In Memoriam
2024
ED MACFARLAND
West Jersey Rose Society member
Ed MacFarland passed away on
March 19, 2024. He was a long-time
member of the Philadelphia Rose
Society and joined ours a few years
ago. He was the best "rose
ambassador" as Bill Kozemchak wrote
in his memorial article in the April,
Philadelphia Rose Society newsletter
and his contributions were innumerable.
He was also a long-time member of the
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He
is pictured here with his wife Linda at
WJRS's December, 2023 Holiday Luncheon. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society had recently awarded him for 30+ years of membership and his many contributions to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He was awarded the Penn-Jersey District Outstanding Consulting Rosarian at the September, 2021 Penn-Jersey District Awards Dinner.
Diantha Lorraine Rodgers
December 2, 1936 — January 9, 2024
Cherry Hill
Diantha Lorraine Rodgers of Cherry Hill, NJ died
peacefully on January 9, 2024. She was born on
December 2, 1936 to the late Purcell A. and Janet
White in Philadelphia, PA. She was lovingly raised
in foster care by Annabell and Thomas Vincent.
After foster care she reunited with her father who
married the late Maebelle White.
Diantha was educated in Philadelphia, PA
graduating from Kensington High Girls School in
1955.
In 1954, she met the love of her life, Charles T.
Rodgers, at a New Years Eve Party. On June 23, 1956,
Diantha & Charles were united in matrimony by the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan. They honeymooned in Atlantic City, NJ and Lincolnia, VA. From this union three daughters were born Barbara, Sherry, & Diane “Dee Dee”.
Diantha began her married life in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, PA and was employed by Sears, Roebuck & Company. Then in 1961 the family moved to Wenonah, NJ. Once her second baby was off to school she began her career at the Sony Music Entertainment plant in Pitman, NJ. She held various positions at Sony with one being a Quality Control Technician. After 37 years of dedicated service, she retired from Sony and then went onto work at her husband’s auto repair business in Philadelphia, PA until her husband retired, selling the business in 2003.
In her early twenties Diantha asked the Lord to be her savior and to lead her in His path. She believed He alone could carry her through the many trials of life. At that time, she knew she was saved. On October 31, 2010 Diantha was baptized in the Name of the Father and became a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Cherry Hill, NJ. Diantha faithfully supported the church and joined Guest Connections as a Greeter along with her daughter, Sherry.
Diantha was a member of the American Rose Society where she enjoyed promoting the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose. She participated in a number of events/shows winning first prize on various occasions. In addition, she had the opportunity to travel to Asia to attend a National Rose Convention along with her dearest friend Cora Williams.
Diantha had several pastime activities. She enjoyed cross-country rides on the motorcycle with her husband. We will never forget the time her husband forgot she wasn’t on the back of the bike when they were in Vegas and he drove 3 miles before realizing this. In the later years, she enjoyed camping with her husband in the RV. She also had a love for the Philadelphia Eagles. During football season, she enjoyed weekly calls with her son-in-law, Garrett, to discuss the game’s highs and lows.
Diantha was a loving, compassionate, affectionate person, who always had a positive outlook on life. Most of all she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife and mother, and a friend to many. She gave unselfishly of her time and energies, endearing herself to all as a wonderful, kind, and generous human being. She was a very gracious lady.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Rodgers: her sister Delores Merchant Campbell; daughters, Barbara (Garrett) Pritchett, Sherry (Oscar “Os”) Miller, Diane “Dee Dee” (Terrance) Stanford Sr.: grandchildren, Garrett M. Pritchett, Schawn (Christie) Pritchett, Brittany (Derrick) Larkins, Terrance Stanford Jr., Alexa Stanford: great-grandchildren, Marcus Pritchett, Mariah Pritchett, Ava Pritchett, Payton Larkins, Derrick “DJ” Larkins & Jason Larkins and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives, friends and neighbors.
2023
Obituary for DOROTHY SOUTHWICK
Dorothy Ann Southwick (nee Nakonieczny) of
Cherry Hill, NJ died November 10, 2023. Age 87.
Beloved wife of the late William "Bill" Southwick.
Loving mother of Kenneth Southwick (Susan) and
Linda Dorothy Southwick Kelly (Steven). Devoted
grandmother of Joshua, Ryan, Emmett, Corinne and Sadie.
Dorothy was born January 26, 1936 and raised on Atlantic Ave in Camden, NJ, attending St. Josephʼs School, Bonsall Elementary, Hatch Middle, and Camden High. She graduated Camden H.S. in 1954 with honors and proceeded onto college at Temple University as a full-time student where she received a degree in Education and became a Teacher of Secretarial Studies, including typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping. Dorothy worked
tirelessly, sometime 2 jobs at once, for over 30 years in South Jersey and Philadelphia. Some of her employers included Haddonfield H.S., West Deptford H.S., Burlington VoTech, Pierce Jr. College, Katherine Gibbs School of Business, and The Harris School of Business, to name a few. Her favorite activities included dancing and singing.
In 1960 she married the love of her life, William J. Southwick, also from Camden, NJ. Together they started a family in Camden with their first son, Kenneth William. In 1964, they moved to their permanent residence in Cherry Hill, NJ. There they built their careers and raised their family, including the addition of their daughter, Linda Dorothy, born in 1969.
Dorothy took great pride in her home and garden. Bill and Dorothy eventually bought the vacant lot next door and turned it into an amazing park-like garden with beautiful rhododendrons, azaleas, dogwoods, peonies, and irises. It was their oasis. In addition, Dorothy was an avid rose grower and was a member of the West Jersey Rose Society for over 50 years. She actively attended meetings for most of her life and made beautiful flower arrangements for local competitions.
Other pastimes included traveling frequently to Marco Island where she and Bill purchased a condo on the Gulf of Mexico. There they enjoyed dining out, playing Bingo, meeting up with friends, and relaxing. Marco was a perfect place for restoration and natural beauty.
Dorothy was also a devout Catholic and attended mass regularly until she became homebound. She was a longstanding member of Christ our Light Church.
Since the passing of Bill in 2020, she spent her time primarily at home, enjoying its familiar comforts and of course, her beautiful garden. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren who gave her infinite joy.
Dorothy will be remembered most for her dedication to her family, her students and for her lifelong love and companionship with her husband, Bill.
Obituary for Robert W. Lange, II
On January 1, 2023, West Jersey Rose Society member, Robert W. Lange, II, age 75 of Pine Hill, passed away.
Beloved husband of the late Mary Ann Lange (nee Olian). Survived by children Robert Lange, III (Jaclynn Elkind) of Philadelphia, PA and Erica (Jeffrey) Baldasare of Pittsburgh, PA; 7 grandchildren; companion Diane Kurilla; sister Alice McDonald of OH; and brother Richard “Blake” Lange of MD. He had a long career as an Environmental Engineer at the US Environmental Protection Agency
He was a member of the Williamstown American Legion Post #252, Glassboro VFW Post #679, South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America-Southern NJ Chapter, Elks Lodge in Deptford, West Virginia Alumni Association, and the USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltroter Association.
Robert was known by many as “Doc” from his time served during the Vietnam War as a Naval Corpsman stationed with the Marines. He will be missed by his English Cream Golden Retriever service dog, “Bud,” who although retired, remains a “good boy.”
Over the years, he spent time with dozens of organizations; whether he was coaching, helping with the Boy Scouts, riding his BMW motorcycle, volunteering at a local cleanup, teaching school kids about the the Water Cycle, gardening, working in the yard or tinkering in the garage, he was always busy and figuring out how to build or fix something - often requiring a new tool for the collection, etc. Likely your first encounter with him involved him telling you a story as if you were an old friend; and perhaps you became one. He could also talk to anyone; and he did just that. Perhaps, if we were all as willing to strike up a conversation with a stranger, we would discover that we have a lot more in common than we might think.
Obituary for Sachiko K. Yamamoto
Sachiko K. Yamamoto, 81, of Marlton, NJ passed away Monday, June 19, 2023, following a brief illness.
Born July 25, 1941, and raised in Nagasaki, Japan, Sachiko moved
to the United States in 1966.
In 1999, Sachiko retired from American Honda Motor Co. and spent
her leisure time gardening and traveling. An active member of her
community, her interests included golf, bowling, cards, and games.
She was a member of multiple cultural organizations including the
Minyo Japanese Dance group of Seabrook, the Japanese American
Citizens League, and Ikebana Philadelphia Chapter 71. She was also
a past member of the West Jersey Rose Society and the Mount
Laurel Garden Club.
Sachiko was predeceased by her husband Frank (February 1, 2002)
and is survived by one sister and several nieces and nephews
residing in Japan.
She leaves behind countless friends who will remember Sachiko for
her many talents, her generous spirit and a loving heart!
Per Sachiko’s request, a private ceremony will be held with a small
group of close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in
Sachiko’s memory to:
Seabrook Minyo Dance Group
?c/o Stefanie Pierce
795 Garton Road
Bridgeton NJ 08302-4864
2022
The West Jersey Rose Society is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our valued Member PATRICIA ANN BILSON, 78, of Paoli, PA who passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 in Paoli Hospital.
Born on August 9, 1943 in Arcadia, New York she was the daughter of the late Maynard Poray and Sarah Whipple.
She was employed in pharmacy materials handling and labeling management for Cephalon/Teva/CDM for many years.
Pat was an active member of the Paoli Presbyterian Church, where she was a former deacon, and often participated in decorating the church and grounds alongside various knitting drives and projects.
Pat was a longtime member of the Philadelphia Rose Society and the DelChester Rose Society and served in many leadership capacities. An Accredited Arrangement and Horticulture Judge and Mas- ter Consulting Rosarian, she was active in the American Rose Society on the district and national levels. She was the recipient of the Penn Jersey District Silver Honor Medal, Outstanding Judge Award, and Outstanding Consulting Rosarian Award. Pat was a National Council of Garden Clubs Master Judge and a member of the Four Seasons Garden Club. She had been an active member and officer of garden clubs in Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the years. She was a speaker and occa- sional exhibitor at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Pat was a talented floral designer and lectured on flower arranging for many Philadelphia area organizations. She also taught floral design at the West Chester Area Night School for many years.
She is survived by her son Jack Bilson and his partner Ellen Koenig and his grandson, Ethan Bilson.
On August 21, 2022 our dear West Jersey Rose Society member and friend, Rosemary Banks passed away.
Rosemary Banks (Hale) peacefully passed away in her sleep on August 21 2022; age 79.
She was preceded in death by her parents William A Hale Jr. and Katherine (Hunter), her brother Gary L. Hale and son in law David E. Taylor.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lt. Col. Gustave R. Banks; children Gustave Jr, (Katheryn) and Kathy Lee Taylor. Grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle), Ryan, Adam, Heather and Brian, also numerous young friends who knew her as GMom.
Rosemary was born and raised in Frankfort, Ky. She was a graduate of Frankfort High School, Class of 1961. In 1954 she met the love of her life at a dance and they were married in 1961. They began an adventure that took them to many states and countries. While in Europe she was able to explore her love of art. Returning to the United States in 1976 they settled in Eastampton, NJ. She worked as a Medical Assistant for several years and became increasingly interested in quilting. This led her to open Scrappy Quilt Creations, in her home, where she made; with love; many quilts.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and was actively involved in the lives and activities of her children, grandchildren and their friends. She loved giving a better home to nine rescued Yorkshire Terriers.
2020
The West Jersey Rose Society is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our valued Lifetime Member William “Bill” Southwick. Cherry Hill - October 2, 2020. Age 86. Beloved husband for 60 years of Dorothy Southwick. Cherished son of Mary Southwick. Loving father of Kenneth Southwick (Susan) and Linda Kelly (Steven). Devoted grandfather of Joshua, Ryan, Emmett, Corinne, and Sadie. Dear brother of Dorothy DiFronzo, Jean Bateman, Barbara Angelucci (Thomas) and Carol Suleski (Ted).
Bill was born and raised in Camden, NJ, attending Bonsall Elementary and Hatch Jr School. He graduated Camden H.S. with high honors and a college scholarship. He graduated on the Dean's List from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1956.
He then served in the US Armed Forces from 1957-59 where he was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, Schofield Barracks. Upon his return he married Dorothy Nakonieczny and embarked on his career in accounting with Bowman and Co., LLP. He went on to spend most of his CPA career working in various capacities for Hordis Brothers Glass, Inc. He continued as a trustee to the Hordis family and their descendants until his death. Bill also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Jersey Tempered Glass, Inc. for many years.
Outside of work, Bill was a lifetime member of Cherry Hill Rotary from 1976 and served as President from 1983-84. His hobbies included gardening, coin and stamp collecting and spending time with family. He was an active member of the West Jersey Rose Society with his wife, Dorothy.
Bill's passion was in his unending care and devotion to his family, in particular to his surviving mother, Mary Southwick who is 106.
Bill was a longtime parishioner of Christ our Light Catholic Church in Cherry Hill. His steadfast faith was ever present and led him through good times and bad.
In recent years, Bill and Dorothy enjoyed spending their winters in Marco Island, FL. There he enjoyed warm weather, beautiful Gulf vistas, shell collecting, and weekly Bingo.
Bill will undoubtedly be remembered for his kindness and generous heart, but most importantly for his devotion to his family and for his unending love of his wife, Dorothy.
2019
We are saddened to report the passing of long-time member Mary Ann Lange on December 26, 2019, after a courageous struggle with a long illness. Mary Ann was 71.
Mary Ann (nee Olian), passed peacefully with her family by her side. Beloved wife of Robert W. Lange, II. Survived by children Robert (Jaclynn Elkind) Lange, III of Philadelphia, PA and Erica (Jeffrey) Baldasare of Pittsburgh, PA; 6 grandchildren; and brother Anthony (Stacey) Olian of Hazleton, PA.
Mary Ann and her husband, Bob, joined the West Jersey Rose Society in 2003, quickly becoming valuable and very active members, attending every meeting, assisting with Rose Show set-up and tear-down and many other contributions.
Mary Ann lived in Italy during her teen years. She immigrated with her sister to Philadelphia as a young woman. Mary Ann learned to love gardening from her mother who planted vegetables and flowers in their huge garden on her days off from work.
After the Viet Nam War, Mary Ann moved to Pine Hill, NJ with her husband, Bob, who continues to be an active member of the West Jersey Rose Society.
Mary Ann worked as an Executive Secretary for INA (Cigna) in Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) at www.theaftd.org
2015
We are saddened to report the passing of long-time member Marshall Schuler on October 23, 2015 at the age of 87.
Marshall was a very dedicated member of the West Jersey Rose Society and could always be counted on to assist in the set up and take-down of our annual rose show. He was always helpful in unloading the truck at our annual rose sale in April during the delivery of over 200 roses bushes.
He joined our society in 1995 and faithfully attended meetings until recently when he was no longer able to attend. Marshall was awarded the title of “Lifetime Member” a number of years ago and also earned the “Rosarian of the Year” award in 2003 for his contributions.
Marshall will be sorely missed by this society and the many members who knew him personally.
Below is a partial listing of his obituary as printed in the Courier Post:
Marshall Schuler
On October 23, 2015, of Barrington, NJ age 87 yrs. Beloved husband of the late Esther M. (nee Kellner). Devoted father of Alfred Schuler, Jr., and Linda Williams (Bob). Loving grandfather of Chris, Jessica, and Robert. Great-grandfather of Kayla and Kenzie. Mr. Schuler was a gifted carpenter and retired from the Carpenters Union, Local 255 (formerly 393), Camden, NJ with over 50 years of service. He was an active 32nd Degree member and Past Master of the Richmond-Solomon’s Lodge 3, Free & Accepted Masons as well as a member of the West Jersey Rose Society.
2014
The West Jersey Rose Society is sad to report the passing of Francis J Engel. Sr., on September 18, 2014. Frank Engel was a Lifetime Member as well as a founding member of the West Jersey Rose Society, which was chartered by the American Rose Society in 1953. Frank also served as a Horticulture Judge in our Society for a number of years. We appreciate the contributions that Frank made to this Society which helped to make it the successful rose society it is today. As a society, we extend our condolences to his wife and family. Below are the details of his obituary:
Francis J. Engel, Sr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18th, 2014 at his home in Medford, NJ. He was 94 yrs. of age. Born in Camden, NJ, he has resided in Medford for the past 30 years moving here from Pennsauken, NJ.
He is the former owner of F. A. Engel & Son in Pennsauken, NJ and was a veteran of WWII serving with the Merchant Marines. An avid rose grower, stamp and coin collector, he was a founding member of the West Jersey Rose Society and a rose judge at shows around the area. He and his wife of 71 years, enjoyed traveling extensively in their younger years. He is the Beloved Husband of Myrene S. Engel (nee Bradshaw) of Medford, NJ and the Loving Father of Dorothy Engel of Medford, NJ, Francis J. Engel Jr. and his wife Joanne (nee Dougherty) of Williamstown, NJ and Mary Ann Greene and her husband Stanley of Dallas, TX. He is also the grandfather of Stephanie Kardos and her husband Keith and Francis J. Engel III and his wife Elizabeth and the great grandfather of 5. Francis was the last surviving child of 8.
2013
The West Jersey Rose Society is deeply saddened to report the loss of our valued member LYNNE TERESA IACOVINO
Lynne Teresa (Rosati) Iacovino, 59, of Moorestown, NJ., passed away Monday, December 30th, at Virtua West Jersey Hospital, Marlton, NJ . Lynne was born in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Teresa Elise (Votta) and Frank Angelo Rosati. Lynne is survived by her brother Jeffrey Rosati, and her nephew and niece, Carlo and Sofia.
Lynne joined the West Jersey Rose Society officially in 2006. However, she had been attending rose show and society activities since her parents joined West Jersey in 1989. She assisted her Dad, Frank Rosati, for years with the task of getting the monthly newsletter mailed to members. Eventually, she took on the task by herself when her Dad passed away.
At the annual rose show, Lynne was the member who knew exactly where the tables should be set up, how the materials should be positioned for easy access by members. She was always there for the setup, helped out during the show itself, and during the take down too. Lynne also served as a valued member of the Board of Trustees for a number of years. Finally, Lynne was a dedicated member of the committee that helps in maintaining the rose garden for the Medal of Honor Rose Garden at the Beverly National Cemetery.
The WJRS is saddened to report the passing of our Lifetime Member
TERESA E. ROSATI.
Terry Rosati, age 90, of Moorestown, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Arden Courts, Cherry Hill, NJ. Teresa was a member of West Jersey Rose Society for many years along with her husband, Frank, an award winning grower of beautiful roses. Terry and Frank contributed their talents to the WJRS for many, many years to the setup and takedown of the Rose Show, tending to the maintenance of the Medal of Honor Rose Garden at the Beverly National Cemetery, and managing the newsletter circulation committee. Terry was also a member of the Deborah Hospital Auxiliary, Virtua Hospital Auxiliary and the Evergreens Seniors.
Beloved Wife of the late Frank A. Rosati. Devoted Mother of Lynne Iacovino and Jeffrey (Nadia) Rosati. Loving Grandmother of Carlo & Sofia. Also survived by many Nieces and Nephews. Loving Sister-in-Law of Mary Votta, Marie Bonfiglio and Mildred (Joseph) DiLemmo.
2012
We are sorry to announce the passing of Lifetime WJRS Member WAYNE BLACKMAN. J. Wayne Blackman of Pitman, NJ, age 87, died February 27, 2012.
Born in Woodbury, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Pitman. Wayne graduated from Pitman High School in 1943, and served his country in the Army during World War II. He was part of the 301st S.I.A.M. Operation Battalion in General Patton's Third Army.
After the war, he attended and graduated from Gettysburg College.
He was hired by Kimble Glass Co.,Vineland, NJ, now Owens Illinois, to work as a Chemical Engineer, retiring in 1985.
He married his childhood sweetheart, June Ellis on September 10, 1949. Wayne served on the Pitman Board of Education from 1968-71, and was president during the planning of the present Pitman High School.
His backyard was Wildlife Habitat #3695, certified by the National Wildlife Federation.
He was a member of the South Jersey Orchid Society, West Jersey Rose Society, Gloucester County Nature Club, National Wildlife Federation, Pitman Garden Club, and the Pitman United Methodist Church
We are deeply saddened to report the death of Lifetime WJRS Member DEAN S. MOORE
Dean S. Moore, of Marlton, NJ, passed away on June 20, 2012 at the age of 87.
Dean served as Treasurer of the West Jersey Rose Society for many years and was an honored member, and lover of roses, along with his wife, Jeanne. Dean was the beloved husband of Elizabeth "Jeanne" for 29 years and loving father of David Moore (Lisa) and Dean Gregson Moore (Sharon). Also survived by his stepchildren, Eduardo Barragan (Annette) and Rebeca Barragan; grandchildren, Melissa (Greg), Julie and Stephen; and many nieces and nephews.
2010 - 2011
We are sad to report the passing of our distinguished members, Henry Weisl, John Hoffman, Peggy Conrad and Myrtle Krause.
In their time with us, they represented the best qualities of Rosarians by sharing their friendship, knowledge and dedicated service to the West Jersey Rose Society and to their communities over the years. For more about these special people, please see their obituaries (click links below).
Myrtle Krause
On July 3, 2011 of Westmont, NJ (nee Gill) age 93 yrs.
Beloved wife of the late Raymond. Loving mother to Jean Hellings and her husband Fred of Lindenwold, NJ. R. David and his wife Linda of Villas, NJ. Loving grandmother to Susanne Krause, Kathleen Pascone and Gregory Krause. Denise Welser, Wendy Mitchell, and Jillann Lopez. Special Great Grandmother to Bradley, Ryan, and Nicole Krause. Billy, David, and Renee Pascone. Mark and Christen Welser, Miranda Walinski, Brynna Mitchell and Dario and Jaden Lopez.
Raymond and Myrtle Krause were Charter Members of the West Jersey Rose Society since 1953.
2009
Doreen Saidman
The West Jersey Rose Society is sad to announce the loss of one of our leading members. Theodora (Doreen) Saidman passed away on Monday, September 6th, 2009.
Doreen Saidman was a Master Rosarian, and a Horticulture and Design Judge who was designated the Penn-Jersey District Outstanding Judge for 2009. An outstanding exhibitor, she won many awards in both design and horticulture. Her true talent blossomed after, in her own words, she “became addicted to arranging.” She won over 30 awards including the National “Doctor and Mrs. Harry B. Overesch Rose Arrangement Trophy”, Penn-Jersey District’s “Florence Mac Neil Perpetual Trophy” and the “Mrs. John Signaigo Challenge Trophy” for arranging, the ARS Artists, Royalty, Oriental and ARS Court of Etiquette Awards for both large and miniature roses.
Not only was she a truly outstanding Rosarian and Designer, she was also a treasured friend and mentor to many. Her efforts greatly enhanced both the exhibiting and design knowledge of our members. Doreen will be greatly missed as a truly outstanding Rosarian, Designer, and friend.
