incredible knowledge of plants. Sandy was a dedicated member of the Oxford Gardening Club for many years, where she shared her expertise and passion for gardening.

Sandy tended to her friendships with the same dedication and love she applied to her plants, cultivating long-lasting relationships throughout her life. She remained close to her high school classmates through class luncheons and cherished decades-long friendships with her nursing school friends as well. She loved to travel, whether to see her children in Wyoming or Alabama, her nephew in California, or to soak in the sun in Ocean City or Gulf Shores. She enjoyed skiing in Vermont, white water rafting out west, and visiting friends in Hawaii and Florida. Sandy was always ready for an adventure as long as she had her coffee (with more sugar than coffee), her trusty pocketbook, and a good book in hand.

Known for her potato salad, cole slaw, and homemade pies, Sandy kept books full of recipe cards—treasures collected from family, friends, and magazines—all vetted by her famous “taste-testing” sessions. Having family and friends gather for a meal, coffee, or dessert was her favorite tradition.

Though she was married twice, Sandy ultimately found joy and contentment in a life all her own. Embracing her independence, she spent her later years surrounded by the things she loved most—family, her cats, her beloved dog Nate, birds outside her window, her flourishing gardens, travels near and far, and countless cups of coffee or Coca-Cola savored in peace.

To her children, she was simply “Mom.” To her granddaughter, she was the unforgettable “G” or “The Gster.” To her extended family, she was always the cherished “Sandy”—the one you wanted to sit next to or travel with, full of love, wit, and a twinkle in her eye.

Sandy is survived by her children, Gary Cooper of Cody, WY, Francine Cooper of Cullman, AL, and Michael Cooper and his wife Hope of Oxford. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Alexa Morton of Hanceville, AL.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, at the Oxford United Methodist Church at 18 Addison Street in Oxford. A luncheon will follow at noon in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford and the flowers are by Phillips Florist in Oxford.

Elizabeth Ann Lauver

Elizabeth Ann Lauver was born on Jan. 4, 1948, in Munich Germany to Evan Y. Yerkes, an American G.I., and Anna Panzer Yerkes. Emigrating to the U.S. as a toddler, she spent her childhood on a dairy farm in Chester County, where she raised countless barn cats and baby chickens, became an avid reader, and learned to cook alongside her American grandmother. 

As a teenager, her family later moved to the “big city” of West Grove after her father, a master carpenter, finished building their house. She attended Bishop Shanahan High School and graduated in 1965, confident in her belief that “The Sound of Music” was misleading and there was a lot less singing in a convent.  She went on to attend West Chester University, graduating with a degree in elementary education in 1969.

On June 27, 1970, she married Kirk Lauver who, conveniently, grew up across the street from her in West Grove, thus resolving the age-old question “whose family do we visit for Christmas this year?” since everyone was already in one place. They would later move to such far-flung places as Boston and Chicago, before returning to State College, Pa., where their daughters, Susan (Jamie), and Rebecca (Jimi) would grow up and start families of their own. 

A lifelong reader, and excellent cook, she amassed a collection of cookbooks dwarfed only by the Library of Congress. She watched every cooking show PBS aired and, because there was only one TV in the house, her daughters watched them, too. They are now confident, if slightly less successful, cooks of their own. 

Her greatest source of joy were her grandchildren, Ben and Julie Ruff, and John, Elliott and Anna Gingerich, for whom her love was limitless and in whom she instilled her love of books, cats and French fries.

She is survived by her husband, Kirk, her brother, Michael Yerkes, brothers-in-law, Lynn (Ann), Mark (Debbie) and Dale (Bev) Lauver, 9 nieces and nephews, and friends too many to count. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Evan and Anna Yerkes, and grandson, Evan Ruff.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, Pa. with a Celebration of Life immediately following. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St. State College, PA 16801, Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801 or, the charitable organization of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.