Obituaries

Harold W. “Bud” Buddenhagen, 85, of Lockport and formerly of Middleport, joined his wife, Barbara, in rest on April 29, 2020 at his home, under the care of Niagara Hospice. He was born Aug. 29, 1934 in Lockport to the late William H. and Mary C. (Crogan) Buddenhagen.

Bud worked at Harrison Radiator for over 25 years as an inspector. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, reading, going to the casino and, most of all, spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Bud was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, on March 12, 2004.

Bud is survived by his children, Mitchell (Denise) Buddenhagen, Shelly Burdick, and Tina (Denny Fawber) Burger; and his grandchildren, Lisa (Jeremy Paananen) Burdick, Jeffery Burger and Justin Burger.

Services for Bud will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Medina.

Memorial contributions in Bud’s name may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094.

Bud’s arrangements have been entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport NY 14105. To share a special memory of Bud, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Barbara J. Crosby, 74, of Medina, entered into rest at the Martin-Linsin Residence in Albion following a short illness.

Born Dec. 13, 1945 in Niagara Falls, Barbara was a daughter of the late Giovani and Emma (Coder) Ambrosia. She married Arnold B. Crosby in 1965 and recently celebrated 56 years of marriage on March 13, 2020. She worked as a resident caretaker at the WNY DDSO Group Home in Medina for over 20 years. Barbara enjoyed bird watching and her two companions, Sneakers and Mickey. She also enjoyed her many beautiful gardens, especially her springtime blooms, which were brought from Holland by a longtime family friend, Christien Lassche of the Netherlands. Barbara enjoyed her monthly luncheons with the class of ’64 ladies. She especially loved her yearly vacations to Disney World with her children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Arnold Crosby; children, Daniel Crosby, Charlotte Cavers and Noel Crosby; grandchildren, Brooklynn Crosby, Caden Crosby and Carson Cavers; and great-granddaughter, Sloan Violet.

Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her siblings, James Ambrosia, Robert Ambrosia, Patricia Ambrosia Harms and Delbert Ambrosia.

Viewing and funeral services will be privately held for the family. Burial will be in Millville Cemetery, Shelby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Barb’s name may be made to Hospice of Orleans, PO Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Please share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

David E. Watts, 86, of Gasport, entered peacefully into eternal rest on April 27, 2020 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born on May 17, 1933 in Lumberton, N.C. to Charles Watts and Laura (Thompson) Watts. He was the fourth of nine children.

In 1953, Dave served in the U.S. Army, during which time he would meet his future wife, Gerda “Sunny” (Martin) Watts. On May 3, 1954, Dave and Sunny married in Belton, Texas. In 1956, Dave and Sunny moved back to Dave’s hometown of St. Pauls, N.C. and soon welcomed their first child, David E. Watts Jr., in Lumberton. Shortly after, Sunny talked Dave into moving back north, closer to her hometown.

In 1958, they moved to Medina and soon welcomed their second child, Carolyn Louise Watts. In 1958, Dave started his career at Harrison Radiator, from which he retired after more than 30 years. Dave spent most of his free time with his wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, along with his large extended family. He was a proud member of the Sacred Heart Club, the American Legion, and the Moose Club. He also enjoyed his annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, fishing trips, and visiting his brothers and sisters down south.

Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gerda “Sunny” (Martin) Watts, in 2010; his daughter, Carolyn Louise Watts, earlier this year; and his siblings, Alan Watts, Irene (Watts) Harris, Charles “Junior” Watts, Isabel (Watts) McCartney, James Watts and Donald Watts.

Dave is survived by his son, David (Joni) Watts Jr.; grandchildren, Jesse, Travis and Kaila Watts; sister, Barbara (Vance) Trogden of Hope Mills, N.C.; and brother, Clarence (Joan) Watts of Elizabethtown, N.C.

Services will be privately held by the family. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded at graveside.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Please share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Susan Cooper Eddy passed away peacefully at her home in Albion on April 27, 2020. She was born on Aug. 5, 1922 to Samuel A. and Dorothy H. (Shisler) Cooper. She was raised in Brighton, N.Y.

Sue married Arthur B. “Dick” Eddy on Nov. 16, 1946. They were married for 64 years until Dick’s passing in 2011. Upon marrying Dick, Sue moved to Albion and quickly immersed herself in the community. Sue served the American Red Cross for many years through its Service to Military Families and Water Safety programs. She was a 71-year member of First Presbyterian Church of Albion and served the church in many ways over the years. Additionally, Sue volunteered at the former Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital.

Sue and her husband loved to travel. They traveled throughout the U.S. and internationally. Sue was an avid card player who enjoyed summers at the family cottage at Oak Orchard On The Lake in Carlton.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sue was predeceased by her sister, Mary C. Wagner; and her twin brother, Samuel A. Cooper Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Cristen C. (Maurice) Haltom of Ithaca, N.Y., Susan K. “Kim” (Richard) Remley of Albion, and Anne B. (Bruce) Beaty of Greenwich, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Jhakeem (Christina) Haltom, Ajemo (Javail) Haltom, Rebecca (James) Furman, Andrew (Gretchen Kreutz) Remley, Samuel Remley, Susan (Emmett) Fitzgerald, and Sidney (Andrew Lowe) Beaty; six great-grandchildren, Orion, Luma, Amina, Benjamin, Grace and Amos Haltom; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Schwyn and Joan Brennan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Due to current public health concerns, a memorial service in celebration of Sue’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Albion on a later date to be announced. Internment will be private at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Sue may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Albion, 29 E. State St., Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements for Sue have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. To share a memory of Sue, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Roberta M. “Robbie” Lippert, 75, of Albion, passed away peacefully at home under the care of her loving family on April 27, 2020. She was born April 29, 1944 in Albion to the late Robert and Eleanor (Zwifka) Knight.

Robbie loved to read, and she had a tremendous affection for pets and a great sense of humor. She was a graduate of Albion High School, class of 1962. Her greatest love was for her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings and friends.

Robbie is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Fran; children, Frank (Brian Knirk) Lippert and Kelly (Ron) Flick; grandchildren, Christopher and Daniel Flick; siblings, Jim (Betty) Knight, John (Melanie) Knight and Paula (Jesse) Lowe; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services for Robbie will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Robbie’s name may be made to Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St., Albion NY 14411.

Robbie’s family would like to thank Visiting Nurses Association and Alex and Karen for the great care they provided her in her final days. They would also like to thank Margaret with U of R Primary Care in Batavia for her guidance and support.

Robbie’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411. To share a special memory of Robbie, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Louis C. Biaselli Jr., 87, of Albion, died April 21, 2020. He was born Feb. 4, 1933 in Albion, a son of the late Lewis and Florence (Long) Biaselli Sr.

Louis was a military veteran who served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, and he was a member of the American Legion.

Louis is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Elsie; children, David (Dawn) Biaselli, Clinton (Donna) Biaselli, and Linda (Bob Wence) Biaselli; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Louis was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandpa, exemplified by the selfless lifestyle he chose for himself. He enjoyed family gatherings with siblings and close family members and especially loved making great memories with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed hiking beautiful trails, putting down many memorable miles with family members. His home backed up to the Erie Canal and, at the end of a day, you could often find him on his patio watching the boats go by while enjoying a tall glass of ice water.

Later in life, he simply enjoyed a good western show with the “Duke,” or “The Waltons” or “Little House on the Prairie.”

Louis was a member of the Holley Assembly of God. He loved worshiping God.

Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Louis’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601.

Louis’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411. To share a special memory of Louis, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Kim Lovewell, 68, of Burt, died unexpectedly April 26, 2020 at Eastern Niagara Hospital. She was born Aug. 10, 1951 in Seoul Korea and had lived in this area since 1975.

Kim retired from Sun Orchard Fruit Co. in Newfane, where she worked for many years. She loved going to yard sales, bingo, gardening, and her dogs.

She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Doug; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There are no services.

Kim’s arrangements have been entrusted to Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, 6139 East Ave., Newfane NY 14108. To share a special memory of Kim, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Neil P. Lewis, 48, of Brockport and Batavia, passed away on April 22, 2020. He was born on Sept. 17, 1971 to the late Donald Lewis and Susan (Sulim) Lewis of Batavia.

In addition to his father, Neil is predeceased by grandparents, Katharine and Kenneth Lewis, and John and Stephania Sulim; uncles, William Lewis and Stanley Sulim; aunts, Patty Lewis, Nancy Lewis and Marilyn Adams; and godmother, Pat Grandillo.

Neil graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic and then went on to practice chiropractic medicine in Albion for 23 years. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Neil will be remembered for his kind heart and his ability to put a smile on everyone’s face. He loved to help people and cared so deeply for his family, friends and patients.

In addition to his mother, Neil is survived by his wife, Katie Lewis; stepson, Tyler Zahn; brother, Daniel (Robert) of Buffalo; sister, Marie (Thomas) of Rochester; godfather, Kenneth Lewis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a private Mass of Christian Burial held at Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brockport Ecumenical Food Shelf, 14 State St., Brockport NY 14420.

Arrangements were completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia NY 14020. For more information, please call (585) 343-8260. To sign a message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.

Raelynn Esther Marks, of Kent, was born into this world on April 25, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, and went to be with Jesus after meeting her earthly family a short time later.

Raelynn was the beloved daughter of Rachel Marks, sister of Leeland Marks, maternal granddaughter of Dorothy Stacy, maternal great-granddaughter of Ronald and Esther Burnette, and niece of Ronald and Kathryn Stacy.

As a result of current regulations surrounding public gatherings due to COVID-19, her service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Tabernacle Building Fund, 324 Catherine St., Medina NY 14103.

Raelynn’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Jane Marino, 87, of the Town of Batavia and Albion, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 14, 1933 in Elba to the late Harry and Beulah (Hicks) Cosway.

In addition to her parents, Mary Jane is predeceased by a daughter, Joanne Marino-Perry; and her siblings, Frank and Robert Cosway, Grace Pahuta, Beatrice Hatch and Dorothy Merkle-Elbel.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66½ years, Joseph Marino of Albion; children, James (Susan) Marino of Spencerport, Jon Marino of Virgina, and Janelle (Gene) Flammger of Albion; son-in-law, Clair Perry of Akron; grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Dan, Christopher, Jennifer, Joe and Jolene; one special great-grandchild, Brianna; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a secretary of administration at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia. Her love of travel took her to many places around the world and to all but three states in the USA. She loved to play games, garden, sew and quilt, and she was well-known for her chocolate chip cookies and her themed, decorated birthday cakes. She had a kind and generous heart and was always there to help anyone. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

There will be no calling hours, and a celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Akron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements were completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia NY 14020. For more information, please call (585) 343-8260. To sign a message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.

Martha E. Bacon, 100, of Medina, entered into eternal rest on April 23, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans as a result of COVID-19. She was born Feb. 22, 1920 in Medina, the daughter of the late Ray and Minnie (Mosey) Allis.

She married LaVerne C. Bacon, and they spent all their lives at their Bates Road residence. She graduated from Medina High School and went on graduate with a teaching degree from Fredonia State College. After college, Mrs. Bacon taught school for a few years at the Bates Road one-room schoolhouse. After her children were older, she worked at Normack’s in Lyndonville and then for Fisher-Price in Medina, from which she eventually retired. Mrs. Bacon was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest in Knowlesville.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, LaVerne, in 2003; brother, Sydney (Chris) Allis; grandson, Daniel Higgins; and son in-law, Paul Beauchesne.

Mrs. Bacon is survived by her children, Ruth Higgins and Vern Bacon; two sisters in-law, Martha Foster and Sharon Bacon; grandchildren, Darlene (Jim) Hunt, Daryl “JR” (Marilyn) Higgins Jr., Donna (Ken) Black, Danielle Higgins, Bradley Bacon, Briana Lane and Brian Bacon; step-granddaughter, Melisa (Mike) Beauchesne-Ellis; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, only a private graveside committal service will be held for immediate family in Bates Road Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UMC of the Abundant Harvest, 12373 Maple Ridge Road, Medina NY 14103.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. To share a memory of Martha, please visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Martha (Fortunato) Ames, 88, of Medina, entered into eternal rest on April 24, 2020. Martha was born on June 23, 1931 in Medina, a daughter of the late Augustus and Emily (Monacelli) Fortunato.

She was a graduate of Medina High School, class of 1949. Martha married her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Ames, on June 6, 1950. She worked for Medina Central School District from 1965 until retiring in 1985. Martha loved her family and, like her mother, loved to host elaborate holiday dinners for them. She enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Florida and summers in the Thousand Islands, N.Y., where she and Bill would always open their doors to family and friends. Martha loved cooking, baking, reading, and crafts. She loved playing games and was an excellent card player, except with her grandchildren, whom she always let win! She had an amazing ability to strike up a conversation with complete strangers everywhere she went. She kept her family laughing until the very end. Martha especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Martha is survived by a son, William (Cindy) Ames; daughter, Susan (John) Fuller; grandson, William Ames; granddaughters, Megan (Nick) Hermann and Kaitlyn (Evan Barnebey) Gang; great-grandsons, William and Jacob Hermann; sister, Paula (Dr. Charles) Rubin, and many nieces and nephews.

Martha was predeceased by the love of her life for 70 years, William “Bill” Ames, on April 22, 2020; two grandsons, Joseph Ames and Daniel Gang; and her brothers, Vincent (Susan) and Louis (Louise) Fortunato and David Fortunato.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be greatly appreciated in Martha’s name to Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina NY 14103; or to Hospice of Orleans, PO Box 489, Albion NY 14411; or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Leslie C. McGarry, 59, of Medina, passed away on Wed., April 22, 2020 at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina. He was born on Aug. 19, 1960 in Brockport, a son of the late Lester and Elizabeth (Groves) McGarry.

Leslie was an employee of The Arc of Genesee Orleans until illness forced his retirement.

He is survived by three siblings, Bonnie McGarry of Albion, Mary Draper of Lyndonville and Charles (Diane) McGarry of Rochester.

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 Leslie’s name to The Arc of Genesee Orleans, 122 Caroline St., Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Leslie at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Sharon R. LeVan, 75, of Albion, died on April 24, 2020 at The Villages of Orleans in Albion. She was born May 16, 1944, a daughter to Norman and Grace (Schmackpfeffer) Smith.

Sharon married Douglas W. LeVan, and together they raised a family of five children. Sharon worked at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Medina for many years. She attended Faith Bible Baptist Church in Ridgeway. She enjoyed shopping, Sunday drives, ice cream, birdwatching, more shopping, and another scoop of ice cream.

She is survived by her husband, Doug; her children, Edward A. Weaver, Norman D. (Sharon James) Weaver, Laurie K. Weaver, Renee S. Weaver and Stephanie L. LeVan; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her sister, Carol Bell; brothers, Mark Smith and Ronald Smith; brothers and sisters-in-law, Althea (Charlie) Jurs, Nancy Bellamy, Cathy Kelsey, Kevin LeVan and Joanne Lonnon; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside committal service will be held in West Ridgeway Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharon’s name may be made to Faith Bible Baptist Church, 3064 N. Gravel Road, Medina NY 14103.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Joan Marie Scharping, 89, of Lake Alfred, Fla., passed away Sun., April 19, 2020.

Joan was born to the late Carl and Gertrude Furness on Jan. 10, 1931, the eldest of seven children. She graduated from Medina High School, class of 1948. Joan married George Scharping on Jan. 18, 1949, and they lived together in the Medina area until retiring to Florida in 1997. Joan and George were married for 65 years at George’s passing in 2014.

Joan is survived by her four brothers; her two children, Christopher (Catherine) of Panama City Beach, Fla. and Dana (Cherie) of Medina; her grandchildren, Stacey (Clint) Cormier and Scott Scharping, both of Shreveport, La.; as well as her great-grandchildren, Joshua and Caleb Cormier of Shreveport.

Joan dedicated most of her life to her husband and sons, enjoying family time together. For 20 years, she managed Dr. Stirling’s medical office in Medina, and she was active in the Medina Business and Professional Women’s Association as well as TOPS.

There will be no memorial service, as Joan’s only wish was to be reunited with her husband upon her passing.

Curtis F. Bentley, 86, of Medina, went to be with the Lord on Wed., April 22, 2020 at the Martin-Linsin Residence, Albion, with his loving family at his side.

Born on July 31, 1933 in Lyndonville, he was the son of the late Louis and Frances (Young) Bentley.

Curtis graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1952, and in March 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic. On Nov. 8, 1953, he married the former Mary Farewell. On returning home on March 4, 1957, they made their home in Medina and raised four children.

Curtis worked various jobs, including at Bernzomatic and Fisher-Price, and he owned and operated a refrigeration repair business called Curt’s Repair. Curtis loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping. He served as president of the Empire Happy Wanderer Camping Club.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 66½ years, Mary Bentley; children, Linda (Rick) Wells of Middleport, Pamela (Jim) Koch of South Carolina, Curtis M. (Dora) Bentley of Medina, and Connie (Jeff) Stillinger of Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, David (Caroline) Bentley of Lyndonville, Norman (Virginia) Bentley of North Rose, N.Y., and Blaine (Nancy) Wirth of Lyndonville; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jean Bentley of Lyndonville; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Curtis is predeceased by two brothers, Donald and Elton; and two grandchildren, Danielle and Mark Robert.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Curtis’s name to Hospice of Orleans, PO Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Curtis at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

David B. L. Meza III M.D., of Lyndonville, died peacefully at home on April 23, 2020. He was born May 1, 1930 in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late David L. and Julia Agnes (Ryan) Meza Jr., and he lived in this area for many years.

Dr. Meza was a member of Lady of the Lake Parish-St. Joseph’s Church in Lyndonville. He practiced medicine from 1959 to 2010. He was the attending physician of OB/GYN at New York Metropolitan Medical Center, until he and his late wife, DonnaMarie, moved to the Albion area. He was recruited by Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and was Chief of Obstetrician and Gynecology, delivering over 10,000 babies in his career. He was a retired Orleans County Coroner, was head of the county’s Bio-Terrorism Control Team, and was involved in many other Orleans County activities. He was on the faculty at New York Medical College and was a member and past treasurer of the Medical Society for the State of New York. Dr. Meza was the first selected counselor for the 8th District Branch of the Medical Society for Western New York and served for many years. He was integral in establishing, and was the current president of, the Empire State Medical, Scientific and Educational Foundation, Inc. Dr. Meza was also the head of the New York State Department of Health Board for Medical Misconduct, as well as a Fellow and Diplomat of the American Board of OB/GYN. For all of his many years of service, dedication, knowledge, and contributions to the medical community, Dr. Meza received the Fineberg Award.

He was predeceased by the love of his life, DonnaMarie, in 2018. He leaves behind many loving friends and family who will miss him dearly.

Due to public health regulations allowing immediate family only, and as few people as possible to attend his service, you may view his service by clicking this link on Tue., April 28 at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Albion. To share a special memory of Dr. Meza, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Todd Michael Christopher, 53, died April 20, 2020. He was born Oct. 12, 1966 in Albion, a son of Ronald and Pamela (Preston) Christopher.

Todd will be remembered for his gift for loving everyone, and for giving everything he had to that person or task. Todd began his career as a Monroe County police officer, but he realized that he had a different calling and a desire to be more connected on an individual basis, which was getting closer to the human touch of chiropractic and massage therapy. During all of this, Todd had a passion for cooking, which led him to pursue a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. He worked in fine, upscale restaurants and bakeries in the Chicago area. Todd ultimately transferred to the New England area, where he grew his family. His love for the hospitality industry and the kitchen afforded him the opportunity to become a health department official. Todd knew there were many young people who didn’t know how to cook, so he started a farm-to-table group. They grew many different foods, and they would all take care of their garden. If they needed any extra ingredients at the store, Todd would show them the appropriate selections and help them prepare the meal.

Todd had such a generous and giving spirit about him that you just felt comfortable when you were around him. He donated his time to shelters, food banks, and numerous children’s associations that weren’t as fortunate, like the Life is Good for Children Camp in Boston, Mass. Todd was a believer in Christ who loved to be outdoors, taking hikes and appreciating everything around him, knowing that God created this beauty for us all.

These are only a few examples of the positive traits he shared with us – it is these and others that will etch a clear memory in years to come for us all. Always smile, and love – as he always said – no matter what. Life is good.

He is survived by his son, Nathan Christopher; father, Ronald (Karen) Christopher; brother, Brian (Kyra) Christopher; sister, Colleen (Norbert) Hausner; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Upstate New York Chapter of the ALS Association by clicking here, or by mail at The ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter, 135 Old Cove Road, Suite 213, Liverpool NY 13090. Please include Todd’s name when mailing.

Veronica “Ronnie” Gillmeister Cameron, 94, of Middleport, died peacefully April 21, 2020 in the tender care of the staff of Father Baker Manor in Orchard Park. Whether through a sewing project, flowers from her garden, or a birthday card, she always made sure to brighten the days of those around her – family, friends and neighbors alike.

Born Nov. 25, 1925 in Albion to Michael and Mary (Smith) Bokman, Veronica lived on Griswold Street in the Town of Middleport for over half a century. She graduated from Albion High School and spent a few years enjoying city life with her sister, Mary, in Tonawanda, as they held their first office jobs. After marrying Louis E. Gillmeister, she brought up three children, helped lead a Girl Scout troop, and took part in the activities of the Home Bureau. She and Louis were well known in the area for raising peacocks, and for growing beautiful trees and flowers. They were devoted parents and grandparents and wonderful neighbors.

Veronica worked for many years as an executive assistant at the Kimmins Corporation, first in Niagara Falls and later in Tampa, Fla. A woman of great faith, she was a member of St. Stephen’s R.C. Church in Middleport (now Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish) and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa. From 1985 to 2015, Veronica lived in Tampa for part of each year. There, after the death of her husband, Louis, in 1993, she met Donald W. Cameron, whom she married in 1996.

Veronica was predeceased by her husband, Louis E. Gillmeister; her second husband, Donald W. Cameron; his son, John Cameron, and grandson, Gabriel Huckabee; her sister, Mary Basinait; her brothers, Michael, Henry, Joseph and Jimmy Bokman; and her grandson, Steven Gillmeister.

She is survived by her brother, Clement “Butch” Bokman; her sister, Rita Lewis; sisters-in-law, Arlene Bokman and Donna Bokman; children, David (Barbara) Gillmeister, Ann Gillmeister and William (Caitlin) Gillmeister; stepchildren, Donald Cameron, Ellen Cameron, Margaret Petti and Laurie Cameron; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Ethan Gillmeister, Alison and John Paul Gillmeister, Nicholas Huckabee, Jeanette, Margaret, Cynthia and Marion Cameron, and Tyler and Saorise Keel; great-granddaughter, Natalie Tavares; and many beloved nieces and nephews, whose birthdays she almost always remembered.

A Memorial Mass will be scheduled and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.gillyshouse.com; or to Holy Trinity Food Pantry in Middleport.

Veronica’s arrangements were entrusted to Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home of Middleport. To share a special memory of Veronica, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Alice Hucknall Bailey, 92, of Albion, died April 20, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 20, 1927 in Barre Center, a daughter of the late George and Mabel (Greene) Hucknall, and she lived in this area all of her life.

Alice graduated from the Genesee School of Nursing in 1948. She started her career at the original Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital as an operating room nurse and, in later years, worked at the Orleans County Nursing Home. In 1949, she married her childhood sweetheart, Carson Bailey, and raised five devoted daughters. She was always busy. She could be found at any time volunteering in the community, canning, sewing, making wine, beekeeping, or engaging in any other of her numerous hobbies. She was a Cornell Master Gardener who enjoyed planning and tending her gardens. She was a lifelong member of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church and a dedicated member of the True Blue Club, putting on countless dinners and events. Throughout her life, she used her nursing skills to care for many sick friends and family members. She was a very involved and active grandmother who was famous for her homemade pizza and popcorn.

Alice obtained her pilot’s license at the age of 47 and was known locally as the “Flying Grandmother.” She and her husband, Carson, 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, Fla. home.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Carol (Martin) Bailey Basinait.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Carson; daughters, Nancy (Edward) Zielonko, Rebecca Bailey, Janice (John) Travis, and Molly (Craig) Tuohey; grandchildren, Lisa (Jon) Pritchard, Stacey (Nathan) Basinait, Joshua (Rebecca) Kirby, Patrick Kirby, Jamie (Michael) Bushaw, Russell (Lindsay) Hapeman, Jason (Tanya) Hapeman, and Carson (Alicia) Hapeman; great-grandchildren, Carol, Amelia, Finn, Eli, Riley, Violet, Alice and Bright; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date to be announced. Private burial will be in Mount Albion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Barre Center Presbyterian Church, 4706 Oak Orchard Road, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Albion. To share a special memory of Alice, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.