Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave, Haddonfield, NJ (2025)

08/26/2025

Robert L. Wells
Age 92 of the Masonic Home in Burlington, NJ

On August 24, 2025; formerly a longtime Haddonfield Resident and previously of Merchantville; Loving husband of the late Ann (nee Hohenstein).

Bob was an active member of both the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield and the Mason Rising Sun Lodge #15. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 38 and the 65 Club. Ann and Bob shared a wonderful life together and were happily married for 59 years.

Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation on Thursday , Stept. 4th, 9:30-10 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, 20 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ; where his Funeral Service will follow at 10 AM and conclude with a Masonic Service. Interment at Bates Mill Cemetery, Winslow Twp., NJ at 11:30 AM.

08/26/2025

JoAnn Theresa Beckson
April 17, 1949 – August 15, 2025
JoAnn (JoAnna, Jody, Jo, JoAnnie) Theresa Beckson peacefully passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. As the last of her immediate family, she joins her parents Joseph Beckson and Edna Williams Beckson, her siblings, Barbara Mertsock, Maureen Harman, and Joseph Beckson, Jr., and her beloved Shih Tzus Jake and Leo. Nieces and nephews who will forever miss her include Pam Mertsock-Wolfe (Chris, Zoe), Micheal Mertsock (Diane), Timothy Mertsock (Shannon, Ashley, Tyler), Michelle Harman McDonald (John, Emerson, Olivia), and Jim Harman (Kelli, Paige, Avery).
Born in Southwest Philadelphia in 1949, JoAnn was the youngest of three girls and the older sister to one brother. A graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School and Temple University, her first career was in the classroom as a high school history teacher. The classroom held her only briefly as the theater called to her, and she moved first to Boston then to New York City in the 1970’s. She worked extensively as an actress and director both Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway in such theaters as The Ensemble Studio Theater, Intar II, The Working Theater and Woman’s Interart. She was also a founding member of New York City’s prestigious Circle Repertory Company’s LAB. She once told a dear friend that “she was “acting” even in childhood, putting on plays for her family, making her siblings round out her cast or holding them captive as the audience, willingly or not.”
Her love of acting was shaped by the acclaimed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City where she learned the Meisner acting technique that inspired her entire career. While continuing to act, she turned her talents to coaching, directing, and producing. She offered classes, private coaching sessions, and was an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, as well as the Graduate Film Department at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She also led workshops at the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. “JoAnn championed actors in their careers and celebrated their success and talent as much as she pursued her own career as an actress,” shared a former student and friend.
JoAnn loved the theater, but especially comedy, and focused her energy on coaching comics who sought her out, many of whom have become household names. “Say Something Funny”, an original dramedy she conceived, directed and co-produced at the Criterion Center-Broadway, was optioned for sitcom development.
JoAnn loved living in New York City, especially in the West Village, and shared her New York and her adventurous spirit with her family during the fifty years of her residence there. In 2020, JoAnn moved to New Jersey to be with her siblings, cherishing the little time they had left together.
She was a tremendous influence on her nieces and nephews, impressing upon them the importance of education, travel, how to set a table, how to put on mascara, how-to and how-not-to dress, and a love of good food and “a nice merlot”!
Her family honors her best by sharing the words of her many devoted friends and students:

* She is now with the angels and at peace.

* JoAnna left a memorable imprint on all who knew her – she made everyone she met feel like the most important person in the world. She always left people with more than she took. She lived her life with generosity and compassion, with gratitude; she was funny and supportive; she had an insatiable curiosity about people and the world she shared with them…. This incredibly witty, warm, and hugely talented woman leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, joy and laughter. What wonderful gifts to leave to this world. Please keep JoAnna in your hearts and think of her when you're enjoying a particularly good glass of wine or scratching a dog under its chin. And now that she has “shuffled off this mortal coil,” she’s probably already busy coaching heaven’s angels, “More humor. You gotta leave them laughing.” And, so our beloved JoAnna, you leave us laughing…and, oh, so very loved.

* JoAnna was one of the most influential people in my life. She was my teacher, my mentor, my friend. She house-sat my cat and dog kids, she had me come to class for free when I couldn't afford it. She was a most remarkable and giving soul. She was pure love. She made this world a better place and I will miss her so.

* She was a remarkable woman whose mere presence was always bright, beautiful and positive!

* I absolutely love her s***k and sense of humor.

* JoAnna was full of life and energy, and she transferred that positive energy onto me whenever we were together. She was so generous and kind. She had a great sense of humor. She also loved people, especially little ones - wherever we went, she never missed a chance to coo over a little one. But truly the best thing about Joanna is that she valued friendship and she was such a good friend to me. I will never forget Joanna and will keep her in my heart forever.

* JoAnna Beckson has touched the lives of countless students, actors, and artists over the years. As a gifted acting teacher and coach, she poured her heart into nurturing talent, inspiring creativity, and offering guidance to generations of performers who found both their voices and their confidence under her care. Her impact in the artistic community is immeasurable, and her legacy lives on in every stage, screen, and soul she helped shape.

* For almost 50 years she was my first call. Whenever anything happened – good, bad, weird, painful or hilarious – she was the first person I had to call and ask her thoughts. I will miss her forever. But I am grateful she made e her exit on her own terms, surrounded by love and light and a fiercely devoted family.

* In 50 years of friendship, there are too many memories. They are with me to eternity, my lovely one. Well, of course, “You are never too busy to make coffee.” I will never be too busy to hold you in my heart, my best friend, my favorite, my dear darling JoAnnie.

* You are a unique and loving force of nature who has given me an incomparable gift – our sometimes zany, hugely life-affirming, passionate 50-year friendship. “Never sit on your instincts” and “Always go for the love” are two fertile mantras you instilled in me on our eternal quest to grab life with both hands.

* Jody and I had a crush on each other that developed into a 44-year friendship/soul sister lifetime bond…We leaned on and supported each other through every phase of our friendship… When I was with her last week she asked me what my favorite song was? I said “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson. So, we asked Alexa to play that. However, Carol King’s version of “You’ve Got a Friend” came on instead. I sat in her wheelchair in her room, in the dark, and sang that song to her and to me also. I kissed her and said, “see you later” and slipped out the door as she slept.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We will all join her one day in the eternal sleep, and we thank you profoundly for your immeasurable support, friendship, and love of our Aunt JoAnn.

As she often wished all of us, we wish you “Love and Light”!

Family celebrated JoAnn in a private gathering. A memorial celebration will be held in NYC this fall. Details to be shared on social media.

08/21/2025

Marianne Weeks Anzaldo DelRoccili
Age: 65 of Cherry Hill

After a courageous battle with angiosarcoma cancer, Marianne passed away with her loving husband, Mark DelRoccili, by her side. She was born Marianne Kane Weeks, the middle daughter of Margaret and the late Francis D. Weeks, Jr. She was raised in Wenonah, NJ and resided there until she and her husband, Mark, and son, Phillip, moved to Haddonfield, NJ.

A proud graduate of Moorestown Friends School (1978) and the University of Delaware (1982), Marianne spent her entire professional career at E.P. Henry Corporation (founded by her great-grandfather, E.P. Henry). Marianne retired in December 2024 as the Director of the Marketing Department.

Marianne was a member of Tavistock Country Club in New Jersey and Lost City Golf Club in Atlantis, Florida where she loved golfing and socializing with family and friends. She loved to travel and had a passion for music and trying new restaurants.

Marianne is survived by her husband of 21 years, Mark DelRoccili, son, Phillip J. Anzaldo, III, mother, Margaret Weeks, sisters, Jeanne Hannigan and Barbara Joyce. Also, by her mother-in-law, Marie F. DelRoccili, brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Hannigan, James Joyce, Steven Springer, Kim DelRoccili, the late Sheila DelRoccili Springer and Marianne Springer, her nieces and nephews, Robert Hannigan, Jr., Katherine Hannigan, Margaret Joyce, Brynne Springer, John Springer and her many friends.

Marianne was a shining light whose warmth and humor brought joy to all around her. Her quick smile, easy laugh and sparkle in her eyes will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Marianne’s name can be made to Angiosarcoma Awareness (www.CureASC.org) or the charity of your choice.

Marianne’s family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, Sept. 28th, 2-3 PM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ and a Celebration of Life Service will follow.

08/20/2025

Jane Alberts Kasse, 94, of Haddonfield, NJ, passed away peacefully in August 19, 2025.

Born in 1931 in Jersey City, Jane was the beloved daughter of the late Chester Alberts and Helen Evans Alberts of Palm Beach, FL. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Charles Kasse; her sister, Elaine Fanjul; and her brother, Gerald Alberts. Jane was lovingly cared for by Cherice Wilkerson, Afua Nhira (Friday) and Hartland Hospice (Sonnie).
Jane is survived by her loving children, Stacy Kasse and Charles Evans Kasse, both of Haddonfield. She is also survived by her brother, James Alberts, as well as many cherished nieces (especially the Fanjul girls) and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

Jane grew up in Little Silver, NJ, and graduated from Miss Beards School in Morristown NJ where she played hockey, lacrosse, and fenced Later, she resided in Shrewsbury NJ, Connecticut, and Rumson, NJ before making Haddonfield her home in 1964. A passionate and lifelong member of the Haddonfield Tennis Club, Jane captained the Philadelphia Interclub Tennis Team and held numerous leadership roles, including serving as one of only two female presidents in the club’s history, as well as secretary and membership chair. She was a devoted advocate for junior tennis remained an active and enthusiastic member of the club for over 60 years. Jane began the HaddonField USTA Junior Tennis Tournament more than fifty years ago She always said that she wished her ashes would be spread on Court 4 so anyone who got a bad bounce could blame it on her. Jane also enjoyed spending time during the winters in Palm Beach, FL, playing on the SeaView Ladies Tennis team and was part of the rec council.

Jane’s commitment to her community extended well beyond the tennis court. She served on the Haddonfield Recreation Council and was a longtime poll worker, contributing to more than 40 years of serving at polling places in Haddonfield elections. An often-seen fan of Haddonfield High School sporting events, Jane was passionate about supporting high school and other teams in town. She was also a beloved member of the Saxby’s and Starbucks morning coffee groups, where her warmth and humor enriched daily conversations.
One of the founding members of the Haddonfield Newcomers Club, Jane was known for her boundless energy and joyful spirit—it was often said that she’d attend the opening of a telephone booth if it meant there was a party.

Jane will be remembered for her vibrant personality, enduring sense of humor, and steadfast dedication to her family, friends, and community.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the Haddonfield EMT Service ( https://haddonfieldambulance.org/donations ), reflecting her deep appreciation for the town’s first responders.

08/18/2025

Warren Wurtele White
Age 93 of Fort Myers, FL; Formerly of Haddonfield, NJ & McKeesport, PA

Warren Wurtele White of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away suddenly at his residence on August 8, 2025 at the age of 93. Previous to living in Fort Myers, he had resided in Haddonfield, New Jersey and McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on February 29, 1932 to Jay Leonard and Elizabeth Katherine (Fehr) White. Warren’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives he has touched.

Warren married his beloved Marjorie Ada Shuman in 1954. They met while Warren served as a lifeguard near Uniontown, PA. In 1957 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Laura White James. In addition to his loving wife of 71 years and beautiful daughter, he is also survived by his son-in-law Dennis B. James Sr. three grandchildren, Heather Lynn Takacs, Brett Thomas Takacs, and Amber James Milligan, and 2 step-grandchildren Dennis James Jr. and Deanna Horner. Warren was also blessed with three great-granddaughters, Haley Jolynn, Peyton Lynn and Taylor Ann.

Warren graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1954 and obtained his Master of Retailing degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1957. Warren served two years in the US Army, principally in Korea with the I Corps Artillery from 1954 to 1956.

A native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Warren was inducted into the high school alumni’s Hall of Fame in 1990.

Warren was a retired Executive Vice President of Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the General Manager of its Clover division. In 1981 he was elected a Director of Strawbridge & Clothier. He served the company for 39 years. Warren joined Strawbridge & Clothier as an Assistant Buyer in the domestic floor covering department in 1957. He became a Buyer of the department in 1960 and in that capacity received the American Carpet Institute’s national award for Carpet Retailing Excellence for department stores.

In 1968 he was promoted to Merchandise Manager for the company’s budget store division. In 1970 he was the first executive selected by Peter Strawbridge to help establish the new Clover division. In 1979 he was elected Executive Vice President and Clover’s General Manager. Because of his excellence in discount retailing, he was

elected Chairman of the International Mass Retail Association, the retail discount store industry’s trade association, and served in that capacity from 1991 until 1993.

Warren was listed in “Who’s Who in America” in the 1980-81 editions.

Warren had been a member of the Board of Directors of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the American Lung Association of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Warren was a life member of Rising Sun Lodge #15 Free and Accepted Masons of Haddonfield, NJ; a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Excelsior Collingswood Valley; life member of Haddonfield Post #38 American Legion, and a Past Patron of Mt. Holly Chapter #147 Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Warren’s family on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Kain-Murphy Funeral Home, 15 West End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ at 3:00 PM where a Masonic Service will follow at 4:00 PM. Warren will be laid to rest on Monday, August 25, 2025 in a private service at Locustwood Memorial Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ.

08/15/2025

Edward H. Carll
Age: 70 of Shamong

Rev. Edward H. Carll, loving husband and devoted father, took his final breath on Aug. 6, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia on March 31, 1955 he lived his entire life in NJ, most recently in Shamong.He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Gabriele, a wonderful son, Christopher,and his beloved grandchildren: Dylan, Tyler and Olivia. He has joined his precious daughter Danielle who passed away in 1996. He is survived by his sister, Linda Babcock; brothers, Douglas (Bonnie) Carll and Don (Michelle) Carll; nieces Joanna (Bob) Westcott; Lauren (Ryan) Rahey; Grace Carll; Nephews Doug Carll; Jonathan (Kristin) Babcock; Zachary (Kandace) Carll.

Ed attended the Elmer Elementary School and Graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1973. He continued his education at Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC and subsequently Western Maryland College (now McDaniel), in Westminster Maryland where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977.

Ed pursued his calling to ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary where he received a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology in Clinical Pastoral Care and Counseling. He has done extensive work in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University. While in Seminary he did his Student Work as Youth Director at the Medford United Methodist Church.

“Rev. Ed” served Methodist churches in Englishtown/ Spotswood, Highland Park, Tuckerton, Westfield and Denville. He retired from active ministry in 2018. In the past ten years Ed served on the Foundation Board of the United Methodist Communities in various positions, his last being Chair for the Operating Board.

Ed loved being outdoors, and especially enjoyed fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking and boating. He was an active gardener as evident by his beautifully maintained yard and garden, which he transformed into a peaceful retreat. He enjoyed playing with kids, telling, puns and making those around him smile and laugh.

Singing brought Ed such joy. He sang with the Mendelsohn Choir in Philadelphia, the Oratorio Singers in Westfield and recently was a member of the Master Chorale in Haddonfield.

Each community that Ed was a part of was blessed, and made better by his warmth, charm, love and dedication to caring. He helped organize the Middlesex County Aids Alliance, Habitat for Humanity for Southern Ocean County, a domestic violence response team clergy training program for domestic violence, CROP walks for world hunger, worked with the local Juvenile Conference Committee.

Ed organized and funded mission trips to the Dominican Republic where he helped build homes for local residents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2025 at the Haddonfield UMC beginning with visitation at 9:00 AM followed by a Service at 11:00 and a Repast in the Propert Hall. The Family asks that those attending wear something “cheerful” to celebrate Ed’s life. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, NJ. 08033; United Methodist Communities Foundation; 205 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, NJ 07753.

Gabriele and Ed were planning to go to the Dominican Republic to build an “Anniversary House” in honor of their 50th Anniversary in 2026. A donation can be made for this purpose as well.

08/14/2025

Katherine Colette Rochford
Age: 33 of Oaklyn

Passed away on August 11,2025. Katherine was the beloved daughter of Kyle Ann Rochford and Brian Connelly; cherished mother of Cormac Connelly. Katherine will also be sorely missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends, espeically the Taylor Family.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Katherine’s family on Sunday, August 17th from 3-5pm at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Avenue Haddonfield, NJ and again on Monday, August 18th from 10 -10:45am at St. Rose of Lima’s Catholic Church, 300 E Kings Hwy, Haddon Heights, NJ; where her Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11am. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Katherine’s name may be made to Voorhees Animal Orphanage at the link below.
( https://www.vaonj.org/support/donate/ ).

08/14/2025

Judith C. Williams
Age: 86 of Moorestown, NJ

Judith Carol Williams (Haupt), age 86, of Moorestown, NJ, previously of Cherry Hill and North Beach, NJ, died after a long illness on August 11, 2025. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Robert Williams and adored mother of Jennifer Fontaine of Haddonfield, NJ and Jim Williams of Chatham, NJ. She was a caring mother-in-law to Peter Fontaine and Rosalinda Rubio-Williams and a very special “Juju” to her grandchildren, Sophie and Chloe Fontaine and Alex and Max Williams. She also leaves behind a sister Joanne (Toni) Lockwood of West Chester, PA, many nephews, nieces, relatives, and so many loving friends.

Judy was born on January 4, 1939 in Paterson, NJ to the late Frances Schmincke and Claude Haupt and spent her early years in Glen Rock, NJ. She attended Ridgewood High School. At the age of 16 she met the love of her life and they married in 1960. She and “Bub” spent 50 wonderful years together before his passing in 2010. They loved their time together – they cherished their home on Long Beach Island and would often be found with a cocktail in hand on the beach at sunset. They loved to travel the globe, spend nights ballroom dancing, and dote on their grandchildren. Judy was also an excellent bridge player and met many friends over the years around the card table. She will be missed for her warm heart and gift for making others feel welcome and special.

Judy earned a BA in Elementary Education from Trenton State University (now TCNJ) and was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education. She also earned her certification in School Social Work.

Judy touched many lives during her career as a teacher and counselor. She retired from the Cherry Hill, NJ public school system in 1997, having taught several different grades at Thomas Paine Elementary School. During her time there, she created and mentored several clubs including Kids Against Pollution. She was appointed by the NJ Superior Court to serve on Cherry Hill’s Juvenile Conference Committee and was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. She led workshops on parenting elementary-age children. Following her retirement from teaching, Judy worked as a Social Work Consultant as part of Cherry Hill’s Child Study Team, and developed the Friendship Club program to teach positive social development skills for at-risk children.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Judy in the near future. Please visit www.KainMurphy.com for service updates. Charitable donations in Judy’s name can be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/ #!/donation/checkout.

08/13/2025

Ralph L. Stegall
Age: 90 of Haddonfield

Ralph Lewis Stegall, lovingly known as “PopPop”, passed away on August 11, 2025, at home in Haddonfield, NJ at the age of 90. He was born on September 17, 1934, in Charleston, West Virginia. He and his wife Joan moved to Haddonfield in 1956.

Lewis graduated from West Virginia Tech with a BS in Electrical Engineering, and earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of PA. His long career started at the Moorestown, RCA plant, took him to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and back to NJ, where he retired from Lockheed Martin. He worked extensively on the Multiple Object Tracking Radar (MOTR). After retirement he provided computer and bookkeeping services to South Jersey Physician Associates for over two decades.

A tennis player and runner for many decades, he was a proud finisher of the Honolulu Marathon. He cherished his trips to Hawaii, sharing his love of the islands with his family.

Lewis is survived by his wife Joan (nee Clark) of 71 years, children Jennifer (Greg) McClure, Tara (Todd) Rineman, and Jeffrey Stegall. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew (Ashley) McClure, Ellen (Michael) Davenport, and Casey Rineman. He adored his great-grandchildren Gregory, Margot and Camilla McClure, and Edie and Lucy Davenport. Ralph is also survived by his sister in law Jill (Rodney) McIntyre.

His warmth, good nature and southern accent will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Ralph’s name may be made to Interfaith Caregivers (https://www.giftofalift.org/support-us), the Haddonfield Library (https://www.haddonfieldlibrary.org/supportus ) or the charity of choice.

08/07/2025

Juanita J. Johnson-Clark
Age 85 of Lindenwold, NJ

(nee Jackson) On August 5, 2025; Former wife of the late Thomas Johnson, Sr. and Marvin Clark; adoring mother of Sherry Preston, Marcel Johnson Brooks, Mann Johnson and Brian Johnson; Grandmother of 10, great grandmother of 5 and great great grandmother of 1.

Juanita was born and raised in Lawnside, NJ. She is a graduate of Haddon Heights High School. Choosing not to further her formal education at that time, she married a year later. Then, in 1972, with four children to raise, she decided to continue her education and began at Camden Community College, now known as Rowan University. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1976. In 1977 she began her career with the Camden County Health Services Center as a Social Worker for mentally ill patients until 1983.

It was then that Juanita transferred to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services as a Social Worker with the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Within a year she advanced to Assistant Director of the Division. In 1991 she was promoted to Program Coordinator, Alcohol and Drug Abuse for the County while functioning as the Director for the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Juanita also served as an elected official in her town of origin (Lawnside) for eighteen years. As Councilwoman, she served as Chairperson of many departments as well as President of Council. In May 2002, Juanita received the TWIN Award for women of outstanding achievement in industry.

After 25 years of service, Juanita retired from her long and rewarding career with the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. She cherished the opportunity to spend more time with her family, friends, traveling, and doing church and community projects.

Relatives and friends are invited to Juanita’s viewing on Wednesday, August 13th from 10-11 AM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ. Interment private.

08/06/2025

Bette Ann Gerike
Age: 87 of Haddonfield

Bette Ann Gerike, 87, passed away on August 4, 2025, while in hospice in Berlin, New Jersey after a long battle with cancer. Bette was born in 1937, in Queens, New York City, as Elizabeth Ann Gulczynski, the only child of Edward F. and Julia P. Gulczynski. The family surname was changed by her parents in 1949 to Gullen. She grew up and attended catholic elementary, junior and high school in Flushing, NY.

She graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts from Marymount Manhattan College in 1959. Married Albert Theodore (Ted) Gerike Jr. of Merion Avenue and moved to Haddonfield in 1960. She received her teaching certificate in Haddonfield and worked as a substitute teacher. She then taught preschool at the Anita Metzger School of the Initial Teaching Alphabet until 1976 when she returned to school and graduated in the first class of the Paralegal Institute of Philadelphia. She began her second career as a land use paralegal for Brandt Haughey, Penberthy, Lewis, and Hyland, in Haddonfield and Moorestown and Ballard Spahr in Voorhees until retirement in 2009.

Bette lived for 65 years on Chestnut Street in Haddonfield where she raised three children. She was known for her love of fine dining, traveling, and dancing. She was a volunteer at Contact 609 and Interfaith Caregivers for many years. She was also known for her dedicated Catholic faith. She is survived by her daughter Lisa G. McLaughlin, and sons Theodore A. Gerike (Laoma), and Stephen E. Gerike (Laura), 9 beloved grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Relatives and Friends are invited to celebrate Bette’s life at her viewing on Friday, August 15th from 5-7pm at Kain Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Avenue in Haddonfield. All who knew Bette are welcome. A mass will be held in her honor at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church at 200 Windsor Avenue in Haddonfield on Saturday, August 16, at 11 am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Bette’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now), or to Interfaith Caregivers (https://www.giftofalift.org/support-us).

08/01/2025

Mary Louise Webber
Age: 91 of Haddonfield, NJ

(nee Foradora) On July 31 surrounded by her loving family. Born June 27, 1934 in New Rochelle, NY, Mary Lou was the daughter of S. James Foradora and Mary Christina DelGuidice. After graduating from New Rochelle High School where she was voted "done most for school," she attended Wells College and graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a BA in English. She then worked at IBM World Headquarters in NYC before marrying Ensign, USN Ross A. Webber whom she had met freshman year of highschool. Together they lived in Newport, RI, Rochester, NY and New Rochelle before coming to Cherry Hill and Haddonfield, NJ raising 5 children and enjoying 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Mary Lou brought her boundless energy to the PTA as an officer, CCD teacher, Interfaith Caregivers, and Christ the King Church. She played competitive bridge for Tavistock Country Club while being a beloved member of several friendly bridge clubs. An avid reader, Mary Lou was also a member of several book clubs while instilling a love of reading among her children. She also enjoyed tennis, skiing, long walks, Phillies baseball, the Orchestra, Opera, and Broadway, and time with her incredible decades long Dial-a-Lunch group. Her creativity was expressed in knitting sweaters and lovely Christmas stockings and sewing amazing scrap material quilts for her children and grandchildren. They will warm her loved ones for years.

Mary Lou loved traveling and she accompanied her University of Pennsylvania professor husband on many business trips around the United States, Europe and the Far East, the highlight was an eight family member trip to Europe. She and Ross also took each grandchild on a special domestic or foreign adventure. Mary Lou was both a traditionalist and thoroughly modern. She was everybody's friend, a glass half-full optimist who was always gracious and grateful for her family, friends, and experiences, She especially enjoyed having her mother live with her family for 30 years. She was described by a friend as "the most gracious and lovely person I have ever known," and as "someone who was her true authentic self," and "everyone could feel her authenticity and capacity to love." Her children and grandchildren will always remember her on the beach in Stone Harbor, golden hour approaching, sharing childhood tales. She was accepting and encouraging of the path each of her children and grandchildren took and supported them in their journeys. She was utterly adored.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband Ross, her children Sarah De Pietro (Ron), Judith Bannister (Trevor), Gregory (Kathleen), Jennifer Walther, and Stephen (Kate), sister Ruth Tillstrom, 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.. A Celebration of Life will be held privately by the family.

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