Gaynell M. Fontana
October 15, 1920 - March 31, 2019
Gaynell M. Fontana, age 98, of Wilmington, DE, and formerly of New Castle and Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at Gilpin Hall surrounded by her three daughters, on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
Born in Paden City, WV on October 15, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Raymond A. and L. Opal (Berry) Koerber. Gaynell, matriarch of the Fontana family, dedicated her life to her beloved husband and five children as a talented and loving homemaker.
A devout Catholic, Gaynell was a long time member of Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gaynell enjoyed reading, word and number searches. A fan of the outdoors, she took pleasure in golfing and fishing with her husband. Gaynell could always be found cheering on her Philadelphia Eagles and was thrilled when they won Superbowl LII.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly J. Jones (Jerry); granddaughter, Jocelyn Marie Stone (James); grandson, G. Wesley Jones II (Amy); great granddaughters, Avery Elizabeth and Catherine Elise Jones; daughter, D. Michele Fontana; granddaughter, Cheri Renee Aumiller (Michael); great granddaughters, Alexis Jordan (Kyle) and Julianne Taylor Aumiller; grandson, Michael R. Molaison; great granddaughter, Mia Michele Molaison; grandson, Matthew Thomas VenDouern (Amanda); great grandchildren, Liam Tate and Gemma Mae VenDouern; grandson, Ryan Scott VenDouern (Kristina); great grandson, Dominic Gerard VenDouern; son, Dominic M. Fontana III (Tina); granddaughter, Cristin J. Brown (David); great grandson, Rory David Brown; grandson, Dominic M. Fontana IV (Kelsea); great grandchildren, Ashlyn Marie and Dominic M. Fontana V; granddaughter, Lauren F. Kirk (Keith); great grandson, David Keith “Trip” Kirk III; daughter, Deborah F. Long (Reade); granddaughters, Meredith Koerber Long; Ann Marie Westmoreland (Austin); great grandsons, Reade John and Dominic Blake Westmoreland; grandson, Edmund James Fontana, Jr. (Stephanie Marie); great grandson, Mason James Fontana; grandson, Joseph Michael Fontana; great granddaughter, Gianna Kaylee Fontana. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dominic M. Fontana, Jr.; her son, Edmund J. Fontana, Sr.; and all of her brothers and sisters.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at Gilpin Hall for going above and beyond to give mom the care that she needed.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:45 am on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
The family appreciates flowers or contributions may be made in Gaynell’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Patricia Kim Hyman
To The Fontana Family:
To The Lord we all belong and to Him is our return.
Ms. Fontana was one the sweetest person I was blessed to be able to care for. When I first met her she put her hands on my cheeks and thanked me for doing my job. She kissed me on the forehead and I was in love with your mom. She was a great lady and I am very sadden by her passing.
May The Lord bless you all with peace in your time of grief.
God Bless you all!
Patricia Kim Hyman
CNA – Gilpin Hall
Carol Christian Morole
Michelle, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your family in prayer.
Edmund Fontana Jr
RIP Mom Mom Fontana from Edmund, Stephanie, and Mason. I know we didn’t see each other much but you where always in our thoughts and prayers.
Michele Fontana
Well Mom it’s very hard to put into words the connection that we had. You were not only the best mom. but my best friend, and my roommate for six years. You always listened when I had a problem but never judged me. You loved me with all your of your heart and I loved you with all of my heart. I could never have wanted or loved a mother as much as I needed and loved you. I know you are with daddy now, so I know that you are happy and at peace. Always remember what we always said to each other after every visit……..I love you more and Eskimo kisses……then we would rub noses like Eskimos. I will miss you dearly, but will never forget all of the things you have taught me, and all of the good times we had for over 98 years. May you rest in peace,,,,,until we meet again in heaven.
Rev. John Klevence
I remember Mrs. Fontana very well from my days at Our Lady of Fatima. She was a loving wife, a good mother and a doting grandmother. She was always a lady and always had a smile and a kind word. She is reunited with her beloved husband and knows only peace and light in God’s presence.
God bless her family at this difficult time. You are in my prayers and Masses.
Donna L Daniels
So very sorry for your loss. I remember her as being a very kind and sweet lady with a good sense of humor who I enjoyed immensely.
Love Donna and Jerry Daniels
Georgia & Lee Jacobs
Hoping your fond memories of your wonderful mother bring you comfort
at this time.
Linda George
Dear Bev and Jerry, I would like to express my deepest sympathy over the passing of Bev’s mother. It is so difficult to lose a parent, regardless of age. I sent you a card, but did not have your current address. Sorry. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. With deepest sympathy, Linda