Alverna A. McCabe (née Mekel) of Doylestown, PA, died peacefully at her home, Pine Run Health Center, on Sunday, February 14, 2016, surrounded by her family at the age of 92.

Alverna was the beloved wife of Thomas J. McCabe who died March 18, 2008. Survived by all of her 14 children, she was the loving mother and mother-in-law of Mary Margaret Clark (Jack), Philip Bernard McCabe (Jeanne), Gregory Louis McCabe (Adrienne), Thomas Albert McCabe (Debbie), Teresa Anne Wetmore (Mark), Monica Frances Collins (Robert), Clare Jeanne McCabe (Steve Wolfe), Agnes Bernadette Jones, Mark Joseph McCabe, Christopher Ignatius McCabe (Suzanne), Paul Martin de Porres McCabe (Elizabeth), Gerard Matthias McCabe (Jill), Peter Damien McCabe (Lucy) and Brendan Patrick McCabe.

Alverna is sadly missed by her brother, the Hon. Edward Mekel (Hilda). She was pre-deceased by her brothers Jack Mekel (Phyllis), David Mekel (Mary) and her sister, Elaine Foley Cosgrove (Frank). She is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Alverna was born October 11, 1923. She was the daughter of Jacob and Margaret (née Magee) Mekel. She was the oldest of five children.

Alverna’s father, Jacob, was a Jewish immigrant from Vilna, and her mother, Margaret, of Irish Catholic descent, was born in Philadelphia.

Born in North Philadelphia and raised in West Oak Lane, Alverna was a member of Saint Athanasius parish. She was a proud graduate of Germantown High School, class of 1942.

Alverna worked several jobs after high school, notably and with enthusiasm starting her secretarial career with Bendix Corporation and Connelly Container. She had various secretarial jobs throughout her life and finished as a sales office manager for her sons’ family housewares business.

Alverna met her sweetheart, Tom McCabe, at Saint Athanasius in West Oak Lane, and following their courtship they were married there on June 18, 1949.

In 1950, Alverna with Thomas moved their expanding family to Bucks County where it would grow to 14 children in 17 years. After living on Stump Road and then on Patty Lane in Warrington for over 20 years, Alverna’s next adventure in life with Tom and her children was the family’s move to Spring House to their new home that they affectionately called “Irish Hill,” a stately English mansion that had more than 2 acres of land, 25 rooms, 6 baths, and 10 fireplaces. Many thought “Irish Hill” referred to the big house on the hill; yet the hill actually referred to the 14 children who, when lined up, shoulder-to-shoulder, comprised the true “Irish Hill”.

Ali, as she was affectionately known, and Tom enjoyed festive family gatherings, including 3 weddings and an annual St. Patrick’s Day Mass and party where all families and children were invited. As a loving mother and wife, her dedication to her family was unmatched as she was always the last to bed and first to rise.

Alverna’s love and generosity for her family was displayed in a personal love letter to Tom, on the occasion of this move to Irish Hill in 1970. Alverna had the presence of mind to mail the letter from their home in Warrington to their new home in Spring House. Her personal note lovingly read: “Dearest Tommy: Words can’t express my happiness these past 20 years. All that you’ve given me, and wished for me. Once again we are experiencing a new adventure because of your courage and foresightedness. Let’s pray our adventure will last for many years and that we continue to grow in wisdom and love. My love you have always, Alverna.”

As our Dad always pointed out to the children, “nothing was ever an interruption for your mother,” and all new adventures were embraced with enthusiasm. Alverna and Tom made many family trips around the country with their children. For example, in 1966, Ali and Tom drove 12 of their children to Mexico City in a Ford Club Wagon van.

Integral throughout Ali’s life was her Catholic faith and education. A true matriarch, Alverna attended daily mass with Tom and enjoyed close relationships with many others in the Catholic faith, including their involvement with Project HOME and Pax Christi. Ali was active in St. Joseph’s, St. Rose of Lima, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish ministries.

Alverna and Tom’s motto in life was and will continue to be, for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, LOA …“Love One Another.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.), New Britain, PA 18901, and on Friday from 9:00 to 9:45AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 235 E. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901 with her Funeral Mass, at precisely 10:00AM. Her interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Project H.O.M.E., 1515 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Karl J. Wettstein of Langhorne, PA died peacefully at Brunswick at Attleboro on Sunday, February 14, 2016. He was 83.

He is the beloved husband of Mary C. Schneider Wettstein.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Karl was the son of the late Jerome and Ida Dorn Wettstein. He is pre-deceased by his son, Tom Wettstein (Weston)

Karl was a proud veteran of the Air Force. He then worked for 30 years in shipping. As President of Maersk Container Services, he traveled the world establishing ports in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Weekends were spent golfing and cultivating exquisite flower gardens. In retirement, Karl and Mary enjoyed traveling and spent winters at their second home in Arizona. Most importantly were the times he spent with his family and friends. Karl will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to know and love him.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary, Karl is survived by his three daughters, Kathy Weston of Yardley, PA, Diane Calvin and her husband Michael of Horsham, PA, and Carol Young and her husband Daniel of Parkton, MD. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Wettstein and Steven Wettstein, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Karl’s family will receive friends on Saturday, February 27^th at 12 noon followed by his Memorial Service at 1:00PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Elizabeth A. Leach-Moore (nee Cipolloni) of Phila, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne on Saturday, February 13, 2016. She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of the late Rodney B. Leach and John Moore and the mother-in-law of the late Albert Martino Sr.      

Born in Philadelphia, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Attilio and Mary DeLuca Cipolloni.

She resided in the Roxborough section in Philadelphia for more than 50 years. During that time she was a member of the Historical Society and the Manayunk Art Center. For the past three years she resided in Yardley PA with her daughter.

Elizabeth worked for many years as an administrative assistant with Container Corporation/Jefferson Smurfit, a paper manufacturing company. In her leisure, she enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, and most of all spending time with her family. Elizabeth will be greatly missed by everyone who has come to know and love her.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving daughter Cristine Martino of Yardley, her grandchildren, Albert Martino Jr. (Robin), Rod Martino (Laurie), and Alisa Frederico (Frank) and her great grandchildren, Joseph Martino, and Gianna and Francesca Frederico. She is also survived by a brother, Ronald Cipolloni, and her two sisters Lucia Cipolloni and Josephine Cipolloni Jasner.

Services and interment for Elizabeth will be conducted privately.

Pearl M. Wizeman of Twining Village in Holland passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Chandler Hall Hospice in Newtown. She was 89.  

Born in Palmyra, NY she was the daughter of the late James S. and May S. Nortier Blankenberg.  

A graduate of Palmyra High School in New York, she later met her husband Karl and the two married and began their family. They relocated to Bristol, CT before settling down permanently in Churchville, PA in 1969.

Pearl enjoyed bowling and was also talented in ceramics. She was an avid Bridge player and a great supporter of the Philadelphia Phillies, especially when they were doing well.

For Pearl, however, family was always her focus. She could always be spotted at the countless sporting events taking place among her children’s families and possessed an unmatched devotion for her family. She will be dearly missed.

Pearl is survived by her children, Richard Wizeman and his wife, Celeste, Bob Wizeman and his wife, Sandra, John Wizeman and his wife, Debbie, and Ann Compton and her husband, Tom. She also leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Matthew, Koren, Kristin, Mark, Michael, Kimberly “Bear”, Jason, Jeremy, Jenny, Timothy and Jamie; and her 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, the Late Gerald Blankenberg.

Pearl’s family wishes to thank the staff of Twining Village, St. Mary Medical Center, and Chandler Hall Hospice for the kind and compassionate care shown to Pearl and her family over recent days.  

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Service 11:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Her interment will follow in Newtown Cemetery, Newtown.

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

James R. Riman of Churchville passed away with his loving wife by his side on Saturday February 6, 2016 at Richboro Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.  He was 58.

James was the loving husband of 20 years to Jeanne Illge.   

Born in Philadelphia he was the son of Gustav R. Riman and the late Mary Lou Quigley Riman. 

Jim, a graduate William Tennet High School  went on to have a long career as a machinist, starting with Triple J. Machine Shop and then with Roll Former, Inc. of Chalfont until his illness.

A lover of all sports, Jim was an incredibly loyal fan of the Philadelphia Flyers for over 40 years and a regular season ticket holder.  He loved playing softball and was also known for his elaborate Christmas light display which he took great pride in putting up each year. 

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and always remembered.

In addition to his beloved wife and his father, James is survived by his sisters, Judith Riman and Jill McKee and her husband, Sean.  He also leaves behind his nephews, Jeffrey Riman and Parker McKee; and his niece Lorrie McKee.  He is also survived by his extended family and friends who were so very supportive and helpful during his illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday February 11, 2016 from 11:00 AM until his Life Celebration at 1:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954.  His interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Well Spouse Association, 63 W. Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728.

Mary Rose DiPietro, daughter of the late Antonio and Domenica Cambria Furfari, of Philadelphia passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, February 5, 2016. She was 95. 

Mary was a proud life long resident of Philadelphia where she was a faithful parishioner of Resurrection Parish.   Following the death of her parents at a young age, she worked tirelessly to help raise her siblings and worked on a South Jersey farm. She met Frank DiPietro, her future husband, at her family’s produce stand; they later married and raised a family of their own.  

She was talented in countless ways including being a gifted chef, tending an impeccable garden, and taking great pride in in her home and family.  She worked by her husband’s side at their meat market, Frankies Choice Meats, for many years in the heart of the Italian Market on 9^th Street. 

Later on in her life, Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends, participating in many activities at the Pelbano Recreation Center in Philadelphia and splitting her time between the homes of her children.  Above all else, she will be remembered for her unwavering energy, zest for life, incredibly quick wit, and for her love and devotion for her family.  She will be dearly missed. 

Mary is survived by her children Eleanor DeFranceso and her husband, James, Louis DiPietro and his wife, Frances M. Reichert, and Anthony DiPietro (the late Patricia); her grandchildren, Helen, Maria, John, Donna, Danielle, Anthony, Maryanne, James Bonner, and Frankie; her great-grandchildren, Craig, Cole, Gianna, Annamaria, Christine, Ryan Jr., Tyler, Finn, and Hannah; and her sisters, Catherine DiPietro and Yolanda Dunner.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewings on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and on Thursday at the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM.  Her interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Richboro. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Special Olympics or to the Catholic Charities Foundation.

Harold J. Kepler, P.E. of Ann’s Choice in Warminster, Pennsylvania passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 4, 2016. He was 84 years old.

He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Marlyn (Ackerman) Kepler.

Harold was the Vice President of Pickering, Corts & Summerson Engineering firm in Newtown, PA for thirty-three years from 1964-1996.

A graduate from Drexel University’s School of Engineering in 1957, Harold was a highway and bridge engineer working on such projects as the initial construction of the Walt Whitman Bridge, I-95 and the Altoona Bypass. He served as secretary of the Board of Trustees of Newtown Presbyterian Church in Newtown, PA for twenty-three years. He was an avid world traveler, visiting over twenty-one destinations. Upon retirement, he enjoyed living in Sun City, South Carolina for ten years, then Green Valley, Arizona for ten years before moving back to Pennsylvania.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving daughter, Lynn Mitchell (Steven) of Arlington, VA and devoted son, Darryl Kepler (Marianne Richard) of Chalfont, PA; his grandchildren Colleen Fritschle (Kyle), DJ Kepler, Laurel Mitchell, and Matt Kepler; and his loyal dog, Dolly.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Harold’s name to Caring Voice Coalition, 8249 Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611.

Rose M. Starzyk Kenny of Richboro died Monday, February 1, 2016 at Chandler Hall Hospice in Newtown. She was 96.

Rose was the beloved wife of 57 years to the late Joseph F. Kenny, Sr.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Fabian and Joanna Pastuczyk Starzyk.

Rose was a former resident of Nicetown section of Philadelphia before moving to Richboro in 1976. Many years ago, she had worked at St. Ladislaus Church and at Sears and Roebuck in Philadelphia. Rose enjoyed cooking for her family and was the perfect baby sitter for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be truly missed by her family and by all who came to know her.

Rose is survived by her children and their spouses, Joseph F. Jr. and Mary Jo Kenny of Richboro, Rose M. and James Slizewski of New Hope, Theresa and the late Michael Higgins of Philadelphia, John R. Kenny of Richboro, Annemarie and Curtis Kieser, Jr. of Richboro and Donald and the late Mary E. Crane of Egg Harbor City, NJ. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing, Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 9:00am until her Funeral Mass 10:00am in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954. Rose’s interment will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Church at the above address.

Laurentia C. Bakker Wendel of Bensalem peacefully passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the Chandler Hall Hospice in Newtown, PA. She was 67. 

Laura was born in Etten de Leur, The Netherlands. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Huiberdina Bakker and the sister of the late Henry, Mike, and Frank Bakker. 

Laura will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Laura is survived by her daughters, Katrina Galie and her husband, Rick; her daughter Adele Hackney and her husband, Pete; her grandchildren, Auburn and Aralyn Hackney. She is also survived by her siblings: Oscar Bakker (Joan), Mae Mitchell, Alexandra Roy, Monique Nappi (Mike), and by her long time friend and companion Larry Feinberg and dog Yogi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 10:00am until her Funeral Service at 11:00am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954.  Her interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem PA.

Paul C. Haupert, of Warminster, PA died on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at Majestic Oaks Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was 80.

He was the beloved husband of 53 years to Nancy Stevens Haupert.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frederick and Blanche Eskuchen Haupert.

Paul grew up in Philadelphia and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, and received his Bachelors Degree from the College of New Jersey. Paul retired 23 years ago from Verizon Communications where he spent over 34 years as a Buyer. Paul was active in the Lions Club and Little League sports as a Coach for many years in the Newtown and Northampton League. He was very out going and looked forward to playing golf with his buddies. He will be sadly missed by all those who came to know and love him.

In addition to his loving wife, Paul is survived by his sons Thomas P. Haupert and Kathryn Bruton of Glenside and David P. Haupert and Nicole Mahle-Haupert of Holland. He is also survived by his 4 dear grandchildren; Abby, Connor, Sydney and Aubrey and his brother Richard Haupert.

Paul’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. until his Memorial Service 1:00 pm at Chapel at Ann's Choice, 30000 Ann's Choice Way, Warminster, PA 18974. His interment with Military Honors was held privately at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Northampton Presbyterian Church, Memorial Fund, 539 Buck Road, Holland, PA 18966 or to the Ann's Choice Scholars Fund, c/o Ann's Choice Philanthropy Department, 20000 Ann's Choice Way, Warminster, PA 18974.