Carmen T. Topper,  passed away peacefully at Neshaminy Manor with her family by her side on March 7, 2018.  She was 88 years young.

She was the wife of the late Donald B. Lyman, Gary M. Cresta and Linus Benedict Topper.

Born in Johnstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Erlamond Fisher Trexler.

She graduated from Upper Darby High School and Pierce Business School.  She was in the account supervision department at Smith Barney on Wall Street and transferred to the Philadelphia office prior to her to marriage to Donald Lyman in 1950.  In 1965, she accomplished her dream opening Lyman’s Card and Gift Shoppe, until sadly Don passed away in 1969.   She then worked as a secretary at Garrettford Elementry School in Drexel Hill, PA.  In 1974, with her new husband, Gary Cresta, she opened her interior design and gift shop called Nob Hill Collections in Ardmore, PA.  During this time, she was asked to be a designer in the Vassar Design House.  In 1980, they decided to retire to Delray Beach, FL, where she obtained her real estate license and was very successful selling homes in Boca Raton.

They moved back to PA after several years to be with family, and she started working at Fred Beans Ford as a Greeter in Doylestown, PA where she met Ben Topper who passed away in 2004.  She moved to the Manor of Yorktown in Jamison, PA where she met wonderful friends and sang in the manor choir.  She also joined the VIA at Doylestown Hospital, volunteering at the Designer Houses and then decided to become a Doylestown Hospital Volunteer in the gift shop.  She loved the theater, her bridge clubs, all the wonderful staff at Neshaminy Manor who took such loving care of her and all her wonderful friends, spanning from high school into her later years.  

She is survived by her children, Donna and Jim Fonash of Chalfont, PA, Bobbie and Barry Bachman of Marlton, NJ., and Gregory and Wendy Lyman of Marlton, NJ.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Blake Lyman, wife Karen, Jaime Voels, husband Ryan, Jared Fonash, wife Gina, Brittany Lyman, Ashley Lyman and Courtney Lyman and her great-grandchildren; Caitlyn, Allison, Jackson, Dylan and Eva.  She is also survived by a sister in law Donna Boyce-TrexlerGeertz, niece Keri Trexler, and nephews, Mark Trexler, Todd Korker and Chip Korker and cousin Sally Luther.  She was predeceased by her beloved brothers; K, and Bart Trexler.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 9:00AM until her Funeral Service 11:00 AM at the Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church, 321 W. Butler Avenue, New Britain, PA 18901.  Her interment will be held privately in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lenape Valley Church, 321 W. Butler Avenue, New Britain, PA  18901 or St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Milford Robert Vail, of Langhorne, died at home on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. He was 83 years old.

He is the beloved husband of Sybil Jane (Moore) Vail for 53 years.

Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the only son of the late Milford and Ruth Johnson Vail. Having spent most of his early life in upstate New York, he attended Alfred University, where he earned his B.S. in Engineering. He met Sybil Jane in Florida when he was owner and manager of Vail’s Men’s and Ladies’ Apparel.  He became a 32^nd Degree Mason when they lived in Massachusetts. He enjoyed music, and sang and played the organ, clarinet and saxophone.

In addition to his wife Sybil Jane, Milford is survived by his loving daughter, Debra Jane. He is the beloved “Bumpa” to Kathryn and Liana Ennis.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Milford’s family on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 1:00 pm until the start of his funeral service, 1:30 pm at New Life Christian Church, 4 Freedom Drive in Newtown, PA 18940. Rev. Dr. Norman J. Leve will officiate. His interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Christian Church, at the above address.

Marcia Pelzel, of Furlong, PA died Wednesday, March 7, 2018.  She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard Clement Pelzel. 

Born in Andijk, Netherlands, she was the daughter of the late Klaas and Ida Prins Groot.

As a teenager, “Marjo” enjoyed her school studies and gymnastics.  After surviving through WW II in occupied Holland, Marjo was anxious to travel, and was employed as a nanny in England and Belgium.  Her travels eventually took her to the United States and Canada.  Marjo married Bernard in 1959 and they shared 54 years of marriage before Ben’s passing in 2013.  Together Ben and Marjo raised five children in Westport, CT.  They retired to Vermont, Maine and then to Furlong, Pennsylvania.  Marjo and Ben loved to travel with their motor home, visiting friends and relatives across the United States.

Marjo loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and good friends. She loved flowers of all types, but especially tulips from her native Holland.  Marjo’s perfect afternoon consisted of sitting outside on a beautiful afternoon with a cup of tea.  Marjo had great enthusiasm for life, always living life fully, with a positive attitude and complete grace. Her bright smile, warm hugs, and twinkling blue eyes will be sorely missed. 

She is survived by her five children, Audrey Pelzel of Gretna, VA, Kenneth Pelzel of Greenwich, CT, Ronald Pelzel and his wife Elizabeth of Brooklyn, CT, Richard Pelzel (late Samara) of Worcester, VT, Wendela Lund and her husband Mark of Furlong, PA, her sister Marie Groot and sister in law Pietje Groot of the Netherlands, many extended family in the Netherlands, sister in law Lorraine Tauer of Minnesota, brothers in law Melvin Pelzel and Frank Mueller, and many nieces and nephews.  She was also the loving Oma to six grandchildren, Quintin, Harrison, Carter, Eleanor, Spencer and Ryan. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Monday, March 19, 2018 from 9:00 AM until her Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at Doylestown United Methodist Church, 320 E. Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA  18901.  Her interment will be held promptly at 1:00 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Robert J. “Bob” Miller of Newtown passed away unexpectedly, but comfortably, of natural causes on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.  He was 84.

Born in Philadelphia, Bob was the youngest son of the late James and Helen (Getty) Miller.  Bob was also the loving husband of the late Jane B. (Paul) Miller, with whom he had shared sixty years of marriage and four children.

Bob, after graduation from Frankford High School, attended the Philadelphia College of Art (PCA) on a four-year scholarship.  It was at PCA that Bob met his future wife, Jane.  Upon graduation from PCA, Bob embarked upon a respected and successful 60-year career in advertising and marketing.  Even when he was drafted into the US Army, as part of the NATO defense force stationed in West Germany, Bob utilized his artistic skills as a cartographer for the Third Army, 2nd Armored Division, part of the so-called “Patton’s Army.”  After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob worked for a number of different advertising agencies before landing a position at Hurst Performance.  At Hurst, Bob was part of the original team behind the graphic design and marketing materials of what was then a revolutionary new device, “The Jaws of Life,” a device that continues to save countless lives.  He founded his own business, Graphixworkshop, before joining Marketing Group as a partner and Senior Creative Director, a position which he would hold for over 30 years. 

Given his lifelong attitude, dedication and drive towards his work, traditional retirement never appealed to Bob.  Semi-retired, Bob would gladly take on small jobs just to keep his hand in the business he most enjoyed.  In his younger days, Bob had volunteered his talent and countless hours to the local Jaycees, designing and creating banners and floats for various parades.  In his later years, Bob did much the same for his friends and family, designing and creating business cards, t-shirts, yearbook covers, and all other sundry and varied things, all without complaint or consideration of cost.

Despite his overarching work ethic, Bob did have other outside interests which he pursued with the same passion and enthusiasm.  Bob was a long-time season ticket holder of the Flyers who rarely missed a game, either in person or on TV.  Bob also enjoyed following the Phillies and Eagles, whose recent Super Bowl victory brought him great joy.  Aside from sports, Bob thoroughly enjoyed family vacations in Wildwood.  In his later years, Bob became an avid reader, devouring one detective novel after another, especially favoring the irascible Harry Bosch.  Ultimately, Bob might be best remembered as a man in nearly constant motion.  At the time of his passing, Bob was eagerly looking forward to starting a volunteer position at St. Mary Medical Center.  He will be fondly remembered for his wry sense of humor, friendliness, and generosity, and sadly and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his children:  Dale Frederick (Mike); Alison White (Charles); Tracy Hassell (Joseph); and David Miller (Marian).  He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren:  Victoria Flake (Tyler); Elizabeth Hopkins; Celia and Robert White; Daniel Hassell; and Jessica Miller; his sister-in-law Roberta Miller; and his sister-in-law Merle O’Hara (Bill).  In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was also preceded in death by his brother, James.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 12:00 PM until his Memorial Service begins at 1:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954.  His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to The University of the Arts, College of Arts, Media, and Design, 320 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Wayne R. Johnson of Holland and Richboro, died peacefully, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Chandler Hall in Newtown, PA. He was 69 years old.

Wayne was the beloved husband of Karen Schlaich Johnson for 48 years. In addition to Karen, Wayne is survived by his children, Douglas (Tammy), Matthew (Monica), and Kate Murphy(Kevin) and his grandchildren; Daniel, Brendan, Chase, Shane, Rylan, Garrett and Gabriel; his brother, Lee (Ann); and his sister, Lois Rafalowski (Paul).

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Roberts and Jeannette Mollenkof Johnson. Wayne was a 1971 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture, and was licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His significant accomplishments include design and management of such projects as the Falls Township Community Park, the award-winning Pennswood Village, Chandler Hall, Central Park in Doylestown, and the award-winning Villages at Flowers Mill. He retired in 2010, having worked in the industry for almost 40 years, as member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of Pickering Corts & Summerson in Newtown, PA.

While he enjoyed his career and many accomplishments, Wayne particularly loved golf, SCUBA diving, travel and, most of all, time spent with his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Wayne’s family on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 10:00 am until his memorial service at noon, at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road) Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to Chandler Hall at 99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940. They would especially like to thank each and every member of the Chandler Hall Staff for their amazing love and care.

Donna Schmidt – May 13, 1935 to March 6, 2018

Donna H. Schmidt of Churchville, PA went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Abington Jefferson Health Hospice at Warminster.  She was 82.

Born in Gray, Iowa she was the wife of the late James G. Schmidt and the daughter of the late Peter and Ivah King Petersen.  She married Jim on January 25, 1958 until he passed on February 14, 2002.  This year was their 60^th anniversary.

Everyone who met Donna Schmidt says the same thing: “she’s a tough ol’ bird,” “she’s unstoppable,” “she’s a pistol,” “she always spoke her mind” and “she truly cared for people.”  That sums up Donna. 

Donna had a deep expressive heart that lavished her family with gifts, loving the time that she got to spend with her children (Troy & Tami), their spouses (Barbie & Jim), her grandchildren (Riley/Audrey, Brady/Alana, Carson, Jaret) and recently her great-grandchild (Penelope). 

She loved playing cards, which showed her competitive nature, but most of all, those games were times to gather with friends and talk about the world (okay let’s call it what it was---gossip).

Donna lit up every room she walked into, making her presence felt.  Whether it was a party, Wegmans, Chicos or church, Donna socialized with as many as she could, dropping one-liners with that twinkle in her eye.  You knew she was thinking something sly and devious, ready to offer her opinion or her humor.

She made friends everywhere she went.  If you were standing in line with her, she would find out where you were from, why you were there, your family history and your line of work.  She had a way making everyone feel comfortable and easy to talk to.

One other word always comes to mind when people think of Donna and that’s a “fighter.”  When her husband Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer, she took care of him and stopped smoking herself (after 40 plus years) completely cold turkey.  Patches and gum she saw as a weakness.  When Jim was diagnosed with M.S., Donna bought a lift vehicle to wheel his scooter around and drove both of them down to Florida to visit the grandkids.  When Jim was on hospice, Donna demanded he be moved home and took care of him around the clock.

With her husband gone, Donna didn’t sit around, pull the shades and mourn in isolation.  She got out and became a model of how people should grieve.  She joined more Weekender organizations, card clubs, widow groups and drove, drove, drove to gathering after gathering.  Donna took others to their appointments or picked them up at the airport.  I-95 didn’t scare this ol’ lady.

When she herself heard the words “lung cancer,” she knew it was her fault and gave chemotherapy and radiation a run, but when it slowed her down too much, she rejected another round and opted instead to embrace her 100 mph lifestyle over sitting in chairs and wasting away.  She hated being pushed around in a wheelchair and using a walker.  It slowed her down! She wanted to leave this earth sprinting. 

And that’s what she did.

The doctors gave her one and a half years to live, but Donna had more life in her.  Without treatment Donna doubled that prognosis and by the grace of God outlived almost all of her friends and went out her way.

Up to the last months of her life, she drove to the airport, flew to Orlando for Christmas and hung out with her Florida family.  She always drove up to New Jersey to see her youngest grandson Jaret, who she could spoil and love.

Life was a fast-lane for Donna, but eventually life forced her to hit the brakes.

The Friday before she died, Donna said “let’s do this” and said goodbye to all her kids and grandkids.  Oxygen was removed.  Pain medication given, but Donna continued to fight.  For five days on light oxygen, no food and no liquids, Donna gave death a final one-two, eventually succumbing Tuesday afternoon.

She had a quiet faith in God, evidenced by the Bibles and daily readings that surrounded her house.  She served at church as a greeter (perfect job, right) and helped out when needed.

Life will be a little quieter and a little slower without her, but life was a little better with her.

Donna is survived by her loving and devoted children: Troy E. Schmidt and his wife Barbie of Windermere, FL and Tami M. Haupt and her husband Jim of Succasunna, NJ.  She is also survived by her dear grandchildren: Riley, Brady, and Carson Schmidt and Jaret Haupt and her great granddaughter Penelope.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 11:00am until her Funeral Service, 12 Noon in Addisville Reformed Church, 945 Second Street Pike, Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at https://giving.mskcc.org/.

Eleanor Messineo Frazza of Newtown died March 6, 2018 at Pennswood Village. She was 96.

Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late Everett J. Frazza.

Born in Clifton, New Jersey, she was the daughter of  the late Michele and Antonia Mason Messineo  and was the sister of the late Stephen Messineo and Josephine Messineo and Angeline Scangarello.

Eleanor had moved to Doylestown after living many years in Yorktown Heights, NY.  She was a library volunteer in both locations, and also volunteered at the Michener Museum in Doylestown.

Eleanor is survived by her children; Mark S. Frazza of Philadelphia, Christian N. Frazza of Helena, Montana, Elizabeth Ann Bewley of Dayton, Ohio and Janine Frazza of Watkinsville, Georgia. She is also survived by her nieces Anita and Nancy Scangarello of Clifton, New Jersey.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a gathering in Eleanor’s memory at 1:00pm on  Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Bella Napoli Restaurant, 1640 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Mary F. Boland of Southampton passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018.  She was 94.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Elizabeth O’Rourke Boland.

Mary was a simple woman who was deeply devoted to her family.  She enjoyed traveling and countless trips with her family to the New Jersey Shore.  She was independent, funny, and so very special to her those who loved her.  She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are many loving nieces and nephews and her brother-in-law, Joseph Donnelly.  She also leaves behind her godson, Joey Donnelly to whom she was devoted.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her five siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 611 Knowles Ave., Southampton, PA 18966.  Her interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Our Lady of Confidence Day School, 314 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090.

Anita J. “Bunny” Shirley of New Hope passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 after a short illness, surrounded by her family.  She was 77.

Bunny was the loving wife of Robert J. Shirley with whom she shared 22 years of marriage. 

Born in Newark, NJ to the late Jack and Sara Dellutri Valenti, she was preceded in death by her son, Jack Giampolo.

She attended Hillside High School and was the owner and operator of a hair salon in Whippany, NJ. She was also an extraordinarily successful real estate agent across New Jersey and Florida. She loved fashion and interior design and was sought out by clients throughout Florida. She loved traveling by cruise, and playing mahjong with her friends, but her greatest love was her grandchildren.

Bunny was the life of any party, known for her hugs, dance moves, inappropriate jokes, and telling anyone who would listen how great her children and grandchildren were.

In addition to her husband, Bunny leaves behind by her sons, John and Tom Giampolo and her daughters-in-law, Lori and Christin; her grandchildren Sara, Alison, Jack, Olivia and Tommy; her step-sons, Robert and Scott Shirley (Donna); and her step-grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, Joseph, and Natalie.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.), New Britain, PA 18901.  Her Funeral Mass will follow  at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 1 PM, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Rd, Doylestown, PA 18902. Her interment will be private.

May E. Fitzgerald of Warminster died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at her residence. She was 80.

May was the beloved wife of 58 years to James G. Fitzgerald Sr.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Agnes (Fudala) Wise.

May was a former resident of Northeast Philadelphia before moving to Warminster in 1972.  She was a former Communicant of St. Anselm Church in Northeast Philadelphia and eventually with St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Warrington. In her leisure, she enjoyed crocheting and spending quality times with her family especially with Sunday dinners. She will be deeply missed by her family and by all who came to know her.

In addition to her husband James, May is survived by her two sons, James G. Fitzgerald Jr and his wife Cynthia of Maple Glen and Kevin Fitzgerald and his wife Susan Anti of Wilbraham, MA. She is also survived by her sister, Irene Graham of Warrington, her 8 grandchildren, Jillian Fitzgerald and her husband Joseph Cole, Brie Chyko and her husband Robert, James G. Fitzgerald III and his wife Stephanie, Alexandra, Robert, Dillon, Shane and Riley Fitzgerald and her great grandchildren, Emma, Ava and Nora Cole, James G. Fitzgerald IV, Jackson Cole and Declan Fitzgerald.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am on Friday, March 9^th in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA 19044.  May’s interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Christ Home Benevolence Fund, 1 Shepherds Way, Suite 1, Warminster, PA 18974.