Ernest Penn Wellford of Richmond, VA died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, following a brief illness and hospitalization. He is survived by his spouse of 67 years, Rebecca Pilcher Wellford of Richmond; daughters Kathryn Wellford Stewart of Merchantville, N.J., Nancy Wellford Markon (John) of Midlothian, Rebecca Pilcher Wellford of Doswell, and Laura Simmons Chicklo (Jay) of Midlothian; and grandchildren Michael Ernest Turner of Glen Allen, Elizabeth Markon Oakland (Milo) of Charlottesville, and Tyler James Chicklo of Midlothian. Private burial in Westhampton Memorial Park, 2 p.m., May 13. Live stream video is available for those kept at home by the COVID-19 health emergency. Full obituary.

Father Alfred J. Hewett, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for more than 60 years, died April 18 at the age of 95. Father Hewett graduated from Collingswood High School, served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps and the U.S. Army Air Corps then, attended Saint Joseph’s University. His first assignment was in Merchantville, as parochial vicar at Saint Peter Parish from 1956-63. Due to current restrictions, interment at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill will be held privately for his family.  A memorial Mass will be held when the current restrictions are lifted.  Donations may be made to Madonna House or Catholic Relief Services.

Elizabeth Louise McCoy died on April 8, 2020, at Spring Village Assisted Living Center in Galloway, NJ. Elizabeth was born on October 5, 1935 to Thomas and Matilda (Tilly) Graham. She attended Merchantville H.S., where she met and married John McCoy. John and Elizabeth were devoted to each another and were married for 60 years. They had four children: Michelle (Shelley), Bunny, Bonnie and John, as well as two grandchildren: Gayneta and Cali. Arrangements entrusted to Wimberg Funeral Home in Galloway 609-641-0001. For condolences, please visit wimbergfuneralhome.com.

Phoebe M. Walsh, a longtime Merchantville resident passed away at home on Sunday, April 6, 2020. She was 85. Services and interment private. For condolences please visit www.gaskillbrown.com. To plant a tree in memory of Phoebe M. Walsh, please visit our tribute store.

Rutgers University–Camden junior and Merchantville resident, Emily McDermott, is conducting cutting-edge research that could lead to applications for NASA to use in space. A recipient of the NASA NJ Space Grant Consortium, she is working with an assistant professor of chemistry and an assistant professor of biology at Rutgers–Camden conducting research on using plant-based materials to power batteries that astronauts could use in space in the future. McDermott's innovative project aims to find a more eco-friendly way to power batteries instead of using fossil fuels.

Marie Peze (nee Dunleavy), age 99 of Merchantville passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Richard J. Peze; devoted mother of Richard Peze of Peachtree City, GA, Gary Peze (Diane) of Merchantville and Janice Withers (Dominic) of Tabernacle. Marie is survived by eight grandchildren, Siri Lackovic (Paul), Jeffrey Peze (Monica), Jessica Hickenbottom (William), Brett Peze (Jayne), David Peze (Amy), Ritchie Mazzaglia (Joy), Jillian Ormsby (Christopher), Ashley Cardini (Michael); eleven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by all seven of her siblings and their spouses. Marie was a 29 year resident of Holiday City in Williamstown and a leader in the Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts. She was an active church member and worked as a bookkeeper for various companies ultimately retiring from Dunleavy’s Restaurant in Hainesport. She was an avid traveler and travel organizer. She particularly enjoyed traveling with her sisters Florence and Helen. Full obituary.