Two Poems for Jane Teter – by Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril

A Bright Light Went Out Today
17 January, 2017

A Bright Light went out today.

Broken hearts litter the landscape.

Radiant she was, with the Shekinah

beaming off her cheeks, quietly

emanating God's peace.

A deeply holy woman

greatly loved and respected.

She had dignity.

She was Lady Jane.

Loving fellowship in ministry

with colleagues lay and ordained.

Witty. Zany. Fun-loving. Mischievous.

Wisdom cloaked in humor.

A great listener.

When she was with you, she always      

seemed to be simultaneously conversing

with the heavenly realm. She was rooted

there. And here. She believed in miracles.

And was living one.

Her constancy, faithfulness, determination and

endurance spelled courage, writ large.

Loved family, dogs, and butter pecan ice cream.

Angels, and English Dominoes. Time at the cottage.

Still waters were the current that ran beneath Jane and the

well from which she drew strength. She and Wendell Berry knew

enough to go apart “into the place where the wild things are, and

to come into the presence of still water.”

On the road again. She traveled constantly.

To go wherever she was called was her adventure.

The breadth of the diocese her map.

And when she wasn't driving she was knitting.

How many scarves and hats and gloves for the seamen?

How many baby hats and blankets? How many knitters are there

now because of Jane? Grains of sand and stars in the sky.

And then there were the retreats. COM, Vestry, New rectors, Cursillo. Her skills as Facilitator are legion. Always patient, cheerful and adept at bringing realistic goals to the fore. Accomplishing the task.

Nurturing sister clergy at Kirby House, “our place”. Tomato soup and grilled cheese. High tea at four. Bunk beds and pillow fights. Songs in the night. Painting, movies and hot chocolate. Stories by candlelight. Eucharist. Healing. Taking turns rocking the babies under the Christmas tree.

Treasured friend, sister, colleague,

Thanks for the memories.

Bon Voyage!

Pray for us.

                                   Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
                                   20 January, 2017

Wendell Berry, “Simple Grace

 

Jane
Woman of substance

I miss you!

Your smile, your laughter

riding on the air like

little monastery bells!

I miss watching you

unfold the Holy Mysteries

you lived with and the

other ones, the ones

you liked to read.

Always centered,

emanating peace and

tranquility, you blessed me.

I miss the long drives to

faraway quilting shops and

Friday lunches at the diner,

where mac and cheese

and the best stewed tomatoes

in the world gave us sustenance

for the long haul.

Your quiet deep caring was like

the shawl I wear, covering me

with sisterly love and affection.

The tears are mine.

I ponder God's plan for me,

still on journey.

Now you and Edgar

walk hand in hand

in Paradise, God's

plan for you complete.

Thanks be to God.

Goodbye my friend.

                                                                                                Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
                                                                                                27 January 2017

The Rev. Canon Jane Ballantyne Teter

The Rev. Canon Jane B. Teter died on January 17 after a long struggle with cancer.

At the time of her death, she was serving on the bishop's staff as chaplain to retired clergy and their spouses. During her career, Canon Teter served in many parishes in the diocese and was the founding vicar of St. Brigid's, Nazareth.

She was ordained in 1983, just a few years after the Episcopal Church approved the ordination of women to the priesthood. As a layperson she was an active leader in Cursillo and a member of Trinity Church, Bethlehem.

On Wednesday, the Rev. Dr. Hillary D. Raining said, "She was a mentor and a friend to me. One of the greatest honors of my life was interviewing several first generation women priests in DioBeth including Jane to capture their pioneering stories. Jane taught me so much in that interview and this has prompted me to take the transcripts off the shelf today. In her own words, she told me to always, 'claim the good that you are doing so that others will feel empowered to do the things they might not know they can do. That will be how God works through you.' Thank you, Jane. May she rest in peace and rise in glory."

In announcing the news on Facebook, Archdeacon Rick Cluett said, "Jane's dying and death were consistent with her life; powered by her faith, strength, and determination, and her deep love and care for her family. Her life and ministry touched so many in our diocese as both layperson and priest ... Well, done, Jane, very well done. May she now rest in peace and rise in glory."

Canon Teter is survived by her children Deb, Laurie, and Ned and their families. Her funeral will be Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m.

********************************

[Bill Lewellis] Beyond being a longtime colleague, Jane was a faithful friend whom I loved and with whom I loved to banter. One of my fond remembrances resulted in four words that captured the meaning of Eucharist: Today, we remember tomorrow.

On September 13, during the late '90s, before celebrating Eucharist at Diocesan House, Jane offered an explanation. We would use the readings and prayers of the next day, the Feast of the Holy Cross. She got caught up in a circular explanation. She escaped with, “So, today we remember tomorrow.”

The words sang in my head. I wanted to applaud. It's tomorrow, Jane. It's tomorrow.

***********************

OBITUARY – Jane B. Teter, born in Schenectady, New York, was the daughter of Thomas and Esther (Klapper) Ballantyne. She was the wife of the late Rev. Lloyd Edgar Teter, Jr. who she married in 1956. Jane attended William Smith College in Geneva, New York and later Earned a Master of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem.

In 1983, Jane was one of the first women ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem and served as a trailblazer and mentor for those women who followed. Jane began her ordained ministry as deacon at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Emmaus, where she later served as Interim Rector. Jane was active throughout the diocese and at several parishes including Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem and later at St. Brigid's Episcopal Church, Nazareth, where she was the founding vicar. For the last 20+ years, Jane served on the Staff of the Bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem in a variety of roles, most recently as the Bishop's Assistant for Retired Priests and Spouses, a position she held until her death.

Jane was an accomplished knitter and an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Although Jane resided in Bethlehem for nearly 50 years, Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains always held a special place in her heart.

Survivors: Jane is survived by her three children: Deborah J. Termini (Robert), Whitehall, PA, L. Edgar Teter, III "Ned" (Linda), Lancaster, PA and Laura B. Teter (Richard Kesling), Bethlehem, PA and three grandchildren: Matthew Neas, Christopher Teter and Kaitlin Termini. She is predeceased by her twin brother, Robert.

Services: Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA. Calling will be from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the church. Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to The Soup Kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 E. Market Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18018.

Online condolences may be recorded at pearsonfh.com.

Upon the death of Brother Andrew Colquhoun, OHC

Brother Andrew Colquhoun died on May 6, at Kingston Hospital, Kingston NY. He was 77 years old.

[Brother Robert Sevensky, Superior, Order of the Holy Cross] Andrew entered the Order of the Holy Cross in 1989 and made his life profession in 1994. A priest of the Church, Andrew was ordained in 1984 after serving as a minister for many years in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition and as a hospital chaplain and CPE supervisor.

As a member of the Order, Andrew served in many capacities, including as Prior of Holy Cross Monastery, West Park. Perhaps the crown of his vocation was the twelve years he spent in South Africa.  Andrew went there in 1998 as one of the three founding brothers of the Order's monastery and school in Grahamstown and served faithfully and tirelessly.

********************

[Canon Anne Kitch] Andrew was canonically resident in the Diocese of Bethlehem and was once a CPE supervisor in the Lehigh Valley. Br. Andrew was a mentor to me when I was in the Diocese of New York and I visited the monastery regularly. I last saw him at General Convention in 2012, where he offered his gentle presence and wisdom as a chaplain. He was also known for his grace as a celtic harper.

********************

[Canon Andrew Gerns] We remember Brother Andrew fondly at Trinity, Easton, where at one time he was a member and an associate priest. He was a chaplain and CPE Supervisor at Easton Hospital as well as a spiritual guide to many. The Communion Set that he gave Easton Hospital is now in use in the Chapel at Trinity after that facility ended formal pastoral care services. Many from our parish continued to make their way to Hyde Park for his wise and gentle humor and spiritual counsel.

********************

[Father John Major] Several of our  diocesan clergy were with Brother Andrew on retreat not long ago. I will remember those moments of prayer and gathering and prize his charity and wisdom always.

*******************

[Jan Charney] Another break in the memory quilt... He was The Rev. Jim Colquhoon when we first met him in Easton, so it took a while to get used to the "Andrew" change.  He did so much to build the Pastoral Care department at Easton Hospital, and was loved and admired by many. It was he who encouraged me to take CPE as a layperson - and it was a life-enriching experience indeed. (He was the one who told me that I didn't always need a Prayer Book to pray - my own words would do just fine, thank you.) He, and the Rev. Allan Kramer-Moyer developed a solid core of volunteer Chaplains - mostly lay folks-who covered evenings from 5 PM to 8 AM daily, a ministry that continued until the Dept. was closed. I have memories of 20 years of those nights, and some wonderful and touching stories.  We attended both of his vow-takings at Holy Cross, and though not in touch so much recently, thought of him especially when his name came up in our Prayers of the People as someone who was praying for those of us at Trinity. He had a wicked sense of humor, and was not known to suffer fools gladly, but was also wise and compassionate in a multitude of ways. And now, we can pray for him in a new way in his new life.  May he rest in peace and rise in the glory he so deserves.

*****************

[Archdeacon Rick Cluett] This is very sad news for all of us who have known, been touched by, or loved Brother Andrew. More than 30 years ago this wonderful Scot came to the Lehigh Valley as priest, pastor, and chaplain. While here he discovered his call to a monastic vocation, and the rest as they say, is history - a beautiful history of service offered and love given to countless numbers of people. Straight talker, witty, profound, loving, wise, and courageous. I am blessed and grateful to have been with him from time to time on his journey that has now brought him safely home. Thanks be to God for the life and ministry of Brother Andrew Colquhoun, OHC.

****************

[Father T. Scott Allen] I am sad to hear of Jim's (Andrew's) passing.  Another light has gone out in the Church militant.  I recall meeting with him when I first came back to the diocese in 2000 and his pastoral counsel he gave me as a formerly married Dad, a priest and a gay man.  I shall always cherish his memory as one who spoke the Word of truth and Gospel in gentle and confident ways.  May he truly rest in peace and rise in glory!

***************

[Linda Gallagher] A very long time ago, very early in the AIDS epidemic,  Father Andrew, who was known as Father Jim Colqhoun at that time, visited with a gay man who was a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital. Do to fear and lack of information the young man's food trays were left on the floor outside his room. No one wanted to enter the room. Father Andrew visited, fed him, bathed him and wept as he died. At the funeral service, I believe there were four of us present, he spoke with his gentle Scottish lilt as  he proclaimed the Gospel. He read from Isaiah--they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles,they shall run and not be weary . . . .   I believe he was a Holy Man, he saw the world with the eyes of God.  Rest in peace, dear friend.

***************

Being Mortal. Feb. 10 on PBS

Death is something we will all one day face. So why is it so hard for doctors to talk about dying with their patients? And how can the medical profession better help people navigate the final chapters of their lives with confidence, direction and purpose? Renowned surgeon and New Yorker writer Atul Gawande explored those questions in his #1 New York Times bestselling book, Being Mortal. Now, Gawande teams with FRONTLINE on a Feb. 10 [check local TV listings] documentary that challenges us all to reexamine how we think about death and dying. Three years in the making, Being Mortal is a provocative, powerful, and deeply personal look at how and why, in Gawande’s words, “medicine fails the people it’s supposed to help” at the end of life. Read on.

Jane Williams' class: Death, Dying and Loss

[From Jane Williams, Ph.D.] Her response on Bakery to Why college students are dying to get into 'death classes,' in the Wall Street Journal, March 6.

I teach a Death, Dying and Loss class at Moravian Theological Seminary. I think such classes are major aids especially to clergy and counselors whose roles will have near constant involvement with the issues of death, dying, chronic illness, and the multitude of losses (relationships, jobs, etc. -- not just loss from death) that all of us experience in our lifetimes. I continue to be surprised at students who don't take this class because they consider it macabre or say, "Who wants to think about that all semester?" What will they do when they are confronted with their first funeral, with a parishioner's traumatic loss, with a counselee who is trying to find meaning of the death of his 2 year old child, or of a person facing a terminal diagnosis?

Aside from considering the variety of losses and the ways we can help ourselves and others make meaning of them, we also use something called "Five Wishes" (http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php) . Five Wishes is a beautiful document in accessible English (also in Spanish and other languages) that takes one through a thoughtful series of questions and choices as to whom you want to make care decisions if you cannot make them yourself, the kind of medical treatment you would want (or not), how you want others to make you comfortable, how you want others to interact or care for you, and (what I think is a lovely prompt for conversation) what you want your loved ones to know. Five Wishes is a legally binding end of life document in Pennsylvania, and perhaps more importantly, is a wonderful way to help yourself, your family, or your parish begin important conversations and provide instructions for others if the time comes when you are unable to make your wishes known yourself. Five Wishes is $5 per print/hard copy or online copy (downloadable and printable).  In quantity, it is less.  I urge you to consider sharing this with your parish at an Adult Forum or workshop.  

Jane+

R. Jane Williams, M.Div., Ph.D.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
[email protected]

Marilyn Croneberger ... May she rest in peace.

[From Canon Anne Kitch]

The Feast of St. John
December 27, 2013

Dear Friends,
I write to share with you the news of the death of Marilyn Croneberger, wife of Bishop Jack Croneberger. Marilyn died the evening of December 26. She was surrounded by her entire family on Christmas Day.

The funeral will be Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 12 p.m. in Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court St., Reading, PA 19601.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Neurological Institute of NY, 710 West 168th St., NY, NY, 10032.

Her obituary can be found here.

Please keep Bishop Jack and their children and grandchildren in your prayers.

May her rest be this day in peace, and her dwelling place in the Paradise of God.

Peace,
Anne

The Rev. Anne E. Kitch
Canon to the Ordinary
Diocese of Bethlehem
333 Wyandotte St.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-691-5655 x222
[email protected]

Death in our diocesan family: Marilyn Ann Croneberger

December 28, 2013

Marilyn Ann Croneberger (Sept. 21, 1936 - Dec. 26, 2013)

It is with sadness that we share with you the news of the passing of Marilyn Ann Croneberger, wife of the Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger, on Thursday, December 26. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 12 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court St., Reading, PA 19601.

Marilyn loved life and was always a gracious and fun-loving hostess. She loved to dance, go antiquing, read, cook and made everything around her beautiful. She is remembered with great love and esteem here in the Diocese of Newark, where her husband served first as Rector of Church of the Atonement in Tenafly, and then as 9th Bishop of Newark until his retirement in 2007.

In addition to her husband, Marilyn is survived by daughter Amber and her husband Steven Brisk; daughter Judy and her husband Richard Innis; daughter Rebecca and her husband Stephen Smith; son Timothy J. Croneberger and his partner Glenn Finn; and daughter Jennifer L. Croneberger. She is also surivived by her nine grandchildren: Tyler (and his wife Bridget), Ryan, Sam, Jack, Luke, Palmer, Carey, Tommy, and Teo; her sisters Dorothy Nafus and Jackie Battle and her brother Richard Muehleisen; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Mary (Edmonds) Muehleisen; two brothers, Eric Muehleisen and Carl Muehleisen; and her first husband, Clarence Carey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marilyn's name to the Neurological Institute of NY, 710 West 168th St., NY, NY, 10032 or online at www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/neurology.

Condolences may be sent to the Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger at 1079 Old Bernville Road, Reading, PA 19605.

Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended.
When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death
we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.
Lord, grant eternal rest, forever in the radiance of your light.
Amen.

The following reflection was given at Bishop Croneberger's retirement in January 2007:

Marilyn Croneberger has suffered for the last few years with a degenerative and progressive brain disease that has greatly limited her abilities to do things that most of us take for granted. As her illness has progressed, she has no longer been able to accompany the bishop to diocesan functions and parish visitations, nor has she been able to offer her considerable gifts in entertaining and hospitality as she had hoped she might be able to do as a bishop's wife. Marilyn was present at the farewell banquet, but she could not respond and offer thanks as she might have wished.

But Marilyn Croneberger's voice was heard at the banquet. The Rev. Diana Clark, Rector of St. John's in Montclair and friend and pastor to Marilyn, had been asked by Marilyn over a year ago to assist her in composing a letter to the diocese.

With Marilyn's permission, Diana read the letter to us. Marilyn spoke of her tremendous frustration and sorrow at not being able to serve others as she had anticipated when her husband became bishop. She was well-known for her gracious hospitality during the years that she and +Jack were at Church of the Atonement in Tenafly, and she had looked forward to offering her hospitality to many more people in the diocese. With her plans for ministry abruptly halted by her illness, Marilyn was confronted with questions that frighten all of us: What do I have to offer to God and others if I am no longer able to do what I did best? How can I possibly make a difference in people's lives if I have to constantly struggle with my own limitations and helplessness? How do I measure my own worth if I seem to have accomplished so little and have needed so much help? Of what use am I to anyone?

Of course, there are no easy answers to any of these questions, and Marilyn did not presume to answer them. Instead, by means of her letter, Marilyn was able to do that most difficult of priestly tasks: to stand with her people at the edge of the abyss, allowing them to face the source of their darkest fears. A good priest will never give her people false comfort, nor will she attempt to make them feel "better," as if that were even possible. Rather, like Marilyn, she will stand with them at the edge, much like the women who stood at the foot of the cross.

Marilyn Croneberger's gift for hospitality was never lost. Instead of inviting us into her home, she opened her heart to us, making it a safe place in which to face our fears and to experience the love of God which casts out all fear.

 

Donald J. Schaible, 74

Donald J. Schaible, 74, died on Wednesday, Nov. 30. He was the father of The Rev. Donald J. Schaible II, rector of Trinity Carbondale and Christ Church, Forest City.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Donald. Give rest to him with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlsing.

His obituary, as published in The Express-Times, follows:

Donald J. Schaible, 74, of Palmer Township, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in St. Luke's Hospital.

Born May 12, 1937, in Easton, he was a son of the late Adam Sr. and Anna Flynn Schaible.

He and his wife, the former Joan M. Dicker, would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on December 18.

Donald retired from the former Mack Printing Company, where he worked for over 45 years.

He graduated from Easton High School Class of 1955.

Donald served with the Marines aboard the USS New Jersey, the aircraft carrier, Tarawa, and in Quantico. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, racquetball, skiing and gardening.

Donald was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Northampton County Marine Corps League where he was director of the local campaign for Toys for Tots for several years.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Joan, he is survived by two sons, The Rev. Donald J. II and his wife Sharon P., of Carbondale and Douglas J. and his wife Kathleen S., of Stockertown; a daughter, Diane M. Nowakowski and her husband John, of Bethlehem; three brothers, John, of Phillipsburg, NJ, David, of Stroudsburg and Bernard, of Palmer Township; three sisters, Mary Caffrey, of Bethlehem Township, Anna Smith, of Brookfield, CT and Katherine Lounsbury, of Kempton; four grandchildren, Jason Nowakowski, Zachary Quinn, Jillian and Danielle Schaible and two great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Adam, Robert and Edmond and a sister, Mildred Paregis, died earlier.

Services: A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Jane s Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Palmer Township. Call Saturday 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Toys for Tots, In Memory of Donald Schaible, 1621 Lehigh St., Easton, PA 18042.

The Rev. John (Jack) S. Prater

The Reverend John (Jack) S. Prater, 77, of Jesse Road, Plymouth Township, died peacefully at home with his devoted wife, Ingrid, at his side on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Born January 14, 1934, in Forty Fort, he was a son of the late Willard and Elizabeth Gibbs Prater. The Rev. Prater furthered his studies at the Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va., and was ordained in 1958. He first served Episcopal parishes in both Saint Clair and Minersville. In 1962, he returned to the Wyoming Valley with his family and became the rector of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas, where he faithfully served the parish for 35 years. Upon retirement in 1997, The Rev. Prater was named Rector Emeritus. Calling hours will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Wallis Room at Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Butler St., Kingston, with a memorial service at 11 a.m. The Rev. John F. Hartman will officiate. The family extends an invitation to a luncheon, at the church, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Butler St., Kingston, PA 18704, or to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 420 Main St., Dallas, PA 18612. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. You can read the entire obituary here.

Published in Times Leader on November 10, 2011

Mary Ellen Patricia Park, RIP

Mary Ellen Patricia, 95, died peacefully at Grey Bruce Health Services, Southampton (Ontario), on Friday February 25.

She was the widow of The Reverend Canon Charles A. Park. (Known as "Arch," he served in the Diocese of Bethlehem, last in Stroudsburg at least 25 years ago.)

Survivors: Sons, David and his wife Ruth; John and his partner Sharon, both of Southampton. Grandchildren: Liam, Eva, and Ned; Brother Donald Patterson and his wife Doreen of Windsor; Brother in law Stuart Keller and his wife Jane of Port Dover, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents William and Edna Patterson, and by her brothers Frederick and Howard. Throughout her life, Ellen was an active participant in many community and charitable organizations. She was a co- founder of the Southampton Arts Society and an enthusiastic supporter of the Bruce County Museum.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held from St. Paul's Anglican Church, Southampton, on Wednesday, March 2.

Expressions of Remembrance may be made to St. Paul's Anglican Church, the Bruce County Museum, or the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.eaglesonfuneralhome.com

Van Cavett, 77, a man who was without guile

[Updated Jan. 2, 2011, to include Van Cavett's 1997 Morning Call farewell editorial]

Some of us will remember fondly Caroline and Van Cavett who were members of the Cathedral during the 1990s while Van worked as Comment Pages Editor for The Morning Call. Both were active in parish and diocesan ministries. Van died this past April. He was in his third year of EFM.

Caroline tells me that Van died "after a long bout with heart disease. His last six months were pretty awful - for him to endure and me to watch/endure as well, so while I miss him greatly, particularly when I remember all the good years we had, I could not wish him another minute in the state he was in.  Of course, the flip side of that is that remembering all the good things - and there are legions of those memories - also keeps a smile on my face."

Grateful to Caroline for having sent these a few days ago, I have posted below: 1. Van's obituary, 2.Summer Thoughts after a Spring Death, by Caroline, and 3. A eulogy delivered by Van's EFM mentor.

Obituary
Van A. Cavett, 77, died at his Lookout Mountain [Tennessee] home on Sunday, April 11.  He is survived by his wife, Caroline, daughter, Anne Cavett and her partner Leslie Urban of Davidson NC, and son, Andrew Cavett of Lookout Mountain.

The Rev. Leslie Evans (1946-2010), Funeral and Obituary

On Tuesday, November 2, 2010

in Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, Pennsylvania

occurred the death of

The Rev. Leslie Elizabeth Evans

Retired

Canonically Resident, Diocese of Bethlehem

Licensed Priest, Diocese of Pennsylvania

 

The Eucharist and Burial Service will be held at

All Saints’ Church, Torresdale

9601 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19114

1:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

The Rt. Rev. Rodney R. Michel will be the Officiant

The Rev. Stephen B. Snider, Priest-in-charge

 

Leslie Elizabeth Evans was born in Bethlehem, Pa. on October 26, 1946 to Cary Grayson and Elizabeth McCall Evans.  She received a B.S.N. from Temple University, College of Allied Health Professions, Dept. of Nursing, 1971; M.Div., The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1982.  She was ordained Deacon June 12, 1982 and Priest June 22, 1983 by Bishop Lyman Cunningham Ogilby.  Leslie was married on September 9, 1989 to VanKirk E. Wilson; they have two children.  She is also survived by a sister and brother. 

While canonically resident in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, Leslie served as Lay Assistant at St. David’s Church, Manayunk, Phila., PA. 1974-1980; Deacon Intern 1982-1983 and Associate Rector, St. Christopher’s Church, Gladwyne, PA. 1983-1984.

In the Diocese of Bethlehem, Leslie served as Rector, St. James-St. George, Jermyn, Pa. 1984-88. She was then called to be Rector, St. Luke’s Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa 1988-1991; Chaplain, University of Northern Iowa 1988-1991; and Interim Pastor, Trinity Episcopal Parish, Waterloo, Iowa 1992-93.

She returned to the Diocese of Pennsylvania to serve as Rector, Grace and the Incarnation, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pa. 1994-2003.  She also served as Associate Chaplain, St. Dismas at Graterford State Prison during her periods of service in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. 

In 2003 she accepted a call to be Rector, St. Andrew’s Church, Allentown, Pa., from which she retired in April, 2007. 

She recently has served as supply priest in several congregations in this and other dioceses, and as Associate for Pastoral Care at All Saints’ Church, Torresdale, Philadelphia, Pa.  She also spent many years in professional nursing.

Condolences may be sent to the family

c/o VanKirk E. Wilson

3105 Penn Valley Avenue

Bristol, PA 19007-2451

In lieu of flowers Leslie’s family requests memorials in her name be directed to Philabundance, 3616 South Galloway Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (tel. 215-339-0900).

Rest eternal grant to Leslie, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her. Amen.

 

Diane Iglesias

Diane M. Iglesias, 59, died at home on Friday, October 9, 2009, from complications of metastatic cancer.  At the time of her death she was receiving hospice care.

Betty Speicher

[Obituary, Pocono Record]

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Speicher, 69, of Cresco, died Sunday evening, Aug. 23, at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. She was the widow of Russel E. Speicher with whom she shared 44 years of marriage at the time of his death on Sept. 16, 2002.

Joseph E. Major, Sr. - Father of Father John Major

Joseph E. Major Sr., 90, of 1625 Grampian Boulevard, Williamsport, PA, died last evening, July 12, 2009, at home.  He was a member of Saint Ann's Roman Catholic Church of Loyalsock Township, R.C. Diocese of Scranton.   Born January 22, 1919, in Williamsport, PA, he  he was predeceased by his wife Mary M. Major. Surviving are his four daughters and four sons including The Rev. John C. Major, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church of West Pittston, PA, and Prince of Peace Episcopal Church of Dallas, PA, and sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  A Mass of Christian Burial  will be scheduled  by the family.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church of West Pittston or Prince of Peace Episcopal Church of Dallas.

Marguerite Kirkpatrick Gressle, wife of late Episcopal Bishop of Bethlehem, dies at 90

[Posted by Bill Lewellis]

Marguerite K. Gressle died July 2 at The Greens in Wilton, CT. She was 90 years old. Mrs. Gressle was the wife of the late Rt. Rev. Lloyd E. Gressle, former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, PA, from 1973 to 1985.

The Rev. Canon Joseph Leo

The Rev. Canon Joseph Leo died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday morning June 9 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he was living with his daughter Mary. He was loved b y many who will miss him. A memorial service at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, is being planed for later in June.

For over 55 years, Canon Leo faithfully served Episcopal churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio (he was Rector of Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland in the 1970's). He spent the last 25 years serving the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. His life of service included working as a marriage counselor, Justice of the Peace and District Court Judge in Easton, PA.

He is survived by his wife Martha Leo of Easton, PA; a brother The Very Rev. James Leo of Cincinnati; a sister Janice Davidson; daughters Liz Beekman (Pat) of Charlotte, NC, Sue Parry (Rich) of Girdwood, AK, Mary Bourisseau (John) of Bentleyville, Ruth Mount (Collins) of Chugiak, AK; son Joseph N. Leo III of Maineville and 12 grandchildren.

Donations, in his name, may be made to the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St. Bethlehem, PA. 18015.

In Celebration of Ned Caum

A Sermon by The Ven. Richard I. Cluett
Trinity Church, Athens, June 3, 2009

The Reverend Canon Edward L. Caum. Or as he preferred, simply, Ned. Or as he has been so ordained by those who love him, The Pope of the Valley.

This thoroughly lovely man has died to this life and risen to a new life, and we are here today to thank God for him and for his part in our life, and in the life of each one here, and in the life of those who could not be here today, and in the life of the church, and in the life of the community. And we are here to commend him gratefully and prayerfully and joyfully to our God who has prepared a place for him in the heavenly realm.

Edward L. "Ned" Caum

The Rev. Canon Edward Leonard Caum III, known to all as Father Ned, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009.  He was the son of the late Edward Leonard Caum Jr. and Doris Snelson Caum, who resides in Painted Post. 

A native of Morrisville, he majored in history at Franklin & Marshall College and went on to earn his M.Div. in Theology from Philadelphia Divinity School. He was ordained to the diaconate in the Episcopal Church in 1962 in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and then to the priesthood in December of that year in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served as Curate of St. Matthew’s Church.  He was appointed priest in charge of St. Philip’s, Wrangell, Alaska, where he served for over 25 years.  Alaska allowed Ned to pursue his love of the outdoors, spending many hours hunting and fishing and sharing his love of nature with his family. During that time he also taught high school and earned a second master’s degree in Reading Education from Southern Oregon State University. 

He moved back to Pennsylvania in 1990 and served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Athens until his retirement in 2006.  He continued as Assistant Rector until the time of his death. 

He is survived by his mother, Doris; his sister, Janet Caum Brandt; three children from his first marriage to the late Marilyn Laird, Virginia Caum Lake and her husband Greg, Edward Leonard Caum and his wife Susannah, David Laird Caum and his wife Erica and their families; and his wife of 30 years, Barbara Cameron Caum of Athens, their son, Alan, her daughter, Jessica, and her family as well as countless others who loved  him. 

There will be no viewing hours.  A Eucharist in celebration of his life will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 South Main Street, Athens, Pennsylvania.  Memorials in his honor may be directed to Trinity, and mailed to the church office at 701 S. Main Street, Athens, PA 18810.

David G. Evans

David G. Evans, 66, spouse of the Rev. Dolores Evans, died Monday, September 29, at his Frackville home. The funeral liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4, at Christ Episcopal Church, 140 W. Frack Street, Frackville. Friends may call from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the Saturday service Saturday. Find the obituary here.

Sermon by Mother Laura Howell at the Funeral of Father Mac

Sermon by The Rev. Laura Howell
at the Funeral of Canon A. Malcolm MacMillan
September 20, 2008
Isaiah 25:6-10; Philippians 2:5-11; John 14:1-19 

If some of you have come today expecting to hear about how perfect and saintly Father Mac was, you may lie back and think…about castles in Scotland for the next few minutes. I have never liked eulogies that describe someone in such glowing terms that they are unrecognizable. Mac was not a character in a romance novel. So you won’t hear that from me.