Obituaries

Patricia A. “Patty” (Stratton/Ergott) Montrois of Albion passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2022. She was born March 17, 1940 in Newark, NY to the late Bernard and Myrtle (Cassady) Stratton.

Patricia enjoyed baking, playing cards and spending time with her friends, family and her grandchildren. In her younger years she worked at Loblaws in Albion before she eventually retired after 30 years from Delco Products/ITT Automotive/Valeo.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Harold (Shirley) Stratton.

Patrica is survived by her husband of 30 years, Richard Montrois; children: Delvin (Marci) Ergott III, Paul (Karen Allen) Ergott, Kathryn (Michael) Gross, Steven (Krissy) Montrois, Julie (Gregory) Hahn, grandchildren, Delvin IV, Jennie, Katie, Gianni, Lydia, Mason, Elliott, Deklend, Aliya; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services for Patricia will be announced at a later date. Patricia’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Albion, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

CARLTON – John J. “Jerry” Leigh, 53, of Carlton entered into rest peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Born December 20, 1968, Jerry was the son of the late John H. and Pamilla S. (Hey) Leigh.

He was a graduate of Lyndonville High School in the class of 1987. He worked for many years in heating and cooling repair and was employed by Griffith Energy. Family was very important to Jerry. His devotion in life was to his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer L. Zielonko-Major on January 22, 2020.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Ashleigh Gardner and Brandi (Anthony) Nichols; his son, Jeffrey Leigh; two grandchildren, Logan and Greyson Nichols; niece, Lynzy (Eamon) O’Callaghan; nephew, Matthew (Tamara) Zielonko; and cousin, Sandra (Eric) Hellwig.

Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Tuesday, Feb. 22nd at 5 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Rev. Martha Mitchell, pastor of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HOLLEY – Jack Wannenwetsch, 90, passed away February 15, 2022. He was born August 30, 1931 in San Antonio, TX to the late Harold and Mildred Wannenwetsch.

Jack served his country in the U.S. Airforce from 1950-1954. Jack was best known as “Pop pop,” and an extremely proud one! He was an avid HAM Radio operator, enjoyed fishing and photography as well. Jack was considered a “Jack” of all trades and was always willing to get his hands dirty to get the job done.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Nancy in 2014; and brothers, Edward and Ted.

Jack is survived by his children, Kurt Wannenwetsch and Krista (Gary) Radford; granddaughters, Emily (fiancé Jon Dygert) Radford, Olivia (Erik Balys) Radford, special niece, LLB (because it’s so much shorter than Lori), cat Fuzzy who was his sidekick, as all as many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

There are no prior calling hours. A graveside service will be announced in the spring at Hillside Cemetery.

Jack would love if you donated to yourself, invest in you! Take a trip, skydive, just go on an adventure!

Jack’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Holley, NY. To share a special memory of Jack, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

John Gary Williams, 74, of Akron, NY, entered into rest peacefully at Hospice of Buffalo on Wed., Feb. 16, 2022, surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle throughout his long illness.

John was born in Utica, NY on June 6, 1947 and was the son of the late Thelma and Lawrence Williams.  John had 11 brothers and sisters.

John was a longtime resident of the Lockport and Medina areas.  For many years, he was the manager of the Pondarosa in Lockport and later opened the Royal Restaurant.  Years later, he went into the insurance business and along with his wife, had a successful agency for over 20 years, specializing in health insurance.

He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Shelridge Country Club.  John loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His other interests included playing cards, gardening and cooking.  He was known for his ability to beat anyone at poker and his famous homemade meatballs.  John was also previously a member of the Legion and the Knights of Columbus in Medina.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol McQueen Williams; daughters: Tammy (Lynn) Morstad of Roanoke, Va., Laura (Richard) Potts of East Avon, NY, Loriann (Charles) Conti of Ellicottville, NY; son, Michael (Linda) Collette of Clarence Center, NY; grandchildren: Deja (Nate) Keppler, Casey, Kyle, Angela and Destinee Collette, Madelaine Patricia, Bryson and Chloe Potts, Ashleigh, Brienna and Camlyn Morstad.

He was predeceased by son, Brian (Tina) Collette on Aug. 20, 2009 and grandson, Zachary Ubiles on Feb. 21, 2020.

There will be no calling hours.  A celebration of John’s life will be held in the Spring with burial in Hartland Cemetery.  At John’s wishes, donations can be made to the Medina Central School to benefit the Zachary Ubiles Memorial scholarship, awarded annually to a student who exemplifies the same dedication and love of music as Zachary did.

John’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport.  To share a special memory of John, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Jane E. Fritz, 76, of West Seneca/Albion died Feb. 16, 2022 at her residence following a short illness.  She was born March 30, 1945 in Albion to Walter and Genevieve (Craddock) Fritz and had lived in the Albion area most of her life.  

She was a member of Holy Family Parish.  Her favorite time of year was without question, Christmas.  However, she received the greatest joy in spending time with her nieces and nephews.  

Ms. Fritz was predeceased by a brother, Gerald Fritz.  She is survived by her brother, James (Annette) Fritz of Rochester; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Fritz-Roy; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial Mon., Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Parish. Burial will take place immediately following in Mt. Albion Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  

Jane’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Jane, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com 

Elizabeth “Lil” Atwell, 99, of Albion passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2022 at Medina Memorial Hospital North Wing. She was born April 10, 1922, the daughter of the late Vincent and Christine (Rigoni) Mendolia. 

 Lil graduated from High School in Rochester and went on to work at Albion Correctional Facility, Hill -Raymond Agency and the Albion Village Clerk’s office.   

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles; siblings: Anthony Mendolia, Pauline Parulski, Mary Finney Pecorella, Angeline DiBenedetto, Helen Giardina, and Theresa Fiorilli. 

 Lil is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews. cousins and step-sons, Roger and James Atwell of CA., and their families. 

 The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave., Albion, on Fri., Feb. 25, from 2-4 p.m.  Lil’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church on Sat., Feb. 26, at 10 a.m.   

Burial will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY 14411 

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

Jimmy is survived by his children, Jeannine (Bill) Larkin and Timothy (Jacquie Chinn) Dunn; grandchildren, Ethan Dunn, Courtney (Nick Rotoli) Streeter, Mallory (Christopher) Marshall, Alexandra (Matthew) Williams, Taylor Chinn and Chasity Chinn as well as great-grandchildren, Stefan Rotoli, Lorenzo Rotoli, William Marshall, Merritt Williams, Scarlett Williams, Lyncoln Chinn and Lyric Chinn; sisters, Beverly Sanders and Arlene Quackenbush; brother-in-law Joseph (Elaine) Newton as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Robert Dunn, Walter Dunn, Douglas Dunn, Nelson Dunn and Harvey Dunn; brothers-in-law Richard and James Newton.

So much love and support was provided by the family to keep Jimmy home during his long illness.

The family will have a celebration of Jimmy and Toni’s loving life at their convenience. Memorials may be made in his name to Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice) 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411. Jimmy’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Avenue, Albion.

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

Marjorie Gail Forquell, 79, passed away peacefully at the Villages of Albion on Feb. 2, 2022 after a short illness.

She is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Margaret Keeling and her beloved husband, David Forquell. She is survived by two brothers: John and Ted Daley of Calif..; children: Brad (Nancy) Mykins, Dan (Margaret) Mykins, Colleen (Matt) VanDyne, Karen (Ron) Callesto, Sean (Janielle) Mykins; grandchildren: Courtney. Shannon, Jason, Aaron, Mike, Seamus, Briana, Nicole; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Casey, Brad, Charlie, Elijah John, Joshua Caleb, Scarlett Marie; and many close family and friends.

Gail retired from ARC, but did a lot of charity and volunteer work at Holy Family Parish in Albion. She enjoyed reading and crocheting and shopping especially for jewelry. She was a big animal lover especially owls.

Many thanks to staff of Villages of Albion to taking care of our mother during her illness and the support you gave to her and our family members she made a lot of friends and became family.

Services to follow in the Spring family will update with details.

MEDINA – Joanne Mackay, 62, passed away unexpectedly February 11, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born January 16, 1960 in Yonkers, NY a daughter of the late Aldo and Silena (Scopino) Mordini and had lived in this area since 2006.

Joanne worked as an Administrative Assistant at The Arc in Albion for many years. She enjoyed fishing, camping, riding her motorcycle and her dogs.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Stephen and David Mordini.

She is survived by her husband, Darryl; son, David (Ellissa) Heine; daughter, Silena Heine; grandsons, Owen Heine and Robert Moore IV; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Albion where her funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Medina. Memorials may be made to P.A.W.S. 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411.

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

George A. Hayton, 87, of Lyndonville, passed away on Mon., Feb. 7, 2022 at Unity Hospital of Rochester.

Born on Aug. 13, 1934 in Livonia, NY, he was the son of the late Herbert and Harriet (Young) Hayton. He is also predeceased by his brothers: Bob, Herb, Harry and Ed, sisters, Marian and Dorothy; and son, Jeremy.

George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sally (Arthurton) Hayton; children: Theron (Cheri) Hayton, April Hayton Watt; sisters: Evelyn Cox of Beattyville KY, and Caroline Washburn of Waterloo, NY; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A few years after graduation, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He grew up working on his family farm in Hemlock, NY and also helping neighbor’s farm families. His dream was to have his own farm one day. This dream came true on their 14th wedding anniversary, when they purchased the family farm in Lyndonville, NY and ran the dairy farm for 14 years. Other interests were carpentry, cutting wood, hunting, fishing and reading. Most of all, George loved spending time with friends and family.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in the spring at a later time to be announced.

Memorials may be made in George’s name to the Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098; or to the Lyndonville Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 150, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

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

Marilyn L. Lartz, 90, of Lyndonville, entered into rest to be reunited with her husband Laverne Allen Lartz in heaven on Feb. 9, 2022. Born on Jan. 29, 1932, she was the daughter of the late August and Grace (Roberts) Seefeldt.

Marilyn graduated from Barker High School in 1951 and as a young woman she worked at Lockport Hospital. On April 25, 1953, she married the late Laverne Lartz and together they raised one daughter. In November of 1966, they purchased The County Store on Rt. 18 and Countyline Road. She also worked as a cook for the Family Spot and Seabreeze Restaurant. After her nephew purchased The Country Store, Marilyn returned to help run the store, right up until her passing. She was a lifelong member and a “Backbone” of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was known for her “woodshed” to keep everyone in line.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Ellen Lartz of Buffalo; dear nephew, Bruce Spencer of Lockport; siblings: Shirley Spencer of Lockport, Melvin (Darcy) Seefeldt of Arizona; Goddaughter, Cindy Incho of Medina; nephews: Douglas Lartz of Nicholson, Pa. and Robert Newman of Barker; and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her husband and parents, she is predeceased by siblings: Edna (John) Kruse, Howard (Lois) Seefeldt, Donald (Joyce) Seefeldt, Leona (Walter) Schultz, Helen (Robert) Perry, Cecil Seefeldt; brother-in-law Howard Spencer; and an infant son.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103 on Fri., Feb. 18 from 4-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Sat., Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10213 Roosevelt Hwy, Lyndonville, NY 14098 with the Pastor, Rev. Craig Rhodenizer officiating. Burial will be private for the family.

Memorials may be made in her name to St. John’s Church or to Hunter’s Hope Foundation, 21 Princeton Pl #12, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

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

James L. “Ace” “Floyd” Grabowski, Sr., 73, of Medina passed away at his home on Feb. 8, 2022. He was born Feb. 15, 1948 in Medina to the late Leo and Victoria (Szczechowiak) Grabowski.

He graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1965. Ace was a proud Navy veteran who served from 1967-1971 at the rank of Shipfitter Second Class SFM-2. He served on board the USS AKA88 Uvalde from 1967-1969 until the ship was decommissioned and then he transferred to the USS Suffolk County LST 1173 until he was discharged. Ace was a proud member of the USS Uvalde Association Reunion Club, the Tonkin Gulf Sailors Association, and the Butts-Clark Post 204 American Legion in Medina. He was proud of being a veteran and attended the Memorial Day parade in Medina every year.

He owned and operated Ace Radiator, “the best place in Orleans County to take a leak”, working as a mechanic and welder until his retirement. He was influential in bringing paid umpires to Medina Slow-Pitch softball where he was also the chief umpire for 8 years. Ace was also an avid RC Airplane, and dune buggy enthusiast, loved racing go-karts, and watching ice motorcycle races.

Ace is survived by his beloved dog, Sharky; children: Dawn (Craig) Basinait, Cindy (Eric) Newlands, Larry (Monique) Grabowski, James (Heidi) Grabowski, Jr.; grandchildren: Casey (David) Phelps, Eric James Newlands, Jr., Samantha, Kaitlynn, and Isabella Basinait, Drake, Gage, James Lewyn, Jason Lucas Grabowski; great-grandson, David Keith Phelps; siblings: Theresa (late Jerit) Vanauker, Edward (Lorie) Grabowski; Navy buddy, best friend and shipmate, John Kozik; dear friend Rob Robinson; and close friend, Robin Fisher.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Sun., Feb. 13 from 1-4 p.m. where his funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Interment with military honors will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery on Tue., Feb. 15 at 12 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Ace’s name may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

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

Theresa E. Bibby, 83, of Brockport passed away Feb. 8, 2022. She was born March 6, 1938 in Brockville to the late Peter and Helen Monacelli.

Theresa was a member of the Church of Nativity of BVM in Brockport. She enjoyed cooking and was the former Food Service Manager at Lakeside Memorial Hospital. Theresa’s greatest love was spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Milford; son, Kenneth Bibby; son-in-law, Len Rettig; brothers: Peter, Robert and Nicholas Monacelli.

Theresa is survived by her daughter, Luanne Rettig; daughter-in-law, Teri Bibby; grandchildren: Jacqueline, Shawn (Rachel), Kory (Frances), Elenna, Emily, Ethan (Katie) Elijah; great-grandchildren: Jocelyn, Elizabeth, Mason, and Liam as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470 on Sun., Feb. 13 from 1-4 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of Nativity of BVM, 152 Main St., Brockport, NY 14420 on Mon., Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. Interment will be held in the spring at Garland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association 200 Westfall Rd., Rochester, NY 14620; or Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.

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

Richard Otto Seifart, 64, of Rolla, MO, passed away on Tue., Jan. 4, 2022 at Phelps Health in Rolla. He was born Feb. 8, 1957 in Albion, NY, the son of Eric and Jessie (Gaylord) Seifart.

Richard was a graduate of Lyndonville Central School. It was in school that he met the love of his life Suzanne Zeliff whom he married on July 10, 1976.

Richard was a truck driver and drove for Elrod Truck Service for the past 20 years. When he wasn’t on the road, he loved spending time with his family, playing ball with his dog Baylee, and most of all camping with his wife.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; inlaws: Evelyn and Herb Zeliff; and sister-in-law Deborah Derisley.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Rolla, MO; daughter, Erica (David) Andress of Vienna, MO; sister, Janice (Paul) Hetebry of Seymour, MO; brother, John (Louise) Seifart of Lyndonville; inlaws: Peter Zeliff of Batavia, Michael (Darlene) Zeliff of Lyndonville, Pamela (Terry Watson) of Lyndonville, Tracy (Thomas) Jennings of Oakfield; and many nieces, nephews, and many other loving friends and family members, including Dennis and Diane Wight of Albion and Kathy Zeliff of Oakfield.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

William M. “Bill” Taylor, 77, of Barker died Feb. 7, 2022 in Strong Memorial Hospital following a courageous 15-year long battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 15, 1944 in Bickmore, WV and had lived in this area for most of his life.

Bill was a member of the former Medina Moose Lodge, and a former member of the Somerset Conservation Club.  He enjoyed hunting, professional wrestling, John Wayne movies and especially spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Taylor was predeceased by his parent, 1 brother and 1 sister.  He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Jean; children: Edward (Deborah) Taylor of Barker, Thomas (Diane) Taylor of Tenn., Cathy (Randy Brownlee) Morales of Appleton, 10 siblings, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Private service and interment in Somerset Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642.

Bill’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport.  To share a special memory of Bill, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Roxanne M. Heideman, 66, of Lyndonville, NY, entered into rest on Sun., Feb. 6, 2022 at her home with her loving family at her side.

Born on March 27, 1955 in Albion, NY, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Irene (Rulhman) Kingdollar and was one of eight children. Roxanne met and married her soulmate Russell in July of 1973. Together they settled in Lyndonville and raised two children and would spend every minute together.

Roxanne was predeceased by her husband, “Baby” Russell in February of 2020. They were soulmates in life and now and forever in rest. She was also predeceased by her sister, Ronda Collela.

She is survived by her children: Rachel (Steve) Coleman of Brockport, Chad Heideman of Lyndonville; grandchildren: Jessica (Dan) Volz of Medina, Kevin Heideman of Lyndonville, Ryan Coleman of Brockport; great-grandchildren: Grayson, Baylieigh, Teagan and Wyatt Volz of Medina. Also surviving is her father and mother-in-law, Raymond Dorothy “Kaye” Heideman of Lyndonville; siblings: Lori (Gene) Hofmeister of Medina, Maureen Heideman, John (Laura) Kingdollar, Ronald Kingdollar, Randy (Tammy) Kingdollar, Gail (Chuck) Cox, and James Kingdollar; and a ton of nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

* Mom, you’re free of all your pain and sadness. I will miss you, but knowing you and dad are together makes me smile! Till we see each other again. Love, Rachel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Roxanne’s name to Rochester Regional Health Foundation, 330 Monroe Ave. Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607.

Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Roxanne at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Santi Limina, 72, of Medina, entered into rest at his home on Feb. 1, 2022.

Born on Aug. 24, 1949 in Medina, he was a son of the late John and Providenza (Furnari) Limina. He graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1968 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1969-1973, serving in Germany. Santi worked for many years as a technician at Lockport Optical in Medina.

Survivors include his brother, Anthony (Alice) Limina of New Jersey; several aunts and uncles in both Canada and Italy; and relatives, Lorraine (late John) Limina and family of Medina.

Services will be private. Interment will be in the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Mary Jane Szczechowiak, entered into rest on Sat., Feb. 5, 2022 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion.

Born April 17, 1931 in Medina, Mary Jane was a daughter of the late Edward and Christine (Rydzewski) Parada. She graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1948. She went on to graduate from the Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester. Mary Jane married the late Joseph A. Szczechowiak on June 12, 1954 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church in Medina. She started her nursing career at Medina Memorial Hospital in 1953. A fixture at the hospital for decades, she retired after 35 years in 1988 as assistant director of nursing. Mary Jane was a lifelong parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church in Medina, and upon its closing, was a parishioner of Holy Trinity R.C. Parish, St. Mary’s Church. A devout Catholic, she was a member of the Rosary Society, the Mother’s Club and sang in the choir. She served on the original board that started Hospice of Orleans, now Supportive Care of Orleans, who took great care of her in her final days. Mary Jane was an active volunteer in the community through MAAC food pantry and clothing depot and also belonged to the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans. She enjoyed knitting, making rosaries, travelling and gardening. Mary Jane will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, nurse and friend to many.

In addition to her parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Szczechowiak in 2003; identical twin sister, Christine (Joseph) Lewandowski in 1972; brothers: John “Jack” (Teresa) Parada, Edward (Barbara) Parada and Bernard (Maxine) Parada; sister-in-law, Antoinette Parada; sons-in-law: Philip Stein and Daryl Banazwski; and niece, Jolene Tracey.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Paula Banazwski, Linda (Thomas) Calabrese and Sandra Stein; cherished niece, JoAnn Lewandowski; grandchildren: Michael, Jennifer, Brian, David and Sarah; great-grandchildren: Nora, Alice, Aidan, Logan and Layla; brother, Anthony Parada; and several nieces and nephews.

The Rosary will be recited on Fri., Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. with calling hours following from 4-7 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Bernard Nowak on Sat., Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Masks will be mandatory at both locations. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 Rt.31 West, Albion, NY 14411, Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina, NY 14103; or to a charity of one’s choice. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Carson Henry Bailey, 96, of Albion died Feb. 4, 2022, in his home with his loving family by his side. He was born March 21, 1925, in Millmont, Pa., a son of the late Bright H. and Miriam (Dorman) Bailey.

Carson served in the 88th Infantry Division, 351st Infantry Regiment, in Italy during World War II. Upon his return home he married his first and only sweetheart, Alice Joyce Hucknall, after many years of courtship. He was one of the first employees of the Keeler Construction Company, where he worked for 41 years.   He retired as the Senior Vice President after working alongside hundreds of foremen, operators, and laborers proudly constructing many bridges, roads, and highways throughout western and central New York.  Carson was instrumental in the establishment of Barre Stone Products, a site with an entrance road that bears his name.

Carson was an avid private pilot and one of the founders of the Pine Hill Airport. He and Alice, who also became a private pilot, flew together often and were co-pilots on many adventures. They both loved to travel and explore different areas of the world.  In later years they spent winters in their Titusville, Florida home.

Carson had many artistic talents, and he was a very skilled artist and woodworker.  His home is graced by many beautiful sketches, oil paintings and finely crafted furniture.  His generous spirit extended not only to his family but to many friends.  He was known for his hospitality and many entertaining evenings in the “little house.”

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Alice and their daughter, Carol (Martin) Bailey Basinait.  He is survived by his daughters: Nancy (Edward) Zielonko, Rebecca Bailey, Janice (John) Travis, Molly (Craig) Tuohey; grandchildren: Lisa (Jon) Pritchard, Stacey (Nathan) Basinait, Joshua (Rebecca) Kirby, Patrick Kirby, Jamie (Michael) Bushaw, Russell (Lindsay) Hapeman, Jason (Tanya) Hapeman, Carson (Alicia) Hapeman; great-grandchildren: Carol, Amelia, Finn, Eli, Riley, Violet, Alice, Bright, Jaxon; and several nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life gathering will be held by the family. A private burial will be in Mount Albion Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, 4706 Oak Orchard Road, Albion NY 14411,;or to Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), P.O. Box 489, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Albion.

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