Obituary of Ernestine Kattermann Thwaites

Ernestine Kattermann Thwaites passed away peacefully on November 29, 2015, after having celebrated her 90th birthday on November 15 with her children and grandchildren. Ernestine, daughter of Emil and Janet Kattermann, was a lifelong resident of Dover. She graduated from Dover High School in 1943 and Douglass College in 1947. She taught second grade at Academy Street School. Shortly after her marriage in the Spring of 1952, she devoted her life to raising her family. She was an active member of the College Club of Dover, The First United Methodist Church, Dover Reading Circle, and was a co-founder of the Sunshine Variety Club. Another important part of her life was Supper Club of Dover, a group of couples who met in high school and continued as lifelong friends. Supper Club now includes many generations – all of whom share many fond memories and benefit from the wonderful examples of “living larger than oneself.” She is survived by her children: JC Thwaites and his wife, Christine of Old Town Alexandria, VA; Jan Thwaites of Allentown, PA; Jean Schulkin and her husband, Roberto, of Norwood NJ; Laura Mains and her husband, Rob of Dover, NJ; Sarah Fritch and her husband Don of Dover, NJ; and her eleven grandchildren: Jonathan Thwaites and his wife Ann Marie of Portland OR , Andrew Thwaites of London, England; Jan’s four children Kate, Abby, Libby and Gabe of PA, Luke Mains of Dover, NJ ; Charlotte, Wesley, and Will Fritch, also of Dover. Ernestine also welcomed the next generation when she met her first great-grandchild, Beatrice, daughter of Jonathan and Ann Marie. Ernestine is also survived by her brother, David Kattermann, of Asheville, NC and her several nieces and nephews. Ernestine was predeceased by her husband, Jonathan, (2002), and her beloved grandson Jacob Barton Mains, (2012). Ernestine was well known for her kind heart, quick wit, and impeccable manners. She was well loved by many friends, near and far. This includes her extended AFS family: Luc & Therese Jacobs of Berwyn, PA; Karel and Chris Jacobs of Belgium; Frank and Barbara Piplat of Germany; as well of their children and grandchildren. Ernestine was an avid gardener and had a love of books, sports, animals, and supporting her children and grandchildren’s many activities. Most of all Ernestine was a kind and loving spirit with a great sense of humor. Loved and missed by all of those whose lives she touched. A celebration of her life will be held at The First United Methodist Church of Dover, 41 East Blackwell Street at 1 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following, each of which is of special importance to Ernestine and her family: Jacob Mains Memorial Fund in memory of her beloved grandson, (9 N Elk Ave, Dover, NJ 07801), or Celebrate the Children School, in honor of her granddaughter Charlotte, (230 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834), or Guardianship Support Agency, Inc. (PO Box 8540, Allentown, PA 18105-8540), a 501(c)(3) agency of which Jan is an officer and trustee.