Obituaries

Debra Ann McAllister, 64, of Medina/Albion passed away suddenly Nov. 17, 2021 at her home.  She was born Dec. 9, 1956 in Lockport, NY and had lived in this area all of her life.

Debbie graduated from Medina High School and after, she worked as an LPN at Orchard Manor Nursing Home.  She worked for Albion Correctional Facility as a Sergeant for many years, retiring in 2013.  She and her husband Howard owned and operated Bluegill Trading post in Medina.  Debbie enjoyed gardening and selling items on Ebay.

She was predeceased by her first husband, David Mahnke and brother, Alvin Frey.  She is survived by her husband Howard, of 11 years; sons: David Mahnke, Jr, Michael Mahnke and Brian Mahnke; several grandchildren; siblings: Don, Charlene and Robert and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Ave., Albion on Sun., Nov. 21 from 1-4 p.m. where her funeral service will be held Mon., Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

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

Gary L. Weader, 81, of Holley passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2021 and was reunited with the love of his wife, Thelma. He was born June 5, 1940 in Beaver Falls, Pa.

Gary served in the U.S. Army as a U.S. Army Ranger and was a member of the Holley VFW. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially rooting for Dale Jarrett when he was racing. Gary was an active member of the Holley Sports boosters and was a past leader in 4-H. He owned and operated Weader Trucking in Holley for many years and drove truck for over 50 years. He was passionate for trucking and often he would bring along anyone in his family that wanted to go for a trip. Gary and his late wife Thelma traveled to Florida every year spending time relaxing during the winter months. Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He was always known to have a full bowl of candy for his grandchildren to grab from whenever they stopped over.

Gary was predeceased by his wife Thelma in 2003, and his mother, Mabel.

Gary is survived by his children: Chuck (Christine) Weader, Kelly (Kenny) Marling; siblings: Richard Weader, Karen (William) Collins; grandchildren: Joshua (Emily) Marling, Jamie (Matt Gilbert) Marling, Shannon Weader, Renée Weader, Julia Weader; great-grandchildren: Payton, Harper, Max, Mackenzie and Ava.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470 on Sun., Nov. 21 from 1-4 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the funeral home Mon., Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Loretta M. Lonnen, 75, of Albion died Nov. 16, 2021 in Strong Memorial Hospital following a short illness.  She was born Dec. 22, 1945 in Lockport, a daughter of Howard and Laura (Tanner) Bane and was a life-long resident of this area. 

Loretta enjoyed crocheting and studying genealogy, but her real passion was creating and tending to her gardens.  Ms. Lonnen was predeceased by siblings: Howard, Arnold, Shirley, Clara and Herbie Bane and John Tanner.  

She is survived by her sons: Dan (Lisa) Lonnen of Waterport, Alex (Linda) Lonnen of Medina, Brian (Nikki) Lonnen of Carlton, Scott Lonnen of Tenn.; brother, Bob Bane of Lyndonville, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, Mon., Nov. 22 from 4-7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. following visitation.  Private interment in Lynhaven Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  

Memorials may be made to charity or organization of your choice.  To share a special memory of Loretta, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com  

Bernice Froman, 87, of Albion passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Nov. 15, 2021. She was born May 14, 1934 on the Six Nations Indian Reservation in Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada to the late Peter and Mina.

Bernice liked watching her children and grandchildren play softball and any sports they were involved in. She was a funny woman who was a great cook, liked playing BINGO and cards.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Fred in 2000; daughter-in-law, Linda Froman; sister, Leona Henhawk; grandsons: Chadd Froman, Kyle Moore.

Bernice is survived by her children: Joanne (Thomas) Bordeau, Bernie (LuAnn Moriarty) Froman, Carolyn (Frank “Killer”) Gibson, Brian (Diane) Froman, Lonnie (Betty Ann) Froman, Wendell “Lut” (Denise) Froman, Corena “Dedo” (Mark) Brannan, Darrin “Jake” (Kelly) Froman, Mirum “Lee” (Nandy Willis) Froman, 27 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Sat., Nov., 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. where her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bernice’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

Linda M. Flower (nee Schultz), 73, of Medina, entered into rest on Sun., Nov. 14, 2021 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Born on May 1, 1948 in Medina, Linda was a daughter of the late Daniel M. Schultz and Florence D. (Kubatek) Schultz Andrews. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and then Medina High School, class of 1965. Linda was proud to have worked in medical records at Medina Memorial Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 2013. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish and of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus RC Church in Medina.

Linda loved to cook, bake and collect recipes.  She truly enjoyed sharing her meals and desserts with friends and family.  She especially loved and cherished time spent with her grandchildren who adored her and called her “Grammy Puff.”

In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by her stepfather, Edward Andrews and her sister-in-law, Kathlene Schultz.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Susan (John) Winfree of Canton, Texas; Lori (Robert) Brien of Medina and Thomas S. (Alicia Thiel) Flower of Albion; grandchildren: Alex (Luna) Brien, Jenna (Michael) Wengrzycki, Julia (Jake) McAdoo; Abigail Flower-Pollard, Owen Flower, Aaron and Christian Winfree; sister, Dolores (Gene) Mathes of Georgia; brother, Daniel M. (Karen) Schultz, Jr. of Lyndonville; nieces and nephews, many cousins, especially Janice (Jack) Buckner; and last but not least, her beloved cat, Peanut.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Fri., Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St., Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Masks will be mandatory at church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the ARC GLOW- KidStart Program, 64 Walnut St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at: www.cooperfuneralhome.com

WATERPORT – E. Irene (Fishbaugh) Woolston, 85, of Waterport, entered in to rest peacefully at home on Saturday November 13, 2021.  Irene was born in Rochester, NY on December 26, 1935.  She was the daughter of the late Charles and DeMaris Fishbaugh. 

Irene was predeceased by her husband, Glenn, brother Charles Fishbaugh, and sisters Betty Cushing, and Fanny DeMallie. 

Irene graduated for Albion High School and Genesee Community College.  She married Glenn on July 11, 1953.  Irene was a school bus driver for 20 years and served as Orleans County Deputy Election Commission for ten years retiring in 1992.  She was co-owner of Cedar Valley Lodging for 35 years.  Irene enjoyed baking, especially pies and fruitcakes, flower gardening, fishing, bird watching, riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, and the sailboat Glenn built.  She and Glenn loved traveling throughout the Country and other parts of the world.  Irene was an active member of the Gaines Congregational Church, Orleans Chapter DAR, and Lifetime Member of the Cobblestone Society.  She always believed she led a very blessed and full life. 

In later years she enjoyed driving her golf cart to the woods on their property, spotting deer and other wildlife.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Irene spent every chance she could sharing with them all she knew about trees, flowers, and birds.  Her great grandchildren affectionately called her GG Irene. 

She will be deeply missed by her children, Rodney (Donna) Woolston, Donna (Michael) Smith, and Dana (Lynda) Woolston; grandchildren, Ryan (Mattea) Woolston, Jessica (Kyle) Holz, and Shane Woolston, Shaun (Elissa) Smith, Evan (Tiffany) Smith, Lysa (Ken) Leek, and Dale Woolston; great-grandchildren, Ava and Caden Woolston, Colton, Maddox, Garrett and Graydon Smith, Kyle Niederhofer, Benjamin and Aubree Leek, and Lucas and Lucy Holz and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Friday, November 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 4 p.m.  Immediately following the service everyone is invited to the Carlton Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd. Albion, NY. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.   

Memorials may be mad to Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411, Gaines Congregational Church, 14023 Ridge Rd. Albion, NY 14411 or Carlton Fire Department, 14341 Waterport-Carlton Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

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

OZARK – James (Jim) Denniston, 85, of  Ozark, AL, entered into rest on November 13, 2021.

Born July 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Margaret Hoyt Denniston  Bocach and Charles Denniston.  Jim was a member of the class 1955, Albion High School.  He then joined the U S Air Force. He was self -employed most of his life.

Survivors include his son Hoyt (Robin) Denniston, grandsons Brent and Brian of Bangor, ME ,daughters Monica Renner of Grand Rapids, MI , Jane Huizenga of Mandan, ND, son James Denniston of state of Washing ton, step-daughter Tina Robertson of the Villages of Fl,  several grandchildren, nieces,  nephews, cousins and special friends Debbie and Pete Hancock of Ozark, AL.  His siblings, brother John (Grace) Denniston and sister Monica ( Jerry) London, both of Waterport, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Private services at the convenience of the family.

BROCKPORT – Dorothy E. Margis of Brockport, NY passed away on, November 10, 2021 at the age of 92.

She is predeceased by her husband, Daniel Margis Sr. and daughter in law, Penny Margis. She is survived by her children, Nancy (Tom DiGiulio) Munger, Robert Margis, Thomas Margis, Daniel Margis, Jr., Ronald Margis, Suzanne (Gary) Liczewsky; several grandchildren and three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends 1-4 PM, on Sunday, November 21st at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue. Interment will be held privately. www.NewcomerRochester.com

HOLLEY – Buffie G. Gleason, 54, passed away November 13, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was born October 17, 1967 in Albion to Gerald and Gloria (Sanford) Harter.

Buffie worked for the Holley CSD for 26.5 years before she retired in 2020. She loved going camping, playing BINGO, scratch offs, going to the casino and going to Myrtle Beach with her husband, as that was her happy place. Buffie was an amazing woman who was known for her beautiful smile.

She was predeceased by her father Gerald Harter in 2018.

Buffie is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ralph; son, Brian (Samantha); her mother, Gloria Harter; sisters, Melissa (Bill) Furness, Cynthia (Mike) Dale and CarolAnn Harter; grandchildren, Jayden and Amber; nephews, Billy, Dustin and Aaron (Kristy); great-niece, Carli; great-nephew, Ryder as well as many friends.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470 on Friday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Her memorial service will be held at the funeral home Saturday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Buffie’s name may be made to a Cancer Association or a local animal shelter of your choice.

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

MEDINA – Carol A. (Grimes) Rogers, 85, of Sarasota, Fla. passed away Oct. 18, 2021, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following a short illness.  She was born Dec. 21, 1935, in Medina NY, a daughter of the late Glenn and Viola (Lansel) Grimes in Jeddo.

Carol was a graduate of Medina High School, class of 1953, and a graduate of Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo. She began her career working in the office for the Lyndonville Canning Factory, was employed more than 25 years at Fisher-Price in Medina and East Aurora, and then moved to Florida where she resided for near 30 years.

Carol was very active, and last worked full time for more than 25 years for the Florida Department of Health – Sarasota County, until she retired at age 83 on June 4, 2019. She loved to bake, cook, and try new recipes, and would consistently put on luncheons for coworkers and friends, and sent goodie boxes to her family and friends. She enjoyed knitting and sewing, and during Covid, Carol used her sewing talents to make over 1,400 masks that she donated to family, friends, and others in the community.

Carol had a love of life, was kind, generous and caring to her family, friends, and others. Carol continues to make a lasting impact on future generations, through her participation in whole body donation, which will contribute directly to the advancement of medical science, research, and educational programs.

Carol was predeceased by her parents; former husband, Howard Rogers of Medina; sister, Jane (Bob) Pepe of Buffalo; and sister, Mary (Earl) Marsh of Nevada.

She is survived by her three daughters, Karen (Richard) Perugini of Medina, Kathy (Issac) Snowburg of VA and Judy (Gerald) Corrente of NJ; five grandchildren, Lindsey (Roman) Boitsov, Shelby (Dallas) Barnetti, Christina (Patrick) O’Carroll, Nicholas (Jessica) Corrente and Matthew Corrente/Alexa Gilbert; five great-grandchildren, Jack Jennings and Vivian Barnetti, Zoya and Ivan Boitsov, and Amelia O’Carroll; her brother, James (Beverly) Grimes of Buffalo; sister, Jean (Donald) Dix of FL; sister, Janet Tagg of Hartland; nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Carol’s name may be made to: American Cancer Society, Pen West Park, 2801 Fruitville Road #250, Sarasota, FL 34237, or via their website at www.cancer.org.

CLARENDON – Robert Douglas “Bob” Hills, 84, passed away November 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Bob was born July 3, 1937 in Silver Creek NY, the son of the late Leonard and Deon (Cookson) Hills and had lived in this area for over 50 years.

Bob graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School in 1955 and then served in the National Guard for 6 years. He had worked for Owens Illinois in Brockport for 24 years and then at Caldwell Manufacturing Co. for 14 years, retiring in 1999. He was an avid hunter, traveling all over the world. He loved to read and spend time with his family,

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine J. Hills; his son, Douglas L. (Laurie Lynch) Hills; grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Hills, Priscilla (Matthew) Hierlwimmer, Guy (Janelle) Hills and Christopher Hills; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Archer, Alexa, Riley, Grayson and Lincoln; special sister-in-law, Arlene Robinson; nieces and nephews, Diane (Ronnie) Whalin, Allen (Sharon) Robinson and several cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley, on Monday November 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. where his funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in N. Byron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax VA 22030 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PL, Memphis TN 38105.

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

MEDINA –  Nancy Watson, age 72, of Medina, entered into rest on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the Rochester General Hospital.

Born November 8, 1948 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Nancy was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Girosky) Suckovitch. She was a graduate of Lockport High School, class of 1966. On November 9, 1970 she married Thomas G. Watson. She worked as a cosmetologist and in teleservices as a bookkeeper for many years.  She was a dedicated homemaker, wife, and mother. Nancy was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.

Nancy enjoyed swimming, tennis, and traveling in her early adulthood.  Later in life she enjoyed hosting get-togethers with friends, family, and neighbors, volunteering for her church, and spending time with her beloved family.

Nancy will be remembered for her friendship, loyalty to those she cared for, and her loving heart.  She enjoyed being with others, and letting her fun-loving nature spread happiness to those around her.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Thomas Watson of Medina; her loving son, Timothy (Megan) Watson of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren, Clara Lynn and Elijah Timothy Watson; sister in-law, Judith Watson; and a nephew, Christopher Watson.

There will be a graveside committal service held at a later date in Millville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest, 12373 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina, NY 14103 or to the United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Dean R. Wolfe, 93, of Lyndonville, NY, went to be with the Lord on Thu., Nov. 11, 2021 at North Wing of Orleans Community Health.

Born on May 26, 1928 in Lyndonville, NY, he was the son of the late Floyd D. and Edith (Pratt) Wolfe.

Dean graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1947. In 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Yokohama, Japan and served as a cook. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sargent.  He returned home and on July 31, 1954. He married the late Marian Devonshire and together they raised four children. Dean had a strong work ethic and worked various jobs, including, being a Soda Jerk, selling real estate, working at Kodak and for 15 years, owned and operated, along with his wife, Wolfe’s EZ Shop. Even after his retirement, he worked part-time as a cook at Clover Hill in Albion. Marian and Dean were two founding members of the ARC of Orleans. He was lifelong member of the Yates Baptist Church and loved God and his country. In his spare time, Dean enjoyed antiquing, painting, making baskets and caning chairs, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Dean is survived by his children: Darlene (Mike) Zeliff, Larry Wolfe, all of Lyndonville, Bonnie (Thomas) Heck of Medina; grandchildren: Joseph Zeliff, James (Kari) Zeliff, Kathryn (Eric) Zimmerman, Joshua (Naomi) Zeliff, Jennifer (Erick) Mateo, Michele Wolfe, Thomas Heck Jr. and Lindsay (Bradley) Uderitz; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Dunn of Lyndonville; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife Marian, Dean is predeceased by a son, Michael.

*REVISED ARRANGEMENTS* Relatives and friends may call at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103 on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 6-8 PM and on Wednesday, 10 AM-11 AM at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, 102 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098, where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be in the Lynhaven Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may be made in Dean’s name to North Wing at Orleans Community Health, the ARC of Orleans, and the Yates Baptist Church.

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

Kenneth J. Heinz, 65, of Middleport passed away Nov. 10, 2021 at Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston.  He was born Sept. 15, 1956 in Lockport, the son of the late Gerald and Leona (Chase) Heinz.  

Kenny was an accomplished artist, enjoyed watching movies and going to the Lockport YMCA to watch boxing tournaments.  Kenny had a big heart and loved to socialize.

In addition to his parents, Kenny is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Tina and niece, Debbie. He is survived by his brother, Dennis, along with several cousins and many friends.

Private interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Kenny’s arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, NY.

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

Ronald W. Helsdon, 57, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Wed., Nov. 10, 2021 at Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY.

Born on May 22, 1964, in Newfane, NY, he was the son of the late Bernard Helsdon and Cherie (Hubbert) Smith.

Ronald graduated from Lyndonville High School and he enjoyed everything that had to do with sports. He was an avid Buffalo Bills, Sabres and New York Yankees Fan. He also enjoyed his cats and doing crossword puzzles.  Most of all, Ronald enjoyed the time spent with his loving companion, Lisa Thompson.

Ronald is survived by his siblings: Bernard Helsdon of Lyndonville, Cheryl Helsdon of Plant City, Fla., Missy Ann Armstrong and Jennifer (Jason) Wannike, all of King’s Mountain, NC, and William Helsdon of Green Bay, Wis. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, and nieces and nephews.

Beside his parents, Ronald is predeceased by his twin brother, Roger Helsdon.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in June of 2022 and will be announced closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ronald’s name to the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina, NY 14103.

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

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