Mary Beth “Maisie” Wilson, 57

OCEAN CITY – Mary Beth “Maisie” Wilson, 57, of Ocean City, died Feb. 6, 2011.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and friend and was a lifelong resident of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. She grew up in Northfield and made her home with her family in Ocean City. She was a 1972 graduate of Holy Spirit High School where she was a drum majorette and a major contributor to the ‘Spartan Spirit.’ She started her professional career at Atlantic City Country Club in 1969 and continued on to Prudential Insurance Company, Secretary to the Cape May Country Board of Realtors and spent the last 15 years at the tax office of Ocean City. She was a member of the Ocean City Beach Buggy Association and spent every weekend on the beach. Her favorite pastimes were ballroom dancing with her husband Michael, famous backyard barbeques and family holiday get-togethers.

She was predeceased by her father, Walter West, step-father, Robert Dawson, brother, Michael West, and extended family. Survivors include her husband, Michael Wilson, children, Kari Konrad of Ocean City, Angela Jackson of Augusta, Ga., Mikey Wilson of Ocean City, mother, Betty Dawson of Northfield, siblings, Denise Petrino, Tommy West, Walter West and Mark West, grandchildren, Lexi Konrad, Ben, Riley and Luke Jackson; step-siblings, Cheryl Dawson and Linda Gajewski, Joseph and Thomas Dawson and extended family. Services will be held on Feb. 11, 2011 at the Church of St. Frances Cabrini, 2nd Street and Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City. Relatives and friends are invited to her life celebration at 10 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. mass. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Bill S. Bartlett, 80

JUPITOR, Fla. – Bill S. Bartlett, 80, of Jupiter, Fla. and formerly of Linwood, died Jan. 20, 2011.

Born in New Jersey, he worked as a registered union electrician for Atlantic City Electric Company. A prominent citizen, he served as First Assistant Chief for the Linwood Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and on the Linwood Board of Education. He also dedicated years of service to the Boy Scouts. After moving to Florida in 1977, he continued his commitment to public service with the South Martin County Volunteer Fire Department. He owned and operated Sailing By Jupiter! and Bill’s Sharpening Service. In 1994, he and his son co-founded Barricade International.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce, four children, Gail, John, Sue and Carol, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be sent to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter Fla. 33458, or a charity of choice. A memorial service was Jan. 22, 2011 at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at 250taylorandmodeen.com.

Jean P. Bates, 89

SOMERS POINT – Jean P. Bates (nee Pickering), 89, of Somers Point died Feb. 1, 2011. She was born in Bridgeton and lived in Somers Point for the past 63 years. She previously resided in Greenwich, and Chicago, Ill., Memphis, Tenn. and Ocean City. She graduated from Bridgeton High School in Bridgeton and Trenton State Teachers College, presently the College of New Jersey in Trenton, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. She was a teacher in the Somers Point School District for over 15 years. She often mentioned her enjoyment to teach and her fondness of her colleagues and every student she taught. She was also a member of Eastern Star Chapter #83 in Ocean City. After retirement, Jean and her husband Frank became avid travelers until health issues limited their journeys. Since childhood, she had a passion for books and reading.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank N. Bates and son, Frank N. Bates, Jr. She was survived by her son, James P. Bates of Somers Point, grandchildren, Melissa Bates of Smithville, Stephanie Bates of Tuckahoe, two great grandchildren and extended family. Funeral services were offered Feb. 4 from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, Palermo. Burial followed in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo. Memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 6550 Delilah Road, Suite 501, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. 08234. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

James L. Betz, 82

OCEAN CITY – James L. Betz, 82, of Bradenton, Fla. and Ocean City died Feb. 2, 2011, after a lengthy illness in The Shores at Wesley Manor.

Born in Palmyra, Pa. he was raised in Elizabethtown, Pa. and had lived in Langhorne, Pa. Upon his retirement he moved to Bradenton, Fla. and summered in Ocean City.

He was a veteran who served with the U. S. Army, and was stationed in Japan and served the occupational troops from 1946 until his Honorable Discharge in 1948.

He was graduated from Penn State University in 1952 with an industrial engineering degree. He was chief industrial engineer for U. S. Steel Corp. in the Fairless Works Plant in Morrisville, Pa. where he worked for 30 years before his retirement in April 1983. He loved sailing, Penn State football, skiing, golf, tennis, traveling and the ocean. He had served as a director on the Neshaminy School Board from 1972 until 1978, member of the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, Langhorne Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, a member of the El Conquistador Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, Fla. and the Ocean City Yacht Club.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Betz of Bradenton, Fla., a daughter, Judy B. Zuch of Bensalem, Pa., three sons, Dr. Randal R. Betz of Ocean City, James L. Betz Jr. and Thomas B . Betz all of Langhorne, Pa. Survivors also include nine grandchildren, Randal R. Betz Jr., Christine Betz Flanagan, Aimee Betz Sherrock, Laurie Betz Steffa, Kimberly Zuch-Roberts, Lauren Zuch Schneider, Thomas Betz, Jr., Andrew Betz, Jillian Betz, eight great grandchildren, a brother, Lester Betz of Mechanicsburg, Pa., two sisters, Clara Reighard and Joann Mengel, all of Elizabethtown, Pa. A memorial service will be offered at the later date with private burial at the family’s convenience. Memorial contributions may be sent to Shriners Hospital, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19140. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Duvilla I. Blank, 79

LINWOOD – Duvilla I. Blank, 79, of Linwood, died Feb. 4, 2011.

She was born in Millville and raised in Seaville.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Russell Blank, parents, Edward and Josephine Boyce of Seaville, and her son, Charles R. Blank III. Survivors include her sons, Stephen Sr. (Lori) of Linwood and Lindsey of CT; her daughter, Holly of Linwood; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and her brother, Charles Boyce of Seaville. She will be sadly missed by the Romeos and Juliets of Somers Point McDonald’s. A service was held Feb. 8, 2011 at Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville. Condolences may be left at www.adams-perfect.com

Jayla Marie Kelly Bollinger, four months

OCEAN CITY –  Jayla Marie Kelly Bollinger, four months, died Jan. 28, 2011.

She was born on Sep. 18, 2010 to Brandie Kelly and James Bollinger.

She was survived by her parents, three brothers, Jerry Brooks, Nasir and Samir Kelly, grandparents, Annette Kelly and Dwayne Wilson of Ocean City, James and Catherine Bollinger Sr. of Ocean City, and extended family. Services were held on Feb. 5, 2011 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Ocean City. Visit mikalsfuneralparlor.com, or legacy.com.

Helen J. Bunnell

OCEAN CITY – Helen J. Bunnell, of Ocean City, formerly of Philadelphia died Jan. 28, 2011.

She was a resident of Ocean City for 23 years. She enjoyed her family and particularly family gatherings with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul. Survivors include her son, Paul Bunnell, daughters, Barbara Salsbery and Debbie Bunnell Bracken, grandchildren, Billy Salsbery, Jason Salsbery, Amanda Bracken, Brian Bracken, four great-grandchildren, and her brother, Paul Fox of Rehobeth Beach Del. A life celebration service was held Feb. 5, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ocean City. Interment is private. Memorial donations may be sent to Susan G. Koman For the Cure, Att: Donor Services, PO Box 650309 Dallas, Texas 75265-0309. Arrangements by Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, Northfield.

Joseph E. Carey Jr., 67

LINWOOD – Joseph E. Carey Jr., 67, of Linwood, died Jan. 27, 2011 at Saint Barnabas hospital.

He was a lifelong resident of Atlantic County. Born in Atlantic City, he grew up in Brigantine before his parents moved to Linwood. He was part of the first graduating class from Mainland Regional High School in 1962. Prior to his senior year, he attended Ocean City High School. An all around athlete, Joe enjoyed running and cycling. He was a former member of the Boardwalk runners and the Shore Cycle Club. He could be seen riding his bike anywhere in south Jersey. After high school he worked for Prudential and Lenox before starting a career with New Jersey Bell. He retired in 1997 after 30 years with the phone company. He served with the Air Force reserves #177 Air Bombing Division out of Pomona during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Elizabeth Carey, wife, Florence, two sons, Glenn and Matthew Carey, step-daughter, Laura Reynolds, step-son, Ronald Detrick, nine grandchildren: Sabrina, Sean and Seamus Carey, Sarah, Timothy, and Daniel Reynolds, Dansen, Lennen, and Karlen Detrick. Survivors also include his sister, Barbara Dickson and extended family. Services were held Feb. 6, at Boakes Funeral Home, Mays Landing. Burial at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Estelle Manor Park. The family plans to dedicate a bench and tree along the Linwood Bike Path in his memory, contributions may be sent to Boakes Funeral Home. Memorial donations may also be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) in Joe’s name. Condolences may be left at www.boakesfuneralhome.com.

Kathryn Gadd, 101

LINWOOD – Kathryn Gadd, 101, of Linwood, died Jan. 28, 2011.

She was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 15, 1909. She moved to Longport in 1948 where she raised her family.

Survivors include her sons, Fred Gadd of Atlantic City and C. Leigh Gadd, Sr. of Little Egg Harbor Township, grandchildren, C. Leigh Jr. Gadd of Greenbank and Michael Gadd of Blackwood, and five great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of choice or to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive Suite 300, Marlton, N.J. 08053. Services are private. Condolences may be left at www.adams-perfect.com.

James Ross Garton Jr., 54

MILLVILLE – James Ross Garton Jr., 54, formerly of Millville, died unexpectedly Jan. 18, 2011 in Osage City, Kan.

He was born on March 2, 1956 to James Ross and Eileen Brown Garton in Vineland, New Jersey and raised in Millville. He graduated from Millville High School (1974) and the Richard Stockton College New Jersey (1978) where he majored in political science. He began his career with Progresso Foods and after moving around the country, he settled in Osage City, Kan. He worked for Hopkins Manufacturing in Emporia, Kan. as Vice President of Materials. He was also a licensed auctioneer and enjoyed offering his talents for charity. He loved music of all kinds and had an extensive collection. He vacationed nearly every year in Ocean City. He was active in the Osage City United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles in Osage City. He married his wife, Audrey Gunderman on July 7,1979 in the Tabernacle at Malaga Camp, Newfield.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey (Gunderman), two children, Brian Garton of Emporia, Kan. and Christina of Fort Collins, Colo. Survivors also include his parents, James Sr. and Eileen Garton of Bridgeton, three siblings, Eileen Tizol of Egg Harbor Township, Allison Devilli of Millville, and Michael Garton of Suffolk, Va., and his Chinese brother Charles Chen Garton, Ningbo, China, and extended family. Memorial services were held Jan. 24, 2011 at the United Methodist Church, Osage City, Kan. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N 6, Osage City, Kan. 66523. A private memorial service was also held Jan. 29, 2011 in the Chapel at Malaga Camp, Newfield.

John F. Gibson, 80

LINWOOD – John F. Gibson, 80, of Linwood, died Feb. 3, 2011.

He was born and raised in Pleasantville. He served in the United States Air Force as a Veteran of the Korean War and was stationed in Oxford, England where he met and married his bride, Mona. He and Mona returned to the United States to make their home. He completed his degree at the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania and served as School Business Administrator at Pleasantville High School. Subsequently, he accepted the position of Business Administrator / Secretary of the Board of Education at the inception of building Mainland Regional High School in Linwood. He remained at M.R.H.S. for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. The school’s library was dedicated in his honor as the John F. Gibson Library in recognition of his years of service and dedication to the school district. During his retirement, he renewed his interest in golf, traveled extensively and spent time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Mona (Lewington), daughters, Lynne Weber of Somers Point and Lisa DePasquale of Washington Township, grandchildren, John Zachary, Samantha and Nicholas, and a sister, Mary Mae Kilpatrick of Bishop, Calif. He was predeceased by his brother, James Gibson of Levittown, Pa. and by his parents, Frances and Albert Gibson of Pleasantville. A visitation was held Feb. 8, 2011 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, Northfield. Interment followed at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Estell Manor. Condolences may be left at www.adams-perfect.com

Robert Elisah Gray, 76

SOMERS POINT – Robert Elisah Gray, 76, of Somers Point, died unexpectedly on Feb. 2, 2011, in Bonita Springs, Fla.

He was born on May 31, 1934. A memorial service will take place on Feb. 10, 2011 in Bonita Springs, Fla. A memorial service will be held sometime in May in Somers Point.

Jeffrey N. Hickman, 53

STEELMANTOWN –   Jeffrey N. Hickman, 53, of Steelmantown, died Jan. 21, 2011 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in and formerly of Sea Isle City, he was a resident of Steelmantown for 18 years. He was a self employed contractor for many years and was an avid camper and fisherman.

He was predeceased by his parents, Viola and Somers Hickman, and a step son, James Bell, Jr. Survivors include are the love of his life, Joan Bell, three sisters, Dorothy Lapworth of Cape May, Laurel Mahoney of Hammonton, Sharon Petitto of Egg Harbor Township, a brother, Somers Hickman of Egg Harbor Township, step children, Jodi Broomell of Seaville, Kristin Takach of Kan., Spc. Brent Huntley of Italy, grandchildren, Brittany and Brooke Broomell, Summer, Addison and Paige Takach, Peyton Bell, Adam and Connor Huntley and extended family. A service will be offered Feb. 12, 2011 at 11 a.m. from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, 644 South Shore Road, Palermo, where friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is private. Memorial contributions may be sent to Joan Bell c/o the Jeffrey Hickman Memorial Fund, Sturdy Savings Bank, 101 34th Street, Ocean City, N.J. 08226. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn Leach, 88

LEBANON, N.H. – Evelyn Leach, 88, died Feb. 3, 2011 at the Hughes Center at Harvest Hill.

She was the fifth of nine children, was born on Sept. 22, 1923 to Clavellan A and Helen (Heimbach) Burger in Allentown, Pa. She resided in Allentown, graduated from Allentown High School and then relocated to Philadelphia to attend nursing school. She received her RN at the Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia, where she met Morton Warner Leach of Ocean City, a medical student at Temple University School of Medicine. They married on June 23, 1945. Her tales of growing up during the Depression, told with a put-on Pennsylvania Dutch accent, were favorite stories of her children and grandchildren. Mort and Evie moved to the Atlantic City area where Mort practiced general surgery and emergency medicine and they raised their four children. She enjoyed cooking, bridge, poker, spending time with friends and parties. Upon Mort’s retirement, they moved to their home at Pico. From there, they moved to their final home at Harvest Hill. She was a great antique collector, skilled seamstress, hostess and always enjoyed spending time with family.

Survivors include her siblings, Donald, Richard, Jean and Louise, four children, Alan, Karen, Doug and Libby, grandchildren, Eric, Kristen, Bridget and Connor, one great granddaughter, Zoe, and extended family. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Harvest Hill on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Elizabeth S. Hughes Center at Harvest Hill, 125 Mascoma Street, Building 23, Lebanon, N.H. 03766 or a charity of one’s choice.

Valerie A. Edmonds-Sinsheimer, 58

NORTHFIELD – Valarie A. Edmonds- Sinsheimer, 58, formerly of Northfield, died Jan. 25, 2011.

Survivors include her husband, Stephen, daughter, Jennifer, granddaughter, Riley Ann, brother Glenn, parents, Clement and Anne Edmonds and extended family.

Frances Longinotti, 87

SOMERS POINT – Frances Longinotti, 87, of Somers Point, died Jan. 24, 2011 at the Linwood Care Center.

She was born in Atlantic City. She was employed by Prudential Insurance Company in Linwood for 36 years. She was a member of the Seaview Baptist Church, Linwood. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include a sister, Doris Kedzia of Media, Pa. and extended family. Services were held Feb. 5, 2011 at Seaview Baptist Church, Linwood. Burial held at Greenwood Cemetery, Pleasantville. Condolences may be left at www.Adams-Perfect.com.

Martin Stephen Mirakian, 71

OCEAN CITY – Martin Stephen Mirakian, 71, of Ocean City, died Jan. 31, 2011 in Shore Memorial Hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, he summered for years in Ocean City before moving here permanently in 2001. He was the owner and licensed cosmetologist of the Mane Event in Philadelphia for over 20 years. He was also the general contractor on many large area projects.

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie Mirakian of Ocean City, two daughters, Sherry Mirakian-Shaw of Palermo and Stephanie Firestone of Logan Township, son, Barry Esterman of Philadelphia. Survivors also include his first wife, Marianne Mirakian of Palermo, a sister, Anna Hanamirian of Devon, Pa. and seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jake, Martin, Zachary, Jamie, Alexa and Carly. A funeral service was held Feb. 4 Thursday at Calvary Chapel, Ocean City. Burial followed in Seaville Methodist Cemetery, Seaville. Memorial contributions may be sent to Calvary Chapel, Ocean City. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Jeanne Marie Palmisano, 88

MAYS LANDING – Jeanne Marie Palmisano, 88, of Mays Landing, died Feb. 3 after battling brain cancer.

She was born in Ocean City to the late James Douglas and Mary (Allen) Taylor. Her family lived in the Pleasantville area, and she graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1939. She worked at Kramer’s Market in Atlantic City during World War II. She and her husband, Paul Palmisano, were married in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, before Paul was about to sail to Europe to fight as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, Jeanne became a dedicated homemaker, and supported Paul in his family business, Seashore Fruit Co. At the age of 16, she sang in local establishments with the bands of Jimmy Marshall and Al Owen. She served with the Absecon Garden Club, the Hydrangea Club, Pleasantville High School Class of ‘39 Re-union Committee, Beta Sigma Sorority, Red Hats Society, Mixed Couples Bowling League, several card clubs, and activities such as Comfort Ministry, Greeter, Christmas Bazaar and Mature Adults at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church of Absecon.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul L. Palmisano Sr., and siblings, Doris Astin, Marjorie Rulon, Walter Earl (Sonny) Taylor and James D. Taylor, Jr. Survivors include her sister, Marilyn Radcliffe, children, Paul L. Palmisano Jr. and Barbara Jeanne Fiedler, grandchildren, Eric Fiedler, Mary Mohrhoff, Kimberly Simmons, one great grandson Paul J. Mohrhoff and extended family. The family would like to thank her live-in caregiver, Hannah, the Atlanticare Hospice organization’s kind and helpful staff, and the many friends who comforted her. A funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Absecon. Burial followed at the Veteran’s Cemetery at the Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor. Memorial contributions may be sent to to Gilda’s Club at www.gildasclubsouthjersey.org, or the National Brain Tumor Society at www.braintumor.org. Condolences may be left at wimbergfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn B. Rogers, 86

SEAVILLE – Evelyn B. Rogers, 86, of Seaville, died Feb. 5, 2011.

Born in Glassboro, she lived in Pennsauken prior to moving to Seaville 24 years ago. She was the secretary to the principal of Pennsauken Junior High for 37 years, retiring in 1986. An active member of Bethel Methodist Church in Camden, she chaired many committees and was Treasurer of Young at Heart. She was also an active member of Seaville United Methodist Church.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph L. Survivors include two daughters, Leslie Wagner of Amherst, N.Y., and Adele Harris of Greensboro, N.C. Survivors also include five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and extended family. A funeral service will be offered Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. from the Seaville United Methodist Church, 3100 Shore Road, Seaville, where friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Seaville United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Paul R. String, 72

LINWOOD – Paul R. String, 72, of Linwood, died suddenly Feb. 2, 2011.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He was employed for over 25 years at the Atlantic City Electric Company. He served his country in the US Marine Reserves.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy, children, Nancy String, Paula Hamilton and Jill Tiemann, grandchildren, Clay and Jack Tiemann, sister, Barbara Coccozza, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles George and Irv. Funeral services were held Feb. 5, 2011 at Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, Northfield. Interment Laurel Memorial Park, Pomona. Memorial contributions may be sent to Ocean City Humane Society, 1 Shelter Road, Ocean City, N.J. 08226.

F. Wayne Shawl, 76

MARMORA – F. Wayne Shawl, 76, of Marmora, died Jan. 30, 2011 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.

Born in Emlenton, Pa., he grew up there and attended local schools. He graduated from Grove City College in 1957. After graduation and a brief time in the Army, he moved with his wife to Willingboro and then to Marmora, where the couple raised their family and have lived since 1972. He was a self-employed utility contractor, owning and running the family business, F. W. Shawl and Sons, Inc., for 33 years.

Survivors include his wife, Vicky C. Shawl (nee Champion) of Marmora, two sons, Andrew C. Shawl of Marmora, Dr. Matthew W. Shawl of New York City, N.Y., a granddaughter, Martha Rose, two brothers, William K. Shawl of Florence, Ky., and Daniel L. Shawl of Beckley, W.V. and extended family. A funeral service was offered Feb. 5, 2011 at The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, Palermo. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, PO Box 5358, Atlantic City, N.J. 08404. Condolences may be left at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Murray, 69

LINWOOD –  Barbara Murray (nee Pastor), 69, of Linwood and formerly of Voorhees, died Feb. 2, 2011.

She was predeceased by her son, Donald Murray. Survivors include her sister Libby Adler and extended family. Services were held Feb. 6 at Platt Memorial Chapels Inc., Cherry Hill. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed at the home of Libby Adler. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society