03/10/09

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Mary Alice Foley, Virginia homemaker
Mary Alice Foley of Virginia Beach, Va., formerly of Bayonne, N.J., passed away peacefully Thursday, March 5, 2009, surrounded by her family as the rays of the sun she so loved gently caressed her face.
She was born Mary Alice Bonner Dec. 13, 1923, to Manus and Anne Bonner. Oldest of four children, she is survived by her sister Theresa.
She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Sonny and Vincent.
She leaves behind to treasure all the wonderful memories her five daughters, Moira, Susan, Joan, Teresa (Tedde) and Megan; seven grandchildren, Anne, Megan, David, Katie, Christopher, Ross and Morgan; three great-grandchildren; and all of the family members who loved her and will never forget her dignity, humor and joy of life.
A private memorial service was held where family and friends came together to celebrate the life of this special lady.
The family asks that in lieu of any cards or flowers a donation be made in her name to the Autism Foundation.

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Sandra Lee Snyder, choir member
Sandra Lee Snyder, 70, of Millsboro, formerly of York, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Mrs. Snyder was born in York, Oct. 6, 1938. daughter of the late John F. Kinsey. She was a member of East Gate Presbyterian Church, an active member of the church choir and part of the outreach program to the Christian Storehouse, all in the Millsboro area. Sandra was also active in her community by teaching line dancing for the Pot-Nets communities, the YMCA and at the CHEER Center.
After moving to Delaware with her husband over 25 years ago, she began taking care of some of the elderly residents throughout the area.
In addition to her father, Sandra was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Donald E. Snyder in 2008; and a grandson, Justin Snyder.
She is survived by a son, Craig Snyder and his wife Jane; two daughters, Barbara Jean Spangler and her husband Raymond, and Karen Ann Veilleux and her husband Terry; 10 grandchildren, Ryan and Christopher Veilleux, Savannah and Quin Snyder, Raymond Jr., Christine, Jill, Bonnie, Beverly and Danny Spangler and a brother John Kinsey.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14, at East Gate Presbyterian Church, 34806 Church Lane, Millsboro. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Sandra’s name to the East Gate Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Millsboro.

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Janie Mae Wells, poultry worker
Janie Mae Wells, 62, of Milton, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Christiana Hospital, Wilmington.
She was born in Randolph County, Ga., to the late Willis Sr. and Mrs. Cleolar Perry Tillman March 21, 1946.
She attended public school in Randolph County and was introduced to God at an early age while living in Georgia; she attended Zion Rock Baptist Church before moving to Delaware.
While living in Delaware she worked for Draper Canning Co. in Milton and Allen Family Foods in Harbeson.
Janie loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a kind woman, full of life and always expecting and giving smiles and hugs along the way.
She was a member of St. John 2nd Baptist Church, Mount Joy Road, Millsboro, and previously attended Holy Bethel Church in Milton.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Ree Tillman and Willie B. Lightner; and three brothers, Willis Tillman, Edward Tillman and Eddie B. Tillman.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories a loving and devoted husband of 25 years, Haven Wells of Milton; a loving daughter and son-in-law, Mary Bailey and Anthony Bailey of Milton; six grandchildren, David Collins of Harrington, William Wilson III of Georgetown, Philip Wilson of Aurora, Colo., Dontez Collins of Milton, Tiffany
Tillman of Georgetown, and Crystal Wilson of Milton; one step-grandson, Jordan Bailey of Seaford; four great-grandchildren, David Collins III and Daiymir Collins of Harrington, My’Aisha Handy of Millsboro and Jada Eley of Georgetown; four sisters, Mamie Martin (Fred), Betty Brown and Wylene Tillman, all of Cuthbert, Ga.; and Rosemary Greene of Salisbury, Md.; six brothers, J.W. Tillman (Lee Ethel), Gene Tillman (Mary), Buddie Tillman (Annie Doris), Billie Tillman and Sammie Tillman, all of Cuthbert; and Rochester Tillman of Milton; two brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other loving relatives.
Services were held at St. John 2nd Baptist Church with burial in adjoining cemetery. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.

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Elizabeth E. Willey, farm owner
Elizabeth “Bessie” Fisher Ellingsworth Willey, 84, of Lewes, went to live with the Lord Friday, March 6, 2009, after a lengthy illness. She passed away at the Milford Hospice Center.
Elizabeth was born Aug. 23, 1924, the oldest child of the late Leroy and Emma (Green) Ellingsworth of Milton. She graduated from Milton High School in 1942. She, along with her husband, was a member of the “Greatest Generation” having lived through World
War II.
After high school she worked as a bookkeeper at Beebe Clinic in Lewes for five years before marrying and raising a large family. She and her husband operated a family farm in Overbrook for about 25 years. She also enjoyed working at the Dressco garment factory in Lewes.
Elizabeth was loved by many because of her pleasant personality. During her final illness, the medical staff who cared for her were often amazed at her positive and cheerful attitude even when she was not feeling well. She will be greatly missed by anyone who ever enjoyed her Sussex County cuisine.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by Marshall A. Willey Sr., her adoring husband, with whom she enjoyed 51 years of marriage, and a beloved daughter, Patricia Ann Willey. She leaves to cherish wonderful memories of her four sons, Marshall A. Willey Jr., Lyndon Willey and his wife Elaine, Jack Willey and his wife Kim and Dennis Willey and his wife Bonnie; four daughters, Charlotte Hall and her husband A.Q., Phyllis Roe and her husband David, Donna Workman and her husband J.D. and Betty Burton and her husband John; 15 grandchildren, Zachary Hall, Sabrina Mann and her husband Gordon, Jason Workman and his wife Jen, Kristal Hastings and her husband Jonathan, Sarah Burton, Sharon Eckenrode and her husband Rodney, David Burton, Stacey Burton, Heather Willey, William Willey, Amber Willey, Nicholas Willey, Eric Willey, Justin Willey and Gabriel Willey; three step-grandsons, Arlyn Hall Jr., Josh Sims and Lee McDaniel; and four great-grandchildren, Luke Workman, Seth Workman, Grace Workman and Alex Hastings; and a good friend, Dorothy Workman.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, where friends may call from noon to 1 p.m.
Burial will be in White’s Chapel Cemetery, Overbrook.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patrio’s Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Mercedes E. Kozak, retired clothing buyer
Mercedes E. Kozak, 60, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at the Milford Hospice Center from ovarian cancer.
Mercedes “Teet” was born in Altoona, Pa., Nov. 21, 1948, to Jon and Dorothea (Reifsteck) Vallade. She was one of seven children. Sept. 20, 1969, she married Gary R. Kozak, also of Altoona, and began to raise a family. A hard worker, she spent many years in retail and women’s clothing workingat such stores as Hess and Kaufmanns, including a stint as a buyer for Monarchs in Altoona. More recently, she was a member of the Wal-Mart family, where she still has many friends and sisters in spirit, who have been a great source of comfort and friendship through her journey with ovarian cancer. In 2001 Teet and Gary moved away from harsh winters of Altoona to Long Neck in Millsboro where they had a summer home for years.
Teet loved the sand, the bay and took great pleasure in fishing, Jimmy Buffet and margaritas with friends, and playing with her grandsons at the beach.
Mercedes is survived by her spouse of nearly 40 years, Gary; and her only child Barbara Kozak-Sellers (married to Kyle Sellers) of Lancaster, Pa. The lights of her life were her two grandsons, Sean Gregory and Ethan Cole. Although both parents preceded her in death, she is survived by all of her siblings, Sr. Jon Francis, Frank, Paul, James, Frederick and Marian (Heckman); and a bevy of loved nephews, nieces and great-nephews and -nieces.
A memorial service will be held to honor her at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 12. The service will be held at the Grace United Methodist Church, Millsboro. Although Mercedes loved flowers, she preferred that memorial contributions be sent in her name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Without Delaware Hospice, Mercedes’ last days would not have been the gift that they were.

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Anna F. Karrow, retired secretary, chef
Anna Falzarano Karrow, 76, of Milton, passed away surrounded by her loving family in Beebe Medical Center Monday, March 2, 2009. She died of complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) after a long and courageous battle with the insidious disease.
The daughter of Italian immigrants, Anna was born in Stirling, N.J. After attending high school and secretarial school, she married Ted Karrow and practiced real estate with him in their home office in Pluckemin, N.J. She and her family later moved to northern Virginia, where she enjoyed a long and successful career as an executive secretary to defense contractors.
The family later owned their own restaurant in Winchester, Va., where Anna served as a chef and won much critical acclaim for her cooking.
She continued to work in the restaurant business after moving to Delaware in 1997. She was universally known as a warm and wonderful person who gave unstintingly of her time and energy to others.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her spouse of 56 years, Ted; her daughter Sharron of Milton; and her son and daughter-in-law Bill and Shannon of Lewes. Granddaughters Nicole and Victoria join in this loving remembrance. Services are private.

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Norman E. Blackwood, retired vice president
Norman E. Blackwood, 73, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born Oct. 9, 1935, in Valparaiso, Ind., the son of Doris Atkinson Blackwood and the late Grant Blackwood.
Previously from New Jersey, Mr. Blackwood has been a resident of Rehoboth Beach for 11 years. He was employed by ITT Kellog in New Jersey for 12 years and worked for the Revlon Corp. as vice president of information systems, in both New York and New Jersey, retiring in 2000 after 30 years. He was also owner/operator of Coastal IT Consulting Computer Service in Rehoboth for the past eight years. He sang with the Dapper Dans of Harmony in Livingston, N.J., and was a member of the Society for the Preservation of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America for 45 years. He enjoyed flying and flew for 10 years with his pilot’s license.
In addition to his mother, Doris Blackwood of Remington, Ind., Mr. Blackwood is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann McDaniel Blackwood; five daughters, Elizabeth Blackwood of Middlesex, N.J.; Martha Simon and husband David of Monroe Township, N.J., Michele Wadsworth of Flemington, N.J., Susan Chmielewski and husband Edward of Green Brook, N.J., and Kathryn Blackwood of Hamilton, N.J.; seven grandchildren, Matthew and Allan Simon, Michael and Rachel Wadsworth, and Jimmy, Kristen and Kimberly Chmielewski; a brother, Terry Blackwood of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters, Joetta Duncan and husband J.C. of Palm Springs, Calif., and Barbara Reynolds and husband Kenneth of Indiana; and sister-in-law, Jerry Jordan of Rehoboth Beach.
A memorial service was held at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes. Interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Lillian Williams, daycare provider
Lillian “Maxine” Williams of Rehoboth Beach passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Washington, D.C. Born in Silver Springs, Md., in 1934, she was the daughter of the late George and Lillian Thomas.
A loving mother and grandmother, she devoted her life to taking care of children, serving as a day-care provider both in Homer, N.Y., and in Rehoboth Beach. She made friends wherever she went and always had a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Robert Williams in 2005; and her son Thomas Nelson Dudley in 1976. Maxine is survived by her five children, Donna (Thomas) Walsh of Lewes; Barbara (Dick) Kunkle of Wake Forest, N.C.; Maggie (Ted) Walsh of Cortland, N.Y.; Carol Lynch of Rehoboth Beach, and Christopher (Agata) Williams of Washington, D.C.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A private Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Edmond’s Roman Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach. Arrangements handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.

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Mary Lou Palmer, Rehoboth resident
Mary Lou Palmer, 78, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, of natural causes.
A lifelong resident of Rehoboth Beach, she is survived by her husband of 53 years, Raymond E. Palmer; and her cousins, Charles D. Walters of Greensboro, N.C., Elden Walters Pratt of Fallsburg, N.Y., John K. Walters of San Antonio, Texas, Maria Murphy Lange of Orinda, Calif., and Stephen B. Walters of Woodland Beach.
All services are private. Permanent entombment will be at All Saints’ Cemetery, Angola.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Just Us Animal Rescue, c/o Patricia Riordan, 110 Cullen St., Dewey Beach, DE 19971; or the Milford High School Library, 1019 N. Walnut St., Milford DE 19963.

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Benny P. Young, retired banker
Benny P. Young, 79, of Jupiter, Fla., and formerly of Seaford, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Mr. Young was born in Charleston, W.Va., Dec. 27, 1929, son of the late Berton and Gertrude Lacy Young. Ben began his banking career of 35 years at Kanawha Valley Bank in Charleston; he later moved to Delaware and became a banking officer for Seaford Trust and the Wilmington Trust Company. He was part of many philanthropic activities, such as serving as president of the Delaware Bankers Association and the Delaware Governor’s Commission to Reorganize State Government and was mayor of Seaford from 1964 to 1968. He also built and operated the Ocean Breeze Mobile Home Park in Ocean City, Md.
Ben enjoyed traveling with his wife on many trips, including the Holy Land, England, Ireland, crossing the Trans-Canadian Railway and cruising on the QE2. After retiring from Wilmington Trust and moving to Florida in 1992, Ben became an active member of Jupiter-Tequesta United Methodist Church. He was blessed with a tremendous work ethic, wisdom and compassion, and will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends. Ben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and most recently, great-grandfather.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Copenhaver Young; three sons, Timothy P. Young and his wife Karen of Ocean View, formerly of Seaford, C. Michael Young and his wife Joanne of Bethany Beach, and David B. Young and his wife Tammy of Newark; eight grandchildren, Amber Porter, Brandy, Timothy J., Jessica, Donald, Joey and Eva Young and Brad Quillen; and two great-grandchildren, Carson and Carter Porter. Ben is also survived by his brother Raymond Young; a sister Anna Mae Pauley; a nephew Charles Young and a niece Terri Pauley Underhill, all of Charleston.
Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Benny’s name to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.

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Heerschap service set
A memorial service for Carlin Dana Heerschap will be held Friday, March 13, with visitation to begin at 2 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.