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News-Press from Fort Myers, Florida • Page A11

Publication:
News-Pressi
Location:
Fort Myers, Florida
Issue Date:
Page:
A11
Extracted Article Text (OCR)

E1 THE NEWS-PRESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 11A LOCAL FIRST IRENE HELMS DECEMBER 30, 2015 MARILYN J. COCHRAN JANUARY 4, 2016 FUNERALS MEMORIALS Information in 'Funerals Memorials' is paid advertising. The News-Press also publishes notices of area residents' deaths free. To place either type of notice, go to www.news-press.comobits or call 335-0324. Please visit for archived obituaries.

Obituaries and photographs submitted to The News-Press may be published, distributed, repurposed and otherwise used in print, electronic and other media platforms. EDUCATION Board backs Stewart on test scores, school grades BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE The Florida Board of Education voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to back Commissioner Pam Stewart on proposals about test scores and school grades, turning aside concerns from business and education-reform groups. But even as the board went ahead with Stewart's ideas on a pair of 6-1 votes, some lawmakers were floating ideas for making changes that could complicate the process of calculating school grades in the future. Board members considered where to set two critical benchmarks of the state's education accountability system: "cut scores" that determine the levels of achievement students get based on their performances on standardized tests and the school grades tied to how well students do on those tests. The changes are necessary because of the state's move to the Florida Standards Assessments, a set of tests given to public school students.

Stewart's proposals opened up a rare battle between board members, who were appointed by a Republican governor, and a coalition of business and education-reform groups that generally back the GOP's education policies. Those groups have pushed for the state to line up what is essentially considered a passing score on the state test to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a highly regarded, nationwide standardized test. That would have increased the number of students who would fall short of passing the Florida exams. "Too often, Florida's employers have difficulty finding and hiring qualified talent. We need to ensure our students are not only successfully graduating from high school, but they are doing so based upon honest indicators they have actually achieved proficiency in math and English language arts," wrote Mark Wilson, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, in comments submitted to the board.

Critics were also disappointed in Stewart's recommendations for school grades under the new system, arguing that more students need to be required to pass the tests for schools to receive certain grades. The system the board adopted would see 189 schools receive grades for the 2014-15 school year, according to a simulation run by the JOYCE, AGNES, 98, of Fort Myers died January 5, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery. KINGSLEY, CHARLES LEE RAY, 76, of Fort Myers died January 4, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery.

LAFERLITA, ESTHER 56, of Cape Coral died January 4, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Affordable Cremations, A Dignified Alternative. LEE, SYLVIA 57, of Tampa died December 27, 20 1 5. Arrangements by Hickson Funeral Home LORENZ, DJULAHEA 88, of Lehigh Acres died January 4, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

MARTIN, WILLIE, 75, of Punta Gorda died December 26, 20 1 5. Arrangements by Hickson Funeral Home MCCOWN, ESTELLA 50, of Arcadia died January 2, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Hickson Funeral Home PETERS, FLORRIEW, 1 04, of Fort Myers died January 2, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Affordable Cremations and Horizon Funeral Home. ROBERTSON, FREDERICK DAVID, 73, of Cape Coral died December 24, 20 1 5.

Arrangements by Mullins Memorial Funeral Home Cremation Service. SCHOLER WALTER, 1 00, of Fort Myers died January 5, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery. SWAMMY, AL, 73, of Lakeland died January 2, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery.

WRIGHT, EDWARD, 77, of Fort Myers died January 3, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Gendron Funeral Cremation Services Inc-Fort Myers Chapel. Death notices ANTLEY, JESTINE, 88, of Fort Myers died December 3 1 20 1 5. Arrangements by Hickson Funeral Home BLOUNT, WHITFIELD DAVID ,74, of North Ft. Myers died January 5, 20 1 6.

Arrangements by Affordable Cremations, A Dignified Alternative. BURRELLI, FRANCIS RICHARD, 82, of CAPE CORAL died JANUARY 02, 20 1 6. Arrangements by NATIONAL CREMATION AND BURIAL SOCIETY. CASE, DAVID, 67, of Punta Gorda died January 1 20 1 6. Arrangements by Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery.

GRIM, LOUSE ANN, 83, of Cape Coral died January 04, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Gallaher American Family Funeral home. GROPP SR.JOSEPH ANTHONY, 97, of Fort Myers died December 3 1 20 1 5. Arrangements by Affordable Cremations and Horizon Funeral Home. HEIL, GARY, 53, of Reading died December 28, 20 1 5.

Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services. HODES, HELEN of Cape Coral died January 1 20 1 6. Arrangements by National Cremation Burial Society. JACKSON, LETTIE COLEMAN, 54, of Tampa died December 3 1 20 1 5. Arrangements by Hickson Funeral Home JACOBSON, RICHARD, 6 1 of Fort Myers died 1 230 1 5.

Arrangements by Gendron Funeral Cremation Services Inc-Fort Myers Chapel. JENSEN, WILLIAM JEFFERSON, 83, of Fort Myers died January 5, 20 1 5. Arrangements by Gallaher American Family Funeral Home. JOLLY, BENJAMIN, 1 00, of Fort Myers died January 6, 20 1 6. Arrangements by Gendron Funeral Cremation Services Inc-Fort Myers Chapel.

JOSEPH CASSIDY DECEMBER 24, 2015 Mr. Joseph (Joe) Cassidy age 85 passed away peacefully the morning of Thursday, December 24, 2015, after an extended illness. Joe would have been 86 on December 30, 2015. Mr. Cassidy was born on December 30, 1929.

Mr. Cassidy is survived by his wife Mary Ann, 7 children, 14 grand-children and 3 greatgrandchildren A celebration of life will be announced at a later date for Mr. Cassidy in Marco Island, Florida. Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialpark-funeralhomes SALLY R.MAURER DECEMBER 19,2015 Irene Helms passed away peacefully on December 30, 2015.

Irene was a resident of Ft. Myers for nearly 30 years. She was the daughter of Allan and Clara Morgan (originally from Aberdeen, Scotland) and was married for more than 50 years to Leland B. (Bud) Helms Jr. Irene is predeceased by her sister Paddie Bruner, and survived by her sister Catherine Dally, her sons Leland M.

(Lee) and Gregory L. Helms, and granddaughters Emily Morgan and Clara Ruth Helms. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., at Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ, 8210 College Parkway, Ft. Myers. NANCY H.PATTI JANUARY 4, 2016 Nancy Hellard Patti was born on June 15, 1949 and passed away at the age of 66.

She was an outspoken advocate for employees of the City of Cape Coral. She was raised in Charlestown Boston until she was six when her family moved to Beverly MA. Married in 1968 she moved to Wenham MA where she lived for over 40 years. After becoming ill with Lyme Disease she moved to Cape Coral in 2006. Nancy worked for 1 3 years as an LPN in medicalsurgical units, then returned to get her degree in Office Technology.

She worked as a Professional Secretary for RINET Company, the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston and then as a Legal Secretary for LeB-oeuf Lamb and then Folegy Hoag, all located in Boston. Nancy was an active volunteer in Youth Soccer when she was younger and then in retirement she volunteered in Cape Coral Police Volunteer Unit, Canal Watch, and a Cud-dler at Cape Coral Hospital NICU. Sadly she had to leave these positions due to declining health. She did retain her position in Cape Coral Community Emergency Response Team. She worked as an officer in Cape Coral Civic Association and often volunteered as a member at the Cape Coral Irish American Club Festival.

She was born in Boston, daughter to the late Richard William Hellard, Sr. and the late Mary Rita McGeough Hellard. She was the sister of Cpl. Richard Hellard, Jr. USMC who was killed in August 1968 in Phu Bi, Viet Nam, the late Mary Hellard who died in infancy.

She is survived by her sister Linda Hellard Collins of Wakefield, MA, Christopher A. Patti of Stevensville, Shannon Patti D'Evegnee of Cape Coral, grandchildren Emerson and Sophia Pattti of MD and Brianna D'Evegnee of Cape Coral, nieces Mary, Jennifer and Lisa and several cousins in MA and her beloved Irish Setter, Redmond, who has been placed in a loving home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church on Friday, January 8, 2015 beginning at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be held following the service at St.

Katharine Drexel Catholic Church until 6:00 pm. Please visit www.fuller-metz.com to leave a condo- Cremation 'Jiincrat S-Ti)ices Marilyn J. Cochrane, 70, of Estero, FL died January 4, 2016 at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs. Mardi was born August 11, 1945, in Chicago, IL to Frank and Helen Brezina. She married Charles R.

Cochrane, August 26, 1967 in DeKalb, IL at the United Methodist Church. Mardi worked as an LPN and registered nurse in critical care in Sycamore, IL, St. Petersburg, FL, and DeKalb, IL for over 30 years. She continued her work in caring for others as a volunteer for disaster relief after retiring to Estero, FL. She was a member of several groups in The Cascades, including the Mariners Club, a ceramics group, the Women's Club, and the Bocce team.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Surviving is her husband, Charles Cochrane of Estero, her daughter Kimberlee Crass and her husband Kevin of Columbia, SC daughter Kristin Teschke and her husband Kirk of Estero, and grandchildren, Margaux and Simon Teschke. Her parents, Helen and Frank Brezina, preceded her in death. A memorial mass and public inurnment will be held at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community on Friday, January 8th at Memorials may be made to the (ARC) Animal Refuge Center at 18011 Old Bayshore Rd. in North Fort Myers, FL 33917, or animalrefugecenter.com.

Mardi's arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home. Condolences may be left to the family at www.ShikanyFu neralHome.com. 992-4982 THOMAS ALLEN HUNT DECEMBER 8, 2015 Thomas Allen Hunt, AKA TW (Tommy) passed away with his loving wife by his side at Lehigh Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, just 3 days before his 56th birthday. A celebration of Life service will be at 12:00 noon, Sunday, January 10, 2016, at the LIFT Church located in the Atrium-Suite 1187 at 8695 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, Florida 33919. After the short formal service there will be a time of fellowship, remembrance, and sharing.

Thomas (TW) Hunt was born on December 11, 1959 in Benton, Arkansas to Sarah "Virginia" and James H. Hunt Sr. TW earned his Geology Degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He completed additional requirements to become a Professional Geologist (PG). He was an award winning PG who enjoyed and excelled at mines permitting and planning, reclamation work, and preserving and enhancing the environment.

He worked for Lee County and the city of Fort Myers until his declining health would not allow him to continue. Many special thanks are given to TWs and Lisa's many friends, relatives, employers, doctors, and health care professionals for their numerous acts of kindness during his illness. Tommy was a devoted Christian. He was a kind, friendly and forgiving man, who knew no strangers. He enjoyed participating in two Lehigh church choirs.

Survivors include his wife Lisa Hunt, a sister in law: Cathy Hunt, and a niece Sarah Hunt. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Martha "Jan" Hunt, and his brother: James Hunt Jr. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations in Thomas' name be directed to either the LIFT Church co Pastor Bon-dar at 2242 Harvard Ave. Fort Myers, Fl. 33907, or to the American Cancer Society.

THOMAS EDWARD INTOGNA DECEMBER 7,2015 Born October 14, 1943, in Chicago IL, Tom passed away in the Lane Purcell Hospice House in Sumpterville FL near The Villages where he resided. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 yrs, Nancy, and earlier by his parents Joseph and Irene Intogna of Clearwater. He had a successful career with Walgreen Company in Deerfield IL, where he worked as the food service personnel manager for the company's Wags and Robin Hood restaurants. He and Nancy eventually moved to Ft. Myers FL, and owned and operated Around The World Travel on Sanibel Island for many years.

Tom worked for a time as a regional manager for Circle and at Southwest Florida International Airport as a TSA passenger and baggage screener. After Nancy retired from full-time travel planning, the two moved to The Villages to enjoy the active lifestyle there. Tom was an avid golfer, enjoyed pickle ball, occasional fresh water fishing, shuffleboard and the connections he and Nancy made in the Chicagoland Club. Remembrances may be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd. Tavares, FL 3277 or The Gary Senise Foundation (online): VIRGINIA I.

POOLE JANUARY 4, 2016 Virginia Irene (Saltzer) Poole, 90, was born May 31, 1925 in Pottstown, PA and passed away peacefully on January 4, 201 6 in Northern Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her husband Samuel, her son Nelson, a brother Paul, and sisters Stella Helen. She is survived by a sister Emma Reustock, a daughter Kathleen, 2 sons Sam and David, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ginny served her country by making ammunition in a defense plant during WWII. As a single mom, she ventured to Ft.

Myers where she met the love of her life, Sam. She attended cosmetology school, was a home-maker and nurtured infants at Evangelical Christian School. Her favorite scripture verse was Jeremiah 33:3. A visitation will be at Crossroads Baptist Church on Palm Beach Blvd on January 9 from 10 to 11 am. The funeral service will be at 1 lam.

Private family graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Baptist Church Building or Benevolence Fund. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to view Virginia's Life Trib- Harvey-Encelhardt Funeral Home Cremation Sen ices Sally R. Maurer, 82, died Saturday, December 19, 2015. Born Sally Anne Rosen-berger on January 11, 1933 at Punxsutawney, Pa.

Her memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Fort Myers, Fl. 33901. The family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Maurer Family Music Fund at Covenant Presbyterian Church. MURIEL VON AHN DECEMBER 18,2015 Muriel Von Ahn, 90 Ft. Myers, FL passed away on 121815 peacefully in her sleep.

Muriel was born on 12925 in New York City to Patrick and Mary Mulkeen. She was united in marriage to Gerald Von Ahn, who passed away in 1958. She lived in New York City until the age of 88 and moved only because of age related issues. Always referred to herself as a "New York Girl." Muriel loved NYC, loved the Broadway shows and saw them all. She was proudly patriotic and truly loved the United States of America.

Muriel is survived by her sons Patrick and Gerald and their spouses Kathleen and Joan; grandchildren Kristina and her husband Kristopher, Patrick, Gerald, and Daniel with his spouse Chelsea; great grandchildren Aidan, Olivia Alaina. There will be a funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday January 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

ii Vi ROBIN COHEN JANUARY 6, 2016 Robin Cohen, 88, of Fort Myers FL passed away January 6, 2016. She is survived by her husband Harvey, and children Jodi and Steven. Services January 8 Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. Donations preferred to Ronald McDonald House SW, FL. CONCETTA J.

HALL JANUARY 3, 2016 Concetta J. Hall (LaMat-tina), 87, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Everett Ded-ham, MA passed away peacefully on January 3, 2016. Connie is survived by her daughter, Peggie (Alan) Francis of Fort Myers and Francis (Patricia) Hall, Jr. of Keane, two granddaughters, Stephanie (Michael) Pom-peo of Lake Mary, FL and Alison (Benjamin) Weaver of Fort Myers, FL; her great grandchild, Emma; as well as her sisters Louise LaMattina, Agnes Caires, Josephine Bot-tary and Eleanor Schiffer; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Connie is preceded in death by her late husband of 60 years, Francis "Frank" Hall; her parents, John and Mary; her brothers, Raffaele and Rocco; and her sister, Rose.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nursing and support staff at Discovery Village and to Hope Hospice House South of Fort Myers for the special care they took of Connie when she could not care for herself. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Concetta's memory to Hope Hospice 9470 HealthPark Circle Fort Myers, FL 33908. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to view the tribute page and leave a condolence. Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home Cremation Senices.

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