Irma Suzanne Barness, a noted local artist, died on January 11, 2013. She was 86.

Irma was a woman of many talents and gifts. She was admitted to the distinguished High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she played the piano and flute. She then went to Bucknell University, where she took her first art course. It was at Bucknell where she fell in love with art and also with Herbert Barness.

After graduation from Bucknell, Irma married Herbert Barness, who became a real estate developer in the region, and moved to Bucks County and then Montgomery County. She took art classes, painted, and did sculpture while raising a family of two daughters, Lynda Barness and Nancy Barness, with her husband. She loved painting people, flowers, and creations from her own imagination. Many of her paintings feature her travel experiences and family gatherings. Art was Irma’s very personal endeavor. After their children became adults, Irma and Herb Barness returned to Bucks County, and Irma painted full-time.

Her interest in art was enhanced by some special teachers over the years: Jacques Fabert, Richard Liberman, Selma Burke, Mr. Gottlieb, Paul Gorka, and recently Gwen Koths. She attended Cheltenham and Abington Art Centers, Allens Lane Art Center, The Museum School, and The Barnes Foundation.

Her work has been exhibited at the New Hope Golden Door Gallery, Carol Schwartz Gallery, Doylestown Library, and have been featured in many area art shows, as well as winning a number of prizes. She gave a retrospective of her work in the summer of 2012 and exhibited over 100 works of art at that time.

She is survived by her two daughters Lynda and Nancy, grandchildren Jennifer (and Daniel), Melissa (and Charles), Julie (and David), and Elizabeth, along with four great-grandchildren who always brought a big smile to her face. She leaves behind others she loved: her “Three Musketeers” friends Jeannie and Bobbie, as well as David and Delores, who took great care of her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027.

Contributions in her memory would be greatly appreciated at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce St. Phila PA 19104 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Theresa L. Franklin, of Doylestown, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Neshaminy Manor. She was 77.

She was the beloved wife of the late Lloyd E. Franklin, Jr.

Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Catherine Cahill Kindlan.

Theresa grew up in Willow Grove and went to St. David’s Elementary school and Notre Dame High School in Wyndmoor where she graduated in 1952. She was active in her parish and enjoyed singing in the church choir.
In 1957 she marred her beloved Lloyd and remained in Willow Grove until 1994 when they moved to Doylestown and joined St. Jude Church. Theresa was a loving and wonder mother and “Nanny” who was always there for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love she showed will always be remembered.

Theresa is survived by her children: Lloyd Franklin and his wife Ellen of Lansdale, PA, Owen Franklin and his wife Patricia of Pottsgrove, PA, Kathryn Armstrong, and her husband Jeff of Seattle, WA, and Jennifer Cameron, of Doylestown, PA. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons.

Relatives and friends are invited her viewing on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave., New Britain, PA 18901 (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) from 8:15 to 9:15am and to her Funeral Mass 10:00am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 321 West Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914. Her interment will follow at Doylestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory, may be made to Doylestown Hospital Hospice, 595 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901.

Joyce S. Kellogg, of Perkasie, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Fox Chase Cancer Center. She was 66.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late M. Nelson and Suzanna Kirkpatrick Peck, and the sister of the late Phyllis Boggs.

She was the beloved wife of Walter L. Kellogg for 48 years.

Joyce loved all animals, especially her dogs. She will be remembered as being crafty and wonderfully artistic, and loved to garden and watch plants grow. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her loving family.

In addition to her husband, Joyce is survived by her daughters: Kimberly Bronstein, wife of Jeff of Quakertown, Terese Macnamara, wife of Joseph of Perkasie, Candace Rossbach, wife of Ronald of Warrington, and Cassandra Kellogg of Perkasie; two brothers: M. Nelson Peck Jr. and Donald Peck; six grandchildren: Justin, Chelsea, Catherine, Elise, Joshua and Nicholas; and her mother-in-law: Theresa Kellogg.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. to the time of her Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.)New Britain, PA 18954.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Rita Marie Ruggeri of Holland died gracefully on January 10, 2013 at St Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. She was 95.

Born in Philadelphia she was the beloved wife of 54 years to the late Joseph L. Ruggeri and daughter of the late Frank and Amelia Matticola.

Rita was the youngest of 15 children and in the true sense of the word she was the Matriarch of the extended family. Her caring and nurturing ways, her gentle manor and true love of life were admired by many, and she always strove to make things perfect for her family. She and her family were raised in West Philadelphia and then resided in Northeast Philadelphia. Rita was a faithful communicant of St. Albert the Great Parish from 1962 until 2008 when she moved to Holland and joined St. Bede the Venerable Parish. Rita was a resident of Twining Village in Holland since 2008.

Rita enjoyed cooking, playing cards and singing, but what she was most admired for was her graciousness. Rita loved people and they loved her back; she was a very good friend to many and they will miss her dearly.

Rita is survived by her devoted daughter and son; JoAnn M. Stanger and her husband James and Bruce A. Ruggeri and his wife Patricia A. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings Monday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Chapel of St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland and on Tuesday morning from 9:30 am until her Funeral Mass 10:30am in the Church.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Twining Village Benevolent Assoc. 280 Middle Holland Rd. Holland, Pa 18966 or to Catholic Charities 222 N. 17th St. Phila PA 19103.

Gloria Ann Calise, of Horsham, PA died on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at Abington Memorial Hospital. She was 83.

She was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore Calise, married for 47 years.

Gloria was a bright and well educated woman in academics and in life. Her formal education included an undergraduate degree from Beaver College, currently Arcadia University and her PHD and Master’s degrees from Temple University. She was an avid world traveler including 2 trips around the world and several African safaris.

Her talents and intellect were not kept to herself for she was involved in many things from ballroom dancing and garden club, to her church where she was in the choir and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a proud member of the Republican Party and served on the Montgomery County Planning Commission, as President of Horsham Township as well as Councilwoman, Tax collector and Committee woman spanning 40+ years of service.

Gloria was appreciated and recognized by her family, friends, the communities she served. Her contributions were recognized nationally. She was selected to the organization of Who’s Who of American Women. She was also selected as National Teacher of the Year which was one of her most meaningful accomplishments. The examples she led will always be treasured by those who knew her.

She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Mehler of Lansdale and her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. As her only sibling, “Betty” and Gloria were inseparable and did everything together. As sister and best friend, she will be missed greatly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Monday, January 14, 2013 from 9:00 am until her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974. Her interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn.

Brian J. Smith of Horsham, PA died suddenly on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at his residence. He was 59.

Born in Albany, NY, he was the son of E. Joseph and Mary E. Roche Smith of Albany, NY.

Mr. Smith was a resident of Horsham for the past five years and formerly lived in Chalfont for many years. He graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with his bachelor degree in Economics, Class of 1976. He was a member of DKE fraternity and played football for four years, both were always an important part of his life. Mr. Smith was employed for 17 years as the Vice President of Claims Department at Unum Corporation, located in Piscataway, NJ. Most recently he was the Vice President of Claims at Axis Global in Princeton, NJ. He was involved as a coach for the Lenape Valley sports teams and St. Jude CYO. In 1999, he was named CYO Man of the Year. He will be sadly missed as a devoted son, father, brother, grandfather and coach.

In addition to his beloved parents, he is survived by his four children; Brian J. Smith Jr. and his wife, Jillian, of Glenside, Sean P. Smith and his fiancee’, Tracy Lazur, of Conshohocken, Elizabeth M. Smith and Patrick S. Smith, both of Chalfont, his ex-wife, Joanne M. Smith, of Chalfont, and two brothers, Michael Smith and his wife, Martha, of Delmar, NY and Gary Smith of Erie, PA. He is also survived by his two loving grandsons, Braeden and Cole Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings on Monday, January 14, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, January 15, from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Avenue (at Sandy Ridge Road), New Britain, PA 18901 and to his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Avenue, Chalfont, PA 18914.

Interment will take place at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude CYO at the above address.

James P. Rhein, Jr. of Langhorne, PA died suddenly at his residence in Langhorne, PA on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. He was 47.

James was the husband of 20 years of Michele Burns Rhein.
Born in Levitown, PA James was the beloved son of Barbara A. Beirn Rhein and the late James P. Rhein, Sr.

James was a police officer for many years, and faithfully served the communities of Tullytown, Penndel, and Falls Township. Since his retirement from the Falls Township Police Department, James has owned and operated Horizon Lawn and Landscaping. Prior to Joining the police force, James was heavily involved and enjoyed politics. He proudly served as Township Supervisor for Falls Township from 1996 until 1999. In his leisure, he enjoyed times spent at the beach, personal fitness, and above all spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife and mother, James is survived by his 4 loving children; Kayleigh N. Burns of Honolulu, HI, Jessica L, James, J. and Julia B. Rhein of Yardley. He is also survived by his sisters Loraine Clark of Charlotte, NC, Kristine Baron of Doylestown, PA, and Samantha Rhein of Levittown, PA, and his step-mother Joyceann Rhein.

James’ family will receive friends on Monday, January 14, 2013 from 6:00PM until his Funeral Service 7:30PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Road, (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will be private.

In lieu of all flowers, James’ family would like contributions to be made in his memory to the Education of Julia B. Rhein, C/O PNC Bank, 91 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley, PA 19067.

Jean M. Titters of Hatboro, PA died peacefully on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at Luther Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Hatboro, PA. She was 87.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph H. Titters.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Marie Jones Ragan and sister of the late Mildred Lautenbach and Horace Ragan.

Before moving to Luther Woods, Mrs. Titters was formerly of Perkasie and a long time resident of Hatboro. She attended John W. Hallahan Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia. For many years she was employed as an assembler at Fischer & Porter in Warminster until her retirement in the late 1980’s. She enjoyed working with ceramics and taking trips to Florida with her late husband during the winter months. She was family oriented and always enjoyed the special times spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara A. Kelly of North Wales, Sharon L. Zerby and her husband, Robert, of Perkasie, and Mary Ann Heiland and her husband, Charles, of Silverdale. She is also survived by her four grandchildren; Heather Forsythe, Jennifer Moyer, Shannon Albright, Stephen Kelly and 3 great grandsons, Austin, Dylan and Ryan.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 11, 2013, from 9:30 AM until her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Route 152 and Broad Street, Hilltown, PA 18927.

Interment will take place at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 125 South 9th. Street, Suite 202, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Veronica M. Rogowski of Holland formerly of Bensalem died gracefully on Tuesday January 8, 2013 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. She was 96.

Born in Philadelphia she was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Rogowski, Sr., daughter of the late Joseph and Veronica Brakoniecki. Veronica was predeceased by 3 sisters and 3 brothers.

Vera, as she was know to family and friends was a resident of Bensalem for over 50 years and a faithful parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, for the past 10 years she has been a resident of Holland and a communicant of St. Bede the Venerable Parish.

Vera worked for 20 years as a fabricator for the Jay Company in Bensalem and for 18 years as a Inspector for Reliable Rubber Company, where she was part of the team that inspected the rubber that was used for the Apollo Astronauts boots. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post # 9220 in Bensalem and a founding member of the Gold Star Mother’s. Vera was also a active member of the Bensalem Senior Center and St. Thomas Aquinas Seniors. A woman of many talents, she enjoyed a game of chance, baking and fishing, her magic touch with a needle and thread were admired by all. She will be sadly missed by all who came to know and love her, especially her son and daughter-in-law who cared for her daily.

Vera is survived by her devoted son and loving daughter-in-law Edward J. Jr and Barbara Rogowski of Holland.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Thursday evening (tonight) from 7:00pm tom 9:00pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd.(at Holland Rd.) Richboro and to her concelebrated Funeral Mass Friday 10:00am at St,. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd. Holland.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Bede Capital Campaign at the above address.

John G. Cherry Jr., of Holland, PA, died on Monday, January 7, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family after a 10 month battle with cancer. He was 76. John, also known to friends and family as "Jack," was the beloved husband of 32 years to Margaret A. Costello Cherry.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, John was the son of the late John G. Sr. and Margaret L. Cherry, and father of the late Robert and Cheryl Cherry.

John graduated in 1954 from Frankford High School at the age of 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He spent 8 years between active and reserve duty and spent some of that time on the French Rivera on the destroyer tender repair ship Yellowstone. John was a long-time resident of Holland and worked for 46 years at Liberty Bell Park and Philadelphia Park in various full- and part-time positions. He also worked for Modern Handling Equipment in their sales department. In his leisure, John enjoyed gardening, fishing, and most of all spending time with his wife and family at home and in Ocean City, Maryland.

In addition to his wife Margaret, John is survived by his loving step daughters and their fiancés: Lynne Clooney and Mark Fala, and Tracy Everly and Steven Ratz. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: William and Joseph Clooney, Ashlyn Parks, and Robert and Lisa Cherry.

John’s family will receive friends on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 10:00 AM until his memorial service at 11:00 AM at Addisville Reformed Church, 945 Second St. Pike Richboro, PA 18954.

Interment will be conducted privately at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Attention: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250.