Obituaries
Barbara Bridgers Barham
Falls
Barbara Bridgers Barham, 85, passed away on Friday morning, February 16, 2024, at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Born in Wake County to the late Vaden V. Bridgers and Susie Leonard Bridgers, Barbara was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Her life was defined by her unwavering faith, her dedication to her community, and her love for her family. Her life reflected the virtues of “faith, hope, and love,” with the greatest being love.
Barbara was a committed lifelong member of Falls Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in reflecting the light of Christ. Her love for her church family was evident in her tireless efforts to support and encourage others, and her presence will be deeply missed within the congregation.
Barbara professionally served as the administrative assistant at Millbrook Baptist Church for 40 years, where her warmth and dedication endeared her to all who had the pleasure of working with her. Her service was characterized by professionalism, kindness, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mrs. Barham was passionate about genealogy and spent countless hours researching and preserving the history and legacy of the Falls Community. Her love for and contributions to her community will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Barbara also found great joy in exploring new places, with a particular fondness for trips to the Amish country in Pennsylvania and many years of leading tours across the country with her “Forever Friends”.
Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Falls Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Falls Community Cemetery, Wake Forest.
Mrs. Barham is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Linwood E. Barham; children, Melanie Barham and Christopher Barham, both of Wake Forest; her special grandson, Kevin Barham of Fayetteville; cousins and extended family.
In memory of Mrs. Barham, memorial contributions can be made to Falls Baptist Church 9700 Fonville Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday evening, February 17, 2024 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.(919) 556-7400.
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Vincent Gerard Pudelski
Wake Forest
Vincent Gerard Pudelski, fondly known as Vinnie, 61, of Wake Forest passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at WakeMed Hospital. He was born in Passaic, New Jersey to the late Vincent Edward Pudelski and Frances Sennert Pudelski.
Vincent was a proud co-founder and co-proprietor of Jantech Services, Inc., and his career was marked by dedication and excellence. For over 40 years, he was a highly respected member of the critical power industry.
Vincent held many titles throughout his life, and “Coach Vinnie” was one of his favorites. He dedicated over 25 years to coaching youth baseball with Wake Forest Parks and Recreation. He also coached youth roller and ice hockey across the Triangle and continues to leave an indelible mark on the lives of all those he mentored.
Vinnie’s roles as a husband, father, and friend were what he cherished above all others. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and children. He was an avid photographer, lover of all music (especially The Beatles), movie buff, and life-long NY Jets, NY Mets, and NJ Devils fan. His humor, big personality, and humble heart were only of a few of his best qualities. Vinnie’s life is a beacon of how to live with purpose and love. His legacy is carried on by the many he touched and the memories created will be a comfort for all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Michele Pudelski; adored children: daughter, Alyssa Givney and husband AJ of Franklinton, NC; sons Alexander and Zachary of the home; sisters Suzann Pudelski of Naples, FL, Maryann Wienbrock of Newport, NC and Diane Singer of Raleigh, NC; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends.
A Celebration of Vinnie’s Life will take place on Sunday, February 25th from 4-7 pm at The Loading Dock: 525 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587. A Mass will be held on Monday, February 26th at 11 am at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church: 600 Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Inurnment to follow in the Church Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to any of the following: (1) Town of Wake Forest, Attn: Sam Sanchez – Finance Director, 301 S Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, (2) Saint Catherine of Siena, 521 Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NRC 27587, (3) NC Warriors Hockey @ www.northcarolinawarriors.com
Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (919-556-7400)
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Madeline Pamela (Burns) Stinson
Raleigh
Madeline Pamela (Burns) Stinson, aged 97, of Peekskill, New York, and more recently of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.
Madeline was born in Peekskill, New York to Edward Burns and Madeline (Dugan) Burns on October 26, 1926. She attended Peekskill Schools and achieved her High School Diploma at age 65. She married S. Joseph Stinson on September 26, 1953.
Madeline worked for the New York Telephone Company as a telephone operator when operators connected calls from a central location. She was an excellent switchboard operator; she was promoted to Supervisor and worked for the company for fifteen years. Once her children were school-age, she joined the Ronald Goldsand Agency as a closing scheduler in Peekskill and worked for Macy’s in her later years in the Housewares Department. Madeline volunteered at St. Patrick’s Church in Verplanck as the treasurer of the Lady’s Guild and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Madeline loved to read, and never missed an issue of the Sunday New York Times. She was also an avid knitter, making many baby sweaters for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her excellent potato salad and mashed potatoes, spaghetti and meatballs, and baked beans! She enjoyed hosting the annual Kite Flying Contest for her twins’ birthday and creating lasting memories for all who attended, mostly family. Madeline loved gardening and beautiful roses. She had many varieties of roses at her Verplanck home. She also loved playing bridge with her friends, Jane Morabito, Mary Flaherty, and Helen Curran. These games continued well into her nineties.
Madeline was predeceased by her husband, Joe, her parents, her brother, John E. Burns, and his wife Dorothy, and a sister, Mary Catherine Burns; along with sister-in-law Charlee Burns (Edmund). Other family members that predeceased her were Edward and Virginia Stinson, Raymond and Isabel Stinson, Thomas and Catherine Stinson, and her grandson-in-law Bryce Jensen.
Madeline is survived by her five children: Kathleen Stinson Buchanan (David), Robert Stinson (Diane), Pamela Stinson Burns (Joseph), William Stinson (Wendy), and Mary Ann Stinson Ottaviano (Ralph). She is also survived by her brother, Edmund Burns of Stamford, Connecticut.
Madeline will be missed by her fourteen grandchildren: Kristin Burns Jensen, Karin Burns, Mary Colleen Buchanan Pellegrino, Kelly Ann Stinson Baty, Peter Burns, Ryan Burns, David Buchanan III, Katie Lynn Stinson Battlo, Christine Grace Cook, Patrick Burns, Joseph Stinson, Shannon Stinson, Margaret (Maggie) Stinson, and Christopher Ottaviano.
She was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren and fifteen nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her favorite canines Enzo Ferrari Ottaviano and Lucy Burns. Madeline was an animal lover, and she especially loved her tuxedo cat, Fluffy Nelson.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:00 am.
A Funeral Mass in New York will be held at the convenience of the family. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bennett Strong Foundation in honor of her great-grandson Bennett Anthony Pellegrino. (www. Bennettstrong.org)
Arrangments by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Wake Forest, NC.(919-556-7400)
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Harry John Vassilion
Raleigh
Harry John Vassilion was born on July 30, 1953 in Raleigh, NC. He passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, at Duke Raleigh Hospital, with his family by his side.
Harry is predeceased by his father, John Vassilion; his mother, Margaret Costa Vassilion; and his brother, Anthony John Vassilion.
He is survived by his brother, Basil John Vassilion; his sister, Anna Buckey (Dave) and his half-sister, Jackie Baird (Michael).
Harry retired from Wake County Public Libraries after many years of service. Harry was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He loved them all unconditionally without restraint. His love is shown through the number of visitors, phone calls, and cards and letters that were sent to him during his illness. He had many cousins who loved and supported him over the years. Harry was a generous and gentle soul who gave support to many individuals without fanfare or recognition.
Harry was an artist by nature, and his numerous paintings will be shared with those who loved him and will value his treasured artwork. He was a songwriter who always loved music and effortlessly put his thoughts into poetry that he published in several books. He was a unique man who was very special to those who knew him best. His two rescue dogs, Katie and Lola, were his constant companions and required special care as they aged, and Harry was there for both of them. Harry was a one-of-a-kind gift to this world who will be greatly missed and yet jubilantly welcomed on the other side of the clouds in Heaven.
A private memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memoriam to Brantley Animal Rescue Coalition (B.A.R.C). brantleyanimalrescuecoalition.weebly.com
Arrangments by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)
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Mary Hollans Kelly
Wake Forest
Mary was born to Ella Mae Niswander Hollans and Benjamin Franklin Hollans in the small town of Shawsville, Virginia. Her family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia to follow her father’s work as an electrician. Mary was raised in the Catholic faith and spent her early adult life as a wife and devoted mother to her children, Linda and Richard. She raised her children to appreciate the value of a good education and to appreciate the wonders of the world that surrounds them. She saw the value in missing a day of school to watch the circus train come to town or see the treasures of King Tut’s tomb.
In 1972, she married Charles William (Bill) Kelly Jr. Bill was a loving husband and as good a father as her children could have hoped for. In 1983, Mary began a distinguished career in public service by working as a Congressional aid in the home office of Congressman Norman Sisisky. After Bill’s death in 2004, she continued her career working in the Chesapeake, Virginia’s Commissioner of Revenue‘s Office until her retirement in 2022.
Mary cherished the many friendships she developed through her work and community activities. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than her involvement in the many cultural and historical organizations of which she was a member. She was especially proud of her time with Old Dominion University’s Town-N-Gown for which she held several official positions. Mary’s greatest fear was boredom, so she was always doing something and often it was something for someone else. Her generous spirit will be missed by many.
In 2005, Mary met Michael French while browsing through a bookstore. Mike proved to be a loving companion for almost twenty years and a great support when she needed it most. As Mary’s son, my wife, Bethany, and I cannot express the appreciation we have for Mike and the unconditional love he showed my mother each and every day.
So as we say goodbye to my Mama, I hope her heaven is filled with art and music and laughter and all the good things she deserved but didn’t get enough of in this life and I pray she knows how much she was loved, how grateful I am for all she did and sacrificed for me and how many lives were made better by her having lived the life she did.
I will simply say go in peace Mama since you didn’t like to rest.
Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Bethany Kelly; loving companion, Michael French; daughter, Linda King; granddaughters, Rachel Gonzales and Jennifer King-Keeney; great-grandchildren, Vivien, Grace and William Gonzales and Ethan Keeney; and extended family Jane and Michael Thompson, Ann Thompson and Catherine Thompson-Schmidt.
A small graveside service will be held in Wake Forest, NC for close family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the wild animal protective organization of your choice.
A memorial gathering will be planned at a later date for her friends in Virginia.
Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)
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Charles Alford
Youngsville
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home. Private family service.
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Edward ‘Eddie’ Lyle Tomlinson
Raleigh
Edward “Eddie” Lyle Tomlinson, 85, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on February 17, 2024 at his residence. He was born on October 7, 1938, to the late Lynnwood and Martha Tomlinson of Franklinton, North Carolina.
Eddie was preceded in death by Oza Tomlinson, his wife of 61 years. He was also preceded in death by his brother Richard Tomlinson.
Eddie is survived by his daughter, Pam McGhee and husband Andy, grandsons Brandon McGhee and wife Courtney, Cameron McGhee and wife Lindsay, Tyler McGhee and wife Lauren and great-grandchildren, Emma, Mackenzie, Mila and Beck. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Overby.
Eddie worked for Burlington Industries for 30 years, worked at NC State University and retired from Glaxo.
Through the years, Eddie has made many friends due to his ability to talk to just about anyone. In his later years, much of the conversation was centered around his great-grandchildren. They brought him much joy and happiness!
Visitation will be held at Unity Baptist Church on Friday, February 23, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm. Services will be held at Unity Baptist Church on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2:00 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made to Unity Baptist Church, 6348 NC 96 Hwy West, Youngsville, NC 27596.
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Mary Jane (Hutton) Haga
Wake Forest
Mary Jane Haga, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Jane was born on December 12, 1940 in Portsmouth, OH to the late Engle Hutton and Florence Hutton (nee McCormick). The youngest of three girl, she was raised in Marion, VA and graduated from James Madison University in 1965 with her bachelor of arts degree in English. She married her husband, the late Earl Cornelius Haga in 1965.
Jane was active in the North Carolina Catholic community for decades, including Co-Founding and acting as longtime Director of the School at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Prior to this she was an administrator for Our Lady of Lourdes in Raleigh. She held a Master Gardener certification and was a lifelong student, including taking art classes and Chinese lessons into her 60s. She loved animals (especially birds), travel, and teaching young people about the natural world.
She is survived by her sons, Christopher William Haga and wife, Elizabeth of Dallas, TX, Michael Matthew Haga and wife, Emily of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Haga, Christopher William Haga, Jr, Sarah McCormick Haga, and Isla Jane Haga; and several nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 5-7 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena of Wake Forest, 520 W. Holding Ave. Wake Forest, NC 27587. A rosary service will be held prior to the mass at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow the service at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens in Wake Forest, NC. Following burial, there will be a reception at St. Catherine of Siena.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School.
Please visit www.brightfurnerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Haga family.
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Dorothy Alice Hodge Carter
Zebulon
Dorothy Alice Hodge Carter, 92, of Zebulon, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2024 surrounded by her family.
She was born on December 22, 1931 to the late William Hodge and Mattie Helen Alford.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Aaron Carl Carter; step sons, Barry Carter and Charles Carter; and her sons-in law, Phil Wood and Robert Lee Tant.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Faye Poe (Marcus), Sue Wood, Paula Mitchell (Terry), Janice Tant; son, Wayne Carter; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
She loved her family with all her heart and was a great mother and grandmother. She loved gardening, making jams and jellies and canning vegetables with the help of her son, as well as her bible studies that were very special to her. Dorothy was a member of Heritage Baptist Church for almost 40 years.
Funeral services will be held 4:00 pm Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Beulah Christian Baptist Church, 8225 Mitchell Mill Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597. The family will receive friends from 2:30 – 4:00 pm prior the service. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Brandon Murray, Brad Carter, Timmy Wood, Jacob Wood, Mark Mitchell, David Mitchell
A service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center (919-556-5811)
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Min
Robert Benjamin Hoots (Benny)
Wake Forest
Robert Benjamin Hoots (Benny), 75, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 after an extended battle with cancer.
Benny was born on July 16, 1948, in Winston Salem. He worked for IBM in Raleigh and RTP for 38 years. After retiring, he worked for College Foundation of NC and retired from there after 14 years. Benny enjoyed building Moravian stars and giving them away to family and friends. He especially loved playing golf, working outside in his yard, and building up the Veterans Ministry at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. Most of all, he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife of over 40 years. He was known for his sense of humor and ability to make others laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert G. and Betty Thomas Hoots; and grandson, Matthew Jordan Hoots.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; daughters, Heather (Ryan), Misty (Brad); Granddaughters, Kinly and Cayden; grandson, Nathan; sister, Judith Kennedy; brother, Rodney Hoots; mother-in-law, Doris Minor; and numerous other family members.
A memorial service will be held at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd Wake Forest NC 27587 on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 2 PM. Family will receive in the CLC afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Ministry at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church or donate to his grandson Nathan’s medical account for his fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through Venmo to @cure44.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Hoots family.
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