Ursuline Academy

1927

Helen Kerrigan, age 100, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Kentmere Nursing Home. Born in Wilmington, March 17, 1909, Miss Kerrigan was the daughter of the late John and Catherine (Mulvena) Kerrigan. Miss Kerrigan graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1927 and from the University of Delaware in 1937. For 40 years, she worked as a school teacher in the Wilmington Public Schools, retiring in 1971. Her memberships included the Lifelong Learning Academy, Sellers Senior Center and Christ Our King Church.

Miss Kerrigan is survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family to whom she was a true inspiration.

1931

Ernestine Delle Donne Bianco, 96, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully near Lima, Peru, on April 30, 2009. Mrs. Bianco was surrounded by loving family in Lima.

Mrs. Bianco attended Wilmington High School, and was graduated from the Ursuline Academy in 1931. She and her best friend, Mary Caniglia Cutrona, were the first girls of Italian descent to graduate from Ursuline. Mrs. Bianco also graduated from Goldey College (now Goldey-Beacom College) in 1933. She became secretary to the long-time, distinguished president of Goldey-Beacom, Dr. Jay W. Miller, a position that she relished. She married John Bianco in 1941. From 1948 until 1988, she and her husband operated Bianco’s Market, a grocery store located at 828 North du Pont Street. In 1965, Mrs. Bianco joined the staff of Goldey-Beacom College, where she became its first bookstore manager. She retired from the college in 1977. Mrs. Bianco was fond of saying, “I always loved my work, so I never thought of it as work.” Whether in her grocery store or the college bookstore, she was sought out for her sage, common sense advice that resonated with young people. Mrs. Bianco, a founding member of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church choir, sang from 1923-1995. She was an accomplished pianist and studied music well into her 70’s, when macular degeneration made it impossible for her to read music. Mrs. Bianco is survived by her daughters, Eugenia Rutledge of Concord, CA, Jeanine Bianco of New York, NY, and Rosalie Hopkins of Norcross, GA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Gina Gornick of Menlo Park, CA, Brian Rutledge of Old Bridge, NJ, Anna and John Hopkins of Norcross, GA; and great-grandchildren, Dana and Lila Gornick, and Samantha and Matthew Rutledge. She is also survived by her sister, Seda DiMauro, of Wilmington, DE and by nieces and nephews, Eugenia Delle Donne, Lynn Barba, Ernest Delle Donne, Anita Galbreath, Vincent DiMauro, Sandra Ruff, Patricia Columbo, Dennis Bianco, Richard Bianco, and Ronnie Bianco. She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Bianco, and her brother, Eugene A. Delle Donne. She will be missed on 2 continents.

1936

Sr. Catherine Donohoe, OSU (Mother Mary Henry) died January 14, 2009 at Gilpin Hall, Wilmington. She was 91.

The daughter of the late John and Lillie Clark Donohoe, she was a graduate of Ursuline Academy in Wilmington. Sr. Catherine entered the Ursuline Order in Beacon, NY, in 1936. She is also a graduate of Fordham University. A teacher for more than five decades, Sr. Catherine served in Bethesda, MD, New Rochelle and Bronx, NY, as well as at the local Ursuline Academy. In 1951, when the Bishop of Wilmington asked the Ursulines to open and staff the new school at Holy Rosary parish in Claymont, Sr. Catherine was the opening principal. A legend in her own time, Sr. Catherine was also known to younger sisters as “Flash” for the speed with which she zoomed around until quite recently, and the “Car Czar” because she single-handedly checked oil and other fluids, tires, etc., then washed all the cars in the Ursuline “fleet” every Saturday morning well into her 80’s. She kept in close touch with her many friends among the Ursuline alumnae and parent groups and particularly enjoyed lunch out with them. She was proud to be honored in 2003 with the Ursuline Academy Distinguished Alumna Award. In her retirement, Sr. Catherine learned to “smell the roses” as well as take very good care of them. It was her great joy to hand-deliver fresh roses to the bishop, first to Bishop Mulvee, and more recently to Bishop Saltarelli. Even when she stopped driving, she thought nothing of walking to the Bishop’s office or to Trolley Square to shop.

In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by brothers, Henry (“Huck”), Monsignor John and Robert. In addition to her Ursuline community, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews also survive her, including Cathy Dillon and her family of Newark.

Verla McLaughlin Niespodziewanski, age 91 of Aberdeen, MD, formerly of Wilmington, DE peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in Aberdeen, MD.

Verla was a graduate and alumni member of Ursuline Academy of Wilmington and resided in Aberdeen for the past 5 years.

Beloved wife of the late Edward H. Niespodziewanski. Devoted mother of Margaret Hardy and husband James of Aberdeen, MD and Anne Webb and husband Dennis of Elkton, MD. Dear grandmother of James E. Hardy and Megan M. Hardy both of Aberdeen, MD, Patrick S. Webb of Elkton, MD and great-granddaughter Alena R. Hardy of Baltimore, MD.

Mary Louise Barlow Steffenberg, 89, a lifelong resident of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Wilmington Hospital, on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

Mary, a graduate of the Ursuline Academy and the University of Delaware, taught at several schools in the Wilmington area, retiring in 1976. Throughout her life and especially during her retirement, Mary cherished her family. She treasured the relationships she had with each of her siblings, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, William J. Steffenberg, by her daughter, Mary Ellen Bright, and by her sisters and brothers, Ellen Anklin, George Barlow, Francis Barlow, and Catherine Day. She is survived by her 3 daughters and their spouses, Madelynn and Mark Lemon and Margaret and Edward Moran, all of Wilmington, DE and Regina and Guy Cicconi, of Las Vegas, NV and Chadds Ford, PA; her 7 dearly loved grandchildren, David M. Bright and his wife, Danielle, of Bear, DE, Edward “Buzz” Moran, Steffenie Moran, William J. Moran, Elizabeth Moran, Amy D. Lemon, and Laura Michelle Lemon, all of Wilmington, DE; and her beloved great grandchildren, Kayla and Joshua Bright, of Bear, DE and Isabella Mary Moran-Cutrona, to be born in June of 2008. Also surviving Mary are her 2 sisters, Regina Casey, of Denver, CO, and Sister Mary George Barlow, DC, of Wilmington, DE; and many nieces and nephews.

1937

Victorine Boyle Buckley, age 89, of Wilmington, DE, died on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at the home of her son Charles in Annapolis, MD.

Vicki graduated from the Ursuline Academy and worked for several years for the DuPont Comp-any.She was then a homemaker until her two sons went to college, when she volunteered for the library. Vicki enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, attending the symphony, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her spouse of 56 years, Leonard W. Buckley, and by her sister, Mary Boyle Mansure. She is survived by her son, Leonard W. Buckley, Jr and his wife, Ellen Simmons of St. Louis, MO, and by her son, Charles Boyle Buckley, his wife Reid, and their daughters Kelly and Meagan of Annapolis, MD. She is also survived by her brothers, Thomas E. Boyle, Jr. of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Charles J. Boyle of Pass Christian, MS, and by her sisters, Jean Boyle and Angela Boyle of Rehoboth Beach, DE Wilmington, DE and Naples, FL.

1938

Catherine “Kitty” Wilson Ryan, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2008, surrounded by her family.

Born in Wilmington on December 27, 1920, Kitty was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wilson. She graduated from Saint Patrick’s School in 1934 and from Ursuline Academy in 1938. Kitty married Ralph James Ryan in Saint Patrick’s Church in 1947. They were best friends for the 57 years of marriage they shared together. Kitty had a long and interesting career, retiring from the Delaware River and Bay Authority in 1981 as Assistant to the Director after 23 years of service. Throughout her life, Kitty was active in both national and Delaware politics, serving as chairperson on several committees, including president of the Women’s Democratic Club of Delaware. Kitty was also a volunteer for the Ministry of Caring and a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Affectionately known as “Aunt Kitty” to her many nieces and nephews, words cannot describe the love and dedication she had for her family - and the love and respect we have for Aunt Kitty. Her support and encouragement were steadfast throughout the years. Her quick wit and sense of humor were unmatched. Kitty was a woman of grace and class and there is no doubt that the world is a better place because of Kitty Wilson Ryan.

Her husband, Ralph J. Ryan, predeceased her in 2004. Her brother, William J. Wilson and nephew, James G. Wilson also predeceased her. Kitty will be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law, Frances Ann Wilson and Beatrice Ryan and her many nieces and nephews; Jayne Vespa, Bess Watson, Bill Wilson, John Wilson, Michael Wilson, Kate Bianchino, Ralph Ryan, Joseph Ryan, Francis Ryan, Billy Ryan, Mary Calvarese, Danny Wick and Theresa Wick. Many great nieces and nephews also fondly remember Aunt Kitty.

1939

Patricia Smith Riley, 88, of Wilmington, DE, peacefully passed away at her home on Saturday, January 31, 2009.

Mrs. Riley was born in Wilmington on August 4, 1920, daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Byrne) Smith. A graduate of Ursuline Academy, she was employed with the Magistrate Court of the State of Delaware.

Mrs. Riley is survived by her son, Michael Riley and his wife, Jeannette; her daughters, Patricia McCue and her husband, Robert, Kathleen Walker and Alice Scott and her husband, Bud; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear friend, Hilda Kraus.

1940

Jane Riley Jones, age 87, of Brandywine Hundred, died on March 11, 2009.

She was a 1940 graduate of Ursuline Academy and was active in the Alumni Association. Jane also attended Goldey College and was a member of St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Bayard R. Jones, who died in 1990 as well as her mother, Mary M. Riley, sister, Gertrude R. Worrall and her husband Dennis, and sister, Eleanor M. Riley. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Susan J. Racobaldo (Thomas P.) of Kennett Square, PA, Deborah J. Milano (Anthony P.) of Sea Isle City, NJ and P. Terri Jones of Wilmington. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Christine, Thomas, Megan and Timothy Racobaldo, Carly Dean and Hannah Milano; and sister, Mary E. Riley of Fairfax.

1944

Margaret Mary Mellon Barkley passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, after a prolonged illness. Margaret was born Oct. 14, 1926, in Wilmington, DE, to George A. and Maybelle Pierce Mellon. She graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Wilmington in 1939, Ursuline Academy in 1944 and as an RN in 1947 from Delaware Hospital School of Nursing. She will be missed by all.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: George A. Mellon Jr., Thomas P. Mellon and Joseph F. Mellon; sisters: Jane Tearl, Bertha M. Gibbons and Catherine Goulet; and son, Richard L. Barkley. She is survived by her best friend and husband, James Robert Barkley, whom she married Sept. 13, 1947, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington; son, retired Tech. Sgt. James R. Barkley Jr.; daughters, Nancy A. Mahler of Sacramento, CA, and Barbara A. Barkley of Dallas, TX; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth (Bette) Lippincott Jamison of Centreville and Henlopen Acres, DE, passed away peacefully Monday May 18, 2009.

She was the daughter of Clement Acton Lippincott and Elizabeth Buckley Lippincott, owners of the former Lippincott Store. She was born in Wilmington in 1926 and raised in Centreville where she resided until her death. Bette was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Harcum Junior College. She was a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Henlopen Acres Beach Club and the University and Whist Club. She will be remembered for her zest for life, but most importantly, the devotion, love and dedication she held for her husband, children and grandson.

Bette was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Francis J. Jamison; son, Peter Acton Jamison and her sister, Joan L. Kaiser. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa J. Hansen and her husband George of Chadds Ford, PA, sons Frank Jamison and his wife Leigh of Owings Mills, MD, and Scott Jamison of Rehoboth Beach, DE and the gift and love of her life, grandson Peter Acton Jamison of Owings Mills, MD.

1951

Kathleen Frank McKeown of Berwyn PA, formerly of Wynnewood, PA on May 21, 2009. Daughter of the late Louis J. Frank and Anna Brady Frank of Merion. Survived by her loving husband of 46 years John J. McKeown, Jr. MD., and her four children Kathy, Carolyn, John and Paul (Nicole). Adoring grandmother of Carter, Sienna and John. Also survived by her sister Barbara Frank Curran (the late Paul) and brother Louis J. Frank, Jr. Predeceased by one sister May Agnes Hagen (the late James).

1952

JoEmma Lentini Selvaggi, age 74, of Ocean City, NJ and Naples, FL and formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point, NJ.

JoEmma was born and raised in Wilmington and was the daughter of the late Sebastiano and Concettina Lentini. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1952 and the University of Delaware in 1956. She was a Reading Specialist in the former Wilmington School District for many years. She was member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Ursuline Alumni Assoc. JoEmma enjoyed her beach time in Ocean City and Naples.

She is survived by husband, Dr. Anthony; a daughter, Tina of Newtown Square, PA and many nieces and nephews. JoEmma is preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Frank Gene and Joseph Lentini.

1957

Margaret M. “Marge” Roman Maney, age 69, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 23, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. Marge was born and raised in Wilmington, and was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Goldey Beacom Junior College. She was a secretary for the DuPont Co., retiring in 2001 after 41 years of service. She enjoyed cooking, Blue Rocks and Phillies games, vacationing at the Delaware seashore, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Marge was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Roman. She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore L. “Ted” Maney, who died in 1995. She is survived by her sons, Michael T. Maney and his wife Tristan of Lewes, DE, and First Sergeant (U.S. Army active) Stephen R. Maney and his wife Amber of Copperas Cove, TX; her brother, Thomas Roman of Newark; and 3 grandchildren, Hannah, Kathryn, and Chase.

1958

Theresa Angela Greggo Branson passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Theresa was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 16, 1940. After graduation from Ursuline Academy, she entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she was professed a nun, Sister Mary Germana, in 1962. She taught in the Order for ten years in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. After many years of devoted service to the church and the convent, she left the Order and returned to Delaware where she dedicated her life to educating thousands of children during her teaching career. Theresa taught at St. Matthew’s, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Catherine’s and Mt. Aviat, touching, changing and enriching the lives of many elementary school children in Delaware. Often, when Theresa was out, a former student would approach her saying, “Mrs. Branson! You taught me in fourth grade!”, and she would smile graciously, sincerely remembering that student. Her presence and influence were pervasive. Though Theresa retired from formal teaching in 1994, she volunteered at the Academy of Life Long Learning, where she taught needle craft, stenciling and theorem painting. Theresa was a genuine aesthete, an advocate of the arts and a talented musician and artist. Her home is filled with beautiful needle-points and rich paintings all created by her own hand. In 2006, Theresa played a role in the film, shot in Delaware, entitled “Alms,” You Say, written and directed by her nephew, Christopher Malinowski. Among her many incarnations - actress, artist, teacher, gardener, friend - Theresa’s most vivid embodiments were as a devoted wife, sister and aunt. She and Charlie shared an amazing, interesting and vigorous marriage, traveling, taking classes, lying on the beach and spending time on Nantucket Island and Lewes, Delaware, close to the ocean, one of their favorite places to relax and play. As sisters, Theresa and Elaine grew up in a world rich with stories, delicious food and humor. Their affection and respect for one another resonated through their laughing glances and embracing of their separate and mutual interests. Like a mother to her nieces and nephews, Aunt Theresa zealously participated in every aspect of their lives, coming to these events with joy, love and genuine good will. Theresa enjoyed traveling, walking on the beach, knitting, storytelling and sharing her life with her family and friends.

Her beautiful, thoughtful presence will be missed.

Kathleen Connell Vanderloo, 68, went peacefully to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 3, 2009, after a battle with cancer. Kathleen was born to the late Jerome and Catherine Connell in Wilmington. She was the eldest girl in a family of six children. A 1958 graduate of Ursuline Academy, she briefly taught and coached girl’s basketball at Christ Our King Parish. Kathleen married Dick Vanderloo in 1964. She was the mother of three children and considered the successful raising of her family to be her crowning achievement. Kathleen took great joy in volunteering at Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHM) as a homeroom/lunch mom where she ran a tight ship when called to duty. She also served as Song Leader and Eucharistic Minister at IHM. Her time spent in the Diocesan Choir led her to Rome where she sang in front of Pope John Paul II. Kathleen worked at Strawbridge Clothier as a sales associate in the Men’s Sportswear section where she prided herself in her customer relations and unsurpassed knowledge of her product line. She was honored for her workmanship with several Sales Associate of the Year Awards. She cherished the friendships she developed during her days at Strawbridge’s. Kathleen was the quintessential caregiver throughout her life. This role was accepted with grace and skill as she cared for her handicapped daughter as well as her own parents later in life.

Kathleen was predeceased by her daughter, Susan Vanderloo. She is survived by her husband, Richard Vanderloo; her son, Christopher Vanderloo, his wife Lydia, their children Niels and Iris; her son, Jon Vanderloo, his wife Tracey, and their children Julia, Abby and Caroline. She leaves behind 3 brothers, 2 sisters, an extended family, and many cherished friends both new and old who will miss her generous heart and fighting spirit. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of those who have supported our mom and us through this difficult time.

1964

Carol Lynn Thomas, age 63, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on May 19, 2009. Carol was a Health Representative with BCBS. She is survived by her mother, Olivia Kirby Thomas; her sisters, Glenda Ruggiero and husband Tony of Wilmington, DE and Gail Palumbo and husband Robert of Media, PA her nephews Paul Ruggiero of Wilmington, DE and Tom Ruggiero of Lewisburg, WV and her great nieces Christina and Angela Ruggiero and great nephew Thomas Ruggiero. Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Norris W. Thomas, Jr.

1969

Christine Szabo Tryens Patterson, 57, died on Sunday, September 21, 2008 in Albuquerque, NM after a lifelong fight against the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Chris graduated from St. Matthew School, Ursuline Academy and Brandywine College. She moved to Albuquerque in 1977.

She was predeceased by her husband, Steven Patterson; her parents, Stephen and Frances Szabo; and her brother, Jerry Szabo. Chris is survived by her son, Daniel Tryens and his wife, Mandy; and her former husband and friend, Bill Tyrens. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Fitzpatrick, Kathy King, John Szabo, Joanne Corrao and Beth Sheehy and their families.

1978

Julia E. “Judy” Brown, president of the class of 1978, died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at Christiana Hospital in Newark.

Born in Wilmington on August 3, 1960, Julia was the daughter of the late Donald E. Brown and Peggy Jackson Brown. She had been employed as a research specialist with J.P. Morgan Chase for 13 years and had been an active member of Berean Baptist Church for 30 years, where she held numerous leadership positions. She greatly enjoyed music, playing her guitar, and caring for others. Most of all, she delighted in her passion for the Lord.

1988

Kirsten Dahlen, 38, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2008 at her mother’s home in Hockessin. She died peacefully in her sleep.

Kirsten was a marine biologist, environmental educator, author, photographer and intrepid traveler who was always seeking new adventures. Her writing echoes the many paths she walked, from the Head Hunters Trail in Malaysian Borneo to the white sands of Antigua’s 365 beaches. While she called the US home, her work made it hard to predict where she actually was. Kirsten grew up in Hockessin, DE graduating from Ursuline Academy and then Goucher College in Townsend, MD. Kirsten spent 15 years working with sea turtles in the Caribbean, Latin America, South East Asia and the United States. Kirsten has worked on world-renowned sea turtle nesting studies in Jumby Bay, Antigua and Little Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA. She worked with communities worldwide to develop sea turtle friendly beach practices and educational outreach programs. Kirsten also worked with industry, lending her experience in attempts to mitigate harmful effects on the marine environment. Through this work she was asked to contribute to the clean up efforts at the World Trade Center in September 2001. Her lifelong passion for the sea is shared with all in her recent works “Wrong Way Peach Fuzz: A Turtle Tale” and “Peach Fuzz: The Early Years”, in addition to her photography, essay collections and blogs.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dr. Rolf J. Dahlen. She is survived by her mother, Mary Carr Meunier Dahlen of Hockessin; her brother, Peter Rolf Dahlen of Stockholm, his wife Helene and son Sebastian; sister, Meghan Dahlen Freeland of Hillsborough, NC, husband Tom and son Gabriel; and brother, Sean Dahlen, who like his sister calls the world home.

1994

Erika V. Hauber-Kimbiris, age 31, formerly of Wilmington, DE and Bala Cynwyd, PA, died on February 11, 2008 in Seabrook, TX after a 5-1/2 year battle with breast cancer.

Erika graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1994 and from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA in 1998. She was employed by Harcourt Publishing that later became Promissor Publishing in marketing and graphic design. She was later employed by P.A.S. of Seabrook, TX. She was a member of the Omega Chi Sorority at Ursinus College and played field hockey at both Ursuline and Ursinus.

She is survived by her husband, Paul A. Kimbiris; her parents, Robert and Nina Hauber of Wilmington; an aunt; an uncle; several cousins, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Dimitrious and Vasiliki Kimbiris; 2 nieces; god-daughter, Alexandra Kimbiris. Erika is also survived by her husband’s 2 brothers and their wives.

1996

Kathleen A. Taylor, age 30, of Newark, DE, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 29, 2009.

Born in Wilmington, DE, Kathleen was the daughter of Kenneth M. and Leslie (Brindle) Taylor. A 1996 graduate of Ursuline Academy, she attended the Delaware Technical Community College Nursing Program in Wilmington and Georgetown and was most recently employed as a secretary for the Unemployment Tax Advisory Corporation. Kathleen will be forever remembered for her kind heart and gentle nature. She always tried her best to make those she loved happy. There was always a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved beagle, Jake. She was also an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. May she find peace and happiness in the arms of the Lord and of her grandmother, whom she so truly adored.

Kathleen was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Leslie W. and Ann E. Brindle and her paternal grandfather, Herman B. Taylor. She will be dearly missed by her parents, Kenneth and Leslie Taylor; her sister, Susan E. Taylor; her brother, Matthew B. Taylor; and her paternal grandmother, Mary E. Taylor of Salisbury, MD. Also surviving are her aunts and uncles, Mark and Sonja Brindle, Joseph and Angie Taylor, and Kathy and Jim Perry.