July 2021

Diane Thompson, 74, of Kennett Square, died Monday, July 5, at Season’s Hospice at Christiana Hospital. She was the wife of Robert “Bobby” M. Thompson, Jr., who died in 2008, and with whom she shared 42 years of marriage.

Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Troy Shupe, Jr. and the late Jean Hoosier Church.

Diane was a homemaker, but in earlier years she worked as a hairdresser.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.

She enjoyed going out to dinner with friends, shopping with her daughters, trips to the hairdresser and nail salon, and countless vacations with her family. She was known for being the organizer of all holiday gatherings and traditions and also the one to set up countless dates with her cousins to enjoy live music and delicious food. She never ended a day without calling her two daughters to say, “I love you and goodnight.”

Her grandchildren meant the world to her. She never missed an event and was their loudest cheerleader from the sideline. The minute she met someone they immediately had a connection and from then on they called her MomMom.

Diane is survived by two daughters, Michelle Hughes, and her husband Larry of Hockessin, and Christine DiUbaldo and her husband Domenic of Hockessin; one sister, Susan Wolfe of Newark, and five grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary, Sophia, Domenic, and Joey.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. A second visitation will be held on Monday morning, July 12, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE from 10 to 11.  Her funeral mass will follow at 11. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Diane’s memory may be made to the Sanford School, 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

 

Mrs. Joanne S. Kushner, 72, of Kennett Square, died peacefully, Friday, July 2, in the presence of her husband Dave, family, and friends. Born on Oct. 19, 1948, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Jessica (Salla) Fiore. Joanne was a 1966 graduate of West Catholic High School.

Joanne met Dave Kushner when she was just 17 years old. He was the love of her life. They married on Oct. 10, 1970, and together they shared 51 beautiful years of marriage, life, and love. Joanne’s love for children led her to her first career as a teacher, teaching pre-kindergarten. Together, Joanne and Dave raised their son Andrew, whom she was most proud of. After raising their son, Joanne returned to work and found her true passion in the jewelry business, beginning at Service Merchandise and then to designing custom pieces with private jewelers. Joanne was extremely talented in her knowledge of diamonds, and she received joy in knowing she helped someone design or select the perfect piece of jewelry. Joanne had so much love and generosity for children, the elderly, the sick, and the dying and cared for so many selflessly throughout her life. She treated each of her friends like family.

Joanne was happiest when she and Dave were spending time with their son, cooking her signature Italian dishes for her family and friends, and caring for their home. Her generosity compared to none as she was always in search of the perfect card, or gift for those she loved. Joanne had true compassion in her heart, as she continuously supported animal rights and our veterans, as well as many other charities in need. In addition to her devoted husband, Joanne is survived by her loving son, Andrew Kushner of Newark, DE, her cousin Carol Lupo of Philadelphia and her extended family and friends that will miss her dearly. In addition to her parents, Joanne is preceded in death by her brother Salvatore Fiore.

Friends will be received on Thursday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. Her entombment will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.

Contributions may be made in Mrs. Kushner’s name to Longwood Fire Co., 1001 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Way, Memphis, TN 38105, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or to PAWS for People, PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714.

Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square; please visit Mrs. Kushner’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

On July 1st, 2021, Chevis Regal’s stock price fell sharply on the news of Ronal Fenstermacher’s passing.  Senior executives at Chevis called an emergency meeting to brace for the impact of the anticipated drop in sales.

Born in West Chester to Hilda Lane Gordy on Jan. 3, 1946; Ron was a graduate of West Chester High School in 1963 and the Philadelphia College of Art in 1968.  In 1968, Ron was drafted by the US Army during the Vietnam War.  He was sent to Japan for a bullet to the knee and a case of malaria.  He was honorably discharged in 1970.

Poppy, age 75, bought the farm, is no more, has ceased to be, left this world, is bereft of life, gave up the ghost, kicked the bucket, murió, c’est fini. In a few short weeks, esophageal cancer took his life. He was always the life of the party but when it was time to go, he slipped quietly and peacefully out the back door.

Ronal is survived by his wife Edythe Joines Fenstermacher and his two children – Heidi Fenstermacher and her wife Sarah McDonald and Curtis Fenstermacher and his husband Jay Hummel. His first wife Nancy Fenstermacher is the mother of the wonder twins.  Ron will also be missed by Nancy’s wife Barbara Churchville.  He is also the best Poppy to his amazing grandson, Bodie Fenstermacher. He will also be missed by his cousin Kirk Grim and his family as well as his two sisters Brenda Montague and Holly Davis. He was predeceased by his favorite fur person – Pooh Bear.

Mr. Ron would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, dancing, gardening, and reading to his heart’s content. Music, laughter, and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. He left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated.

He lived 1,000 years in his 75 years on Earth because he attacked life; he grabbed it by the lapels, kissed it, and swung it back onto the dance floor. Ronal was world-renowned for his lack of patience, not holding back his opinion and a knack for telling it like it is.  He was highly proficient at cursing. He did the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday, in ink.

He had a career in interior design and created amazing spaces for clients who became friends.  He was published in design magazines for his wonderfully creative and unique projects from coast to coast. He had the most amazing gardens that overflowed with wonder and excitement.  He had a zest for life’s adventures – travel, food, libations, and fun.

Ron was a Rotarian for many years and was proud of the work that Rotary did in the community and around the world.  He will be honored posthumously as the Most Social Rotarian of the Year in 2021.

Ronal is remembered as a man who left a trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, wisdom and of course his fabulous hat collection.

Please don your most festive hat and join us for a “Life of the Party” celebration in memory of Ronal Fenstermacher. We plan to honor a life well lived on Sunday, July 18, from noon-3 p.m. at Sovana Bistro in Kennett Square, which was not only Ron’s favorite “kitchen” but also his last creative gift to the world.  Contributions in his memory may be made to Longwood Rotary Club, PO Box 781, Kennett Square, PA . 19348 or online at  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N2ET6B8SPKVBE

 

Helen Louise Fourney (Vollmer), 90, of Kennett Square, died suddenly on July 3, surrounded by her family. Helen was the beloved wife of Edward B. Fourney. They had celebrated 69 years of marriage on June 28.

She is survived by a son, Edward Richard Fourney and his wife, Diane; two granddaughters, Lisa McClafferty and her husband, Kevin, and Jill Haile and her husband, Michael; six great-grandchildren, William McClafferty, Andrew McClafferty, Owen McClafferty, Emilie Louise Haile, Max Haile, and Laine Haile; one sister, Charlotte Clemons and her husband, William, from Williamsport, and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was born, raised, and educated in Williamsport. She met Ed at a rollerskating rink and later married and started a family.  Ed was transferred to the Kennett Square area in 1960 while working for The Mushroom Transportation Co., and Kennett Square became their permanent home.

Helen’s life was devoted to her family. She adored her granddaughters and their children. She celebrated her 90th birthday on June 4 at a family gathering and was absolutely delighted to be honored on her special day.

Helen and Ed enjoyed their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware where they enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and boating. Their small place was usually filled with family, children, and friends where many special memories were made for 30 years.

Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 8 at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St. Kennett Square, PA 19348 at 11 a.m. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service at 10. Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to support research for CTNNB1 Syndrome. This was very important to Helen due to her great-granddaughter, Emilie, being diagnosed and living with this rare disease. She always wanted to help Emilie in every way she could. Online donations can be made at: http://www.curectnnb1.org  OR  Checks can be made out to Advancing CTNNB1 Cures and Treatments and Sent to: Advancing CTNNB1 Cures and Treatments Attn: Lauren Cochran, 8 Loantaka Lane, North Morristown, NJ 07960. Please put Emilie’s or Helen’s name on the check or in “Why I donated” on online donations so we may honor your donation with a thank you. Thank you in advance for your support of Emilie. Helen would be so very happy.

Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (1-800-FUNERAL) Condolences may be shared at www.griecofunerals.com