Patricia Woods Auer

On September 20, 2023, age 70, of Queensbury, passed away at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family, who were privileged to be loved by her and humbled to have learned from her each day of her life.

Born in Peterborough, NH, as the first child of Edward and Barbara Woods, she moved with her parents and siblings to Chestertown, NY, in 1962. She was a graduate of Chestertown Central School and then earned her bachelor’s of science in nursing at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. She paved a path into the field for her three sisters, each of whom also became nurses. During college, she worked in the summers as a nurse’s aide and licensed practical nurse at the Westmount Infirmary and Hallmark Nursing Center, but also spent time waitressing in Schroon Lake, where she met her future husband, Douglas Auer. They married in 1975 and began their life together in Connecticut, where she started her public health nursing career, holding a combination of school nurse teacher and community health roles, focusing on maternal child health and pediatrics, including providing care to elementary and middle school special education students with complex health needs. She earned a master’s degree in counseling at Fairfield University, and was also a Certified Childbirth Educator.

In 1986, Pat and Doug returned to upstate New York, settling in Queensbury, where she began a distinguished tenure that would span 32 years in leadership roles at Warren County Health Services. After 11 years as a supervising public health nurse and preventive services coordinator, she was appointed Director of Public Health in 1997. Her responsibilities included oversight of clinics, maternal child health, home care, early intervention and preschool special education services, communicable disease control, the WIC nutrition program, and health education. She steered the agency through management of countless emergencies and challenges impacting both year-round residents and tourists visiting the area, including measles, West Nile, norovirus and E. coli outbreaks, and human and animal rabies cases. In all her work, she focused on making systems and services more accessible to patients, clients, and families.

Pat also served for 15 years on the Queensbury Union Free School District Board of Education, which she led as president through many district transitions and impactful projects. She also served as an appointed member on numerous New York State health committees and tasks forces, and in a variety of board member and advisory posts for Washington Saratoga Warren Essex Hamilton BOCES, Warren County Head Start, Warren County Department of Social Services, Community Maternity Services, and the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network, among others.

Even as she dedicated herself to others through her health care career and community service work, she put her daughter and son first. She never missed their sporting events or other activities, logging many hours in the hottest indoor swimming pools and the coldest ice skating rinks to watch them compete. She honored and supported all their interests and ensured their home was a place their friends and teammates could always be welcome and comfortable. She made the work-life balance juggle look easy and set an example that remains uncommon even today. When her granddaughter, Clara, was born in 2010, she opened a whole new part of her heart to forge the most special relationship with her little “Starlet.”

Pat did not believe in the word “boss,” but she gained the respect of all that worked for and with her, modeling a calm, caring professionalism even in unexpected situations, and especially when the community’s health and safety were at risk. She always looked for the “ounce of positive,” no matter the situation. She was flexible and considerate of all points of view, but when needed, had skills of advocacy and persuasion that never failed to hit their mark, punctuating lock-tight arguments with her signature closing salvo, “Where do you disagree?”

Pat was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Douglas, of Queensbury, her daughter Holly and her husband David Gaulin of Haddonfield, NJ, her son Garrett, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, her granddaughter, Clara Gaulin of Haddonfield, NJ, four siblings, Sandra Purcell (James) of Niskayuna, Katherine Serlin and Nancy Brodeur (Claude), both of Malta, and Edward (Meg) of Saratoga Springs, as well as seven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held this fall for friends and family. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network at 37 Everts Avenue
Queensbury, NY 12804 (www.saccn.org).

William “Bill” E. Reifsteck

On Sept. 17, 2023, Beloved husband of Mary (nee Snyder) and the late Eleanor “Ellie” (nee Harshman); Loving father of William E. Reifsteck, II (Catherine), of Newport Beach, CA; Carla J. Donegan (Michael Kinney) of Delanco, NJ, and Bruce Reifsteck (Carol), of Holland, PA. Dear stepfather of Karen Alden, James Donahue, and Jonathan Donahue (Jessica). Cherished grandfather of Christopher Nicholas Reifsteck, Shannon Carroll Reifsteck (Adam Braeckman), William E. Reifsteck III (Brie), Jack Donegan (Molly), Charlie Donegan, Casey Donegan and Robert Reifsteck.

Bill was born in May of 1931 in Haddonfield, NJ where he spent much of his youth. He graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1949 and enrolled in the ROTC program at Indiana University where he met his wife, Eleanor Harshman. Bill spent most of his service in the Army Corp of Engineers in Orléans, France, where he and Ellie married. Upon completion of his military service and his undergraduate and law school studies, Bill and Ellie settled in Haddonfield where they raised their family and grew a loving and supportive 56-year marriage.

Bill was a respected attorney and spent his entire career practicing in South Jersey. He was a director of Equity National Bank and past president of Bank Credit Associates of New Jersey. Although he was a humble man, Bill received many professional honors, including admission to the US Supreme Court in 1969.

Very civic minded, Bill generously donated his time and talent as Haddonfield zoning board solicitor, borough solicitor and commissioner. He and Ellie also served as Treasurers of the Haddonfield Celebrations Association from 1968 through 2001.

In 2015, Bill received a cherished gift – a second chance at love. He and Mary Donahue married and spent his final years traveling and making memories with their beloved families.

Bill’s family will receive friends Friday evening, Oct. 6th, 6-8 PM at Kain- Murphy Funeral Home, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. There will also be a viewing Saturday morning Oct. 7^th, 9:30 AM at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM.

Memorial donations in honor of Bill may be made to Orchard Friends School, 405 Linden Ave, Riverton, NJ 08077 (www.orchardfriends.org/giving)

Helene N. Alles

Helene (nee Neutze) Alles, 102, former longtime Haddonfield, NJ resident passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 15, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Robbinsville, NJ where she resided for ten years.

Devoted wife of the late Thomas V. Alles; Helene is survived by her two children, Nancy A. Munn (Jack) of Robbinsville, NJ and Thomas V. Alles, Jr. of Eastampton, NJ; and three beloved grandchildren, David and Steven Munn and Mason Goettelmann, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Born in Camden, NJ, Helene was the daughter of the late Judge Frank F. Neutze and Anna Schoellkopf Neutze and sister of the late Frank F. Neutze Jr.

Helene grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ and graduated from Haddon Heights High School. She spent one year at Friend’s Central School; graduated and headed off to Cornell University as an English major. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1943. After graduation, she continued her ties with Cornell by writing a column for the “Cornell Alumni Magazine” for the Class of 1943, for 27 years. She also worked as a translator after college and in later years a transcriber for court reporters.

Marrying in 1947, Helene and her husband Tom, moved to Haddonfield in 1954. Helene lived on Oak Ridge Drive for 59 years and was the last of the original residents to leave the neighborhood.

Blessed with a huge, fun-loving personality and keen sense of humor, Helene made friends wherever she went. Dubbed “Class Clown” and “Life of the Party,” Helene brightened any room she entered. She brought much laughter to our lives with her sharp wit.

One of Helene’s greatest joys was correspondence. She loved “to play with the mail!” If you knew Helene, you were probably getting a birthday card…for the rest of your life! Helene enjoyed writing to celebrities and political figures of her time as well. Many wrote back. She framed those letters and autographed pictures and made a unique gallery wall in her home.

She was a whiz at needlepoint and gifted many in her circle with a framed keepsake. Helene was a poll worker in Haddonfield for many years and enjoyed politics. Helene was a huge Kentucky Wildcat fan and loved following college basketball and watching “March Maness” with her family every year.

Helene, and her husband Tom, spent their early retirement years traveling; taking many trips abroad, but by far, Helene’s favorite lifelong vacation spot was Ocean City, NJ. She spent many happy days in Ocean City with her parents, then her husband and children and eventually introduced her grandchildren to the family tradition of vacationing in Ocean City. She leaves us all with many cherished memories of wonderful days “down the shore.”

First and foremost, Helene’s focus was family. She filled our lives with love and laughter. She made time for everyone, always. Helene was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers and staff at Comfort Keepers Robbinsville for all of their support during Helene’s final years. We would also like to thank Swan Hospice of Lakewood, NJ for their compassionate care in Helene’s final months.

Helene’s family will receive friends on Monday, September 25^th at 10am at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ 08033. A brief funeral service will be held there at 11am followed by interment at Haddonfield Methodist Cemetery in Haddonfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Helene’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. (act.alz.org)

Carol A. Gercke

Carol Musnick Gercke, wife of John R. Gercke, died on September 10, 2023 after a courageous battle against cancer. A 1966 graduate of Rosemont College, she and John married and moved to Haddonfield, NJ where they raised their family and became active members of Christ the King community where Carol taught CCD and served as a Eucharistic minister. Carol taught 2nd grade for 16 years in the Stratford school district, where she enjoyed life lasting friendships with teachers, parents, and students.

She is predeceased by a son, John Jr. and survived by her husband, John, four children, Julie Yunaska (Douglas), Francis Gercke (Jessica), Anne Marie Dickinson (Kevin), and J. Christopher Gercke (Amanda). She is also survived by her sister, Stephanie Karpell Folie (Michael), 9 beautiful grandchildren (Katelyn, Jonah, Jack, Jayne, Daphne, Cecilia, Edith, Gracie, and Max), as well as many loving sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Carol’s family will receive friends on Friday, September 22^nd from 10-10:45am, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, NJ 08008; where her memorial mass will follow at 11am. Interment, Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or MD Anderson Foundation.

Charles Frederick Reinert

Charles F. Reinert passed away peacefully on Sept .10, 2023, in Marlton, NJ. Preceded in death are his parents Hilma C. and John H. Reinert, his sister Joan (Reinert) Lippincott Harz, his first wife Jean D. (McMaster) and his second wife Frances E. (Dildine Rushton) Reinert. Charles was a proud Navy Veteran serving in the Korean War. His career with RCA was in Radar.  He was formerly of Oaklyn and a long time resident of Cherry Hill, NJ. He will be missed by his family; Stepfather of David (Debra) Rushton, Mark (Alla) Rushton, Christopher (Andreza) Rushton, Daniel (Sharon) Rushton, Leslie (Barry) Cerf and Nan Rushton; Brother-in-law of Carl Harz, Sr.; Uncle of Rick (Karen) Lippincott, Carl (Karen) Harz, Jr., Chris (Helena) Harz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Reinert’s graveside service on Friday, September 29^th, 11 AM at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Mr. Reinert’s name may be made to American Heart Association www.heart.org

Lawrence “Larry” E. MacCluen

Lawrence “Larry” MacCluen, age 80, a longtime resident of Haddonfield, sadly left us on September 9, 2023.  He was the loving husband of Patricia (nee Klammer), beloved father of Eric L. MacCluen (Holly), Kelly MacCluen (Thomas Culligan), Olivia MacCluen and the late Ryan MacCluen and grandfather of Eric W. MacCluen.

Larry was a veteran of the US Army and a former Philadelphia Police Officer.  After his time in the Army, he attended Rowan University (Glassboro State) to earn a degree in physical education while playing tennis.  After school, Larry pursued his love of tennis to the professional level.  He then combined his teaching skills and passion for tennis to establish Children & Adult Tennis Clinics in Haddonfield and Moorestown.  He shared his love and skill for tennis with generations of Haddonfield residents.

Additionally, in his late 30’s, Larry began playing golf.  After years of playing, his once hobby became an obsession and ultimately developed into a new phase of his career.  There were many times when he instructed both tennis and golf lessons in the same day.  Over the last 20 years, Larry became a full-time Golf Instructor, most recently teaching at The Links Golf Course in Marlton, New Jersey.  “Coach Larry”, as his students fondly referred to him, devoted much of his time to making golf and tennis more accessible for underserved communities, those with disabilities, and low-income families.

Apart from his passion for his work, Larry enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and their dogs.

Larry’s family will receive friends & family on Tuesday, September 19, 10-10:45 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, 20 Kings Hwy. E., Haddonfield, NJ, where the Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM.  Burial will be at Haddonfield Baptist Cem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Larry may be made to The MDS Foundation at www.mds-foundation.org

Carol A. Russell

(nee Rosencrans) On September 9, 2023, age 76; formerly of Haddonfield, NJ, Beloved wife for 55 years of Arthur “Art” Russell; Loving mother of Bryan Russell of Bristow, VA, Kevin Russell of Vero Beach, FL & Keith Russell of Marlton, NJ and Cherished grandmother of Sawer Russell of New Orleans, LA, Gretchen Russell of West Point, NY, Libby Russell of Blairstown, NJ and Riley Russell of Bristow, VA.

Carol graduated from Misericordia Univ. Class of 1967.  She was a stay-at-home mom providing care for her family and household as well as volunteering at several organizations including Cathedral Kitchen.

Service will be held privately.  Memorial contributions in honor of Carol may be made to the Make-A-Wish America, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

William "Bill" L. Beeman

 Passed away on August 17, 2023. Bill was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1946. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1965 and Washburn University in 1969 with a BBA.

 Bill owned and operated Beeman Car Leasing from 1969-1984. He retired as a 1^st Sergeant Major from the US Army and KS Army Guard after 34 years of service. He greatly enjoyed helping his son, Chad, with his business after retirement.

 Bill was the devoted husband of Patricia (McMullen); cherished father of Angela (Glenn) Stinson and Chad (Kendra) Beeman; adoring grandfather of Ellie, Alex, Austin, Cailtin, Avery, Madeline, Amelia and Keira; and dear brother of Darlene Phillips of Topeka, Kansas.

 He enjoyed fishing and golf with his family and friends. Most of all, Bill enjoyed sitting on the deck with Pat watching the ducks go down the creek. Bill was a selfless and hard-working man who would drop anything to help anyone.

 Funeral services for Bill will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. 

Ruth Leah Green Kain-Palmer

Ruth passed away on August 20, 2023.

Born in 1921 at the family home on Princess Avenue in Camden, New Jersey, Ruth grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey, graduating from Woodbury High School in 1938.  She was active in school theatre and the debate team.  Ruth continued her education in Philadelphia, graduating from the Philadelphia Business College in 1939 in the Medical Secretarial Program.

She was immediately employed by Jefferson Hospital and ultimately became the Executive Assistant to Hobart A. Reimann, M.D., Professor of Medicine.  During that time, medical students participated in clinical trials for new medications.  Ruth was responsible to help coordinate the trial for penicillin and medical students had to be registered by her in the office of the Professor of Medicine.

In May of 1943, Ruth married one of those medical students, who served as an intern at Cooper Hospital in Camden and ultimately became Cooper’s Chief of Medicine.  The couple had three children, the late Thomas M. Kain, III MD (Mary) of Newtown Square, PA, William S. Kain (Karen), of Cherry Hill, N.J., Dennis J. Kain (Pamela), of Moorestown, N.J. Ruth is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. With some help from her nephew, Gene Kain, of Haddonfield, Ruth is known as “Aunt Ruth” to many.

In 1986, Ruth married Joseph Palmer.  The ceremony was held at the home of Gunther and Betty Ibbeken and presided over by then Mayor of Tavistock, Samuel Fulton.  Joseph pre-deceased her in 1994.

Ruth was active in the community, most notably as a volunteer for Cooper Hospital, where she first began serving in 1948.  Ultimately, she chaired several volunteer organizations at Cooper, including: the Junior Auxiliary (1953-1955); the Doctor’s Wives Auxiliary (1961-1962); the Maternity Auxiliary (1978-1979); and the Association of Auxiliaries (1980).  Her longtime service to the Women’s Board at Cooper, where she served as Vice Chair in 1980, and the Cooper Foundation led Cooper University Healthcare to present Ruth with a special recognition in 2016.

Other community activities included serving as Chair of the Camden County Women’s Medical Auxiliary and as the initial Chair of the Heart Fund Drive in Haddonfield in 1954.  She helped coordinate a unique program on Women’s Health that was held at the Haddonfield Fortnightly that featured a speaker from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, C. Everett Koop, MD.  The large turnout required assistance from RCA in Cherry Hill, who provided a closed-circuit telecast so that attendees could watch from the entry-level of the building.

More recently, she served as President of the John Estaugh Chapter of Questers from 2002-2004.

For all of Ruth’s numerous contributions, activities, and volunteerism, family was the most important and driving force in her life.  Her son William commented, “Over the decades and despite some unique circumstances, Mom worked hard to maintain closeness in the family.  Perhaps the most influential event was her hosting the traditional Christmas dinner, followed by the competitive ‘Tie Contest’ which saw the winner (spanning three generations) take home the coveted trophy.”

Ruth’s family will receive friends and family on Friday, August 25^th, 9-9:45 AM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 499 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; where her Service will follow at 10 AM.  Interment, private.

Memorial contributions in honor of Ruth may be made to The Cooper Foundation, One Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103 (https://foundation.cooperhealth.org/give/gifts-to-honor-or-remember/)or to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 499 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (www.trinpres.org/) where Ruth was a longtime active member.

**Route 70 is under construction, as you approach the church take the first available entrance into the church’s parking lot.** 

Maureen Janice Harman

__On August 19, 2023, Age 78, surrounded by her loving family.  Adored children Michelle Harman (John) McDonald of Haddonfield and James P. (Kelli Strieter) Harman of Laurel Springs; Cherished grandchildren Emerson, Paige, Olivia and Avery; Dear sibling of JoAnna Beckson, Joseph Beckson and the late Barbara Mertsock; Treasured Aunt and Great-Aunt of many nieces and nephews; Beloved daughter of the late Edna and Joseph Beckson.

__Maureen grew up in Philadelphia, PA, raised her children in Somerdale, NJ, and enjoyed her later years in Haddon Township, NJ.   She will be most remembered for her love of family, contagious laugh, bright smile, warm hugs, and joy of dancing.  Maureen will be deeply missed.

__Family will greet visitors on Thursday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; where her Memorial Service will immediately follow. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to Laurel Manor, 18 W. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ 08084.