Patricia B. Broome, 58

LINWOOD – Patricia Beth Broome, 58, of Linwood, died May 12, 2009 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., and then Willingboro, she moved to Ocean City in 1986, then Linwood in 2003. She graduated from Westminster Choir College in 1972, having become an accomplished coloratura soprano performing with conductor Leonard Bernstein. Afterwards, she received a degree as a registered nurse and last worked as an admissions nurse for Holy Redeemer Health System in Seaville.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Walter; and a daughter, Lauren.

A service was held May 18 at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood. A graveside service and burial followed at Laurel Memorial Park, Pomona. Condolences may be e-mailed to wgbroome3@comcast.net.

Joseph Cefali, 75

SEAVILLE – Joseph Cefali, 75, of Seaville, died May 17, 2009 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in Lodi, he had lived in Saddle Brook before moving to Seaville. He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Marmora, where he was an active member of the Mature Adult Club and an usher at the church.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa Cefali (Drozdi); sons, David and Richard; and his grandson, Nicholas.

A Mass of Resurrection was offered May 20 from the Church of the Resurrection, Marmora. Interment will be private at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to The Godfrey Funeral Home.

Kathleen M. Costa, 59

SOMERS POINT – Kathleen M. Costa, 59, of Somers Point and Blue Anchor, died May 11, 2009 after a 10-year battle with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., and raised in Williamstown, she was formerly of Ocean City. She lived in Somers Point for 25 years. She was a graduate of Lady of the Angels Academy in Haddonfield, Class of 1967, and graduated college from Mount St. Vincent College in New York. She was a teacher in the area for almost 30 years, and spent the majority of her career teaching French at Absegami High School in Galloway Township. She also was a teacher at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton and Our Lady of Grace in Somerdale.

She was predeceased by her mother, Catherine M. (nee Murray).

Survivors include her father, Benjamin C. Costa; a brother, Martin Costa; nieces, Allison Reed, Gina Costa and Maria Fabian; her “husband,” Leonard Borromeo; and extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 16 at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Williamstown. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Williamstown. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or at www.stjude.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to the Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home, Williamstown.

Leanna M. Craft, 40

SEAVILLE – Leanna M. Craft, 40, of Seaville, died May 15, 2009.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., she was an area resident most of her life. She was an avid reader, a member of the PTA, a room mother, and worked for Party Hoppers in Marmora.

Survivors include her husband, James; children, Kristen and John; mother, Lee; father, John; and two brothers, John Robert and Stephen Robert.

Funeral services were May 20 from the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Ocean City. Memorial contributions may be made to her children. Arrangements entrusted to the Langley-Loveland Funeral Home, Tuckahoe.

Jane M. Crane, 82

NORTHFIELD – Jane M. Crane, 82, of Northfield, died May 15, 2009.

She was born in Margate and had resided in Northfield since 1946. She was a loving homemaker who provided a strong family foundation. A devout Christian, she was a member of the Central United Methodist Church since 1957. She was a member of the Northfield Women’s Republican Club and the Northfield Garden Club. She belonged to the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Northfield Fire Company, and the Northfield Needlework Guild.

She was predeceased by her mother, Helen LeBude Taylor; father, Thomas Stanton Taylor; a son, Thomas M. Crane Jr.; two brothers, Warren and Thomas Taylor; and her husband, Thomas M. Crane.

Survivors include a step-sister, Eleanor Hume of Blue Bell, Pa.; her daughters, Sharon Evans of Seaville and Nancy Andrews of South Seaville; grandchildren, Scott Andrews, Shannon Evans, Kelly Andrews and Christopher Evans; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services were offered May 20 at Central United Methodist Church, Linwood. Burial followed at Laurel Memorial Park, Pomona. Arrangements were entrusted to the Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, Northfield.

Kenneth B. Epps Sr., 56

SOMERS POINT – Kenneth B. Epps, Sr., 56, of Somers Point, died May 10, 2009 in the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, city division, Atlantic City.

Born in Atlantic City, he was a lifelong area resident.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; his children, Kenneth Jr., Shanda, Rhoda, Trisha, Kristofer, and Corinne; his mother, Dorothy Epps; three sisters, Susimae Russ, Gwendolyn Nichols and Sandra Golden, and four grandchildren.

Services were held May 15 in the Greenidge Funeral Home, Atlantic City.

Jessie S. Finch Jr., 67

OCEAN CITY – Jessie S. Finch, Jr., 67, of Ocean City, died May 5, 2009.

Born in Americus, Ga., he was an Ocean City resident for most of his life. He worked in public works for the City of Ocean City for 20 years before his retirement. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ocean City, and an avid cyclist and fisherman.

Survivors include a son, Terrance A. Lucy of Virginia Beach, Va.; nine grandchildren; four siblings, Rosetta Snow of Wilmington, Del., and Jeanette Selby, Doreen Johnson and Jerome Selby, all of Ocean City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service of memory and love was offered May 16 from The Godfrey Funeral Home, Ocean City. Burial is private at the convenience of the family.

Vivian H. Hewish, 88

OCEAN CITY – Vivian H. Hewish (nee Holt), 88, of Ocean City, died May 8, 2009 at The shores at Wesley Manor, in Ocean City.

Born in Dunn Center, N.D., she was formerly of Philadelphia, Pa. and had summered in Ocean City for many years before moving there permanently in 1982. She was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Army WAAC before her honorable discharge in 1945. She was a graduate of Dickinson State College in North Dakota and was an elementary and special education teacher there and then for the Philadelphia Board of Education for 20 years before retirement in 1982. She was a member of the Ocean City Chapter for Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Leisure Club, A.A.R.P., St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City, and the Order of Eastern Star, Philadelphia Chapter.

Survivors include her husband, Alfred Hewish Jr. of Ocean City; two daughters, Nancy E. Hewish of Southhampton, Pa. and Joyce L. Blocker of Lehighton, Pa.; three grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Stranik and Iona S. Ross both of Dickinson, N.D.

A service of memory and love will be offered Saturday, May 23, at 11:30 a.m. from St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Eighth Street at Central Avenue, Ocean City, where friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Building Fund, 501 East 8th St., Ocean City, NJ 08226 or the Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (Ocean City Chapter), 1 E. New York Ave., Somers Point, NJ 08244. The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City and Palermo has charge of arrangements.

Fred G. Meister

OCEAN CITY – Fred G. “Fritz” Meister, of Ocean City, died May 18, 2009.

He was formerly of Upper Moreland and Kensington, Pa.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Creary).

Survivors include a son, Gerald F. Meister and his wife, Carol; grandchildren, Kim, Gerald, Deanna, Craig, Gregg and Edward; great-grandfather of 13.

A life celebration will be offered Friday, May 22 beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a service of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., at Craft-Givnish Funeral Home of Abington, 1801 Old York Road (at Old Welsh Road) Abington, Pa. Interment will be at Lawnview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Artman Lutheran Home 250 N. Bethlehem Pike Ambler, Pa. 19002.

John P. Percodani, 29

LINWOOD – John P. Percodani, 29, of Linwood, died suddenly May 10, 2009.

Born in Atlantic City, he grew up in Linwood and was a graduate of Mainland High School, Class of 1998. He was an Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officer for the past four years. He enjoyed spending time with his children and was active with coaching youth hockey leagues in Linwood and Somers Point.

He was predeceased by his mother Teresa (Stanton).

Survivors include his sons, Luke and Jaden; his father, Thomas J. Percondani, Sr. of Linwood; a brother, Thomas J. “T.J.” Jr. of Hammonton; three sisters, Kelly, Terry and Laura Percondani, all of Linwood; longtime companion, Andrea Schmidt of Somers Point; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 15 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Linwood. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. Memorial contributions may be made to his children’s education fund, c/o Thomas J. Percodani, Jr., 202 Jamestown Blvd., Hammonton, NJ 08037. Arrangements entrusted to the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home of Linwood.

Helene C. Reiter

OCEAN CITY – Helene Clementine Reiter, of Ocean City, died May 13, 2009 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, she came to the United States in May 1947 and had lived in Mentor, Ohio, Mendham, N.J., Springfield, Pa. and Philadelphia, Pa. She had summered in Ocean City since 1964 and moved there permanently in October 1985. She was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and a former member of the Riverboat Club, both in Ocean City.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, William M. Reiter of Ocean City; two children, William L. Reiter of Newtown Square, Pa. and Ann Christine Snyder of Egg Harbor Township; and three grandchildren, William P., Christopher and Aaron.

A graveside funeral service was offered May 18 in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2998 Bay Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226. The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City and Palermo has charge of arrangements.

Teresa Rumer, 95

LINWOOD – Teresa “Terrie” Cerruti Rumer, 95, died May 16, 2009 at Brandywine Brandall Estates Assisted Living in Linwood after a two-year battle with leukemia.

She and her twin sister, Betty Lavis, were born in Pleasantville, then were residents of Ocean City all their lives before moving to Linwood a year ago. They were graduates of Ocean City High School, Class of 1933, and were honored last year on the anniversary of their 75th year. They owned and operated Cerruti’s Beauty Shop, a business started by their father, Peter Cerruti. She married Eddie Rumer Oct. 10, 1037. She was a member of St. Augustine’s Leisure Club and the Holy Redeemer Auxiliary.

She was predeceased by her husband, Eddie; and her daughter-in-law, Michele (Tolson) Rumer.

Survivors include her twin sister, Betty; two sons, Edwin Rumer Jr. of Marmora and George Rumer of Ocean City; a daughter, Susan Peifer of Upper Township; grandchildren, Pam Panciera, Lynn Belz, Christine Loder, Terri Verrone, Lisa Rumer, Michael Rumer, Jerry Peifer, Stephen Peifer and David Peifer; great-grandchildren, Michael Cullinane and Luke Panciera, Aubrey Loder, Justin, Spencer, Russell and Amber Belz, Ethan and Kyle Verrone, David and Samatha Rumer, TJ Rumer, Zachary and Gavin Peifer, Kyle Brown and Alaina Peifer; nices, nephews and extended family.

A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. from St Augustine’s Catholic Church, 13th St and Ocean Ave, Ocean City. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service. Memorial contributions may be made to Ocean City FMBA No. 27, 550 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226 or the Ocean City PBA No. 61, P.O. Box 293, Ocean City, NJ 08226. The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City and Palermo has charge of arrangements.

Frank F. Sheldon, 93

OCEAN CITY – Frank F. Sheldon, 93, of Ocean City, died May 13, 2009 at his home.

Born in and formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., he was an Ocean City resident for two and a half years. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army before his honorable discharge in 1945. He worked as a salesman for Motive Suppliers in Philadelphia, Pa. for many years before his retirement.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Sheldon; and brother, Ray Sheldon.

Survivors include two sons, Frank F. Sheldon of Ocean City, and Paul Sheldon of Denver, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Steven, Christi, Douglas, Jonathan, Noelle, Kimberly and Kevin; and two great-grandchildren, Brody and Mia.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered May 18 from Our Lady of Good Counsel R. C. Church, Ocean City. Burial followed in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel R. C. 3948 Central Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226. The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City and Palermo has charge of arrangements.

Isabelle Sims, 79

MARMORA – Isabelle Sims, 79, of Marmora, died May 12, 2009 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., she was formerly of Croydon, Pa. and was a resident of Marmora for three years. She had worked as a cafeteria worker for Rohm-Haas in Philadelphia, Pa. for many years before her retirement.

Survivors include a son, John “Guy” Sims of Bensalem, Pa.; two grandchildren, Kristin and Kelsey; two brothers, Harry Sims of Villas and Tom Sims of Marmora; a sister, Marge Norman of Marmora; and a sister-in-law, Dolores Sims of Wildwood.

Funeral services were offered May 15 from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo. Burial was private in the family lot in Fernwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 1600 Route 22 East, Union, NJ 07083.

Theron E. Wetzler, 92

STONE HARBOR – Theron E. “Peanut” Wetzler, 92, of Stone Harbor, died May 15, 2009 at the home of his daughter, Holly Crain, in Petersburg.

He was a resident of Stone Harbor since 1926. He was born in Warren, Pa., son of the late Frederick and Nellie Stimpson Wetzler. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Guam and the southern Pacific Theaters; and was awarded the American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater and Philippines Liberation Ribbons. He was a member of the Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331 of Stone Harbor and life member of the VFW Post 8675 of Marmora. He joined the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company in 1937, as a junior member and at age 21 became a full member. He was recognized Feb. 17, 2009, for nearly 75 years of service to the fire company and was honored as deputy chief emeritus. He was a retired carpenter, having worked for Herbert Hornsby and worked for local families as a handyman. He enjoyed hunting and boating, and wintering in Florida. He traveled after his retirement as military alumni, and revisited Guam and the Southern Pacific. He was a charter member of the USS New Jersey when it was brought to Camden.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; and a grandson, Brian H. Wetzler.

Survivors include a son, Barry F. of Idaho; two daughters, Holly Crain and Helen D. Edwards, both of Petersburg; grandchildren, Scott F. Wetzler, Elizabeth DiGioia-Laird and Laurel Crain; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held May 20 at the Radzieta Funeral Home, Cape May Court House. Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be made to The National World War II Museum at www.nationalww2museum.org/honor-roll or the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Co., PO Box 539, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.