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MARY TAIT
Mary Small Tait, of Wilmington, died on March 17, 2009, she had recently celebrated her 85th birthday. Mary was the last surviving child of J. Ohrum and Reba Small. The family had deep roots in Sussex County, but Mary and her husband, Alex, were original and longtime residents of Fairfax in North Wilmington. During her long life, Mary worked in the offices of several companies, including Atlas Powder (now Astra Zeneca), Delkote, her father’s business, and Small Associates, her brother’s business. A homemaker at heart, her most important occupation was as the Matriarch of her extended family, delighting in opening her home and heart to her family and friends. After Alex retired from Wilmington Trust, they enjoyed traveling, especially cruising and trips to Europe. Mary is survived by her husband of 62 years, Alexander P. Tait; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Hanlon and her 2 brothers, Jesse Small, D.D.S. and Joseph Small. A visitation will be held from 10-11am, Monday, March 23, followed by the funeral service at 11am at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where the Taits have been longtime members. Interment will follow at Lower Brandywine cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring the memory of Mary S. Tait by sending a contribution to The Memorial Fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.
ETHEL TART
Ethel W. Tart Age 89, of Wilmington, DE died on January 25, 2009. Her husband, Millis Tart died in 1987. Graveside service Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 at 11:00 am at Lawn Croft cemetery. Arrangements by MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME.
LOUISE TAYLOR
Louise B. Taylor Age 84, of Wilmington, DE, died on April 25, 2009 in Christiana Medical Center. Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late James and Louise Burnard on June 1, 1924, she moved with her family to Denver, CO in 1935. She graduated from the University of Colorado College of Music and moved to New York City in 1946. While there she married the Rev. John M. Taylor and they moved to Wilmington in 1955. Rev. Taylor, former rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Wilmington, died in September, 1997. Louise was a member of Alpha Phi sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota (national music honorary), Wilmington Panhellenic, and Alpha Phi Alumnae. While living in New York City she sang in several chorales and church choirs and with the Robert Shaw Chorale. In Delaware, she was a Life Member of the Brandywiners, Ltd and served on their Board, a member of the Interpreters jazz chorus, and a member and contralto soloist of Grace Episcopal Church choir and Trinity Episcopal Church choir. She also sang for many years with Bruce Laird and Friends. Louise was musical director for many shows performed by the Brecks Mill Cronies and Delaware Children’s Theatre, and an accompanist for the Brandywiners and area singers. She also performed in musicals with the Brandywiners, Brecks Mill Cronies, Drama League, Candlelight Dinner Theatre and Opera Delaware. She is survived by her sons Jonathan Taylor and his wife Lisa of New York City, James Taylor and his companion Susan Ferris of Clinton, N.J., Thomas Taylor and his wife, Julia of Seattle WA, daughter Jean and her husband Gary of Mechanicsburg, PA, and eight grandchildren, Andrew, Ian, Russell, Avary, Sarah, Jeffrey, Brooke and Zachary, and her sister Jean Hillier of Laguna Niguel, CA. Mrs. Taylor was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams Street, Wilm., DE 19801 where a service in celebration of her life will be held on Monday May 4th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Rev. John M. Taylor Memorial Fund c/o Grace Episcopal Church, 4900 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19803, which supports the local community outreach of the church, or to the Music Fund at Trinity Episcopal Church. To send online condolences or light a memorial candle visit: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com
CAROL LYNN THOMAS
Carol Lynn Thomas Age 63, of Wilmington, DE passed away on May 19, 2009. Carol was a Health Representative with BCBS. She is survived by her mother Olivia Kirby Thomas, her sisters Glenda Ruggiero and husband Tony of Wilmington, DE and Gail Palumbo and husband Robert of Media, PA; her nephews Paul Ruggiero of Wilmington and Tom Ruggiero of Lewisburg, WV and her great nieces Christina and Angela Ruggiero and great nephew Thomas Ruggiero. Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Norris W. Thomas, Jr. of Pensacola, FL. A memorial service celebrating Carol’s life will be held on Friday May 22, at 11am. in St. David’s Episcopal Church, 2320 Grubb Rd. Wilmington, DE 19810. Interment will be in the Memorial Garden of St. David's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to St. David's Episcopal Church and/or the Delaware Humane Association 701 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801. To send online condolences or to light a memorial candle, please visit: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com (302)478-2204
HELEN S. THOMPSON
Helen S. Thompson Age 99, of Wilmington, DE, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 15, 2009 in the Franciscan Health Center Brackenville Helen was a homemaker and a charter member of St. Mary Magdalen Church. Her husband of 66 yrs, Allan F., died in 2001. She is survived by son, Gerald A. of Lewis; 2 daughters, Sr. Christa Marie, O.S.F. of Aston, PA and Maureen Jewell of Wilmington; a sister, Mary Hadro of Ludlow, MA, a son-in-law, John Petrillo of Chadds Ford, PA; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by a daughter, Marian Petrillo who died in 2006. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 11am at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Rd at Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. A viewing will be held that morning at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 3924 Concord Pk. Wilmington( Rt 202 south of Silverside Rd) from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville, 100 St. Claire Dr., Hockessin, DE 19707 Online condolences visit www.mccreryfuneralhome.com 302-478-2204
BRUCE THORNGATE
Bruce Whitfield Thorngate Sr., age 73, of Wilmington, DE, died Monday, May 11, 2009 peacefully at home. He was born in Glen Mills Pennsylvania. Bruce attended the Milton Hershey School for Boys, where he played on the football team and enjoyed other sports. After high school, he served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked hard in the engine room where his efforts were noticed and soon led him into other specialized assignments. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class while proudly serving on the USS Meredith. His diversified background and military experience secured him many jobs over his lifetime, none as important to him as raising his three sons. He was a member of the NRA and was an avid shooter. He enjoyed the great outdoors, camping and fishing. He is survived by his devoted wife Lois with whom he shared 54 years of marriage, his brother Robert, three sons, Bruce Jr., Robert and David and six grandchildren all of the greater Wilmington area. Private graveside services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009. Anyone wishing to make a contribution is asked to donate to your local VFW for phone minutes to our forces deployed overseas.
MARVIN THORNTON
Marvin I. Thornton, Sr. Age 91, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on September 3, 2009. Mr. Thornton was born on September 18, 1917 to the late Ira and Lillian Thornton of College Station, TX. He spent his childhood in Southeast TX. After graduating from high school in Groves, TX, Marvin attended Texas A&M University where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1939. After graduation, he worked for a short time for the Texas State Highway Dept., and then on defense related projects. He volunteered for service in the Army Air Corps and finished the war as the navigator on a B-25 bomber in Southern China. During the war, Marvin met the love of his life, Margaret Crowther, whom he married in December 1944. They remained married for 64 years until her death in early 2009. After returning from the war, Mr. Thornton worked in the oil refining industry, then joined the DuPont Co. in the early 50’s. He and his family moved first to Aiken, SC, where he worked on the Savannah River Project, and then to Wilmington, where he spent the rest of his career with the DuPont Engineering Division where he specialized in the design and installation of power plants for industrial facilities. After he and his wife retired in the early 80’s, they spent 15 years traveling widely and made a number of cross country trips in their motor home. Marvin enjoyed outdoor activities and went on camping and canoeing trips, including several wilderness canoe trips in Canada. He was involved in Boy Scouts for many years as the chairman of the Troop Committee of Boy Scout Troop # 37 in The Cedars. Other interests of his included classical music and ballroom dancing. Mr. Thornton was a person of upright character and attempted to deal fairly with those whom he met. He was a good conversationalist and enjoyed the company of his friends. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret C. Thornton, daughter, Margaret W., brother, Howard, and sister, Doris. He is survived by his sons, Marvin I. Thornton, Jr. of Wilmington, and Roy Charles (Chuck) Thornton and wife, Linda of Phoenix, AZ; 2 grandsons, R.C. II and Christopher Thornton. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3710 Kirkwood Highway at Duncan Road where friends may call after 5:30. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 240 N. James St., Newport, DE 19804.
ETHEL TIMKO
Ethel J. Timko Age 91, of Wilmington, DE went home to be with Lord on September 29, 2009. She worked as a Riveter during WW II and in a hosiery mill. She was a member of White Clay Presbyterian Church and a 50 year choir member. Her husband of 72 years, Michael Timko died in April. Ethel is survived by her children, Stephen W. Timko and his wife Susie, and Susan E. Timko, 1 sister, Stella Machulski, and her grandchildren, Michael, Crystal, and Dennis. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00 AM at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE where friends may call after 9:00 AM. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Dr., Newark, DE 19713. To send condolences please visit; www.mccreryfuneralhome.com.
FRANCES TOMKIEWICZ
Frances Tomkiewicz died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 5, 2009. Frances retired as the Unit Manager at the Wilmington General Hospital after 20 years of service. An avid golfer, Frances played all over Delaware and travelled to Florida each winter to golf and spend time with the friends she made there. She was also a member of the YWCA, Elsmere, and in her spare time enjoyed gardening. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, Sr. in 1992, and her sister, Albina Sielski. She is survived by her son, Joseph, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Victoria Tomkiewicz; 2 granddaughters, Amy and Marissa Tomkiewicz; great-granddaughter, Madalyn; niece, Gwen O’Connor and her husband, Tim; nephew, Tim Kiesielewski and his wife, Pat; and her beloved parakeet Willy. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring, and compassionate staff at Delaware Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 11 am at St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church, 809 S. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19805. Friends are invited to greet the family at church after 10:30. Entombment will follow the Mass at Cathedral cemetery. “A son never had a better mother. I love you and I miss you Mom.” –Your Loving Son. In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions be made to DE Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810.
WINIFRED TRIMBLE
Winifred M. Trimble “Winnie” Age 87 of Wilmington, DE went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 11, 2009. As the only child of the late Charles and Bertha Trimble, she lived most of her life on Foulk Rd. in Wilmington. The last few years she enjoyed living at Somerford Assisted Living where she made many new friends. Winnie was a graduate of P.S. DuPont High School. She spent 40 years with the Dupont Co. before retiring and was a member of Immanuel Church. She is survived by Gerry and Doris Ballard, of Newark; her cousin Howard Husbands and his wife Betty of Edgewater, FL and her cousin Robert Fenimore and his wife Marion of Houston, TX. The funeral service will be held on Saturday August 15 at 10:30 am. in the McCrery Memorial Funeral, 3924 Concord Pike Wilmington, 19803. Burial will be held privately for Winnie’s family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, P.O. Box 352 Wilmington, DE 19899 or the Bible League Foundation, 3801 Eagle Nest Dr. Crete, IL, 60417.
JERI TROXELL
Jeri Troxell “Grammy” Age 84, of Bear, DE passed away on March 2, 2009. She was the owner/operator of Merle Norman Cosmetics in Wilmington for 30 years until closing the store in 1985. She then owned and operated The Nutcracker Sweet in Pike Creek until her retirement. Her husband, Raymond Troxell died in 1994. Jeri is survived her daughter, Jermayne K. Chappell with whom she lived, and niece, Paula Foster of FL. She will also be missed by Julie Watkins, and Christen Majewicz. Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A Street, Wilm., DE 19801 Arrangements by MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME, INC. To send condolences please visit: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com
MARY A. TRUDNAK
Mary A. Trudnak Mary A. Trudnak, age 78, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on July 30, 2009 at Christiana Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wyoming, PA and graduated from St. Cecilia’s High School in 1948. Mary also graduated from Wilkes Barre Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She was a registered nurse with the Medical Center of Delaware retiring in 1988 after 17 years service. After retirement she worked at Manor Care Foulk Road for 5 years. Mary was an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Church and it’s Sodality, the Junior Board at St. Francis Hospital, the Ministry of Caring, and volunteered for the American Cancer Society. She had a strong devotion to her family, friends, and church. Mary was a thoughtful and caring person who always put the needs of others before herself. Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, John J. Trudnak, Sr., her children, Karen Karch and husband, Wayne of Wilmington; John J. Trudnak, Jr. and wife, Maureen of North Easton, MA; Jane Szulinski and husband, Mike of Wayne, PA; and Mary Beth Transue and husband, Tim of Landenberg, PA; her sister, Anne D. Tierney of West Pittston, PA; 7 grandchildren, Craig, Lauren, Jennifer, Jake, Jill, Taylor, and Mary, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Christiana Care 5-E for their compassionate care and support. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Concord Pike and Sharpley Road where friends may call after 10:00 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Heartland Hospice House, 5661 Ochletree Lane, Wilm., DE 19808 or the Junior Board at St. Francis Hospital, 701 N. Clayton St. Wilm., DE 19805. Online condolences visit www.mccreryfuneralhome.com 302-478-2204
KEITH TURLEY
Keith H. Turley Age 82 of Hockessin, DE passed away on May 7, 2009 Keith was an Army veteran of WW II serving in the South Pacific. He retired as an Engineer for the DuPont Company after 40 years service. He married his wife, Nona on December 7, 1963 and the DuPont Company transferred the family to Staunton, VA in 1969, Hendersonville, TN in 1974, and ultimately to Hockessin in 1981. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Millcreek Hundred where he served as an usher, and a member of the Woodworking Group and the Foyers Group. He also volunteered for the Emmanuel Dining Room and Meals on Wheels. He was formerly active in the State Republican Party. Keith and Nona enjoyed extensive traveling and had visited England, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, South Africa, China, and Australia. His wife, Nona died in 2008. Keith is survived by his 2 sons and daughters-in-law, John Hall and Kim Turley, and Paul Abbott and Madeleine Turley; 1 sister, Brenda Culbert, and 1 grandson, Tenor F. Turley. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 16 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2800 Duncan Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring the memory of Keith H. Turley by sending a contribution to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Messages of condolences may be sent to: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com. 302-478-2204.
EDWARD TUTTLE
Edward W. Tuttle, Sr., 67, of Wilmington, died unexpectedly on March 3, 2009. Ed was born and raised in Colorado. Earlier in his life, he worked in the financial industry, and most recently he was an install coordinator for Lowe’s. Ed loved his family and he loved to travel. He was a proud husband, Dad and PopPop. Ed is survived by his wife of 45+ years, Ann M.; their 7 children, Edward W., Jr. (Lisa), John E. (Kathleen), Walter E., Joseph E., Ann M. Stratford (Wes), Charles E. (Hong) and Marie A. Tuttle; 4 grandchildren, Kayleigh and Danielle Tuttle, Taryn Day and Brendon Hernandez-Tuttle; 1 sister, Edith Tuttle; and 1 brother, Robert Tuttle. A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm, Saturday, March 7 at the St. Francis Renewal Center. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring the memory of Edward W. Tuttle by sending a memorial contribution to the St. Francis Renewal Center, 1901 Prior Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809.
ELIZABETH UNRUH
Elizabeth E. Unruh “Betty” Age 91, of Wilmington, DE passed away on March 23, 2009. She was a retired organist at Peniel United Methodist Church and McCrery Funeral Homes. Her husband, F. Ralston Unruh died in 2000. Betty was a member of Peniel United Methodist Church and former member of the American Guild of Organists, the Delaware Valley Iris Society, the Diamond State Iris Society, and the American Iris Society. She is survived by her children; Frederic L. Unruh and his wife Jean, of Lewes, DE; Carolyn M. Biggs and Bonnie K. McDonald and her husband, Patrick all of Wilmington; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great great granddaughters A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 am at Peniel United Methodist Church, 115 E. Market St., Newport, DE 19804. Friends may call at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3710 Kirkwood Highway at Duncan Road on Friday evening from 6-8 pm. Contributions may be made to Peniel United Methodist Church. To send condolences please visit www.mccreryfuneralhome.com.
DANIEL USHER
Daniel Thomas Usher, age 49, died suddenly Monday, May 11, 2009. Dan loved the outdoors, especially fishing and boating, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with friends and family. As an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, Dan was thrilled to watch his team win the World Series last year. He is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Usher; step-father, David Evans; good friend, Brian Pippin, and nephew. Dan is survived by his mother, Margaret Evans; brother, Edward Usher and his wife Lynn; sister, Laura Reedy; step-siblings, David, Darletta, and Danielle; niece and nephews, Steven, Matthew, Christopher, and Shelley; as well as great nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 6-8 pm at the McCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202 S. of Silverside Rd.), Wilmington, DE 19803. A funeral service will be held the following day at the funeral home at 11 am. Interment will be private.
DANIEL VAUGHN
Dr. Daniel James Vaughan died on April 2, 2009, at Christiana Hospital, following emergency surgery. Born Sept. 14, 1922 in Lequire, OK, Dan was a unique and fine man--a typically independent, resourceful, highly skilled and educated American--a graduate of the US Naval Academy; of MIT (MS, Chem. Eng.); of U. of OK. (PhD. Chemistry/Chem. Eng.); a WW II Pacific Campaign survivor (USS Phoenix); Patriot; DuPont Chemist & Chem. Engineer (Ret.), and a still-working-every-day entrepreneur of his own family chemical business and technology development activity. A kind and gentle person, Dan loved helping people, animals and gardening. He helped make the world a better place by his technological discoveries and venture developments. In 30 years with DuPont, he was a major contributor and provided leadership for the development of Tyvek®, Surlyn® Ionomers, Ethylene Copolymers, Corian®, Moldable PFA Teflon®, Nafion® Membrane and many others. After retirement, he recognized the need for better technology to utilize chemicals without polluting waste and envisioned chemical manufacture using membrane electrochemical techniques. His farsighted development efforts can be used by companies around the world to efficiently purify chemicals, reclaiming them for reuse and to manufacture high purity chemicals with electricity and without environmental contamination. Holder of over 100 patents, he was a member of the Inventors Hall of Fame, and was recently honored for 60 years service to the Amer. Chem. Soc. Even as a consultant for Sloan-Kettering, Thomas Jefferson and Johns-Hopkins Universities and Hospitals, true to his Oklahoma roots, somehow he still found time to raise Black Angus cattle, contributing to genetic
science and breed improvement. An indefatigable worker, he strove to develop new eco-friendly ideas. His most recent efforts involved non-toxic fertilizers & fungicides & wood preservatives; a new family of minerals; an economical fuel cell; while striving to solve the problems of removing atmospheric carbon dioxide pollution and burning coal cleanly for energy. During the ‘60’s Dan was active at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Wilm., and served on the Board of Wesley Seminary of Wash., DC. A truly extraordinary person, he gave us so many gifts, and expected nothing in return. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Ronald James Vaughan, who was also a loving father and brilliant scientist; his daughter-in-law, Lee Louise Vaughan, a loving mother and exceptional attorney; and his older brother, Tony Dale Vaughan, who was a pioneer in Special Ed. He is survived by Ellen Vaughan, his loving wife of 65 years, and daughter Beverly Vaughan Schmidt, Grandson Derrick, Granddaughter Jennie, and his sisters Edith, Sue, Mary Anne, Betty and their Families and his Great Grandchildren. Respecting his modest wishes, there were no services; a small private gathering of family and friends was held at home to Celebrate his Outstanding Life and Loving Service to the Lord, and to his Family and to his Friends.
