05/22/09

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Katherine W. Harker, Lewes Avon Lady
Katherine W. Harker, age 79, of Lewes, DE, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2009 (just shy of her 80th birthday), at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. She was born June 27, 1929 in Long Branch, NJ, daughter of the late Roland Rush and Sarah (Brennanman) Willoughby.

While Katherine was born in New Jersey, she spent her childhood summers visiting with family and friends at Lewes Beach. In her early years of employment, Katherine again found herself in Sussex County. She married her second husband Joe Harker in the late 1950's. Katherine was the "Avon Lady" for approximately 40 years through which she made many long time loyal friends and neighbors both locally and abroad. She was the best when it came to selling Avon products. She truly loved cats and dogs.

In addition to her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her husband Joe Harker. She is survived by her son Rush Ellis and grandson Morgan Ellis; son Joseph Harker and his wife Elaine and grandsons Paul and Jim Harker; son Anthony Zigman; and her beloved Maltease "Harley" and cat "Tibbitt."

A Memorial Service with Pastor Harry Hughes officiating will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 2:00 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery-Pilottown Road, Lewes. www.parsellfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Meals on Wheels, 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Edgar G. Moran Jr., retired police officer
Edgar Gregory Moran Jr., 77, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation & Health Center in Millsboro.
Mr. Moran was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late Edgar Gregory Moran Sr. and Anna M. Doherty Moran.
Mr. Moran resided in the Edgewater and Greenbelt areas of Maryland prior to moving to Delaware 10 years ago. Mr. Moran served on the District of Columbia police force for 20 years, retiring in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion, Greenbelt, Md.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Micky Seesman. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Catherine Quinn Moran; three sons, Brian Moran and his wife Maria of Toms River, N.J., Kevin Moran and his wife Doreen of Emerson, N.J., and Vincent Moran and his wife Tammy of Holiday, Fla.; and six grandchildren.
Interment will be private in New Jersey.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 109 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947; or to the Dollard-Suiter Family Fund, c/o AORP, 1320 G St. SE, Washington, DC 20003.

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Seymour ‘Cy’ Fink, noted showman
Seymour “Cy” Fink, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, died Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Cy was born Dec. 1, 1924, in Laurelton, N.Y., and resided in Bayport, N.Y., until 1987, when he moved to the Rehoboth Beach area.
Cy and his beloved wife Millie spent winters in Eldorado Village in Largo, Fla., from 1984 to 2004. Cy was a World War II veteran and worked with planes at Pan Am and Republic Aircraft. Cy retired in 1985 from Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, N.Y., where he flew on research aircraft as part of a team that studied pollution. He also volunteered as an ambulance driver in Sayville, N.Y., and as a firefighter for Bayport Fire Department, N.Y.
Cy was a consummate entertainer and showman and liked to perform by singing, joking, playing the piano, and, with his friends, was part of many wonderful shows with the Bayport Circle Players, the Sayville Musical Workshop, the Islip Lions Club on Long Island, N.Y., and in Eldorado Village in Largo. Most recently, Cy entertained (and lived) at Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach. Cy never met a stranger and could talk with anyone. He had fun “fixing” things with his buddies. Cy was an avid dancer (with Millie at his side) and he loved to find any excuse to fly planes and spend time with family and friends.
Cy was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Millie Merlo Fink; son, Robert “Bobby” Fink; parents, Ada and Raymond Fink, formerly of Oakdale, N.Y.; and, sister Annette Fink Herman, formerly of Homestead, Fla. Cy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Howard Gregory of Milton; his granddaughters, Kerry and Melissa Gregory of Baltimore, Md.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Cy’s Life with a Masonic Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 22, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker and the Rev. Beth Cohen co-officiating. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service and interment will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Sayville, N.Y. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
Contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805;

~the Bayport Fire Department, 251 Snedecor Ave., Bayport, NY 11705.

Alice B. Davenport, retired teacher
Alice B. Davenport, 63, of Millsboro, formerly of Wall Township, N.J., passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late Harry F. Bremer and Alice Delmore Bremer.
Alice was an English teacher for the Ocean Township High School in New Jersey and substitute teacher for various high schools in the New Jersey area until her retirement in 1974.
She was deeply involved in her church, Grace of God Lutheran Church in Millsboro. She was a member of the American Legion Post 28 of Oak Orchard/Riverdale Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, quilting and sewing. She also enjoyed doing historical interpretation with her husband Bill.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, William A. Davenport; son, Scott Davenport and his wife May of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Amy Kathryn Tucci and her husband Michael of Magnolia; brother, Thomas Bremer and his wife Angela of Brodheadsville, Pa.; sister, Barbara MacArthur and her husband Joseph of Wilmington; and four grandchildren, Michaela and Lauren Tucci, and Fox and Jayna Davenport.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road in Millsboro, where friends may call after 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Alice’s memory to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Paul A. Katzmar, railroad retiree
Paul A. Katzmar, 87, of Milton, formerly of Levittown, Pa., passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at his daughter’s residence in Georgetown, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 12, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Paul Henry and Marie Barth Katzmar.
Mr. Katzmar enjoyed a long career with the Reading Railroad, retiring after 31 years as a passenger conductor. He also served with the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Benson in the European theater of war. He was devoted to his wife and family and will be missed by all those who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Mavroudis. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis A. Katzmar; three daughters: Pamela Gardner of Hatboro, Pa., Lisa Green and her husband Richard of Hatboro, and Denise Romano and her husband Michael of Georgetown; a son, Jonathan Katzmar and his wife Patty of Perkasie, Pa.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ralph Katzmar and his wife Sylvia of Levittown.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 23, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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George Coulter Truitt, former councilman
George Coulter Truitt, 61, of Millsboro, passed away Monday, May 18, 2009.
George was born in Lewes to the late George Edwin and Beatrice Dorey Truitt. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a retired corrections officer with 30 years of service. He served on the Millsboro Town Council for seven years, and six years as the Millsboro police commissioner. He also served on the Millsboro Little League board for 10 years. George was a member of the Hope Lodge Masonic Temple in Laurel, American Legion Post 19 and VFW Post 7422 in Millsboro.
George is survived by his wife Linda Truitt; son Christopher and wife Lisa of Millsboro; brothers, Arnold Truitt and wife Barbara of Georgetown, Thomas Truitt and wife Lora of Port Angeles, Wash.; and sister Judy Rogers of Laurel; two grandchildren, Martin Coulter Truitt and Emily Alissa Truitt; several stepbrothers; and a large number of friends, extended family and professional associates.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday May 22, at Grace United Methodist Church, Millsboro, where Pastor Robert Hudson and the Rev. Larry Lily will officiate. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Millsboro Little League, PO Box 674, Millsboro, DE 19966. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro.

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Regina J. Case, church member
Regina J. Case, 83, of Harbeson, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Monday, May 18, 2009, surrounded by her family.
Regina was born in Wilmington May 1, 1926. She was a member of Mary, Mother of Peace Church in Oak Orchard and a former member of St. Matthew Church in Woodcrest and its BVM Sodality.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Case; her parents, George and Mary Mischler; and her three brothers, Joe, George and Jim Mischler. She is survived by her sons, James Case and his wife Jackie of Wilmington, and Bryan Case and his wife Lisa of Newark; her daughters, Kathleen Kaufhold and her husband Bill of Harbeson, and Diana Cropper and her husband Jim of Dagsboro; her sister, Mary Pawley of Madison, Wis.; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild expected in June; and her sisters-in-law, Elmira Mischler and Audrey Widger.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 21, at St. Matthew Church, Woodcrest, with burial in All Saints’ Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Our Lady of Grace Home for Children, 407 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Newark DE 19713; or Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark DE 19713. Arrangements by Doherty Funeral Home.

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Earl Ernest Purnell, retired salesman
Earl Ernest Purnell, 89, of Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Seaford Center, where he was a resident along with his wife.
Earl was born June 4, 1919, in Rehoboth, to the late Delia Purnell. He attended Rehoboth and Lewes schools, and he graduated from Howard High School in Wilmington. Earl served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Purnell; they were married 30 years. For many years Earl was a traveling salesman representing Blair Co. products, Fuller Brush Co., and Lucky Heart Products and Cosmetics. Earl was a life member of Faith UM Church, formerly Mt. Pleasant; past master of Rising Sun Lodge 4, and G. Oscar Carrington Consistory 93, Milton; and American Legion Post 11, Rehoboth. He took great pride in the organizations in which he served as a dedicated member.
He met and married Mildred Woods in 1979. He retired from the state highway department at Gravel Hill in 1981 after 16 years of service. Earl did yard maintenance with the help of his wife Mildred until his health began to fail. Earl and Ann reared a nephew, Billie Davis. Survivors are his wife of 30 years, Mildred R. Woods Purnell; one sister-in-law, Louise Carter of Fernandino Beach, Fla.; four nieces, Gloria Fleming and Amber Carter of Philadelphia and Michele Woods Gloroz and Martina Gloroz of Davis, Calif.; two nephews, Kenneth Carter of Philadelphia, and Andrew Gloroz of Davis; cousins, Victor and Shirley Paynter, Gertrude and Ozzie Vann, Madge Paynter, Josephine Dean, all of Rehoboth, Wanda Cannon of Frederica, and Lola Ruker of Dover; and a special friend, Jack James Warrington.
Services were held in Faith UM Church, Church Street, Rehoboth Beach. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services.

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Joan Kline, enjoyed boating
Joan Kline, 76, born April 11, 1933, raised and lived in Pennsylvania and last lived in Lewes, passed away Monday, May 18, 2009.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Leon (Lee); her children Mary Steele (Steven), Timothy Kline (Cindy), Beverly Miller (Jeffrey), and Steven Kline (Lisa); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Sabrina, Paul, Emily, Richard and Scott; and siblings Ruth MacNamee, Ted Jenkins, Dorothy Trumbauer and Dave Jenkins.
Joanie loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoyed boating and crabbing and life near the sea.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 24, at Long Neck United Methodist Church in Long Neck. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to The Ronald MacDonald House, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

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Earl W. Ferguson, enjoyed guitar
Earl W. Ferguson, 65, of Oak Orchard, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009.
He was born Oct. 7, 1943, and began school in Georgetown. Earl was president of his senior class at De La Warr High School where he graduated in 1961. He then studied at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., where he played on the USAA championship soccer team. After graduation in 1965, Earl served with the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He then studied communications, including filmmaking and TV production, at the University of Delaware, where he met Ann Rosati. Earl was a charter member of the American Legion Oak Orchard/Riverdale Post 28 and a longtime member of the Indian River Yacht Club.
Acoustic guitar was Earl’s instrument of choice. His Grandpop Ferguson was the inspiration for his love of the five-string banjo. Earl could pick out almost any tune and enjoyed playing with many musician friends as well as attending a variety of concerts. He especially enjoyed accompanying his father, John P. Ferguson, who was well-known for such songs as “Fifty Cents” and “Tattooed Lady.”
Earl loved nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed walking as well as watching wildlife, whether it was ducks on Indian River, birds at his feeders or elk in the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed traveling and visiting friends. Earl, a kind and gentle person, always had a smile for everyone and never missed an opportunity to pet a dog.
Earl is the son of the late Col. John P. Ferguson and Marie Boswell Ferguson. He is survived by his brother, John P. Ferguson Jr.; niece, Shannon Ferguson; nephew, John P. Ferguson III; aunt, Jean Giles; loving friend, Ann Rosati; as well as a large collection of friends.
A celebration of Earl’s life was held Thursday, May 21, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro. Interment will be at 1 p.m., Friday, May 22, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Earl’s memory to Dry Dock, PO Box 562, Nassau, DE 19969.

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Michele N. Arvey, caring nurse
Michele N. Arvey, 31, of Georgetown, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2009.
Michele was a registered nurse working for FMC Dialysis Center in Milford. She was a caring nurse and loving mother. She was thoughtful, outgoing and beautiful. She was always the life of the party and when she walked into a room, everyone noticed. She never saw harm in anyone, and was a friend to all. She will always be remembered as a special sister and daughter.
She is survived by her parents, Robert and Lou Ann Johnson of Georgetown; her daughter, Taylor Michele Bryan and her father Scott of Georgetown; a brother, David Michael Arvey Jr. and Jennifer Brittingham of Millsboro; one sister, Krissy Lee Daisey and husband Roger of Georgetown; grandmothers Grace Arvey and Faye West; uncles, William R. McGinnis and wife Pam of Gumboro, and Stewart McGinnis and wife Carolyn of Dagsboro; aunt, Sharon Eaton of Millsboro, aunt, Pam Smith of Georgetown, and uncle, Bruce Arvey of Millsboro; two nephews, David and Dylan Arvey; and her beloved canine friend Tinkerbelle and feline friend Kitty.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday May 23, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at 1 p.m. The Rev. Ed Wilkins will officiate, and interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery.

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Susie Mae Rogers, Townsend’s employee
Susie Mae Rogers, 69, of Millsboro, departed this life Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford.
She was born March 14, 1940, in Painter, Va,, daughter of the late Ernest Sturgis and Sara Francis Reed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Jackson, Dorothy Satchell and Rachel West; two brothers, John Pickney and Elton Satchell; two sons, Ronnie and Larry Rogers; and a daughter, Brenda Rogers.
She leaves a devoted friend of 40 years, William Rickets. She also leaves to mourn five children, Lillie M. Showell (Bruce) of Frankford, Tina Rogers of Millsboro, Harry (Shirley) Schurch, George E. Washington (Michael) Rogers of Selbyville; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She also leaves to mourn 10 sisters and five brothers, Mary Bailey (Alfred) of Harbeson, Naomi Morris, Arinthia Peacock, Annie Reed, Bessie Reed and Janice Dixon, all of Millsboro, Dorothy Crawford of Georgetown, Cleo Reed of Dagsboro, Christine Chestnut of Lincoln, and Ella Lewis (Lucas) of Harrington; a loving sister-in-law, Luvennia Satchell of Milford, Alfred Reed (Genese) Leory Reed (Barbara), Jimmy Dixon (Ernestine), James Satchell and Rudie Drummond (Bethena) all of Millsboro; and a loving aunt, a host of nephews, nieces, and many friends.
Susie was employed many years at Townsend’s Inc. and had many other jobs. She was a loving and kind person who always kept something going. She loved going into the green fields and cooking. She was always willing to help; there was never a dull moment around her.
So the time has come that the struggle is over; we will miss you very much. We know you are in a better place, resting in the arms of Jesus. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 22, at St. Johns 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy near Millsboro, where friends may call at noon.
Interment will be in the church cemetery. Pastor Thomas Sturgis will officiate.

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Cristina M. Almodovar, loving mother
Cristina M. Almodovar, 30, of Milton, died Friday, May 15, 2009, in Christiana Hospital in Newark from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Cristina was born Dec. 2, 1978, in Puerto Rico, daughter of Jose Guzman and Sheila Roman Barbosa. She was employed for the past six years at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware in Lewes. She was totally devoted to her children and an avid reader.
Mrs. Almodovar was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Jose Guzman.
She is survived by her husband of two years, Jay Almodovar; two sons, Daryan and Jordan; and a daughter, Brianna, all at home; her father, Dr. Jose Guzman and his wife Kit of Milford; her mother, Sheila Barbosa and her husband Heriberto of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Alexis Guzman of Milford; her paternal grandmother, Carmen Guzman of Puerto Rico; her maternal grandfather, Carlos Roman of Puerto Rico, her maternal grandmother, Aixa DeArce of Puerto Rico; many aunts, uncles, countless friends and family.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 21, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Milford, with burial private.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

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Elizabeth L. Jamison, Acres homeowner
Elizabeth “Bette” Lippincott Jamison of Centreville and Henlopen Acres, passed away peacefully Monday, May 18, 2009.
She was the daughter of Clement Acton Lippincott and Elizabeth Buckley Lippincott, owners of the former Lippincott Store.
She was born in Wilmington in 1926 and raised in Centreville where she resided until her death. Bette was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Harcum Junior College. She was a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Henlopen Acres Beach Club and the University and Whist Club. She will be remembered for her zest for life, but most importantly, the devotion, love and dedication she held for her husband, children and grandson.
Bette was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Francis J. Jamison; a son, Peter Acton Jamison; and her sister, Joan L. Kaiser. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa J. Hansen and her husband George of Chadds Ford, Pa.; sons Frank Jamison and his wife Leigh of Owings Mills, Md., and Scott Jamison of Rehoboth Beach; and the gift and love of her life, grandson Peter Acton Jamison of Owings Mills.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m., Friday May 22, at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine Church, 10 Church Road, Greenville. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 825 Hammonds Ferry Road, Suite H-J, Linthicum, MD 21090. Arrangements by Chandler Funeral Homes.