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.

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.

The funeral mass took place on April 22 at the Church of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother 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.

Helen Berndt

Helen G. Berndt, affectionately known as Dolly, passed away on March 25, 2025. She was 84.

She was the wife of the late Robert Berndt, and daughter of the late Charles C. Goodfellow II and the late Florence Crane Goodfellow. Dolly grew up with her two brothers, Charles C. Goodfellow III (wife Mary Goodfellow) and the late Geoffrey Goodfellow (wife Chris Goodfellow), as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the town of Cranford, NJ, a close-knit community with many family ties.

Dolly attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she met her first husband, the late Gordon “Chip” Thayer. They had two sons, Eric and Steve. Later, she married Robert Berndt, and she had her third son, Joe. Rob shared Dolly’s love for nature and gardening, and they made a good team, caring for one another, laughing together, working side by side.

Dolly worked for many years as an elementary school teacher, combining her love for children with her love for learning and teaching. She especially enjoyed her work at the Centreville Layton School, where she could apply her creative and hands-on approach and her unending patience to help students who “learn differently.”

Dolly loved life and loved the people in her life. Her warm smile and sparkling eyes, with just a hint of mischief, welcomed anyone who entered her home. She saw life as an adventure, whether she was taking a trip to Italy, enjoying a brisk walk along a nature trail, trying out a new recipe, or making cookies with her grandchildren. Her many passions included teaching, reading, gardening, and gourmet cooking. She valued moments of quiet, such as reading time, but also moments of social connection, and she enjoyed hosting family events on a regular basis. If you spent time with her, you often got caught up in her passions, discussing decorating ideas, learning how to cook broccoli in just the right way, watching the bird feeder intently for the arrival of a hummingbird, listening to her make up stories about the wildlife you might see on a walking trip. She took in stray cats, and she would laughingly imagine what her cat might be saying in a little “cat” voice. Dolly looked out for the needs of her family and offered a sympathetic ear and whatever support necessary in times of difficulty.

Dolly is survived by her sons, Eric H. Thayer (wife Sharon Thayer), Stephen A. Thayer (wife Rebecca Thayer), and Joe C. Berndt (partner Lindsay Nave), her grandchildren, Sylvia Thayer DiCrescentis, Benjamin Thayer, Julia Thayer Magin, Rosemary Thayer, Sydney Thayer and Chip Thayer, and great-grandchildren, Isaiah Thayer, Corinne Thayer, Leonardo DiCrescentis, Eva DiCrescentis, and Carl Magin.

A celebration of Dolly’s life will be planned in the coming months. 

In lieu of flowers, you can make contributions to Centreville Layton School at the school’s website at centrevillelayton.org/giving.

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

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

Donald G. Farmer

Donald G. Farmer, of Newark, Del., went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2025 in Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.. He was 81.

He was the husband of the late Linda Howell Farmer.

Born in Havre de Grace, Md., he was the son of the late Arthur Grahmn and Irene Zola Grace Farmer.

Donald was retired from Chrysler Corp. in Newark Del.

He was an active member of Word of Life Christian Center, also in Newark, Del.

Donald enjoyed fishing, gardening and he loved being outdoors. He also loved spending time with his family at home. 

He is survived by one son, Jeffrey Farmer (Marie) of Newark, Del., two brothers, Robert Farmer of Rising Sun, Md. and Dennis Farmer (Kimberly) of Ellendale, Del,, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at on April 19 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church 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.

Rodman W. Moorhead III

Rodman Wister Moorhead III, a visionary investor, generous philanthropist, and devoted champion of education, conservation, and community, died on December 17, 2024. He was 81.

Rod was born in Harrods Creek, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville and the home of the Kentucky Derby. He attended The Taft School in Conn., where he was a legendary running back, team captain, and student leader. He graduated in 1962. He earned a BA degree from Harvard College in 1966 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1968.

After early work in New York and a formative stint in Costa Rica, Rod joined E.M. Warburg & Pincus, then a young venture capital firm. Over a 30-year career, he became a general partner and managing director, helping lead the firm’s expansion from $40 million to over $15 billion in assets. He spearheaded early investments in healthcare, including Humana, U.S. Healthcare, and UnitedHealthcare—deals that defined the firm’s success.

Rod’s impact stretched far beyond finance. Aware of how much he had gained from his own education, he gave generously and led boldly. At Taft, he joined the Board in 1991 and served as Chair from 2006 to 2016. He led a transformative capital campaign, created the Moorhead Academic Center, and championed teacher support and scholarship expansion.

At Harvard, he supported the Medical School’s work in neurobiology and global health, co-chairing the Discovery Council and helping establish professorships and seed grants in memory of Paul Farmer.

A passionate conservationist, Rod served on the boards of the Stroud Water Research Center, the Brandywine Conservancy, and the Jackson Hole Land Trust. His leadership helped preserve hundreds of acres in Pennsylvania and Wyoming. The LEED platinum-certified Moorhead Environmental Complex at Stroud stands as a testament to his vision for environmental education.

At Buttonwood Farm, Rod bred and raced steeplechase horses, including The Mean Queen, winner of the 2021 Eclipse Award. He was a devoted supporter of the Willowdale Steeplechase, the Cheshire Hunt, and countryside preservation—always combining his love of land with his belief in legacy.

Rod also championed journalism, community health, and the arts, helping strengthen institutions like ICFJ, La Comunidad Hispana, and the Brandywine Museum, where he helped add notable artists to the permanent collection.

Rod lived a full and active life—fishing, hunting, fox-hunting, and exploring the world with friends and family. He had a rare ability to be both driven and warm, demanding, and generous. Those who worked with him remember his loyalty, his questions, and his courage to lead.

He is survived by Alice, his wife of 49 years; their sons, Roddy and Clay; his daughters-in-law Brooke and Jillian; and five grandchildren.

Rod’s legacy lives on in the land he preserved, the institutions he shaped, and the lives he uplifted with intellect, humor, and heart.

A celebration of Rod’s life will be held at Buttonwood Farm at 361 Lambortown Road in West Grove on May 8 at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering gifts to one of the charities, which Rod was passionate about, such as Stroud Water Research (stroudcenter.org/support/), The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art (brandywine.org/brandywine/supporter), or the Jackson Hole Land Trust (jhlandtrust.org/waystogive).

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

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

Sharon A. Anderson

Sharon A. Anderson, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 14, 2025 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. She was 76.

She was the wife of John “Jay” Anderson, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage that were filled with laughter and joy. 

Born in Rising Sun, Md., she was the daughter of the late Samuel Tolton and the late Patsy (Burns) Tolton.

For over 40 years, Sharon worked as an elementary school teacher in the Kennett Consolidated School District. Many of those years were spent teaching 4th grade at New Garden Elementary. Sharon brought so much dedication and creativity to the classroom, turning every lesson into an adventure that her students still remember and cherish to this day. For her, teaching was an art.

Sharon’s creativity and art reached far beyond the classroom. She was renowned for crafting handmade cards for everyone she knew for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She never forgot anyone or any important date. She had a keen ability to make each and every person feel special and remembered.

Sharon lived a life of profound curiosity. She loved antiquing, gardening, traveling, and learning people’s stories. One of her greatest gifts was staying in touch with all the people who mattered to her.

She mentored many new teachers who have remained close friends from her years in teaching. In particular, the “Lunch Bunch” got together regularly and maintained their ties of friendship into retirement. Sharon was also a member of a yoga group that ventured out as a “book club” that rarely finished or even discussed the book. Rather, they used the time as yet another opportunity to share friendship, love and support.

Most of all, Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Sharon was a beacon of strength, love, and encouragement to her family. Her incredible sense of humor and ability to keenly organize any event (from her color-coded calendar to her many to-do lists) will be fondly remembered. From sharing cultural events to annual vacations in Cape May as a family, Sharon’s husband, children and grandchildren have been beyond blessed.

Sharon was always a truly kind person and will be missed beyond measure.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Eric Anderson (ViAnna) and daughter, Kristen Anderson (Kevin), her grandchildren, Zachary and Emma, and her brothers, Randy Tolton, Barry Tolton, Brian Tolton, and Patrick Tolton. Sharon is also survived by many extended family members that remained close through the annual family reunion that she organized for many years.

You are invited to visit with Sharon’s family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10 West Pleasant Grove Road in West Chester (consider approaching West Pleasant Grove Road via Street Road/Route 926 to S New Street). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. 

Interment will follow the funeral service at Union Presbyterian Cemetery, 5637 Street Road, Kirkwood, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Sharon’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

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

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