Thérèse Cécile (Côté) Lachance

Thérèse Cécile (Côté) Lachance of Princeton, New Jersey, died on Nov. 26, 2019 from complications after suffering a stroke in 2016. Thérèse was the loving wife of Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lachance, Ph.D. and the proud mom of Dr. Michael Paul Lachance, Ph.D. (Cooperstown, NY), Peter André Lachance (Yardley, PA), Marc-André LaChance (Essex Junction, VT), and Susan Ann (Lachance) Shih (Cranford, NJ).

Thérèse was the first-born child of Lucien and Emilienne (Bolduc) Côté and was born in Derby Line, Vermont, in 1932. She is survived by sisters Yolande Cody (Don), Claire Jaquish (Charles), goddaughter Joanne Comstock (Dana), and her brother Maurice Côté (Monica). She is also survived by godson Donald Cody II, goddaughter Jacqueline Bouffard, and goddaughter Louise Lavallee.  She leaves friends and family throughout the USA and Canada. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from both Vermont and Canada. She was the matriarch of a wonderful family that included nine cherished grandchildren: Marcel, Elijah, AnnaGrace, Beau Pierre, Joelle, Aline (Dias), Michaela, Zinnia, and Paul Thomas (Shih). She loved her children’s partners as her own: Carole (Lehoullier), wife of Michael; Patti Malinowski, longtime girlfriend of Peter; Amy (Myers), wife of Marc-André; and Philip Shih, husband of Susan.

On August 6, 1955, Thérèse was married to Paul, her high school sweetheart, in St. Mary “Star of the Sea” Church in Newport, (VT) by Rev. Damase Carrieres; thus began a Catholic and holy marriage that lasted over 61 years. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart schools in Newport, then from the St. Louis School of Nursing in Berlin, NH, where she earned top grades. She completed her residency at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. No one worked harder than Thérèse, and no one could doubt her integrity, high morals, and love for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As a Registered Nurse, she lovingly — and with great attention to detail — worked with patients at the Orleans County Hospital in Newport (VT), was head nurse at the Bishop DeGoesbriand Memorial Hospital in Burlington (VT), served at the 14th USAF Dispensary, Ethan Allen Air Force Base in Winooski (VT), worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Hull, Quebec, and finished her nursing career at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick (NJ) working on Floor 3B. She loved being a nurse and treated each patient as she would want her own family members to be treated, often returning to work after her shift to finish details and to say prayers with patients. She was rewarded with notes and cards, calling her an “angel.” She held high standards for work and behavior while still being so gentle.

Thérèse left nursing to raise a growing family as we moved from Quebec to Dayton, Ohio, for Dad’s position at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 1963, the family moved to LaPorte, Texas, as Dad was selected as the first flight food and nutrition coordinator for the Manned Spacecraft Center at NASA in Houston. In addition to raising four children, she was engaged in local church activities and worked tirelessly to prepare and support Dad as he became an internationally recognized food scientist. Both Dr. Lachance and Thérèse were parish coordinators of the CYO at St. Mary’s Church. In 1967, Dr. Lachance joined the faculty of the Food Science Department of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers — The State University. The family settled in a South Brunswick home which Mom made into a loving, accepting refuge.

She was known for her culinary abilities, often creating the most incredible meals, pies, and cakes. She supported Dad as demands for his time became extraordinary and as he became the first Permanent Deacon at St. Paul’s Church (Princeton) where he served from 1977 to when he became too ill with Parkinsonism. She kept everything organized while always insisting that the family eat dinner together. As the children became older, she returned to nursing, often working night shifts while continuing to be the best mom, wife, and nurse this Earth has ever seen. She supported the family having a dog and often had to care for the pet, even though she was not fond of animals. Her singing voice was the sweetest voice in church on Sundays. When she did need to discipline, Thérèse just needed to give “the look” and say she was “disappointed.” As we grew older, we all had fun to see how far we could go before she would declare (but we knew it was only talk) that she would “take you over my checkered apron!”

Vermont remained her home away from home, and she cherished the two-week summer vacations seeing her parents, brother, and sisters from around northern Vermont and Paul’s family in St. Johnsbury. As her children began families of their own, she was the source of guidance on how to cook special meals and how to raise children. Notes from Mom saying “I’m proud of you” are still treasured by her children and their partners. She liked nothing more than when we could “sit and hold my hand…” She treasured every second with us.

She often left notes written in her impeccable handwriting for Dad to find in his suitcase: “Don’t forget you’re very precious to me” and “I’m sure you’ll impress them!” and “I have always been very proud of you” and I love you very much” and “I’ll always be here to take care of you”  and “Don’t forget where you live!” and “Rest!” and “You haven’t left yet, and I already miss you!” and a prayer: “Lord, bring my precious other half home safely.” Dad always wrote back, including “Je t’aime plus que hier et moins que demain.” They called each other every day they were separated and adored each other. They never left home without a kiss. Theirs was a true love story. They held the Immaculate Heart of Mary close to their hearts and often prayed together. We all believed that Mom had a direct connection to God, but she disliked it when we called her “Saint Thérèse”…even though she is no doubt now among the saints and angels in heaven. She is with friends and family she has not seen for a long time and awaits all of us with her moving hugs, soft eyes, and sweet smile. Her loving husband, Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lachance, who died on Jan. 21, 2017, will be joyful to see his love and will probably greet her with a kiss and say, “You’re late.”

In lieu of flowers, take the time to pray with someone, hold a hand, feed the birds, donate food to the poor, and enjoy a piece of German Chocolate Cake, strawberry tarts, blueberry or pecan pie, or an order of beef stroganoff…though none of it will be as good as Mom’s. Care about your work with a high level of detail and integrity while honoring the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Treasure the children and never forget how lucky we are to be in a family. Rest, Mom…Merci beaucoup.

Friends may meet the family from 7-9 p.m. on Friday,  Dec. 6th at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. Deacon Jim Knipper will lead a prayer service. Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. viewing) in St. Paul’s Church (Princeton) at 216 Nassau Street on Saturday, Dec. 7th. The celebrant will be Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Walter E. Nolan with Deacon Frank Crivello. Thérèse Lachance will be entombed in a mausoleum with her husband at Holy Cross Burial Park in East Brunswick, N.J., after mass is completed.

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Eleanor Nini Perone

Eleanor Nini Perone, 95, of Princeton died Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Acorn Glen of Princeton. Born in Princeton, she had been a lifelong resident.

Eleanor retired after many years of service as a receptionist with Mason, Griffin and Pierson. She participated in McCarter Theatre, of P J and B productions. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church, where she was christened and married, and a member of the Italian American Club of Princeton. She was an avid singer and dancer that was always involved in the arts.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She belonged to all of us. We were so fortunate to bask in her goodness, good advice, good friends, good conversation, and great food. She gave from her heart to each and every one of us, asking nothing in return. Her home was a special place where all were welcomed.

Daughter of the late Sebastiano and Mariassunta (Tamasi) Nini; wife of the late Felix A. Perone; sister of the late Anthony (Tony) Nini; two sons and a daughter-in-law Paul and Inez Perone, John Daren Perone; two daughters and their partners Toni Rita Perone and James Berger, Melanie Perone and Barry Blount; three grandchildren Allyn Bonilla, John Daren Perone, Jr., and Alexandra Nini Harnois; three great-grandchildren Christhian Bonilla, Sebastian Bonilla, and Bridget Alexandra Harnois.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 11:30 am at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial followed in the Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Princeton or the American Cancer Society.

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Moore (Mosie) Gates, Jr.

Moore (Mosie) Gates, Jr., a lifelong resident of Princeton, passed peacefully and with grace from this world to the next on Saturday, November 30th after 93 years of doing his best to make the world a better place. He was surrounded by his devoted family and a dedicated team of caregivers.

Born August 28, 1926 in New York City, to Harryette (Reynolds) and Moore Gates, his family lived in Poughkeepsie, NY, until 1937 when they moved to Princeton. As a young man, he fondly recalled mowing neighbor Albert Einstein’s lawn. The family spent summers in Lakeville, CT, where he developed his love of golf and carded two holes-in-one within eight days at the age of 16.

He was a student at Princeton Country Day, now Princeton Day School, before attending The Hill School. There he excelled at sports, becoming Captain of both the soccer and golf teams. He attended Princeton University in the Navy V-12 Officers Training Program, graduating with the Class of 1948. At Princeton, he captained the varsity golf and soccer teams and was a member of Cottage Club.

After graduation, he began his career in investment management at US Trust Co., becoming Senior Vice-President in the Trust Department. After leaving US Trust in 1979, he was a Principal in several smaller investment firms and retired from Gates, Wilmerding, Carper & Rawlings in 2008.

In 1953, Mosie met Audrey Weiss, the love of his life for over 65 years. They were married on February 13, 1954 and began a family that grew to include four children, many dogs, and a few pet pigs. When the children were young, summers were spent on Lake Carmi in Franklin, VT, where Audrey’s parents, Helen and Irwin Weiss, had a “camp.” Many happy memories of swimming, fishing, water skiing, and cheerful dinners were made there. More recently, Audrey and Mosie rented houses on Martha’s Vineyard and in Mattapoisett, MA, that allowed all 17 of the widely-dispersed kids and grandkids to gather. Mosie was a reluctant skier but for many winters a ski house was rented in Woodstock, VT, with two of his college classmates and their families. The laughter still rings in that house and the love of skiing lives on in several of his children and grandchildren. His skiing prowess, or lack thereof, earned him the nickname, “Max” after an imaginary Austrian ski legend!

Mosie gave generously of his time to help others. The Boys and Girls Club of America benefited most from his commitment. He was a lifetime Board member, serving over 50 years, with 30 as National Treasurer. For many years, Mosie was Board Chair of the Rita Allen Foundation which provides funding for young scholars doing pioneering research on cancer, neuroscience, and palliative care. Under his care, it grew from a small family foundation into the important organization it is today. He also served on the Boards of the American Bible Society, Dorothea’s House, the Medical Center at Princeton, and the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church. A devout Christian, he was an Elder at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton. He was very active in the Princeton University Alumni Association, serving at various times as Class President, Class Secretary, and Class Treasurer.

Mosie had a passion for the game of golf. He was a lifelong member of Springdale Golf Club in Princeton and of Pine Valley Golf Club for 53 years. He also enjoyed many outings as a member of the US Seniors Golf Association. At Springdale, he holds the distinction of winning a major club tournament in each of the last eight decades, beginning with a victory in the 1943 Member/Guest and ending with a win in the 2011 C.W. McGraw Tournament, playing alongside son, Bill. In all, his name appears 17 times on various boards in the clubhouse. He was also a member of Princeton Investors Group and the Nassau Club.

Mosie was predeceased by his brother, Harris, in 2006 and leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Audrey (Weiss) Gates; four children, David and wife Stacy (Bowman) of Manchester, VT, Bill and wife Anne (O’Neill) of Princeton, Tom and wife Tracey (Willis) of Pennington, and Susan Gates Pottinger and husband Michael of Cape Town, South Africa; as well as seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A consummate optimist, Mosie was a man of deep faith and exceptional character, integrity, and kindness. The memory of his endearing smile and sparkling personality will live with us forever.

A memorial service will be held at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton on Thursday, December 12th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

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Irving Leighton Newlin
May 29, 1923 – November 25, 2019

Irving L. Newlin (Irv) passed away quietly on November 25, 2019 at the age of 96. Born on May 29, 1923 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Charles Newlin and Mabel Stockton Christiansen Newlin. Irving was married to his wife Janet, who preceded him in death, for 57 loving years. 

Irving spent his childhood in Trenton, attended the Trenton public school system, and graduated from Trenton High School.

After high school at 19 years of age Irving enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He received an American Theater, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Victory Medal.

After returning from the war Irving met the love of his life, Janet Madden. From this marriage came three sons, Darrell, Durwin, and Leighton. Irving always was an active and loving father. He coached the Orioles YMCA little league baseball team and also umpired little league games. He was also quick to join in and support neighborhood youth at Community Park for baseball games and other sports related activities.

After attending the March on Washington in 1963 and witnessing the atrocities imposed on people of color during the Civil Rights Movement, Irving began a lifelong campaign of advocating for social justice reform issues, civil and human rights. He became the President of PAHR, Princeton Association for Human Rights, working in Princeton to advocate for better conditions through employment, equity, and fair practices. His passion was going on cruises and solving crossword puzzles with his wife Janet.

Irving worked for many years as a U.S. Postal Worker before retiring. He then took on a position as a mail handler for Peterson’s Guides in Lawrence, NJ, and retired from that position after 10 years. He also worked part time for several years at the Lutheran Church in Princeton as a custodian. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Over the past few years of his life Irving lived at the Princeton Care Center on the third floor, where he was loved and cared for by a warm and wonderful staff.

Irving was predeceased by his wife Janet, and his twin sons Darrell and Durwin.  He leaves behind his son Leighton (Tesha); grandchildren Trey (Jenelle), Leia (Bob), Antoine, and Darrell Newlin Jr.; great-grandchildren StevieLeigh Bannon, Noelanii, Titan, and Oakley Dubuc, Trey Cole, Sterling, Darien, Sky, and Cheyenne Newlin; many nieces, nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

Irv also leaves two dear friends, Barbara and Lloyd Banks, his Wednesday pinochle partners, to cherish his memory.  He will be missed by all who loved him.

Services will be held on Saturday December 7, 2019 at Trinity Church (33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540) at 1 p.m.  Interment will follow the service at Princeton Cemetery.

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Katherine Marie Ness

Katherine Marie Ness, 98, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 24 in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

The only child of Frederick and Marie Albert, born on September 18, 1921. Katherine grew up in the borough of Queens New York, a true city girl! She graduated from high school a year early and went on to study at Pratt Institute, graduating four years later. She used her education to work as a dietitian in a Trenton hospital before marrying her husband of 55 years, Irving Ness, and moving to Princeton.

She was very active in the community, as a member of the Princeton United Methodist Church for over 60 years, and a volunteer at the former Princeton Hospital for over 30 years. In addition, she was a longtime member of the Women’s College Club of Princeton, including serving one term as president. Her interests knew no bounds and included protecting the environment, the welfare of animals, gardening, history, and traveling the world. She was also an ardent baseball fan.

She was preceded in death by husband, Irving Ness, and is survived by her two children Leland Ness of Alexandria, Virginia, and Victoria Ness of Sebastopol, California, and their respective spouses Janet Ness and Terry Garner.

A short service will be held graveside at Princeton Cemetery on Friday, December 6 at noon. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made in her name to the local or national branch of the Humane Society, or to Defenders of Wildlife. For information, please contact the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home at 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton at (609) 924-0242.