Obituaries

Joanne M. Peden, 82, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, at Riddle Memorial Hospital. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and a lifelong resident of Upland, PA. During her working years she was a research librarian for Scott Paper and a District Sales Manager for Avon.

Diane Frances Platt (nee Malovich), was born into this world December 14, 1953 in Chester, PA, as daughter to the late Michael P. and Helen E. Malovich (nee Pezick). Diane passed to the Lord peacefully on December 5, 2024 and is reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, the late Edwin C. Platt.

Andrew Forrest, known as Andy to many, died unexpectedly on November 28, 2024 at age 64. A resident of Delaware County for most of his life, Andy leaves behind friends, colleagues, and family - his little brother, Dave, and sister-in-law, Amy, a beloved niece, Sarah, and a dear nephew, Matthew, along with their families - who will miss him dearly. Andy was a loving uncle and very proud to become a great uncle of three in recent years. Andy was extremely capable and hard working - a man of many talents, interests, and deep intelligence, though he was always humble. Across his years, Andy spent time as a volunteer firefighter, scuba diver, auto mechanic, and maintenance manager for grocery stores and offices. Andy knew how to fix almost anything. At a recent family Thanksgiving, he replaced a faulty kitchen light fixture in a snap. Andy also pursued interest in computers and tech, becoming an unofficial IT department for several workplaces. Andy enjoyed gaming in his free time and even built his nephew a computer for a birthday one year.

Renee M. Johnson, 85, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, at the Wallingford Nursing Home. She was a long-time resident of Brookhaven, PA, and worked as a financial aid officer for the Wilford Academy.

Mary Jo (Gastin) Ruth, former resident of Brookhaven, Delaware County for 61 years, passed away peacefully from dementia-related illness on November 14th, 2024. She was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania on November 12th 1938 and was the proud daughter of Albert A. and Mary T. (Flaherty) Gastin. Mary Jo attended Annunciation Elementary School and Annunciation High School in Shenandoah before moving to Philadelphia in her sophomore year of high school. She graduated with honors from West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School in 1956 and matriculated to Immaculata University, graduating with honors in 1960. Upon graduation, Mary Jo secured a history teaching position at Sun Valley High School, and there she met the man of her dreams and her partner in love and life for 63 years: John (Jack) Ruth, with whom she shares three children and ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Donna M. Chalfant, age 65, of Upland, PA, peacefully passed away on November 19, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Donna was a proud 1977 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Moylan and was an active member of the Notre Dame High School Alumni Association, staying connected to her roots and classmates throughout her life.

James G. Markert, 80, passed away peacefully at Riddle Memorial Hospital on November 3, 2024. He spent most of his life living in Brookhaven, PA.

Bernard J. Orensky, 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded in loved ones. He was a resident of Brookhaven, PA, for the last 40 years. He was a career long employee of Aston Township, working as a sanitation driver until his retirement.

Our dear beloved mother, Grace Archacki (nee Doyle), age 95 of Aston, Pa., went into the arms of our savior the Lord Jesus Christ on October 22, 2024. She was the last surviving member of her family’s generation. Mom was a very loving and devoted mother. Her life was about caring for and being there for her family. She listened, supported, and by her words and actions gave us wisdom and faith to carry out thru to our own families.  She loved and was proud of all her family.

Maria Jeanette Costigan (Gatti) passed away suddenly on October 19,2024 in Wilmington, Delaware at the age of 51. Maria was born in Philadelphia, grew up in Broomall, PA and resided in Media, PA with her soulmate Joe Bryan.