Obituaries

MEDINA – Betty M. Rogowski, of Medina, passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband by her side on Monday, May 6, 2024 following a courageous and well fought battle with Glioblastoma (GBM).

Born on February 22, 1954 in Sodus, NY, Betty was a daughter of the late Maurice and Marian (Andrews) Merithew. She came from a rather large family and grew up on her family farm in North Rose, NY. She was a graduate of North Rose-Wolcott High School, Class of 1972.

Betty possessed a strong work ethic. Early on she worked for Eastman Kodak and then for Inacom Corp. She and her husband, Reinhard moved to Medina, NY in 2008. Together, Betty and Reinhard owned and operated the Historic Village Bed & Breakfast located in a beautiful Victorian home in the heart of the Village of Medina, making many friends along the way.

Not one to sit idle, Betty was highly involved in the community. She did bookkeeping, worked at the Medina Lumberyard and helped at Apple Blossom Florist. She was an original committee member and fundraiser for the Medina Parade of Lights. Always willing to help others, Betty was a very giving person. She volunteered with Hospice of Orleans and was a TWIG volunteer at Medina Memorial Hospital. She encouraged and advised many other people who have been diagnosed with GBM. Throughout her own illness, her strength, determination and stubbornness were admirable. These qualities along with her strong faith, gifted her family and friends much more time together with her than originally expected. Betty’s family is forever grateful for the love and support given by her friends and community members over these difficult last few years.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Reinhard Rogowski; children, Elizabeth Maletta, Robb Maletta and Joseph Maletta; stepchildren, Lisa Jackson, Heather (Chad) Smith and Cory (Derek) Schalberg; grandchildren, Eboni and Kennedy Jackson, Kyle, Megan, Michael and Anna Smith, Brady and Ella Robinson; her brother, Mark Merithew; sister, Betsy Merithew; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Bella. Betty was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Sharon Welker, Ann Roland, Leonard, Maurice and William Merithew.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 15 from 3-5 p.m. at the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina, with her memorial service immediately following at 5 p.m. The family greatly appreciates any memorial donations in Betty’s memory being made to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

OAKFIELD – Dayle R. “Dutchman” Beedham, age 67, died May 3, 2024. She was born in Albion on April 23, 1957 and devoted her life to helping people as a social worker.

Dayle strived to make others happy in everything she did. While working and caring for her two children, Dayle attended school part time for 13 years successfully earning her master’s in Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan.

She had a love for music and was known to carry a tune while playing the guitar or drums and loved making others smile. She grew up an active member of the West Barre UMC and has a strong faith in her Lord. Dayle loves her family; she gets a special twinkle in her eye when she sees her grandkids. Dayle’s love and nurturing instincts stayed strong until the end, worrying more about others than she did herself.

Mrs. Beedham was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Helen Carr; siblings, Donald Carr and Terri Krieger; and grandson, Brayden Beedham.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 46 ½ years, Dennis; children, Jamie (Ryan) Rada, Corey (Kristine) Beedham; grandchildren, Aiden Rada, Gabriella and Hailey Beedham; siblings, Marcia (Clive Reid) Gayle, Bonnie (Ray) Piedmont, Ronald (Susan) Carr, Janet Silker, Ruth (late Kirk) Snyder and June (Warren) Seager, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dayle’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Tuesday, May 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the West Barre Church, 5377 Eagle Harbor Rd. Albion, NY 14411. Interment will be held at Cary Cemetery in Oakfield.

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

ALBION/WATERPORT – Betsy “Joanie” Palacios, age 92, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital Palliative Care on April 23, 2024 following a long illness. She was born June 7, 1931 in Albion, a daughter of the late Earl and Mattie (Parker) Sullivan.

She was known as Joanie the Lunch Lady at Albion School District where she worked for 45 years. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, her house on the lake and going to lunch with her friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Jose’ in 2008; sister Ginny Fiorito and her brother Ed Sullivan.

She is survived by her three children, Janet Hausner, Jim (Jen) Palacios, Jill (Ken) Burke; grandchildren Justin (Mary) Hausner, Megan (Paul) Guillod, Kaitlyn (Mike) Picard, Staci (Josh) Desmarais and Timothy Burke; great-grandchildren Sam, Logan, Conner, Luke, Madison, Mila, Oliver, Claire; sister-in-law Connie Archbald, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There are no prior calling hours. Her Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Private burial will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Homesteads for Hope-Community Farm for adults with developmental disabilities and autism, 2185 Manitou Rd., Rochester NY 14606 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion.

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

Linda Deanne Cracknell Rau (83), of Eustace, TX, passed away April 25th, 2024.

Linda was born June 30th, 1940, to Cyril and Anne Cracknell of Buffalo, NY. After Linda graduated from Kenmore Senior High School (1958) she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State University.

After graduating in 1962, she worked for 30+ years as a kindergarten and Pre-1st grade teacher in Medina, NY. After retiring in 1996,
Russ and Linda moved to Texas to be with their family.

In her free time her community involvement included Kiwanis and Library Story time. Her hobbies included Singing with the Sweet Adelines, Touching the lives of children, reading stories to children, evening sunsets on their boat, taking care of her family, entertaining her friends, cruising, and traveling the world with family and friends.

Linda was recognized by the Distinguished Women of Cedar Creek Lake honoring her commitment to Community work.

Linda met her Beloved Husband Russell at a Sadie Hawkins dance. They have been married for 61 years. Linda and Russell went on to have 2 children.

Linda was predeceased by her parents Cyril and Anne Cracknell, granddaughter Jamie Lee Fuller and great grandson Lee Allen Shipp.

Linda is survived in death by her Beloved Husband Russell M. Rau, Sister Nancy Clough, Son Donald (Donna) Rau and Daughter Kris (Stephen) Shipp and brother-in-law Robin (Marty) Fletcher.

Grandchildren- Scott (Candice) Rau, Marc (Lindsey) Wielgosz, Erica (Don) Thomas, Shannon (Cody) Parker, Joshua Shipp, and Brandon Shipp.

Great grandchildren Ava and Lizzy Parker, Kelsy Thomas, Wyatt and Grayson Rau, Nora and Nate Wielgosz, along with cousins, nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research, Dementia Research Foundation or book donations made in her honor to your local library.

A special thank you to Arcy Hospice, Autumn of Life Caregivers, and Dr. Timothy Beste.

Arrangements are under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens, Texas.

HOLLEY – Yong Cha “Kim” Hanes, age 77, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion. She was born April 15, 1947 in South Korea.

Kim was predeceased by her son, Floyd in 2019.

Kim is survived by her husband of 53 years, Carl; son, Richard; granddaughter, Nadia Hullfish; sisters-in-law, Doreen Hanes, Chris Tucker and Bambi Garner.

Kim’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Rt. 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, May 4th from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment will take place privately at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

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

ALBION- Joyce H. Roberts, age 90, passed away with her loving family by her side at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion on April 24, 2024. She was born September 27, 1933 in Canandaigua to the late Chester and Thelma (Wallace) Haigh.

Joyce was a longtime member of the Albion First Baptist Church, worked as a supervisor at OTB in Albion for over 20 years and along with her late husband ran “Tommy’s Restaurant”. She was a lifetime member of the Carlton Fire Co. ladies auxiliary and very active in the Home Bureau. Joyce and Tom enjoyed square dancing together and spent time travelling all over WNY and the surrounding area. In her spare time, she enjoyed needlework, crafts, reading and working around the farm.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Thomas on July 14, 1994, brother Gary Haigh, son-in-law, Franklin James, and brother-in-law, Weldon Astle.

Joyce is survived by her children, Cynthia Roberts, Dawn James, Paul (Linda) Roberts, Mark Roberts, Judy (James) Bennett, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister, Donna Astle, sister-in-law, Rena Haigh, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joyce’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Wednesday May 8th from 4:00-7:00pm. Her memorial service will be held at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday, May 9th at 10:30am. Interment will be held in Carlton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Albion First Baptist Church 30 West Park St. Albion, NY 144411 or Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411.

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

ELBA – Loretta  “Jean”  Love, age 80, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mount Morris surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Monday, November 1st, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William Shafer and Laura Maxwell Shafer.

She loved her animals, tending to her flower beds, gardening and cheering for the Buffalo Bills, especially for Jim Kelly. Most of all Jean loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her great-grandson Mason play baseball.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Darwin F. Love; her daughters, Cheryl (McQueen) Love of Medina and Laurie (Joseph) Graham of Attica;  three grandchildren, Rita (Sam) Vigiano of Elba, Felicia (Robert) LeRoy of Victor and Holly (Taylor) Ellis of Canton; two great-grandsons, Mason Vigiano of Elba and Liam Ellis of Canton; her brothers, Leslie (Dorothy) Shafer of Batavia and Wayne (Karen) Shafer of Lancaster; her sister, Theresa (Gary) Cervone of Houston, Texas along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Carol Shafer who passed away as infant, Donald Shafer, Annie Fisk and Timothy (late Carol) Karnafel.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where memorial services will be held at 11 am Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, New York 14221.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

BARKER – David G. Newman, age 70 of Barker, NY passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. David was born on March 23, 1954. He was preceded in death by his mother Stella J Grendisa and father Theodore George Newman.

Dave is survived by his wife, Clara Perez-Newman, brother Daniel Newman, children Nicole and Joe and grandchildren Nevaeh, Michael, Angelo, and Riley.

David retired from General Motors after 30 years and was a member of the UAW. He is remembered for his love of sports particularly his love of baseball.

A ceremony to honor and celebrate David’s life will be held at Hartland Central Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067, on May 18th, 2024, at 12 pm.

May he rest in peace.

ALBION – Louis H. McGuire, Jr., age 77, died April 20, 2024 in Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. He was born February 13, 1947 in Albion to Louis and Arlene (Schmackpffer) McGuire and had lived in this area most of his life.

Louis enjoyed fishing, taking car rides, watching the boats go in and out of the harbor at Pt. Breeze and loved his coffee!  However, his greatest love was the time he got spend with his grandchildren. They truly filled his heart.

He is survived by his sons, Adam McGuire of Mt. Morris, and Michael (Tatiana) McGuire of Albion; his sister, Brenda Cimino of NC; his grandchildren, Leo, Caleb, Peyton, Olivia, Piper and Aspen as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours and his services will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery. Louis’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.

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

MIDDLEPORT – Richard M. Vendetta, 86, entered into eternal rest on April 18, 2024. He was born on August 26, 1937 in Medina, NY, a son of the late Thomas Anthony and Amelia Marie (nee Castricone) Vendetta.

Rich attended and graduated from Medina High School in 1955. Following graduation, he joined the US Navy and served until 1958. He worked for the Medina Police Department before accepting a position working for Harrison Radiator Division, General Motors Corp. plant security, where he retired in 1992.

Rich started volunteering for the American Red Cross in 1976, as a First Aid and CPR Instructor, as well as an EMT with Tri-Town Ambulance. In 1982, Rich was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit by the Eastern Niagara Chapter. The highest award given by the Red Cross to a person who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a volunteer training program. He enjoyed hunting with his family, golfing with his sons and bowling with the guys.

Besides his parents, Rich is predeceased by his second wife, Joan P. (nee Jarvis) Vendetta; and his siblings Thomas J. (late Barbara) Vendetta, Joann V. (late Francis) Beyer and Carol Petkus.

He is survived by his children, Richard M. (Karon) Vendetta, Jr., Duane A. (Jean) Vendetta, Kimberly A. (Greg) Nogle and Scott T. (Sandra) Vendetta; grandfather of 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; brother of Francis (Deborah) Vendetta; also survived by his former wife Nancy L. (nee Smith) Vendetta and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center Street, Medina, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina at 11 a.m. Family and friends are asked to please assemble at the church.

Arrangements by the Amigone Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials are strongly encouraged to be made to Niagara Hospice. Please share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

GASPORT – Gertrude Szymanski, age 99, died April 19, 2024 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She was born August 9, 1924 in Albion to Felix and Beatrice Kryzinski and was a life-long resident of this area.

Gertrude was a person who took great pride in being a homemaker. She tended to her family with love, affection and great care. Gertrude loved to travel, especially to the Southwest, and enjoyed reading as well. She liked to go on hikes as well as spend time gardening but, her greatest joy was taking care of her family and the home.

Mrs. Szymanski was predeceased by her husband, Alexander; and her siblings, Chester, Edward and Leonard Kryzinski, and Lucille Gross and Florence Whiting.

She is survived by her son, Michael Szymanski; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, on Monday, April 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT, 84741.

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

MEDINA – Bruno P. Pacini of Medina, New York, formerly of Middleport, passed peacefully in the early hours of April 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January.

Born in North Tonawanda, New York on January 21, 1922, he was the son of the late Guy and Leontine (Bourdon) Pacini.

He graduated from North Tonawanda High School and was ready to enter Niagara University on a football scholarship when WWII intervened. He entered the Army in October of 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant until February 1946. Upon leaving the service, he went back to Niagara University to continue his education. He earned his BS degree in Social Science in 1950 and his MA in 1951.

His teaching career was spent at Royalton-Hartland in Middleport where he taught Social Studies for 27 years. In addition to his classroom duties, he coached his favorite sport of football and at his retirement in 1977, this respected coach had the football field named in his honor. After his retirement he went on to be elected Royalton Town Justice, a position he would hold for 12 years.

He was also a member of the Clute Phillips Post 938 of the American Legion in Middleport and the Knights of Columbus. He was the last surviving member of the original inductees of the Foundation Award Winners of the Niagara Orleans League. He was proud to have been inducted into the North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame, the Niagara University Hall of Fame and the Roy Hart “Proud to be a Ram” Wall of Fame.

Beside his parents, Bruno was predeceased by his wife Bertha (Pope) Kilworth Pacini and his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Shirley.

He is survived by his step-daughter Gina (Mike) George; step-granddaughters Audrey (Casey) Tuohey and Emily (Michael) McLaren; as well as great-grandchildren Brayden, Gavin, Shay and Camryn; two nieces Sandra (Edmond) Hess and Charlene (David) Gwinn. He will be missed by many long-time friends from his years in Middleport, his friend Jean Chatt of Medina as well as the many young men he coached over the years who long after graduation still kept in touch with their coach. He was deeply touched by the many former students and friends who attended the re-dedication of the football field.

There are no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, April 26th at 10 a.m.

Burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Wednesday, May 1st at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate in his memory to a charity of their own choosing.

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

MEDINA – Serina M. Dixon, age 47, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

She was born October 12, 1976, a daughter of the late Kathleen (Dixon) Munn.

Survivors include her sons, Dillon (fiancé Karlee) Winters of Lyndonville, Austin Winters, Zachary Winters (Natilie Leno) of Rochester and Dominic Winters (Mila Molina) of Medina; grandson, Adrian Winters; and stepfather, Jack Munn of Medina.

She was predeceased by her mother, Kathleen Munn in 2019.

Funeral services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.