Francis Thomas Wakeham of Anne’s Choice in Warminster and formerly of Port Jefferson, NY died peacefully on Friday, January 25, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was 78.

Born in Brooklyn, NY Frank was the beloved husband of Catharine Ledwith Ashley Wakeham and the son of the late Francis Joseph and Minnie Bickford Wakeham.

Throughout his life, Frank was recognized and loved for his kind eyes, his welcoming smile, his comforting hugs, his easy-going sense of humor, his indomitable spirit, his inexhaustible work ethic, and his generous heart. He found a bond and immediate rapport with every person he ever met, and he never put himself before anyone else. He lived his life authentically, grounded in his faith and love for his family and friends.

As a child growing up in Park Slope in Brooklyn, Frank learned to work hard and play hard. He sold rags and delivered pharmacy orders to fund his passion for American Flyer model trains and started a social club, The Knights, to bring his friends together. He spent nearly every free hour outside, in the street playing stickball or in Prospect Park playing baseball and football. As a young man, Frank worked with his father building skyscrapers in New York, learning construction and engineering skills that would serve him well for the rest of his life. He attended Hunter College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from New York Institute of Technology.

In 1965, Frank married the love of his life, Cathy, establishing the 53-year partnership that would serve as the foundation of his enduring and far-reaching legacy. Over the next half century, his passion for life, his ability to find joy in every experience, his humble generosity, and the safety and security of his gentle-giant welcoming chest and sheltering embrace touched so many hearts and created too many treasured memories to count. The reflections of his spirit and boundless love can be seen in the eyes, smiles, and hearts of his six children, 13 grandchildren, nieces and nephews, life-long friends, and so many others – keeping him alive in the minds and souls of all who knew him.

After getting the last of his six children through college and reaching his well-deserved retirement, Frank and Cathy reinvented themselves, traveling across the country in an RV, selling the house in Port Jefferson, buying a house in Florida and one in Pennsylvania, celebrating their lives and accomplishments, and spending loving time with each other, with friends, and with family. While all who knew him would certainly say he left too soon, there isn’t a single person who would say his or her life isn’t better for having had Frank in it.

Frank was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Wakeham.          

In addition to his wife Catharine, Frank is survived by his loving and devoted children: Francis G. Wakeham and his wife Nancy of Virginia Beach, VA; Frederick M. Wakeham and his wife Toni of Corpus Christi, TX; Ann “Nan” G. DeGraw of Southampton, PA; Paul T. Wakeham of Doylestown, PA; Catharine “Kit” M. Sullivan and her husband Ryan of Huntington, NY; and Ashley E. Pitts and her husband Tim of Bexley, OH. He is also survived by his sisters Linda Carroll and Janet Saunders and by his 13 grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings on Sunday evening, January 27, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and on Monday, January 28, 2019 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940. Interment will follow at Doylestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the charitable organization that was closest to his heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Donald C. Hoffmann, Sr. of Richboro, and Surf City, NJ died of complications from COPD on Friday Jan. 25, 2019, at his home with his family. He was 81.

Born in Philadelphia, he was beloved husband of Janice Bobb Hoffmann for 60 years, son of the late Frederick and Anna Hoffmann, and brother of the late Frederick H. Hoffmann.

Donald graduated from Olney High School in January, 1955, where he played junior-varsity soccer for one year and varsity soccer for 3 years. He graduated from Millersville State Teachers College (Millersville University) in May of 1958, with a BS in Education, and began teaching at William Tennant High School in the Centennial School District in September of 1958. He moved to the new Klinger Junior High School when it opened.  There he designed the layouts of the wood and metal shops and served as chairman of the Arts Department. He also coached the junior high school soccer team. In 1965, Don completed his Master’s Degree in Education from Trenton State College (College of New Jersey).

In 1968, as one facet of a Federal ESEA Title III grant, written by Dr. Henry Ray and awarded to Centennial Schools, Don developed and implemented a program of industrial arts for kindergarten through grade six.

In 1980, Don was named “Teacher of the Year” at the 28^th Annual Conference of the Industrial Arts Association of Pennsylvania. A Life Member of the American Industrial Arts Association, he was honored as an “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” in the spring of 1981.

Don was a charter member of Advent Ev. Lutheran Church and served in many capacities over the years. The late Pastor William Walton and Don designed a baptismal font, which was then built in walnut by Don. It continues to be in use today. 

In addition to his beloved wife, Don is also survived by his daughter, Christel D. Hoffmann; son, Donald C. Jr., and his wife  Cynthia Fox-Hoffmann;  1 granddaughter, Kiersten Hoffmann; and several nieces and nephews.

Don’s family will receive condolences from 10 am until his services  at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 9, at Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church at 45 Worthington Mill Rd, Richboro. His interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald’s name to the above church at P.O. box 840, Richboro PA 18954-0840.

Stephen Francis Morrin of Morrisville passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. He was 66.  

Born in Philadelphia to parents John and Florence Morrin, Stephen was a lifetime resident of Bucks County. Steve is survived by his mother Roberta Florence (Arnold) Morrin, his wife Linda Kennedy Morrin and their two sons: Christopher John and Joseph Matthew Morrin, his brother Robert and wife Sarah, and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Stephen was a graduate of Neshaminy High School, class of 1971 and attended Bucks County Community College and Maxwell Institute in Norristown. He was a Programmer Analyst for Calkins News Inc. the former owners of the Bucks County Courier Times and Intelligencer from 1987 until his retirement in 2012.

Stephen was a double transplant survivor (kidney and pancreas). He loved the outdoors playing tennis; flying radio controlled airplanes with his sons and was a classic car enthusiast.  He will be forever loved and missed by his devoted family and many friends.

A special thank you for the incredible care, support and friendship of Southeastern Home Health Services (Jenna and John) during the last fourteen months of Steve’s ongoing health complications.       

Stephen’s family will receive condolences on Saturday February 2, from 9:00am until his Funeral Mass at 10:00am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 225 Bellevue Ave. Penndel. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to: NGAP: National Greyhound Adoption Program, 10901 Dutton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.   

Karen Elizabeth Reuter Kozlowski of South Orange, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at her home with her loving husband and children by her side.  She was 62.

Karen was the loving wife of Steven Kozlowski with whom she had shared 5 amazing years of life and love.

Born in Little Falls, NJ she was the daughter of the late Robert Richard Reuter and Rose Mary (Abbrescia) Reuter.   

A Graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School (class of 1975), Karen Became an accomplished Make-up Artist in the film and television industry. Her extensive career included working on many TV commercials and TV shows, including Saturday Night Live,  Pee Wee’s Playhouse, The Sopranos, The Beautiful Life, Project Runway, The Big Gay Sketch Show, Rise, and Mercy. She was department head of the hit show Orange is the New Black, and was recently nominated for the Best contemporary Make-up in Television and New Media Series.

She credits her interest in Make-up from watching horror movies, which she enjoyed viewing with her grown children. Make-up Big screen credits include: The Greatest Showman, 28 Days, Step up 3D, Private Parts, and many others.

Karen had an unwavering passion for Jesus which she was quick to share with others. As the Spiritual Care Volunteer Leader at Liquid Church- Essex county (Nutley), she used her God given gifts of unconditional love to care for the individual and group needs of her Liquid  Church family. Her caring did not end on Sunday mornings but extended into Sunday evenings as she graciously hosted and lead her local church Life Group.

She was always quick to tell stories and amidst her family With Eden, Anton, Damon, and Simone, there were plenty of humorous situations to go around and Karen was part each and every crazy moment they shared together. Most recently, she found the love of her life, Steven Kozlowski and as she said, next to being a mom, September 2, 2017 was the best day ever.

In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by her children; Eden, Anton, Damon, and Simone Fabbo, her sister Sue Reuter, brother in law James Wynd, her nieces Erin, and Adrienne; and her step-children; Karin, and Steven (Stevie) Kozlowski.

A memorial Service celebrating the life of Karen will be held on Saturday February 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Liquid Church Mountainside, 1180 Spruce Drive, Mountainside, NJ 07092.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at ww5.komen.org.  

Cathleen Q. Stewart of Doylestown died Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 54.

Born in Wimbledon, England, Cathleen was the daughter of the late George Edwin and Alyce Quinlan Stewart.

Cathleen was a resident of Doylestown since 2011. She was a graduate of Butler University where she received her degree in Business Administration, and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati where she received her Master’s in health care administration. Cathleen had a distinguished career as an Executive Director with a number of Senior Living Communities. She traveled extensively and enjoyed going to the movies, playing golf, reading, running and knitting. Cathleen was extremely family focused and always dedicated quality time to her family.

Cathleen is survived by her children; Quinlan Walther, Neve Walther, Dalton Walther, Damian Walther, her partner John Ford, and her brothers and sisters, Christoph Stewart, Mo Popper, Beth Stewart, Sheila Shook, and Greg Stewart. She is also survived by her granddaughter Harper Walther and her dog Liam. 

A celebration of her life will be privately held by the family. Donations in memory of Cathleen may be made to Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or online at Butler.edu/gifts

Diane Szygiel Owad, of Southampton, formerly of Levittown and New Hope died peacefully on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Southampton Estates. She was 90.

She was the beloved wife of the late Jan Szygiel and John Owad.

She is survived by her five sons Lester and Darlene (Trapani) Szygiel of Bensalem, Stanley and Sharon (Lombardi) Szygiel of Doylestown, Jas and Annette (Mouthaan) Szygiel of Chalfont, Richard and LeeAnn (Hanf) Szygiel of Levittown and Edward Szygiel of Mt. Laurel, NJ.  She is also survived by her seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Jesse Szygiel, Lauren (Szygiel) and Marco De Paulis, Jason Lombardi, Stefan and Samantha (Levy) Szygiel, Andrzej Szygiel, Chelsea Szygiel, Ricky Szygiel and great grandson, Cassius Lombardi. 

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 AM  to 12:00 Noon, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901. Her interment will follow in Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine Cemetery, Doylestown.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to ACTS Legacy Foundation, c/o Southampton Estates, 238 Street Road, Southampton, PA 18966, attn. Lisa Conte 

 "My Story" 

I was born in a small town in Poland which is now part of the Ukraine. I was the oldest of four children. I had two brothers and a sister. At the start of WWII, in 1939, Germany invaded Poland from the east and Russia invaded from the west. In February, of 1940, very late one evening my family was rousted by Russian soldiers (NKVD). They ordered us out of our home.  They declared we are being moved to Siberia. They loaded us onto horse riding sleds and took us to the railroad station and put us on the freight trains.

The conditions on the trains were horrendous. There were wooden benches covered with straw and a small coal stove on the floor. It was very cold, with snow everywhere. Every so often, the door would slide open and we would be given some thin gruel and bread and a small piece of coal for the stove. It was a very long journey traveling deep into the wilderness, all you could see was snow and woods.

When we arrived at the camp, everything was frozen. Our housing was infested with bugs. The adults were sent into the forest to work, cutting and hauling trees and other manual labor. The children were sent to the village school without proper winter clothing or food. My poor mother had no food to cook. All they gave us was a slice of black bread and some watery soup, once a day. It didn’t take long for the older people and children to get sick and in many cases die. 

After nearly two years, amnesty was granted to Polish citizens that were victims of the USSR’s invasion of Poland. The Polish Army was being organized in the Uzbekistan region. We were put on trains again.  It was going to be another long journey from snow covered Siberia to Uzbekistan. During this journey our trains would stop from time to time to let people come and go at certain places and get food supplies for the day, but you had to wait in line to get it.  During this trip my five year old sister got very sick with Typhoid fever. My mother had to stay with her. I had to go find food. I was the oldest sibling. By the time I came back, our train was gone. I was now separated from my family. They didn’t keep good records of names and families or which trains they were on.  And I didn’t know the number of the train anyway. The area was Tashkent. I tried to get help at the train station office but nobody could help. It happened to be New Years Day. Frozen and hungry, with no place to go, I joined the other lost children. We slept in empty wagons or in stalls at neighboring farms. We ate food made for the cattle, it was all roughage from oats and corn. It was so dense, we had to soak it in water. Since there was no water, we had to break pieces of ice and melt it in our mouths.

After a few days, a train pulled into the station and it was carrying Polish soldiers. They opened the doors and were tossing cans of food to us. The station was loaded with many displaced people. I got close to the doors and told the soldiers I was Polish with no family. One of the soldiers had listened to me and picked me up, and put me in their train car. They helped me and took me to their camp. They scrubbed me down due to my clothes being full of lice. They had no clothing for a small girl but they did give me a shirt and sweater that went down to my ankles.  After a few days, one of their supply men made me a little uniform; this man eventually became my father-in-law. They even had a teacher help me with my schooling. While there I was hospitalized with Typhoid fever. When it was time for the Polish Army to move to Persia and Iraq, they placed me with other orphaned civilians and I was sent to Persia. I was supplied with a summer uniform and sandals. The temperature was in the 100’s and the mosquitos were unbearable, but it was better than the cold of Siberia and we had food. Still, people were dying from Dysentery and other diseases. I ended up contracting malaria. 

From Persia, we went to another camp, until finally, under British Order, they built camps in India, near Karachi. The camps held thousands of families and orphans. We had schools, churches, hospitals, and cafeterias. This became home for the next few years. We were taken good care of. But, unfortunately there was no family life, no mother, father or brothers and sister. While there I was able to finish high school and one year of college. I was now an adult and It was time to move on.

Many of went to England and lived with house mothers to help us with our transition. Within a short time, I met the man I would marry. He was a Polish soldier named, Jan Szygiel, the son of the man who made me my little soldier's uniform all those years ago. We lived in England for a few years. My first son, Lester was born there. We were thinking about returning to Poland, but my husband’s family was going to America, so we followed them.

Once we got to America, we had a bit of a rough time with finding proper housing and with language barriers. My husband soon found good work in Levittown, PA. And we built our home there. Our family grew. We now had five sons. Lester, Stas, Jas, Rick and Ed. The boys enjoyed working with their father during the summer and weekends. When my husband suddenly passed away at age 60, four of my sons took over the business and created a very successful company. My other son started a successful graphic design and art business.

I was a widow for five years, and during that time I worked for Cybis Porcelain as a detail artist for their limited edition porcelain items.  I met my second husband, John Owad, who was also Polish, and served in the United States Marine Corps. We had 20 great years together in New Hope, PA. We travelled and went to numerous Marine Corps reunions around the country. 

After John passed I moved to Southampton Estates, a peaceful and caring community. I have made many new and cherished friends. I am fortunate enough to enjoy my family that includes five sons and their wives, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Patrick James Dennigan of Las Vegas passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Patrick was the beloved husband of Jing Wen.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Veronica and James Dennigan.

Patrick was referred to as “Paddy” and his sense of humor and mischief laid the foundation for his early years.  If Paddy was being chased by a neighborhood kid wearing a full pizza pie, he managed to get away and his family didn’t think much of it.   

“Paddy” was our Dad, a Dad to me; Erin, Patrick and our Kevin.  Paddy was easy to love; he was a kind and giving Dad. 

All of our lives took a turn when we lost our Kevin on September 16, 2017.  However, Patrick was still able to hear Kevin’s voice and that brought him comfort. Their reunion must have been glorious, and his family was so comforted by that.

Patrick served in the Marine’s during the Vietnam War and then worked as a project estimator in New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and finally Las Vegas.  He worked hard and gave his family a happy and comfortable childhood. 

Patrick was a fun-loving guy, he was always laughing and making jokes.  He had a great laugh and thought that his children were some of the funniest people in the world.  That was a gift.  He was also witty and sarcastic but at the same time was sensitive.  Patrick had a truly great personality. He was also an animal lover and leaves behind his beloved Irish Terrier, Seamus.  Patrick enjoyed taking long walks with Seamus as he always loved and appreciated the beauty of nature. He was also a talented musician who played the mandolin and guitar.  His love of music was something that he passed down to his family; no one from our generation can say that they saw Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash play live as children, but we can.  He gave us music as an outlet, an expression of all things, and as a tool to feed our souls.  Our way of honoring him now always includes the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many more. Patrick loved unconditionally and was never shy of saying so, one of his final texts to his daughter was “We love like our dogs do; unconditionally”.  He is and will always be missed by his family. Patrick’s love can be summarized in a quote. “I love thee to every breadth and depth and height my soul can reach...” 

Patrick is survived by his stepson, Steven of Las Vegas, NV.  Also surviving are Patrick James II and his grandson, Sean of Hillsborough, NJ.   Additionally, he is survived by his grandson, Jack Dennigan of Flemington, NJ, as well as his daughter, son in law and granddaughters: Erin, Eric, Shannon and Bridget Pirog of Newtown, PA.   Also surviving are his brother and sister in law; James and Connie Dennigan Long Island, NY and his sister Mary Burke and brother in law Jimmy of Freehold, NJ.  Patrick leaves behind his nieces and nephews Jimmy, John, Chrissy, Kerry and Matt. He will always be remembered as the fun uncle.   

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 11:30am until his Funeral Service 12:30pm on Friday, March 15^th  in the Joseph A.. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Patrick’s interment with military honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

If so desired, please consider a contribution in Patrick's memory to the American Cancer Society, Philadelphia Area, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103.

Lillian B. Snyder of Langhorne died peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Attleboro Nursing and Rehab Center in Langhorne. She was 91.

Born to her Native American Parents, Frank and Alice Albert in Kokrines, Alaska, Lillian was the beloved wife of “her Peaches” the late George E. Snyder Sr., and the loving mother of late Mary Huxley and George E. Snyder Jr.

Lillian was an Original Levittowner who with her GI husband purchased their home in 1954, which is still a family home.  As a mom to seven children, she was a busy homemaker who also volunteered at her Church in the Queen Aides.  She loved playing Bingo and surrounding herself with family.  The Family is grateful for the care Lillian received from the residents, staff, Nurses, and especially from Kathy Schroeder at Attleboro.  We are indebted to her.   

Lillian is survived by her loving children; Alice Amareld and her husband Dennis of Amelia Island, FL, Kathryn Kangas and her husband Ivan of Ruby, AK, Diane Walter and her husband Robert of Red Hill, PA, Franklin Snyder of Levittown, and Barbara Imperato of Tamarac, FL.  She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, also her grand dog Scout who brought her much joy for the past 15 years.

Lillian’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am at the Chapel  of St. Louise de Marillac at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery in Huntingdon Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Cats Angels Inc., 709 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.   

Ida R. Hume

Date of Birth, November 6, 1922

Date of Death, January 18, 2019

Richard E. Michel of the Birches in Newtown and formerly of Yardley, PA died surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 17, 2019.  He was 90. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Richard was the husband of 65 years to the late Rose Marie Kist Michel and he was the son of the late Elmer and Emma Davies Michel.

Richard owned and operated a packaging company for many years until his retirement in 1994. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was Past Master of the Free and Accepted Masons Dormont-Whitehall Lodge Number 684 in Pittsburgh. A longtime member of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and the Yardley Lions Club, he was also a volunteer for over 10 years at St. Mary Medical Center.  Richard attended and studied accounting at Duquesne University and used his education as a tool to build a successful business that would go on to support his family and many charitable endeavors that were close to his heart.

He enjoyed planning and preparing meals, going out dining with friends and family, traveling abroad with his wife, and spending time in Hilton Head, but he most loved the yearly trips he took with his children and grandchildren to Disney World and the Jersey Shore.  Richard will be greatly missed, but eternally loved by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister and niece.

Richard is survived by his three children, Maureen Ann Loesberg and her husband, Kenneth, of Collegeville, PA, Cynthia Lynn Kiskurno and her husband, Jeffrey, of Newtown, PA, and Lori Beth Newman and her husband, Michael, of Washington Crossing, PA. He is also survived by his sister Carol Feltz and her husband Walter of Pittsburgh, his nine loving grandchildren, Melissa Loesberg-Turner and her husband Paul, Jason, and Andrew Loesberg, Ryan (Kristina), Scott, and Brandt (Kandace) Kiskurno, Adam, Drew (Brittany), and Brett Newman, and his great grandchildren,  Kandace and Mia Kiskurno and Margaret and Eleanor Turner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, January 24, 2019, from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954.  Interment will be private at Newtown Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140  or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.