Winifred A. Hughes of Levittown died Monday, December 12, 2016 at her residence. She was 95.

Winifred was the beloved wife of 62 years to the late John F. Hughes Sr.

Born in Bristol, PA, Winifred was the daughter of the late Warren and Winifred Callahan Armstrong.

Winifred was a former resident of Newtown before moving to Levittown in 2011. She was a very spiritual and dedicated communicant of the Church of St. Andrew in Newtown. Winifred beautifully crafted rosary beads along with her late husband John that were shared with many people throughout the world. She was a prayer warrior spending hours everyday praying for the needs of others. The family would like to acknowledge the friendship and kindness of her dear friend Roseanne that has been supportive throughout the years.

Winifred is survived by her loving children, John F. Hughes Jr. and his wife Tisha of Langhorne, Marilyn A. Wink and her husband Jack of Delran, NJ, Kevin M. Hughes and his wife Karen of Salisbury, MD, Karen M. Solek of Levittown, and Brian J. Hughes and his wife Kara of Houston, TX. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 12:00pm on Thursday, December 15^th in the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Winifred’s interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Theresa Frances Williams on Monday, December 12, 2016 of Warminster peacefully passed away after a long illness surrounded by her loved ones. She would have turned 82 years old on New Year's Eve

Theresa was the beloved wife of Robert E. Williams for 59 years and a resident of Ann’s Choice Community in Warminster, PA.

Born in New York, NY, Theresa was the daughter of the late John J. and Helen (McGlynn) McKenna, sister of the late Mary (McKenna) Tully and mother of the late Stephen P Williams.

As a former resident of Woodcliff Lake and Saddle River, New Jersey, Theresa and Robert moved to Ann’s Choice Community in 2010 to be near her daughter Jenn and her family in PA.

Theresa was an avid tennis player, loved to sing in her church choir and enjoyed playing practical jokes.  Her huge smile and infectious laugh will be missed by so many. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  She loved all animals, especially her beloved black Labrador Retrievers.

In addition to her husband, Robert E. Williams, Theresa is survived by five children; Robert and Patricia (Ewings) Williams of Fairlawn, NJ, John and Janet (Cashman) Williams of Lynbrook, NY, Theresa (Williams) and Christopher Gardner of Dublin, Ohio, Daniel Williams of Sarasota, FL and Jennifer (Williams) and Ralph Riley of Doylestown, PA.  She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Lorraine McKenna of Hampton Bays, NY and sister Helen (McKenna) and Jack Pendergast of Pearl River, NY.

Theresa was a doting and playful “Nana.” She is survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings, on Sunday, December 18^th from 5-7PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and again on Monday, December 19^th  in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966 from 11:30am until her Funeral Mass at 12:30pm.  Theresa’s interment will be privately held in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made in her name, to the Bucks County SPCA, P.O. Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.

John Laverty Newman of Upper Holland died Saturday, December 10, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 80.

John was the beloved husband of 51 years to Patricia Calhoun Newman.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late George and Gertrude Pfeffer Newman and the brother of the Doris Foeher, Alberta Schriener, Grace Peterson, late Agnes Lindinger, Joyce Kernan, Vickie McFaddon, Gertrude Malampy and George Newman, Jr..

John was a former resident of the East Torresdale section of Philadelphia and Sea Isle City, New Jersey before moving to Upper Holland in 2014. He had a long and distinguished career as a Philadelphia Fire Fighter with over 30 years of dedicated service until his retirement. In his leisure, he enjoyed salt water fishing and coaching soccer with the Philadelphia Soccer Club. John was a communicant of St. Bede the Venerable Church and will be deeply missed by his family and by all who came to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife Patricia, John is survived by his children, Christopher Newman and his wife Deborah of the Somerton section of Philadelphia, PA, John Laverty Newman, Jr. and his wife Jodi of Fairton, NJ, and Sharon Newman Wood and her husband Bob of Upper Holland, PA. He is also survived by his 4 cherished grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 8:30am to 9:30am on Monday, December 19^th in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00am in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd. Holland, PA 18966. John’s interment with military honors will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

If so desired, please consider a contribution in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Helen Schodowski of Morrisville passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 10, 2016. She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of 73 years to Dominic J. Schodowski.

Born in Staten Island, NY she was the daughter of Abraham and Helen Blackford; mother of the late Mary McGuire; and sister of the late Lawrence (Beatrice), Clark (Netta), and John (Ruth).

For over 20 years Helen worked as a home health aide and was valued and loved by the people she helped. She was devoted to her family and loved preparing holiday dinners that brought everyone together. She was a loving and caring person and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her children, Diane Maurizio and her husband, James, William Schodowski and his wife, Sharon, John Schodowski and his wife, Lorrie, Victoria Schodowski, Michael Schodowski and his wife, Courtney, and Larry Schodowski and his wife, Melissa. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Shannon (Dave), Sean, Kendal, Randy (Marie), Devin, Crystal (Chris), William, Adam, and Rachel; her great-grandchildren, Marisa, Alayna, Violet, Abigail, Whitney, Kylie, Logan, Anthony, Vincent, and Lidia; her niece Ruth and her children Gary III, John, and Alyssa.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:15 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067. Her interment will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the charity of one’s choosing.

Joseph Felix Palio, of Ivyland, died on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.  He was 92.

He was the beloved husband of 70 years to Evelyn M. Palio and father of the late Daniel Palio.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Felice and Marguerite D'Ambrosio.

He served in the US Marines from 1943 to 1945, after being wounded he was honorably discharged and retired from the VA in 1976.

In addition to his loving wife he is survived by his children Joseph Palio and his wife Diane, Robert Palio and his wife Lisa. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren Shannon, Dominic, Anthony and Alyssa.

Joseph’s family will receive condolences on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 6:00pm until Words of Remembrance at 7:30pm and on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 7:45am until 8:45am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro. His interment with United States Marine Corps Honors will be held at 9:30AM at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown. 

Donations in his memory may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. 

Robert L. Gruber of New Britain passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side.  He was 88. 

He was the beloved husband of the late Hannah Sasse Gruber. 

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Lewis and Gertrude Seitz Gruber and brother of the late Joseph Gruber.

Bob was born and raised in Olney and attended North Catholic.  He played minor league baseball and loved sports throughout his life.  Bob began his career at Standard Pressed Steel and retired as an HR  Executive at Extracorporeal Medical Specialties (J&J).  He helped establish the CYO at St Judes in Chalfont and coached boys basketball at the school for many years.  He had one heck of a hook shot!

Surviving are his children Jane Donnelly and her husband, Michael, Frances Hahn and her husband, James, and Meg Barainyak and her husband, Michael;  his grandchildren, Katie, Ann, and Michael Donnelly, Emily Lang (Dan), Julie Hahn, and Michael and Jacqueline Barainyak; and his nephew, Joseph Gruber (Hope).

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewings, Wednesday December 14, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901 and Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.  His interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donation to The Philadelphia Children's Alliance, 300 E Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124 www.philachildrensalliance.org.

Claire Theresa Walton (nee Guertin)

Sunrise: July 5, 1926

Sunset: December 6, 2016

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” William Shakespeare may have written these words about one of his characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but they might be applied just as aptly to Claire Theresa Walton, who, in her 5’ frame, united seemingly limitless intelligence, humor, compassion and strength. She loved fiercely, was fiercely loyal, and took on life with a fiercely iconoclastic and refreshing slant. After 90 revolutions around the sun, Claire’s Lord called her home on December 6, 2016.

Claire was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 5, 1926 to an English mother, Ellen Richarby Guertin, and a Quebecois father, Maurice Marc Guertin. In many ways, Claire’s personality reflected her heritage, combining the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors with offbeat French humor and originality. The only girl in a family with four brothers, Claire attended Little Flower School in Philadelphia, and graduated from St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls (Class of 1944), where she was a pioneer “Bambi”.

With a penchant for jazzy ankle strap shoes and a deep appreciation for music, particularly Big Band songs, The Mills Brothers’ “Paper Doll” and the stylings of a young Frank Sinatra, whom she saw in concert many times, Claire loved to dance. It was at a church dance that Claire met a La Salle boy who would become her soulmate. Claire and Francis (“Frank”) Joseph Walton were married on February 3, 1951, and shared 61 years together, until Frank went to be with the Lord in 2012.

Frank was a lifelong educator whose work ultimately took him and Claire to New Jersey. It was there that the couple raised their two daughters, Claire Ellen and Andrea. They also shared their home with numerous strays and rescues, canine and feline, as well as birds, fish, turtles and even a hermit crab! A particularly memorable example of Claire’s passion for God’s creatures comes from a time when the family had rented a home at the shore for a week. A thunderstorm had broken out at sea and brisk winds whipped around the house. Responding to their mother’s call to come to her, the Walton girls found Claire ensconced on the stairs leading to the home’s loft, a birdcage on her lap and a shaggy terrier pressed against her legs. Providing comfort and protection for those she loved and for individuals in need – two-legged and four-legged – was important to Claire, even to the final days of her life. More than anything, she wanted those about whom she cared to be happy, safe and well.

Claire possessed a keen eye for details and strong interpersonal and office skills. For many years, she enjoyed a fulfilling career as a legal secretary in the Princeton, NJ, area and also worked in the College Counselor’s office at The Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ. At Peddie, Claire was beloved by many staff members and students, to whom she often seemed a second Mom. She inspired many with her integrity, and delighted them with her offbeat and witty, but always gentle, humor.

Indeed, humor and intelligence were among Claire’s most enduring characteristics. When asked by their eldest daughter if “Mom was always like that,” Francis replied, “Yes, she was a little bit kooky and I really liked that about her.” Claire enjoyed “Candid Camera”-type pranks and wrote highly imaginative rhymes and poems which she enjoyed sharing with others. She also had a wonderful laugh, and cherished good times with family and friends. As a special gift, she modelled for her daughters the unique beauty and strength of friendships forged with other exemplary women, both those from within the traditional family and those who became family members by choice and affinity.

Claire also possessed a strong creative streak. Who else might have envisioned chasing her children around the house with lobster tails when the kids were bad (back in the day when lobster tails were affordable and the girls were young enough to be cowed by prehistoric-looking creatures in shells!) Who else would have thought of securing buttons on a red coat with cinnamon dental floss, or using material from the hem of a dress to fashion a huge rose that effectively obscured any view of cleavage on her daughter’s prom dress? Affectionately nicknamed “The Innovator,” Claire could instill terror in her daughters and husband simply with the phrase, “I can fix that for you!”

One day, many years ago, Claire was having an argument with her daughters and said, “You’ll be sorry – one of these days I’m going to die.” All at once, the electricity went out and the room was cloaked in darkness. Silence ruled until Claire pondered aloud, “Am I in Heaven or in Hell?” Silence continued for a few seconds more, until the girls erupted into peals of laughter. Claire’s colorful response cannot be repeated here but, happily, because of the atoning work of the risen Christ, we are comforted in knowing that she is, indeed, in Heaven, with her Lord, and reunited with “Little Frankie” and beloved friends and family members, including “little dawgs” and other pets. We look forward to seeing her again one day and sharing a cup of “cawfee” at the Lamb’s banquet!

Claire is survived by her daughter, Claire Ellen, and daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Hamid; a brother, Edgar Guertin (Dot); a sister-in-law, Gwyn Pollock Walton; many nieces and nephews; several close friends; and 5 fur grandbabies.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Claire’s family on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd., Holland, PA 18966. Her interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are invited to the following:

American Heart Association – https://donatenow.heart.org (click on “memorial”)

Animal Alliance of Belle Mead – donate securely online at www.animalalliancenj.org (click on “honorarium & memorial gifts”) or via check to Animal Alliance, PO Box 1285, Belle Mead, NJ 08502

Dennis Judson Kulp of Holland died Monday, December 5, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 70.

Dennis was the beloved husband of 45 years to Gwen A. Subiel Kulp.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Judson Kenneth and Evelina Anna Gilliard Kulp.

Dennis was a former resident of Huntingdon Valley before moving to Holland in 2007. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War. Dennis was an accomplished Real Estate Broker-Owner and founded ReMax Eastern, Inc. in 1979 until his retirement in 2015. He was active in many professional and community associations throughout his distinguished career. Dennis was a member of the National Association of Realtors and a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors. He was the Chairman of the Professional Standards for GPAR and a real estate consultant for the Firefighters Local 22 Union. He also served on the Board of Realtors in both Bucks and Montgomery counties and donated countless hours of his time with the Mayfair Civic Association and many other organizations. In recent years Dennis enjoyed playing cards with his friends.

In addition to his beloved wife Gwen, Dennis is survived by his son Peter Judson Kulp and his wife Sara of Huntingdon Valley and his cherished granddaughter Sofia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings, from 6:00-8:00pm on Thursday, December 8^th and on Friday, December 9^th from 9:30am until his Funeral Service 10:30am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Interment with military honors will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Christine F. “Chris” Harkins of Chalfont and formerly of South Deerfield, MA, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Doylestown Hospital with her loving husband and family by her side. She was 71 years of age.

She was the loving and devoted wife of 48 years to Ronald J. Harkins formerly of Allentown, PA.

Born in Greenfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emily Sanicki (Tucek) of South Deerfield, MA.

Chris graduated from Frontier Regional High School and went on to earn her associates degree in Data Processing from Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA.

In 1979 her family relocated to Chalfont, PA where she was actively engaged in raising two small children. After the children got older Chris was employed by Jennings Associates and Bill Vandergrift Appliances. Chris loved being with and teaching children and enjoyed being a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed working in her back yard and had a real passion for volunteer work in her community.

While volunteering at Doylestown Hospital she accumulated over 7,000 hours as the co-chairperson for the gift shop. She took great pride in being a familiar and friendly face that visitors came to know as they looked for just that right gift to lift the spirits of family and friends.

Most of all she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and devotion to all those who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.

In addition to her husband Ron, Chris is survived by her children, Daniel J. Harkins of Philadelphia and Maryann E. Beshore (Harkins), her husband Brett; and her two grandsons, Brenden and Jorden Beshore of Yorktown, Indiana and her brother, David Sanicki of Cape Cod, MA. She was also the loving aunt to numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Emily, father Joseph and brother, James J. Sanicki.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.

Relatives and friends are also invited to greet the family on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Wrisley Funeral Home, 90 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373. Her interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, South Deerfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Doylestown Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program at 595 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901.

Kyle E. Sanford, of Chalfont, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2016. He was 28 years old.

Born at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA, he was the loving son of Kevin E. and Lori A. Rishel Sanford.

Kyle grew up in Chalfont and went through the Central Bucks Schools; Mill Creek, Unami and Central Bucks South before continuing on to Bucks County Community College.  Most recently and for the past two years Kyle has been working as a clerk in the shipping and receiving department of Havis Inc. in Warminster.

Kyle was a kind and caring brother and friend, who enjoyed spending time with others, playing on the computer, video games and playing the guitar. However, it was his sincere concern for others and their well being that made him so very special.  He was selfless and worried more about those in need than taking care of himself.  His genuine, good natured ways and kindness to others will always be remembered and appreciated.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his two brothers Nathan B. Sanford and Tyler E. Sanford both of Chalfont, his maternal grandparents Bradley Rishel and Sandra Diehl Rishel of Danville, PA.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Paul E. and Mary E. Sanford

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his funeral Service 11:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, 18901.  His interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made "In Memory of Kyle E. Sanford" to The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania Inc., 252 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.