Obituaries

Ida R. Kilpatrick, 100, passed away on June 14, 2020, at Shepherd of the Valley, Howland. She was born Dec. 30, 1919, in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Michael and Mary Herlinger Arnold and the sibling to eight brothers and sisters, all deceased.

Ida married her husband Floyd Edward Kilpatrick on July 9, 1941, and shared 49 years together until his passing in July 1990.

Ida attended and graduated from the Bazetta School where she lettered in basketball. She was a member of the Bazetta Christian Church. After working for the Beaver Pipe tool company as a young woman and creating her family she was employed at Packard Electric for 28 years in the accounting department. Family was everything to Mom and she embraced all that came with it. She enjoyed doing needlepoint, cross stitch and preparing family meals on Sundays. Her pies were amazing.

Ida will be greatly missed by sons: Ronald (Rosie) Kilpatrick of Naples Florida and Chautauqua, New York: Denny (Rosie) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; her daughter Denise (Ronald) Lehman of Bazetta; seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. One great-great-grandchild preceded her.

Ida’s family would like to thank the staff at Shepherd of the Valley, Howland for their compassionate care, and for the Harbor Light Hospice of Youngstown.

Because COVID-19 virus no calling hours will be held In lieu of flowers, the family requests any material donations be made to: St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research at www.stbaldricks.org or Tadmor Shrine (Shriners) at 3000 Krebs Drive, Akron, OH, 44319 or Juvenile Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 37920, Boone, IA, 50037.

The Watcher: She always leaned to watch for us, anxious if we were late, in winter by the window, in summer by the gate: and though we mocked her tenderly, who had such foolish care, the long way home would seem more safe because she waited there. Her thoughts were all so full of us, she never could forget! And so I think that where she is she must be watching yet. Waiting til we come home to her, anxious if we are late-watching from heaven’s window, leaning from heaven’s gate.

Barbara G. Keyser passed away on June 8, 2020, while surrounded by her family after a short illness.

Barbara was a beautiful, intelligent woman with an endless passion for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She and her husband of four decades, Dr. Herbert Keyser, were world travelers and spent every summer in their home in Chautauqua, New York, enjoying abundant art, generous philanthropy and intellectual entertainment.

Barbara was born Aug. 26, 1932, in New York City, raised in Beverly Hills, California, and moved to San Antonio in 1952 to marry the father of her children, Mendel Kaliff. She raised four children, Melissa, Melani, Mitchell and Matthew while being involved in many community and political activities. Barbara spent many hours as a volunteer at the Robert B. Green Memorial Hospital and, as a lifelong Democrat, was the Bexar County Chair of the Sissy Farenthold campaign for governor. She was an avid supporter of Planned Parenthood, spending countless hours helping educate young women regarding women’s health and family issues. In 1976 she

was sent to China with a small group of Americans to trade birth control information with the Chinese government. She pioneered sex education in local high schools for boys and girls.

Barbara had been a member of Temple Beth El since 1952 and served as the campaign chair of the Women’s division of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio. When Barbara married Herb, she became the mother of two additional children, Chris and Stephanie.

Barbara was a phenomenal cook. She and Herb were avid entertainers and many enjoyed the lavish meals that Barbara was famous for preparing. Barbara was a talented athlete, snow skiing well into her 70s, and swimming regularly until quite recently. Barbara had many life passions. One of her most cherished activities was sitting in the audience of one of Herb’s lectures or performances, and cheering enthusiastically with the crowd. There were over 800 of these, and she attended each and every one.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Ann Gardner. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Herbert Keyser; her children, Melissa Kaliff, Melani Sky-bell (Nic Tsolainos), Mitchell Kaliff (Bruce Smiley-Kaliff), Matthew Kaliff (Beth Kaliff), Christopher Keyser (Susan Sprung-Keyser) and Stephanie Keller (Paul Keller); her 10 grandchildren (Harry and Ben Stokes, Madeline and Benjamin Sprung-Keyser, Eli, Yaacov, Sara and Leah Kaliff, Aaron and Simon Keller) and one great-grandchild (Ollie Stokes).

The love, humor, and charm that our “Barb, Mom, Mother K, Grandma Barbara, Grams” brought to everyone that knew her and loved her will be forever cherished and celebrated in beautiful memories.

Because of COVID-19, a graveside service will be held for the immediate family and a celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the future as safety permits.

Marjorie June Riggins Turney, 94, died in the evening of June 13, 2020, while she was surrounded by family in her daughter’s home in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania.

Marjorie was born in Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania, on April 7, 1926, to Earl and Leona Johnson Riggins.

Growing up during the Great Depression, her childhood was filled with love and laughter, living among her mother’s large Swedish family and father’s family from New Jersey. Margie’s path in life changed when her family moved to Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, which is where she graduated from high school. Her yearbook message beneath her picture states that “Margie is our singing star and has many friends near and far.” Margie also enjoyed playing the piano and writing beautiful poetry.

After high school, Margie worked as a telephone operator on the switchboards from the 1940s and enjoyed working as the supervisor for a “gang of gals” who worked for Bell Telephone.

Marjorie met the love of her life, David Joseph Turney, after he had returned from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They married on Dec. 23, 1950, in Cumberland, Maryland. They built a home on family land in Belle Vernon, where they raised their children: David Richard Turney and Lee Ann Turney Russell. They enjoyed living life as outdoor enthusiasts and were deeply connected to outdoor sports and recreational activities. Margie especially enjoyed exploring the hills, lakes and rivers of Pennsylvania, the waterways of Florida and the Florida Keys with her family. She and her family belonged to the Belle Vernon First Presbyterian Church and they participated in a variety of activities, clubs and organizations within the Belle Vernon community.

She was a loving Grandma and Mormor to her grandchildren. She shared her love of music and poetry with them, and taught them how to sing, think, laugh and love. She deeply loved her family. Her porch was always filled with family and friends. Everyone enjoyed “porch sitting” with Margie. Marjorie spent her later years wintering in Bonita Springs, Florida, with her daughter, Lee Ann and family, and enjoyed the spring, summer and fall in the countryside of Sugar Grove. She said, “the joys of her life were now simple.” She loved to watch the cows and horses in the pastures and to visit with her Amish neighbors. She said, “I know that God placed me here so that I could get a little closer to him and heaven’s gate.”

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann Turney Russell and her husband, Robert of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by her son’s wife, Kathleen Mullen Turney (David) of Monongahela, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren: Aubrey Russell (Lindsay Pullan) of Jamestown, New York, Cassandra Turney Solomon (Richard) of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, Kaylee Turney Gmutza (Brian) of Belle Vernon, and Ryan Russell (Amanda) of Erie; great- grandchildren: Maddie Solomon and Branden Gmutza; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her “Davids.” Her husband, David Joseph Turney, died in June 2007 and her son, David Richard Turney died in October 2016. In addition, Marjorie was also preceded in death by her mother and father, Earl and Leona Johnson Riggins; her brother, Richard Steelman Riggins; and sister, Patricia Riggins VanNus.

Marjorie’s private graveside service and interment was held at The Belle Vernon Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations for her love of the outdoors may be made in the name of Marjorie Turney to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, PO Box 315, Benezette, PA, 15821, or www.ExperienceElkCountry.com; memorial donations for her love of music and theater may be made in the name of Marjorie Turney to the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, 18 East Second Street, Jamestown, NY, 14701, or www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org.

Lee Chaverin White, born Sept. 19, 1931, passed away on April 13, 2020. A resident of both Sarasota, Florida, and Chautauqua, New York, Lee was born in Evanston, Illinois. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois in Speech and Theater. Her first job was as Post Entertainment Director with Army Special Services, producing and directing soldier shows on four Army posts during the Korean Conflict. 

While a Secret Service wife in the Eisenhower administration, Lee began her extensive print and runway modeling career. She taught modeling, and personal and professional development courses for teens and adults most of her life. 

As a trustee of the Sarasota Opera Board of Directors, Lee created and for 10 years chaired the Opera’s Speakers Bureau, raising awareness and generating ticket sales, subscriptions, and donations by delivering several hundred speeches throughout the region. She was an active resident at The Glenridge, chairing the Women’s Club program committee, and volunteering in multiple roles.

At Chautauqua, Lee served two terms as president of the Chautauqua Opera Guild, was vice president of the Chautauqua Women’s Club, and chaired, commentated and modeled in numerous CWC Fashion Shows. Her modeling and professional development classes were a feature of the Chautauqua Summer Schools and Girls’ Club for many years. As a member of the Chautauqua Centennial Heritage Committee, Lee worked to gather, model and display antique clothing representing Chautauqua’s history, and was a proud graduate of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle in 1974. She quite enjoyed playing the role of the Queen of Transylvania in the Chautauqua Opera’s 1979 production of My Fair Lady. She was an active member of PEO for many years.

Lee is survived by her beloved husband, Jack White. Both widowed and retired, they met at The Glenridge. It was love at first sight, and they were married at Chautauqua seven months later, in 2012. Other survivors are her children, Lydia Chaverin McKenzie (Patrick), Dan Chaverin (Leslie) and Ron Chaverin (Linda). Their loving father, Carl Chaverin, predeceased her in 2008; their six grandchildren were her joy. Lee’s marriage to Jack White brought her new loved ones, Johnny White (Caroline Lacy) and Jodie Gordon (Michael.) 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Tributes in Lee’s name can be made to the Sarasota Opera Association, 61 North Pineapple, Sarasota, FL, 34236.

Thomas H. Metzger, 88, of Avon Lake, Ohio, passed away April 11, 2020. He was born to Thomas H. and Virginia (nee Hastings) Metzger on May 22, 1931, in Canton, Ohio. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He worked as a real estate title examiner for more than 40 years in Canton, Sandusky, and Cleveland. 

Tom was an avid reader of history, mystery, and sports books, was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan and loved his annual trips to Chautauqua Institution. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan (nee Smith); loving children, Nancy Narayanan (Hari), John T. Metzger (Jackie), and Diane Feinstein (David); cherished grandchildren, Julie Schober, Jared Schober, Natasha Narayanan, Mina Narayanan, Candace Metzger; and his sister, Jane Miller. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, William Metzger. 

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to the Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Boulevard, Avon Lake, OH, 44012 or to the Chautauqua Foundation, P.O Box 28, Chautauqua, NY, 14722. 

No memorial events are currently scheduled. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. 

Ada Mae “Maizie” Abuza, 100, longtime resident of Longboat Key, Florida, died May 26, 2020, at Plymouth Harbor in Sarasota. Born in Dayton, Ohio, she and her beloved husband of 71 years, Zack, previously made their homes in Dayton and Cleveland. A graduate of Steele High School, she was a loyal alumna of Wellesley College, class of 1942, and she created long and enduring friendships.

Maizie was a dedicated presence at civic institutions wherever she lived. This included longtime docent at the Dayton Art Institute, and volunteer at Mote Marine Lab and Plymouth Harbor Library in Sarasota. She was an avid birder, and she and Zack traveled widely.

Zack and Maizie lived at 19 Palestine for many happy Chautauqua seasons, and they were founding members of the Symphony League.  

Maizie is survived by her three children, Hayat, Robert and his wife Mardi, Richard and his wife Judith, and grandchildren, Katharine, Leah, David and Rebecca, plus great-grandchildren John and Elizabeth and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was an inspiration and treasure to all who knew her.

Margaret Anne Trimm Bachus, 77, of Winter Park, Florida, and formerly of Gainesville, Florida, was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while on an afternoon walk on April 28, 2020. 

Margaret graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, and received her MFA in Theater from the University of Florida. She had a lengthy career in theater as a performer and playwright. She had starring roles in several Hippodrome stage productions, including Same Time Next Year, Carnal Knowledge and The Passion of Dracula. She produced and directed fully staged original musicals for children. Her productions toured 14 states and played to over 1.5 million children, parents and educators, including special performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to directing at the Hippodrome, she directed at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. 

Following her mother’s death from Alzheimer’s in 2007, Margaret authored a children’s book, A Is For Awful, in her mother’s memory. Very important to her was the annual family Flag Day festival she hosted in memory of her father, who died in 1970. At the time of her death, she was working on a book of photographs taken during afternoon walks while quarantined for COVID-19. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Margaret Trimm of Murfreesboro; granddaughter, Kenzi Bachus of Denver, Colorado; and nephew, Ben Roose of Gainesville. She is survived by three children, Kirk (Marsha) Bachus, of Gainesville, Kyle (Jessica) Bachus, of Denver, and Kara Bachus, of Sanford, Florida; seven grandchildren, Ryan and Sage Bachus, Bailey, Kamden and Karson Bachus, and Kaden and Kylie Sidman; two great-grandchildren, Weston and Mackenna Bachus; two sisters, Bonnye Trimm Roose (Larry) of Gainesville, and Sharri Trimm Chappell of Nashville; three nephews and nieces: Candace Chappell, Chaz Chappell and Chris Roose (Cassady); one great-nephew: Miles Roose; and two kitties: April and Addie. 

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Kenzi’s Causes, 730 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 200, Denver, CO, 80206 or online, or to Heart String: Making sure no child is ever left behind in a vehicle. 

Arch K. Wood II, 81, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away May 11, 2020. He was a much-beloved husband, father, father-in-law, step-father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. 

Arch was born in Pittsburgh on Feb. 25, 1939, to William A. Wood and Betty Offutt Wood. He graduated from The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey (1958), Middlebury College in Vermont (1962), and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois (1967). Mr. Wood served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 to 1966. After attending school, Mr. Wood was a history teacher and football coach at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. After moving to Asheville, North Carolina, he owned and operated The Stuffed Artichoke and was a partner in The Market Place Restaurant. 

Arch found his peace on the golf course; he loved all sports, but especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. Through his years he captured the men’s golf championship at the BFCC and the men’s singles tennis championship at the Asheville Racquet Club. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, talking politics, and good food.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Karen Lynn Wood and his brother William A. Wood Jr. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Kenyon Wood; his daughters Beth Kearns (Martin) of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Stephanie Monroe (John) of Asheville; his step-sons Justin Wangler (Leanne) of Santa Rosa, California, and Jesse Wangler (Amy) of Wilmington, North Carolina; his grandchildren PVT William Kearns of Honolulu, George Kearns of Asheboro, Dillon Monroe of Asheville, Delanie and Hayes Wangler of Santa Rosa and Gannon Wangler of Wilmington; his brother Richard Wood (Tricia) of Lake Forest, Illinois, and sisters Susan Wood of Sarasota, Florida, Elizabeth Wood of Denver and Victoria DeBoest (Blake) of Boca Grande, Florida; and by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of your choosing in memory of Arch K. Wood.

Dr. Bruce D. Burr, born Aug. 23, 1932, died April 19, 2020. He was the loving husband of 65 years of Barbara C. (nee Scheitinger); dear father of Carolyn S. Burr, Peter A. (Mei Mei) Burr and Elizabeth B. (William) Elliott; adored grandpa of Peter, Lauren, Emily, Laura and W. Andrew; brother of the late J. Peter Burr; also survived by nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at a later date. Flowers graciously declined. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 350 Saratoga Road, Amherst, NY, 14226, or the Student Emergency Aid Fund, c/o Buffalo State College Foundation, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Clev-305, Buffalo, NY, 14222, in honor of Bruce Burr. 

Dr. Burr was a former principal of Smallwood Drive Elementary School and the former President of the Board of Trustees at the United Methodist House at Chautauqua. He was a man of deep faith, a lifelong learner and loved teaching young students, grad students and his grandchildren. In retirement, he spent his summers at the Chautauqua Institution and winters in Dunedin, Florida.

Renée Sue Lipson died peacefully in Maryland, on May 1, 2020, close to her daughter, Jodi (Larry Groner), and granddaughter, Johannah, the light of her life. 

Her lifelong passions were politics, the arts and family. Throughout her life, her family as well as friends — including childhood friends, who she stayed close to — found her to be an independent thinker and a force of nature. 

Born Dec. 10, 1930, in Cleveland, where her dad owned a gas station and her mom was dedicated to social causes, she graduated cum laude from Case Western University in 1952 and married Leon Lipson, an engineer with Republic Steel. They moved to Youngstown, where she sang with the Youngstown Philharmonic Chorus, joined an artists’ group — creating beautiful artwork and lifelong friends — and earned a master’s in education. She courageously divorced Leon in 1963 and, with two young daughters, returned to Cleveland, where she taught elementary school. She earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from John Carroll University and became first a guidance counselor at Warrensville Heights schools and, later, an educator at the Children’s Psychiatric Ward-University Hospitals and a director of substance abuse at the Cleveland Health Museum and Education Center. In 1973, she moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to work for the state in substance abuse prevention education while building up a professional consultant business in management and organizational development. She earned a doctorate in human resource development at Michigan State University.

The following years in Michigan, she developed her consultancy in management, helped launch the Women in Management Network, served on the East Lansing Fine Arts Commission, and became more active in political causes. She moved back to her hometown of Cleveland in 1990, fundraising for and giving generously to pro-choice candidates and issues. In 2000, she was an Ohio delegate for Bill Bradley to the Democratic National Convention. She returned in 2004 to the Democratic National Convention as a John Kerry delegate, where she, like others, was awed by then-Senator Barack Obama’s speech. (C-SPAN followed her experience there over three days; Google “CSPAN Renée Lipson;” fast forward to about 40 minutes.) She ushered at Severance Hall, held season tickets with friends to the Cleveland Playhouse, was active in the Jewish Secular Community, and spent her summers enjoying lectures, concerts, and dance at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. In her 80s, after her eldest tragically died of melanoma, Renée moved to Maryland to be near her remaining daughter and the light of her life, her granddaughter. 

She was predeceased by daughter Sheri Ellen Lipson Bidwell (Tom Ricci) and survived by daughter Jodi Faith Lipson (Laurence Groner) and granddaughter Johannah Beth Groner. 

A virtual shiva was held over Zoom. Donations may be made to your favorite Democratic pro-choice candidate. 

Joan (Jody) Kissner, 90, of Shelburne, formerly of Wilder and Hartland, Vermont, and Ashburnham, Massachusetts, died peacefully on April 17, 2020, following a long illness. 

She was born Nov. 9, 1929, in Buffalo, New York, to Theodore and Helen (Fulmer) Graf. After receiving her Master of Library Science, Jody worked as a Brooklyn Public Library reference librarian. At a library cocktail party, she met her future spouse, Arthur Kissner, who headed another branch of the library. Jody and Arthur married in 1957, taking the first of their many international trips. In 1962 they moved to Massachusetts, and built a home in Ashburnham. 

During this time, Jody held several library positions, including as a high school librarian in Lunenburg and Oakmont Regional High School, then settled in as the head of the Westminster Public Library. With both children off to college, Jody and Arthur built a new “Deck House” home, which they named “Telemark Gore” in Hartland, and started a part-time Bed & Breakfast business. In 2001, after losing Arthur to cancer, Jody moved to a condominium in Wilder. During her time in the Upper Valley, Jody staffed tourist information centers, volunteered at the Billings Farm, and worked on collaborative quilt projects with the White River Senior Center. In 2010, Jody moved to Wake Robin Continuing Care Community in Shelburne, Vermont, where she became an active member of the community, started a needle arts group, and prepared a weekly themed book collection at the entrance to the community center.

Throughout her life, Jody was an avid craftswoman, starting with sewing, knitting, crocheting, crewel work, needlepoint, rug hooking and later weaving and quilting. Her colorful quilts in a variety of styles displayed her high level of talent, and were exhibited in a variety of locations, including most recently at a Wake Robin display. Jody loved to travel, especially if it was on a train, taking many “ElderHostel” trips with her husband. During her college days, Jody worked each summer at Chautauqua Institution, a center in Western New York for cultural and intellectual engagement. Chautauqua was Jody’s heaven on earth; especially in later years, Jody made the long car trip yearly, always eager to bring someone along with whom she could share her passion for all the pleasures of Chautauqua. Throughout her life, Jody almost always had a cat. Each cat was a dear friend and a source of comfort. Jody loved classical music; it brought her great joy, from attending many concerts to being the background sound of each and every day.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Kissner and her sister, Lois Jenkins. She is survived by her children: Jean Kissner of Stowe and Dave Kissner of East Montpelier, as well as her grandchildren, Max and Olga.

Jody’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Wake Robin who provided such supportive and attentive care. They smoothed each transition and did a phenomenal job in the last months of her life.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Chautauqua Foundation, Chautauqua, NY, 14722.

Evelyn M. Musselman, 89, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2020, at her residence at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. She was the wife of Parke W. Musselman, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage until his passing in June 2018. 

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Elma (Fleetwood) Moore. Evelyn graduated first in her class at Teaneck High School. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from The College of William and Mary, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and largest academic honor society, and Gamma Phi Beta social sorority. Her first job after graduation was working in the marketing department of Gimbels Department Store in New York City. Evelyn briefly worked at Western Electric and Bethlehem Steel. 

She earned her M.Ed. from Lehigh University and worked for the Bethlehem Area School District where she taught at the elementary level and in the gifted program for 26 years. Throughout her time in Bethlehem, she was a member of Christ Church U.C.C., Wesley United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church. She was an avid reader and writer. Evelyn enjoyed researching genealogy, playing bridge, skiing, and sailing. She traveled the world with her dear friend Marena Gonz and sometimes with her grandchildren, visiting nearly 30 countries, four continents and much of the United States. Climbing the Great Wall of China and riding a camel in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt were some of her favorite experiences. 

She enjoyed summers at Chautauqua Institution in New York, where she was a member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Evelyn was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was civic-minded and held offices in many organizations, including PTA Council, Jaycee Wives, and AAUW, where she was named Woman of the Year. She was instrumental in Friends of the Library advocating and helping to build the Bethlehem Area Public Library in 1967. Evelyn volunteered for the Center for Adult Literacy and Basic Workforce Development and other community programs including serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. She can never be replaced in our hearts or in our lives and she will always be remembered fondly and with love.

She is survived by sister Foy Miller and her husband Raymond of Laguna Woods, California, daughter Lori Dwarnick and her husband Walter of Annandale, New Jersey, sons Alan Musselman of Bethlehem, Wes Musselman and his wife Anne of Dallas; grandchildren Scott and Amy Dwarnick, and John and twins Claire and Grace Musselman, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in Bethlehem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, FL 17, Chicago, IL, 60601.

James Wilson Mead, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2020, with his oldest son, Chris, and grandson, Cooper, at his side at his son’s home in Orinda, California. The son of the late Harris Delroy and Eleanor (Freling) Mead, Jim was born Dec. 5, 1930, in Westfield, New York. 

He graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School in 1948 and received a bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, in 1952, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and a Navy ROTC midshipman. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Thompson, in Westfield’s First Presbyterian Church on Nov. 22, 1952. Jim was an Ensign serving in the United States Naval Reserve at the time, and Jane was a senior at Cornell University. They had been married 67 years at the time of her death on Feb. 6, 2020. 

Jim then spent two years on active duty during the Korean War as the Supply Officer on the USS Brownson (DD-868), homeported in Newport, Rhode Island. He also spent another 18 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1972 at the rank of Commander. 

After his active duty in the Navy, Jim worked for three years as a plant management trainee for the National Gypsum Company in Clarence Center, New York, Baltimore, and Burlington, New Jersey. In 1957, Jim and Jane moved with their two oldest sons back to their hometown to begin the process of learning the newspaper and printing business. He worked on the staff of the Westfield Republican, the country’s first Republican newspaper and, in 1959, was named editor, only the sixth in 104 years. He served in that capacity for the next 22 years, following in the footsteps of his father-in-law and grandfather-in-law.

Jim was a tireless promoter of Westfield, both through his weekly column, “Main Street Notes,” and by acting on his belief that newspapers should emphasize local people and local events. According to the Buffalo Courier Express, he was credited with changing the image of the paper from a strictly Republican publication to one that limited its opinions to the editorial page. In 1981, the paper was sold to Ogden Newspapers, and Jim transitioned into the print brokerage business in Syracuse, until his retirement in 1996.

Jim served as member, director and, in 1976, as president, of the New York State Press Association, a statewide group representing nearly 400 weekly newspapers. He also was state chairman for the National Newspaper Association, and member and president of the Western New York Publishers Association.

A passionate believer in the power of volunteering and the obligation to contribute to the greater world, Jim spent his entire adult life in the service of others. An active member of Rotary International for more than 50 years, he was a past president of both the Westfield-Mayville and Fayetteville-Manlius Clubs in New York, as well as serving as Rotary District Governor in 1995 of District 7150, encompassing Syracuse and Utica.

Other community involvement included establishing the Westfield Counseling Service, a stint as director and treasurer of the Chautauqua County Association of the Arts, a term as president of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Westfield Memorial Hospital Board.  Jim also served 25 years on the Westfield Board of Public Utilities, including as chairman when the new wastewater treatment plant was built. He served six years in the Chautauqua County Legislature, including time as majority leader and chairman. He was committed to universal literacy, and served as a consultant to Laubach Literacy, which helped introduce about 150,000 Americans to reading each year and has grown to embrace 34 developing countries. 

After a 2004 trip to Kenya, Jim and Jane raised funds to help establish the Bell House Academy, a trade school providing valuable life skills to boys and girls in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

In 1972, Jim and Jane purchased a cottage on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution where they lived nearly every summer of the rest of their lives. They spent winters in their home in the Coachella Valley, California, starting in 1996 until the time of their passing.

Jane and Jim hosted many international students and visitors in the 1960s and 1970s including those from Rotary International, American Field Service and the Experiment in International Living. They visited and remained in contact with their exchange student daughters Arja Storm Van Leeuwen of Utrecht, The Netherlands, and Vicki (Creighton) Abbott of Narooma, New South Wales, Australia.

Jim was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and helped found, along with his wife, the Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship in Palm Desert, California. He distributed food with Hidden Harvest until just months before his passing, and volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association, and Mended Hearts, all in the Coachella Valley. 

Jim loved reading, traveling, sailing on Chautauqua Lake, and a perfectly made Manhattan. He and Jane travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Their last international trip was for 18 days to Japan in 2016, to visit with a former exchange student, Hidenori Endo, when Jim and Jane were 85 and 84, respectively.

For more than 70 years, Jim was inseparable from his wife, Jane, and spending time with her, their four children and their spouses, and their eight grandchildren was paramount in his retirement years. He is survived by his children: Christopher (Gail) of Orinda, Patrick (Amy) of Columbia, Maryland, and Peter (Denise) Mead, of Columbia, and Elizabeth (Stephen) Mead Fox of Sandwich, Massachusetts. He also is survived by his grandchildren Helen, Carson, Cooper, Augusta and Maura Mead, and William, Patrick and Christopher Fox, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Loretta Mead Peckham of Washington Township, Michigan, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, and by his parents, Harris and Eleanor, and his sister Virginia (Mead) Hoyt. 

There will be a joint monument for Jim and Jane in the Westfield Cemetery, in the Thompson family plot. A service of remembrance, celebrating both their lives, will be held at the Presbyterian House in Chautauqua Institution during the summer of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Rotary International, Hidden Harvest of Coachella Valley, or the Mended Hearts Program of Coachella Valley.

Philip Safford, Ph.D., born July 3, 1935, passed away March 29, 2020, at the age of 84. 

He was the loving husband of Mary Jane (Thompson), cherished father of Beth Safford and her husband Robert Hayman of Stoneham, Massachusetts, and Lynne Wise and her husband Peter of Lyndhurst, Ohio, and loving grandfather of Jared (and his fiance Elly Newell), Karli, and Justin Wise and Megan and Kathleen Hayman. 

Phil was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, Kent State University, and the University of Michigan. He was Emeritus Professor at Kent State and the recipient of the President’s Medal. In addition to his distinguished teaching career at Case Western University and Kent State University, he was the author of four textbooks. 

Phil was loved by all for his incredible kindness and optimism. In light of present limitations on gatherings, his family looks forward to holding a service honoring Phil at a later date.

Donna Elizabeth Kole passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. We will forever miss the kind, caring, adventurous spirit and brilliant music she brought to the world. 

Donna was born April 6, 1931, to Ruth and Edward Walsh in Cordova, Alaska. She grew up in the Seattle area and early on embraced her lifelong passion for music as a talented violinist. Among her many achievements, she was concertmaster of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, concertmaster of the Tri- State Orchestra and a scholarship recipient at Tanglewood. Donna attended college at the New England Conservatory of Music where she met and married the love of her life, Richard Kole, a handsome flute student from Chicago, Illinois. 

The newlyweds came to San Antonio to play in the San Antonio Symphony where Donna remained a member of the first violin section for 15 years. Donna and Richard raised four children in San Antonio and eventually moved to Corpus Christi as Richard became band director at Del Mar Junior College. Life on the coast brought new opportunities — Richard and son Rick enjoyed many adventures sailing on the Gulf. Donna became concertmaster of the Corpus Christi Symphony and appeared as a soloist many times. She was also concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony, the Laredo Philharmonic and the Mid Texas Symphony. Starting in 1966, summers were spent in Santa Fe where she played in the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. 

From 1975 to 2010, Donna played every summer with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in Western New York. Chautauqua Institution offered a unique cultural setting where the family forged many valued friendships. The Koles dearly loved the area and created a second home there that became special to everyone. 

Richard and Donna enjoyed a long and happy retirement, returning to San Antonio and traveling extensively through Europe and the Caribbean. They maintained very close ties with their children who frequently joined them in Chautauqua and at annual holiday reunions at the Hill Country Hyatt Resort. As the heart of the family, “GranDonna,” as she was fondly referred to, went to great lengths to organize these happy events for the growing group of “grands and greats.” During this time, Donna also focused on her passion for teaching and mentoring students in music. As a violin teacher she was on the faculty of Del Mar College, UTSA and the AIMS festival in Graz Austria. She taught privately for over 50 years, and many of her students went on to play professionally. In 2010 she was thrilled to receive the Phyliss Young Studio Teacher of the Year in Texas award. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom Walsh. Left to treasure her memory are husband Richard; children Kathy Ridings, Rick and Nancy Kole (Kevin), Susan Siegel (Mike), grandchildren John Ridings (Ashleigh), Lincoln Kole (Kellee), Marlon Kole, Austin and Kaitlyn Siegel; great grands Emily, John Jr., Caroline and Jackson Ridings. Special thanks to Dr. Neela Patel, Maria Elias, and a dedicated and loving team of caregivers who enabled Donna to remain at home during her illness. A memorial celebration of Donna’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. 

Mary Larsen, of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully on March 9, 2020, in the company of loved ones. 

Born in Edmonton to Jack and Anne Bowstead, Mary was a proud Canadian, but left her most profound marks on the town, community, and country she called home for most of her life. Her passions included politics, travel and her faith. 

Mary was the first female Commissioner in Mt. Lebanon and spent much of her life working to enhance the community she loved. She was a founding member of the Mt. Lebanon League of Women Voters and longtime leader on many levels of the organization. She championed women’s involvement in government and worked tirelessly to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania State Legislature. Her endless curiosity to learn took her all over the world, beginning with a life-changing trip through Europe with her father during the early days of World War II. 

She traveled extensively with Elderhostel (now Roads Scholar). She enjoyed hosting foreign visitors with the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors both to learn about other countries’ politics and cultures as well sharing all that makes Pittsburgh special with her guests. A devoted Christian Scientist, Mary was sustained by her faith and motivated by a desire to strengthen her church and share her faith. 

Prone to fits of laughter that would leave her in tears, it was her humility, zest for life and sense of humor that endeared her most to those in her presence. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harold and son, Peter. She is survived by her daughter Anne (Jim) Noland, grandchildren, Sarah (Micha) Atai, Jamey (Lenzie) Noland, and Tyler Noland, and great-grandchildren Declan, Evelyn, Kinley and Ben. 

Despite reaching the age of 97, she never grew old. Her spirit of love will carry on in all she touched. A celebration of Mary will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, she would be honored by donations to Chautauqua Institution (The Chautauqua Foundation, PO Box 28, Chautauqua, NY, 14722), the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh (436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 350, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219) or the Mother Church of Christian Science (PO Box 239103, Boston, MA, 02123).