Obituaries

AUSTIN – Ellyn MacConnell, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, surrounded by her immediate family, after a courageous two-year battle against leukemia.

Born on October 26, 1943, in Medina, NY, to Irene and Al Keller, Ellyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Ellyn graduated from Medina High School in 1961 and went on to study opera and elementary education at SUNY Potsdam, where she graduated in 1965. Her love for teaching children defined her career as a kindergarten teacher at Royalton Hartland Central School, where she dedicated 32 years to nurturing young minds. Ellyn’s enthusiasm for Broadway musicals shone brightly as she directed high school musicals at Royalton Hartland for many years. She also adapted musicals for her kindergarten classes to perform, igniting a passion for the arts in her students.

Ellyn had a talent for baking, particularly during the Christmas season when she made numerous kinds of cookies to share with family and friends. When Greg served as VP of Student Affairs at Niagara County Community College, she generously baked cookies for over 10 departments.

In 2004, Ellyn and her husband Greg moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to their grandchildren, Noah and Olivia. She relished her time taking them to swimming lessons, playing at the park and taking them on wagon rides. Ellyn was their biggest cheerleader, supporting them in sports, fencing lessons, and ballet performances in the Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet.

Ellyn’s creativity extended to renovating a 1952 family cottage on Lake Ontario in Barker, NY.  She loved to tend to her gardens and prized hydrangeas. In Austin, she led a committee in the HOA to decorate the community entrances at Christmas with lights, garlands and ribbons, always encouraging volunteers with freshly baked cookies.

Ellyn’s daughters, Melissa and Katie, were her pride and joy. She believed in their potential and encouraged them to achieve success through hard work and determination. Ellyn was married to her loving husband, Greg, for 42 years, together building a foundation for a successful and happy life.

Ellyn is survived by her husband, Greg MacConnell; daughters, Melissa Henshaw of Alexandria, VA, and Katie Lisiecki of Lockport, NY; grandchildren, Noah Henshaw of Arlington, VA and Olivia Henshaw of Alexandria, VA; sisters in-law, Claudia Frisch and Marcia Davidson; brother in-law, Lloyd Davidson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother, Irene White; father, Al Keller; stepfather, Roland White; brother, Wayne Keller; sister in-law, Sandra Keller; and brother in-law, Lynn Frisch.

Ellyn MacConnell’s legacy will be cherished by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support will be dearly missed.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 10AM-12PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 12PM and interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Alvin Anheier, age 97, died peacefully on March 9, 2025.  He was born May 16, 1927, to the late LaRoy and Ethel Anheier.

He was predeceased by his brother, Norman, and his wife of 56 years, Roberta Stickney Anheier.

He is survived by daughters Christine Hunt (Scott Galliford), Denise (Kevin) Bedard and Erin Anheier (Russ Bosch); two grandchildren, Brenden and Lindsay Bedard (Michael Dunn); four great grandchildren; nephew Norman Anheier (Beth) of Washington State, special friend, Mary Wood and Kathy Armer Beaumont, favorite neighborhood kid.

He volunteered for the Navy at 16, serving in the Pacific during World War II and returned home to become a skilled carpenter and then a welder-fabricator working at Dynacolor and subsequently 3M.  He loved to build and fix things, spending much of his retirement building furniture and driving his Model A Fords and Oliver tractors.

He was always ready to lend a helping hand- volunteering hours to build the Brockport Conservation Club and Concordia Lutheran Church of Brockport and helping neighbors and friends with their many projects. He enjoyed people, judging them only by their character. An avid collector of many things, he loved family, animals and travel, visiting all 50 states, Europe and South America.

Alvin’s family will receive friends at Fowler Funeral Home Inc. 340 West Ave., Brockport on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to animal rescue services Mr. Gray’s Strays or Duffy’s Friends, both of Brockport or an organization of your choice.

LYNDONVILLE – Donald P. “Don” Bow, 93, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with his loving family at his side.

Born on June 20, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Harry and Mary (Diorio) Bow.

In 1949, Don graduated from Akron High School and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Graff. Don attended Buffalo State College and earned his Masters Degree in Education and Business. He started teaching Industrial Arts in Bloomfield, NY, Williamsville South, later became Principal at Newfane High School, was Superintendent in Lyndonville School District, where he purchased the family farm, and retired from Pembroke District in 1987. Don enjoyed being outdoors, especially working on his farm in the strawberry patch and hunting, having bagged a 10-point Buck, the biggest in his lifetime, last season in 2024 at the age of 93.  He loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, and riding around his property on his side by side. Don also enjoyed buying tractors and other farm equipment for his wife’s birthday. Whenever they were out of town, he had to stop at the China Buffet.

Donald is survived by his children, Robert (Kim) Bow and LuAnne Whiting, all of Lyndonville, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Trish, Lynzee and Deb for going the extra mile to help care for Don.

Besides his parents and wife, Don is predeceased by a son, Dean, a son-in-law, Rodney Whiting, and a brother, Harry Jr.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s name t the Lyndonville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O.Box #150, Lyndonville, NY 14098. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Don at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

MEDINA – Steven M. Natale, 69, of Medina, NY entered into rest on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Born November 13, 1955 in Medina, he was a son of Margaret E. (Kaimer) Natale and the late Michael J. Natale, Sr. He graduated from Medina High School, Class of 1973 and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Bryant & Stratton in accounting. Steve served in the U.S. Army from 1975-1978. Returning from service, he lived on the west coast and furthered his education in finance administration at Olympic College in WA. Steve worked for many years as a sheet metal journeyman at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He returned to Medina in 1996 to be closer to his family.

Left to mourn his loss are his mother, Margaret Natale; sister, Karen Natale; nephews, Matthew and Zachary Natale; and great-nephew, Haiden Natale all of Medina. Predeceased by his father in 2007 and his brother, Michael J. Natale, Jr. in 1988.

Services will be privately held by the family. Entombment with full military honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory are appreciated to the Warrior House of WNY at www.warriorhouseofwny.com or to a veteran’s organization of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Joyce E. Witt age 75, passed away March 5, 2025 at Elderwood at Brockport.  She was born April 10, 1949, in Albion, a daughter of the late Edward and Florence (Porter) VanOrden and had lived in this area all of her life.

Joyce was a member of the Albion First United Methodist Church.  She liked to paint, crochet and enjoyed taking care of her yard and gardens.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son Thomas Allen Witt; brothers Douglas, Carl and Kevin VanOrden; sisters Marcia Buzzard, Carol Buzzard, Frances McIlmurray.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Albert; brothers Charles VanOrden, Phillip VanOrden, William VanOrden; sisters Helen Denton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours.  Her Graveside Service will be held at Sandy Creek Cemetery at a date and time to be announced.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1120 S Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14620. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion.

To share a memory of Joyce, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Evelyn Cotton age 100, passed away March 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born March 6, 1925, in Troy AL, a daughter of the late Will and Amy (Zachery) Collins.

Evelyn grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and traveled to New York State annually doing seasonal farm work. She relocated to New York permanently in 1955 with her husband, the late Howard Cotton Sr. In the early 1960’s she became a member of the Albion community where she was well known. Evelyn was a kind and caring women who children and adults alike gravitated to. She enjoyed sewing and was recognized by many as an excellent cook. Evelyn was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Howard Cotton Sr.; siblings Voncial Crawford, Rodell Collins, Arizona Parrish, Roscoe Collins, Bobby Collins.

She is survived by her son Howard Cotton Jr. (Noelani Kaanana), Brockport, New York; her daughter Rose Zenia “Peaches” Cotton, Brooklyn, New York; grandchildren Kiana Linay Cotton, Nakoa Nathaniel Cotton. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

For calling hours, the family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Ave. Albion, NY on Sunday March 16th from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Her Funeral Service will be held Monday at 12:00pm. Burial will be immediately following at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Please share a memory of Evelyn, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – Dorothy M. Dickinson, age 88, died March 8, 2025 unexpectedly in her home.  She was born July 8, 1936 in Albion to Lester and Harriet (Kidney) Reamer and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Dorothy worked as a bus driver for the Albion Central Schools as well as OTS, and was a former owner of Dickinson’s Place Tavern.  She cherished her life as a grandma and enjoyed her time outside in the garden.  She had many artistic talents and loved a good garage sale.  She was a strong willed woman who lived life by her rules.  She kept up on current events and stayed interested in the world around her.  Mrs. Dickinson was predeceased by her husband Richard O. Dickinson, and a son: Randall (Judy) Dawson.

She is survived by a daughter: Debra (James) Beach of FL, a sister: Betty Buongiorne of Rochester, 4 grandchildren: Jamie Beach, Brandi (Jason) Lindell, Ashlee (Anthony) Cipoletti, Richard (Megan) Dawson, 7 great grandchildren: Codi, Thomas, Payton, Dawson, Ellie, Dean, Jeffrey, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours.  Interment will be held in Mt. Albion Cemetery on Wednesday March 12, 2025 at 1:30pm.  A Celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Saturday March 15, 2025 beginning at 11am in the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, NY, 14103.  Dorothy’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Dorothy, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

CLOVER, SC – Diana Jean Trolley of Clover, SC, passed away peacefully at her home, on Wednesday February 26, 2025.

Born in Albion, NY she was the daughter of the late Harold Trolley and Helen Miller Trolley Thompson.

Diana is survived by her sons, Thomas Michael Daum (wife Donna), Marc Paul Daum (wife Sonya) and Bryan David Daum (wife Callie); grandchildren, Daniel, Hannah and Ashley; sister, Brenda Zalke (husband Michael) and nephew, Jon Trolley (wife Lena).

In addition to her parents, Diana was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Trolley.

After retiring, Diana found great joy in dedicating time to her many passions. She enjoyed spending time outside tending to her beautiful yard, garden and flowers, and delighted in all the birds that visited her many birdhouses. She loved creating delicious meals and desserts for her family and friends. Above all, Diana treasured her role as a grandmother, finding boundless joy in spending time with her grandchildren, and attending or hearing about all their activities. Her dedication to family will always be remembered.

Memorials may be made at: Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (click here) with the annotation: “Specifically in support of the renovation of the Trolley Building at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.”

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.brattonfuneralhome.com.

Bratton Funeral Home in York is honored to serve the Trolley and Daum families.

MEDINA – Donna M. Humphrey, 77, of Medina, NY, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston, NY.

She was born on July 6, 1947, in Medina, NY, the daughter of the late Donald E. and Ann M. (Stilwell) Bensley.

Donna attended Medina Schools and worked various jobs, including Bernzomatic and Kodak. Lastly, she retired as a housekeeper at Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport. Donna enjoyed spending every second of her free time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Laura Bingaman, Micheal Humphrey and Maureen Humphrey; grandchildren, Brendan (Skylar Schick) Bingaman and Madisyn Bingaman, Makhya Banks, Tayzier Shine; and Samantha, Paige, Michael Williams; great-grandchildren, Tobias and Atticus Bingaman; her former husband, Clare (Dianne) Humprey; siblings, Scott (Roseanne) Bensley, Tim Bensley and Terry (Dawn) Bensley, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Callard; and a sister-in-law, Lorette Bensley.

There are no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s name to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Donna at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Diane M. Downs, 66, of Hobe Sound, Florida passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving husband Jim, sons Jeremy and Josh and best friend Cindy Reigle of Medina, NY.

Diane was born in Elmira, New York and attended schools there and in Waverly, New York, and she obtained a nursing degree from Genesee Community College in New York.

Prior to retiring, Diane was a Registered Nurse who specialized in geriatric care, most recently at the Waterford in Juno Beach, Florida and previously at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, New York where she developed and maintained a wide range of relationships with nursing colleagues.

Diane loved decorating and spending holidays and special occasions with family, friends and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her father, Arthur Cole and mother, Doris Barton.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Downs; sons, Jeremy (Kaire) Lauzon of Myrtle Beach, SC, Josh (Lindsay) Lauzon of Waverly, NY, as well as Jim’s daughters, Emily Downs of Central Park, CO and Hillary Downs of Washington, DC.

She is also survived by stepmother, Diane Cole; siblings, Jan Potter, Deborah McKnight, Marie Cole, Christina Slater, David Cole and Kenneth Cole. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, October, JaNoah, Braydon, Kaydance, Lyrick, Annabelle, Jarrett, Violet, Margaret and Rory.

Diane also loved animals, and she will be missed by her dachshund pups, Rocky and Cookie and kitty, Theo.

Plans for a memorial service are to be determined.

HOLLEY – Stephen P. “Lumpy” Surowy, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 4, 1975 in Rochester to Jerry and Irene (Guzylak) Surowy.

Stephen was an avid HAM Radio operator with his call sign being 512lumpy. He was a very loyal man who cared deeply for all animals, especially cats and dogs. Stephen loved being outdoors, spending many hours at his camp.

Stephen was predeceased by his father, Jerry; and grandparents, Peter and Maria Surowy as well as Wasyl and Fay Dmytryszyn.

Stephen is survived by his mother, Irene; siblings, Sandra (Jason Scavo) Surowy and Peter (Jamie Steffen) Surowy; nephews, Brad and Douglas Carroll and Kyle Surowy.

Stephen’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Thursday, March 13th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. where a brief service will be held at 12 p.m. Interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Stephen’s name may be made to PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Stephen, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ALBION – George N. Plummer, age 94, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia. He was born February 18, 1931, in Derby, CT to the late Edmund and Edith (Neal) Plummer.

George moved to the Albion area in 1999 and has been a resident of the community ever since.

George was a very accomplished man who had a good sense of humor. He was a US Navy Veteran, serving in the Korean War on the USS Olmstead. He was a part owner/operator of Price-Greenleaf in Delmar, NY, a family-owned garden store and nursery business.

In retirement George and Irene lived for a time in Cape Cod where he enjoyed deep sea fishing. They eventually moved to acreage in the Adirondacks where George was elected as Town Justice in Clemons, NY, raised Christmas trees for sale and obedience trained dogs for competition. When George had down time, which wasn’t very often as he never slowed down, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking and training dogs, continuing long after his move to the Albion area.

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen Schaming and his brother, David Plummer.

George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Irene (Shufelt) Plummer; sons, Bruce (Robin) Plummer and Bradley Plummer; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlene; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private graveside service with military honors for George will be held at Transit Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in George’s name may be made to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997-0004.

George’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Albion, NY.

To share a special memory of George, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ROCHESTER – Donald Patrick Powell Sr., a devoted family man, military veteran, and beloved community member, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY, at the age of 84.

Born on August 6, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, Donald lived a life defined by his unwavering dedication to God, his country, his family, and his community.

He was the cherished husband of Phyllis A. Clark Powell, whom he married on April 25, 1964. Together, they raised a family filled with love and pride, including their four children: Donald (Vicki) Powell Jr. of Rochester, Dan (fiancée Rosie Mateos) Powell of Brockport, Donna (Tim) Coughlin of Hamlin, and Dawn Chmura of Hamlin. Donald was also a proud grandfather of ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

He is survived by his brother, Tom (Linda) Powell of South Carolina, sister in-law Janet (Chip) Perretta of Watertown, and brothers in law Garth (Nancy) Clark of Buffalo NY, and Allen Clark of Utah.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Irving Powell and Emily Kuntz Powell, his beloved granddaughter Jordon Powell, his sister Margaret “Peggy” Rossiter, his brother in-law Doug Clark and sister in-law Elene Farmer.

A proud veteran, Donald served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. During his service, he earned the rifle sharpshooter badge and the Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, Donald dedicated over 25 years to the Rochester City Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Police Sergeant. Upon retiring, he continued his commitment to the community by driving a school bus for the Kendall Central School District for 30 years—a job he deeply cherished for the opportunity it gave him to interact with children and contribute to their safety and growth.

Donald’s love for his family extended to the many joys he found in his personal life. He was an avid gardener, taking pride in his meticulously maintained lawn and his beautiful garden. His collection of U.S. Marine Corps memorabilia was a reflection of his lasting pride in his military service. At home, he found companionship and comfort in his pets, Paco the dog and Finnegan the cat.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sweden Town Lodge, 4671 Redman Road, Brockport, NY. Friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by Donald are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Donald’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Donald’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

Arrangements are being handled by H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY 14416. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Donald’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LYNDONVILLE – Gertrude M. Anderson, 89 of Lyndonville, NY, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, peacefully at home with her loving family at her side.

Born on August 17, 1935, in Manchester, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Leon E. and Hattie J. (Chambers) Oliver.

On February 17, 1961, in Alexander, Virginia, she married the late Harley W. Anderson. And together, they were happily married for 57 years. She was a caring and giving person, always helping anyone she could. Gertrude dedicated her life to her family and foster care children. She enjoyed cooking for her family and gardening; her favorite flower was lilies. She also had a passion for crocheting afgans and made sure all of her loved ones received one.

Besides her parents and husband, Gertrude was predeceased by her siblings, Fredrick Oliver, Jane Nestervich, Madelaine Eckerd, Lewis Oliver, Eva Trump, Leon (Skip) Oliver, and her lifetime friend, Lucy Burch.

She is survived by her children, Robert (Missy) Eckerd, Norman Eckerd, Michael Eckerd Sr., Vicki Eckerd, Cindy (Rick Turrell) Herb, Susan (Pete Beecher) Birch, grandchildren, Bambi (Mike) Heideman, Mike (Caren) Eckerd Jr., Matthew Eckerd, Calvin Herb Sr., Leonard Herb Jr., Jenna Boring, David (Jessica) Boring Jr. and Amanda Johnson. Also surviving are 18 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and good friends Janine and Bill Larkin.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Lynhaven Cemetery in the early summer at a later date to be announced and the Rev. Danial A. Thurber will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gertrude’s name to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411 or to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Gertrude at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Laurie A. (Higgins) Seager, 58, of Barker, NY passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Rochester General Hospital following a short illness.

Born in Medina on February 23, 1967, she was a daughter of William and Phyllis (Perry) Higgins. She was a graduate of Barker Central High School. Dedicated to her career, Laurie went on to work for 35 years as a CNA and Activities Assistant at Orchard Rehab & Nursing Center in Medina.

Laurie was a devoted and loving wife to her husband of 28 years, Kenny Seager. She considered their love to be one of her most significant accomplishments, along with raising her four children, who were her pride and joy. Laurie had a passion for the outdoors. She loved camping with her family and friends at their camp in Belfast, NY and enjoyed riding four-wheeler and horseback riding.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Phyllis Higgins; sister, Jackie Higgins; brother, William Higgins, Jr.; and her in-laws, Sam and Robin Seager.

Laurie is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Seager of Barker; children, Elizabeth (James) Phillips, Joshua (Sara) Ferguson, Joseph Ferguson and Angelita Seager; stepdaughter, Tiffany (Doug) Cap; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Serenity and Colton Ferguson, Collins Phillips, Logan and Zoey Mock; siblings, Patricia (Nick) Presnell, Christine Sass, John (Stacey) Higgins and Shane (Lurine) Higgins; and her best friend, Vicky (Jeffrey) Cogar.

Laurie’s legacy is one of unyielding kindness and generosity for her family and patients. Her compassion for others was ceaseless. She was a pillar of unwavering support for her husband, children and grandchildren. Laurie loved fiercely and deeply. We can take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by a light that is as welcoming and warm as Laurie was to others.

A celebration of Laurie’s life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Yuko Farman, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of February 25, 2025, at the age of 58. Born in Tokyo, Japan, to Yoshinori and Yoshie Agata on July 3, 1966, Yuko’s journey through life was marked by passion, dedication, and a love for music.

From a young age, Yuko developed a keen interest in English, which led her to study abroad at Divide County High School in Crosby, North Dakota. There, she formed lasting bonds with friends and host families. After returning to Japan and graduating high school in 1986, she attended Sophia Junior College to further her English studies, graduating in 1988. She then worked at Foster Electric Company in Tokyo, where her exceptional language skills facilitated communication between the Japan and United States offices.

In 1990, Yuko attended the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Italy, for a 4-month Italian language immersion course. She later worked for Alitalia Airlines at Narita Airport and the Tokyo office. It was during a Christmas Eve party in 1994, hosted by a classmate from Sophia Junior College, that Yuko met Garrett Farman, a U.S. Navy Officer. Their relationship blossomed despite the challenges of the ship’s operational schedule, and they married on August 20, 1995, in a quaint backyard ceremony in Medina, New York.

Throughout their marriage, Yuko and Garrett relocated frequently due to his naval career, residing in nine locations over 25 years. It was during one of these moves to Virginia that Yuko rekindled her childhood passion for the piano. While raising their three children, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance with Cum Laude honors from Christopher Newport University. Yuko participated in master classes with renowned pianists such as Ivo Pogorelich, Christopher O’Riley, and Ian Parker, deepening her appreciation for music and honing her skills.

Yuko’s dedication to the art of piano playing led her to study under Ms. Ilinca Vartic, a graduate of the Russian piano school, through the online Piano Career Academy. Inspired by this transformative experience, Yuko collaborated with Irina Gorin to translate method books and pedagogy courses for Japanese students, conducted seminars, and maintained a YouTube channel to share valuable teaching resources. In 2018, she earned a performance diploma from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Throughout her post-college career, Yuko provided private lessons, actively performed as a collaborative pianist, worked with various musicians and orchestras, and became a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teacher’s National Association. As a dedicated member of the Tidewater Music Teachers Forum (TMTF), she served as editor for the monthly newsletter and co-president/president from 2023 to 2024. Since August 2019, she has been a teacher within Ms. Ilinca Vartic’s esteemed online coaching program, Piano Career Academy, and provided private piano lessons at Old Dominion University’s Community Music Division since July 2023.

Yuko is predeceased by her parents and sister Keiko Anno.

Yuko is survived by her loving husband, Garrett; sons Zachary (Sawyer) and Bradley (Koto), daughter Tamaki; brother Minoru Agata and brother-in-law Tatsumi Anno.

Her legacy of musical excellence and dedication to teaching will continue to inspire all who knew her. A celebration of her life will follow at a later date.

MEDINA – Helen K. Westover Shimansky, of Medina, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Born Helen Luchetti on July 12, 1947, she was adopted at the age of 2 and lovingly raised by her parents, Anthony and Katherine Spampinato of Harrison and Yorktown Heights, NY. She was a 1965 graduate of Ladycliff Academy. Helen was a gifted pianist and studied piano at the Westchester Conservatory of Music. She made her living teaching private piano lessons and as a church organist in Dutchess County, NY, where she also taught music and religion in local parochial schools. A passionate student of theology, philosophy and history, Helen also studied at Pace University, SUNY New Paltz and Marist College. A lifelong advocate for right to life and adoption causes, she was a founding member of Stop Planned Parenthood in Poughkeepsie, NY. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and in later years became a Third Order Carmelite.

Helen leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Ken Shimansky; her three children, Richard Westover of Stamford, CT, Kimberly Kennedy of Medina, NY and Alison Smith of Bryant, AR; as well as four grandchildren, Quinlyn Westover, Alison “Ellie” Westover, Jack Johnston and Matthew Kennedy. Helen is also survived by her sister, Kathy (Claude) Preece of Mount Kisco, NY.  She will also be missed by many other extended family members and friends.

A Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, March 10 at 11:00AM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.