Michael S. Epps
Michael S. Epps, 51, of Ewing, died May 21 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden.
Born in Princeton, he was educated in the Ewing Public School System, graduating from Ewing High School in 1972. He later received an associate's degree from Mercer County Community College.
He was employed by Princeton University.
Son of the late Solmen Epps, he is survived by his mother, Mardean Epps; a brother, Timothy; a godmother, Anne King; and many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service was May 25 at the Hughes Funeral Home, Trenton.
Interment was in Ewing Cemetery.
Catharine B. "Cassie" Shields, 93, of Bordentown, formerly of Princeton, died May 23 at home.
Born in Philadelphia, she had been a a resident of Princeton for more than 65 years before moving to Bordentown 25 years ago.
While living in Princeton, she was a switchboard operator for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company. During World War II, she was a spotter for planes for the Civil Defense.
In her early years she became interested in and involved with the Fox Hunt and Hound Clubs along the east coast.
She was active in St. Paul's Church for more than 30 years. She also participated in many events and projects with Engine Company No. 1 of the Princeton Fire Department, and with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.
She enjoyed telling stories of her life to her grandchildren and making frequent trips to Atlantic City.
Daughter of the late Henry A. and Rose Burger of Philadelphia, wife of the late William E. Shields, and sister of the late Elizabeth R. Burger, Henry "Abe" Burger Jr., and Margaret B. Benson, she is survived by two sons, William of West Windsor and Henry of Lawrenceville; a daughter, Margaret Spinks Maple of Lawrenceville; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The funeral was May 26 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's Church. Burial was in St. Paul's Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, N.J. 08053; or to Hope Hose Humane, P.O. Box 666, Bordentown 08505; or to Princeton Engine Co. No. 1, P.O. Box 390, Princeton 08540.
James Starbuck Thornton, 87, of Princeton, died May 23 at the University Medical Center at Princeton.
Born in Summit, he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with the class of 1941, with degrees in engineering and business administration.
He served as a lieutenant colonel with the United States Army in World War II.
Before retiring in 1978 he spent 25 years with the Egan Machinery Company in Somerville. The company designed, built, and installed specialized machinery for the paper and plastics industry. As sales engineer/sales manager, Mr. Thornton traveled throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
For several years he was chair of the steering committee of the Crisis Ministries of Princeton and Trenton, vice chairman of the board of trustees of Westminster Choir College, and a governor of Springfield Golf Club.
At Trinity Church in Princeton he was involved in many lay activities. He served on the Vestry and was a longtime member of the Trinity Adult Choir.
He was a member of the Old Guard of Princeton and of Community Without Walls.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth Chambers Thornton; a son, Andrew Smythe of Bath, Maine; a daughter, Kim Starbuck Taggart of Kennett Square, Pa.; two brothers, Fletcher of New Hampshire and Peter of Cape Cod, Mass.; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service was held May 26 at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Arrangements were by The Kimble Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton 08540; or to Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Hamilton Avenue and Walnut Lane, Princeton 08540; or to the Friends of the Princeton Public Library, P.O. Box 422, Princeton 08542.