Obituaries

MEDINA – Dr. Thurston Dale, DVM, of Medina, New York passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Greenfield Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster.

Born March 16, 1939 in Hope, Rhode Island, he was a son of the late Thomas Frank Dale and Ruth (Isaacs) Dale.

One of six children, Dr. Dale grew up on a farm in Cranston, Rhode Island. It was there that his love for animals began. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1962. On February 3 that same year, he married the love of his life, the former Maryellen Pendergast. Dr. and Mrs. Dale moved to Medina in 1964. Dr. Dale founded Ridge Animal Hospital in Middleport, which he owned and operated for many years, caring for all animals, big and small, in the surrounding communities.

A pillar of his community, Dr. Dale served for many years on the Medina Central School District Board of Education, serving two years as President. He also served for many years on the Orleans-Niagara BOCES Board of Education, where he was integral in establishing the Animal Science Program. Dr. Dale was a parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church and in later years St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina. He was very active in the vestry of both churches. He also belonged to the Western New York Veterinary Medicine Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maryellen Dale in 2016 and all five of his siblings.

Survivors include his two sons, T. Gregory Dale of Albany and Christopher Dale of Buffalo; and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103. Interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at the address above.

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

MEDINA – Donald Raymond Bigelow, age 86, of N. Tonawanda, NY and formerly of Medina, died Monday, November 4, 2024, at home with his wife and six children by his side.

Don was born on October 29, 1938 in Niagara Falls. He was raised in East Otto and attended school in Cattaraugus County. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1955-1958, honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

Don’s career with the railroad spanned 42 years with New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail and CSX. In 1989, he married the former Barbara (Seefeldt) Miller and together they lived on a farm on Ridge Road in Medina, a place beloved by their grandchildren. An avid gardener, he was best known for his strawberries and garlic. He taught his children the value of possessing a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. After they retired, Don and Barb traveled every winter to Florida and enjoyed cruises in the Caribbean. Don and Barb also enjoyed volunteering together with their local church community at the Manatee RV Park in Ruskin, FL. Don was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen #421, Towpath Lodge #1193 F&AM, Butts-Clark Post #204 American Legion and was a Past-President of the Shawnee Volunteer Fireman Co.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 34 years, Barbara Bigelow; six children, Tina Davis, Laurie (Michael) Smith, Julie Bagley, Lisa (Dave) Rhoades, Marybeth (Paul) Kupiec and Paul (Diana) Miller; 16 grandchildren, Jacob (Alicia) Davis, Jordan (Tatum) Davis, Hannah (Dan) Reynolds, David (Ashley) Davis, Adam Smith, Richard (Emily) Smith, Bradley (Tiffany) Cheng-Smith, Stephen (Justine) Bagley, Matthew (Alyssa) Bagley, Max (Kristin) Hock, Al (Cat) Hock, Nate (Alisa) Dvarishkis, Cassie (Austin) Hock, Nitosha (Sean) McAndrew, Desiree (Brandon) Schroeder and Christine (Tom) Lovewell; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way); sisters-in-law, Linda (Dave) Fraiser and Pat Hinds; and brother-in-law, Roger Fryling.

Preceded in death by his two grandsons, Joshua Davis and Brandon Kupiec; siblings, Lynn Bigelow, Peggy Schwartz, Jerry (Bonnie) Bigelow and Janice Fryling; and brother-in-law, Doug Hinds.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 4-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His funeral will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11AM. Interment with full military honors will be in West Ridgeway Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue, PO Box 332, Lockport, NY 14095 or www.diamondsintheruffanimalrescue.rescuegroups.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

HOLLEY – Sara Lynn Waugh, a beacon of unwavering positivity and courage, bid her final farewell to this world on November 1, 2024. Born into the warm embrace of Rochester, NY, Sara’s journey came full circle as she peacefully passed away in Medina, NY, surrounded by the love of her family. Despite her battle with cancer, Sara’s spirit remained undaunted, touching the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sara’s lineage was marked by the cherished memories of her grandparents, Marian and Donald Waugh, Mary Ann Rourke, and George Bailey, whose lives predeceased hers. Surviving are Sara’s devoted parents, Joseph and Renée Waugh, her fiancé Connor O’Brien, and her siblings, Justin (Sarah) Waugh and Carrie (Todd) Jamalkowski. Sara’s joy was multiplied by the laughter and adventures shared with her nephews Andrew, Maxim, Leopold, and Karson.

In her professional realm, Sara was a cherished caretaker at Lifetime Assistance, where her innate ability to nurture and care for others flourished. Her colleagues and those she cared for became an extended family, united by Sara’s boundless compassion and empathy.

Sara’s zest for life was infectious; she was the embodiment of happiness, loving without reservation and embracing every moment with open arms. Her strength was her signature, a quiet force that propelled her to face each day with optimism, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead. Sara’s life was a testament to the power of a positive outlook, as she radiated light and never allowed herself to be overshadowed by complaint or despair.

The words that best encapsulate Sara are loving, optimistic, and courageous. She lived by the credo that love is the foundation of all virtues, that optimism is the key to overcoming life’s obstacles, and that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Sara’s life was a narrative of inspiration, a story that will continue to encourage others to live with the same fervor and grace she so naturally embodied and never allowing any hardship to diminish her luminous essence.

Sara Lynn Waugh’s legacy is not encapsulated by the years she lived but by the countless lives she brightened with her indomitable spirit.

A Celebration of Sara’s life will be held at a later date. Please consider a donation to Cure Childhood Cancer in honor of Sara.

LANCASTER – Deborah “Debby” Hamilton Batchellor, age 75, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, at Greenfields Nursing Home in Lancaster, where she had resided for the past two years. Born in Albion on February 7, 1949, to the late Larry and Janet (Steele) Hamilton, Debby was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, cherished for her kindness, strength, and grace.

She grew up in the area, graduating from Albion High School and earning her teaching degree from Geneseo. She married her long-time boyfriend, Jack Batchellor, three weeks after graduation. As a youngster, she did the typical things with her friends and sisters, including 4-H, band, choir, dancing, and church groups. She taught English for a while before starting her family, then worked for Genesee County Farm Bureau. Throughout her life, she followed her husband as his career took them from Western New York to New Jersey, to Connecticut, and then back home. She was always able to make new friends (while keeping the old ones!) and always found a way to work or volunteer at the local library, as reading was her favorite pastime.

Debby was a beautiful, thoughtful, loving lady with a big heart. She loved her family and extended family deeply, and they loved her right back. She had a true passion for Longaberger baskets and pottery, Yankee candles, dolls, cats, crafts, books and magazines, heirloom tomatoes, quilting, sewing, and various other hobbies and collections. She so enjoyed playing cards, games, and shopping with family and friends. She was the best in creative, tasteful home decorating and staging, and her labor-intensive Christmas decorating was a marvel admired by everyone who visited her home.

Debby is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Jack; sons Aaron (Jennifer) of La Marque, TX, and Evan (Jennifer) of Lambertville, NJ; five adoring grandchildren: Jackson, Camden, Leah, Charlie, and Calvin; and her four loving sisters: Darcy (Mike) Monacelli, Sandy (Steve) Peglow, Sue (Jim) Ries, and Juli (Justin) Petit.

Arrangements are entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Albion. Debby’s ashes will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Indian Falls at the time of her husband’s passing.

A celebration of her life will be held on November 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street in Batavia. Following the service, the family invites all to join them for fellowship at the Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, from 2:30–5:30 p.m. as they remember Debby’s vibrant life. All are welcome.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may make it to Haxton Memorial Library, 3 North Pearl St. Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

CLARENDON – George A.  “Bud” Strabel, age 86, died November 2, 2024 in Hildebrandt Hospice House following a short illness.  He was born September 7, 1938 in Batavia to George W. and Ivey (Peck) Strabel and was a life-long resident of this area.

Bud was a private pilot and was a member of the Knowlesville Flying Club. He was also a HAM Radio Operator with the call sign K2HYT. Bud enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles, N-Gauge Model Trains and spending time at Keuka Lake every summer. For many years, he owned and operated Bud’s TV & Appliance Store in Brockport.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn; his sons, David (Leisa) Strabel and Donald (Tammie) Strabel; his grandchildren, Gregory, Carly and Benjamin Stabel; his sister, Joan (Robert) Broadhead; sisters & brothers-in-law: Kate, Sharon, and William Engert and Jim Paul as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Rt. 31-Holley, on Thursday, Nov. 7.  from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. where his Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Sandy Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2805 Wehrle Dr., Buffalo, NY, 14221 or Hildebrandt Hospice House, 2652 Ridgeway Ave., Rochester, NY, 14626.

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

Christopher Ray Owen passed away October 31, 2024. He was born September 23, 1992 and is the son of Ronald and Dawn (Clayton) Owen.

Christopher worked for Whiting Door in Akron, NY. He enjoyed the outdoors, kayaking, riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers, motorsports, kart racing, mudding with his truck, autos and motorcycles, and bonfires with friends and family.

Besides his parents, Christopher is also survived by his son, Mathias; and two brothers, Brian and Adam Owen.

He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Owen II; and grandparents, Raymond and Sharon Clayton and Rosemary and Joseph Seava.

Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, Nov. 5^th from 4-7 p.m. at Prudden And Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6^th at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

MISSOURI CITY – Richard “Dick” Welker of Missouri City, Texas, passed away on October 27, 2024 at the age of 87.   He was born December 18, 1936 in Holley, New York to Jacob and Mary Welker.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beatrice (Sedita); his children, Scott and Kim Welker; and his grandson, Dylan Payan.

Richard served in the US Army and enjoyed telling stories of his time overseas while stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Richard had a successful career in managing the production of televisions and a variety of electronics for Sylvania/Magnavox.  He had a lengthy career of 40 years which allowed him the opportunity to manage teams in Smithfield, North Carolina; Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas.  Upon retirement, Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and in his work shop building wood boxes and picture frames.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Mary (Mandelaro) Welker and Jacob Welker; and his brother John Welker.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics, an organization close to Richard’s heart.

ALBION – Cecil Vernon Carter Jr., 83, of Yulee Florida, previously of Albion NY, passed away on October 24,2024 at his home.

Born on July 4, 1941 in Brunswick Georgia to the late Cecil Vernon Carter Sr and Rose Mary Carter Juliano.

Cecil was proud to be a veteran of the US Navy. He worked in Construction and was a master carpenter, owning several businesses and working as a  traveling foreman. Cecil enjoyed sharing his skills and knowledge with others.

Cecil enjoyed football, was a Buffalo Bills fan, playing golf and hunting. He raised German wired haired pointers. He loved to share his “dad jokes” and was quick to help others in need.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Amanda Brienzi and Great Grandson Damon Carter. Cecil leaves behind his beloved wife, Donnie Sue Avant Carter,. 3 children, Amy Carter, Stephen Carter and Julie Solis. 5 Grandchildren, Cody, Hunter and Holden Carter and Mateo and Jaida Solis, 4 Great Grandchildren, Oliver and Athena Carter and Ireland and Iris Solis. Stepchildren William, Chris, Jeff, Ben and Beth Chism and Jean Mercedes. Siblings Linda McNinch, David and Robert Carter. Aunt, Anne Albone.

He will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery with a Veteran’s service.

A celebration of life will be held in Albion at a later date.

Joseph Robert Jurinich III passed away peacefully on October 23^rd, 2024. Joseph was born on November 15^th, 1954 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Shirley (Zielger) Jurinich.

Joe loved spending time with his family. He loved fishing and being on the water. Joe was a man of many talents who enjoyed various occupations.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Kathy (Dunn) Jurinich and his Aunt Margaret Jurinich.

Joe is survived by his children Katie Jurinich, Joseph Robert Jurinich IV, Laura Leiva, Gretchen McQueen and Tracey (Major Kurt) Callaway. Grandchildren Cheyenne, Haley, Cassandra, Joshua, Brandon, Emily, Dakota, Tyler, Steven, Roybon, Major Kurt, Kael and seven great grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by loving companion Sandy Mitchell, Aunt Agnes Recco and siblings Joan (John) Doran, Bernadine Townsend, William Juinich, Michael (Jackie) Jurinich, Cynthia (Lewie) Turnen and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is having a private celebration of life.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Heart Association.

LYNDONVILLE –  Dolores E. Schroth age 78, passed away October 27, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital.  She was born December 27, 1945, in Union City PA, a daughter of the late Harry and Lucille (Hodak) Dunn and had lived in this area for the past 35 years.

Dolores had worked as a cook at Tom and Jeanie’s in Medina and also for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Florida.  She adored her two dogs and in her quiet years enjoyed watching T.V., drinking coffee, taking care of her plants and feeding the birds.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband William; siblings David, Stanley, Victor, Ernest, Theodore Sr., Bill Dunn, Margaret Boryszewski, Kathy Lindsley.

She is survived by her children Scott (Shelley) Ward, Laurie (Mike) Greenwood, Anthony (Antoinette) Ward, Curtis Schroth, Craig (Kelly) Schroth, Jonathan (Kristina) Schroth, Helen Greenwood; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother Danny (Barbara) Dunn; sister Eva Brege as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be private.  Burial will be in Bates Road Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cooper Funeral Home, Medina.

To share a memory of Dolores, visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Darius W. Moyer, age 67, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 27, 2024. He was born September 1, 1957 in Albion to the late Leroy and Phyllis (McClellan) Moyer.

Darius worked for the Holley CSD for over 23 years before he retired. He was a jack of all trades and was always tinkering in his garage. Darius would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need and was an extremely caring man. He was very handy with everything and if he didn’t know how to fix it, he was sure to find a way. Darius also liked to have a good time playing jokes on family members or startling them at opportune moments. He enjoyed spending time with “Uncle Junior” having their evening coffee, and especially time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Dennis, Charlie, John, Lorraine, Leroy and Kenneth.

Darius is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Terri, his children, Sarah (Jason) Hughes, Elizabeth (Fiancé Amond Riley) Moyer, Jeremy (Anne Halstead) Moyer, grandchildren, Nicholas (Fiancé Madison Gilbert), Galissa, Nathan, Trinity (Fiancé Dakota Curtis), Brionnah, Cierra, Josie, Addison, great granddaughter Lilliana, and soon to be Rosie, siblings, Delores Kerstetter, Merlin (Laurie) Moyer, Roxanne Moyer, Denise (Duane) Phillips, Tammy Bissanti, Darrell Moyer, Darla Moyer as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Darius’ family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Friday November 1st from 11:00-1:00pm where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm.

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

LYNDONVILLE – Kelly Lee Daigler (47) of Lyndonville passed away on Saturday, October 26th, surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was born on October 17th, 1977, in Williamsville, N.Y. to Paul and Paulette (Raisch) Daigler. Kelly and her family moved to Lyndonville in 1993, where she graduated from high school. Kelly loved her family and was most proud of her beautiful children, Gaven (22) and Kayli (18). She adored and loved spending time with them. Kelly is loved by her sister Christine (Natalie) Rauch and brother Todd; her nieces and nephews, Erin, Alex, Abi, Peyton, Isaac, Avery, and James; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She enjoyed spending time at her family’s home on the lake, loving her dogs, listening to music, sitting at a bonfire, and sharing time with friends were some of her favorite things to do.

Kelly worked in health care, at local nursing homes and private home care within Orleans County for most of her adult life. She had a vibrant personality and was always ready and willing to lend a hand when it was needed. Kelly was dedicated to her patients with such a sweet and genuine personality, treating them like her own family.

Relatives and friends may attend a memorial service at 12 Noon on Saturday, November 9^th, 2024 at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411. Burial will be private for the family.

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

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

SPENCERPORT – Ronald “Tom” Jones passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. He was born June 28, 1946 in Little Falls, NY to the late Ronald and Arlene (Spingler) Jones.

Tom served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War as a combat photographer before returning home and working for Eastman Kodak. He spent over 30 years working at Eastman Kodak before he retired in 2000.

Tom loved to go hunting on their property in Hammondsport and had plenty of deer to show for his time in the woods. He also enjoyed golfing, softball and anything that was athletic related. Traveling all over the world with his wife Elaine was something they both enjoyed doing together.

Tom is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Thomas (Laura) Jones and Michelle (Mark) Hatfield; grandchildren, Joshua (fiancé Thais) Hatfield, Megan Hatfield, Sean Jones and Rachel Jones; and sister, Cheryl (Charles) Brockett.

Tom’s family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, November 23rd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where his Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made Hildebrandt Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

KENDALL – Mary L. Reis, age 74, passed away October 25, 2024. She was born March 22, 1950 in Brockport to the late Frank and Esther (Dusett) Reis.

Mary worked as a nurse at various healthcare facilities for more than 40 years in the local area. She enjoyed doing ceramics, reading books of all genres, especially Westerns, Romance and ones related to Space.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, John, Richard and Cora.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Jeannette Reis, Nora Reis, William “Bill” (Sheryl) Reis and Frank “Tony” Reis III; nieces and nephews, Derek, Angela, Wayne, Stephanie, Jennifer and James.

Mary’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31, in Holley, NY 14470 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to PAWS 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

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

MEDINA – It is with great sadness that we announce that Wayne Matthew Van Vleet, Esq. of Medina, N.Y, and former resident of Liberty, NY, passed away at the age of 57 at his home in Medina, N.Y on October 9, 2024.

Wayne was born on April 23, 1967, in Middletown NY, the son of Martin George Van Vleet and Shirley Miller Van Vleet.

He was a 1989 graduate from Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations and obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Buffalo, School of Law.  He was employed for the past 32 years as General Counsel and Executive Director of Personnel Human Resources and Labor Relations at Orleans/Niagara BOCES. He was a past recipient of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Administrator of the Year and the Western New York’s Educational Service Council’s Administrator of the Year awards.

Wayne was known for his integrity and honesty, he will be fondly remembered for his kindness, empathy, and his passion for working in the best interest of the students and staff across Orleans and Niagara Counties.

Wayne had strong values and was respected by everyone who worked with him. He enjoyed mentoring others as well as teaching courses at Niagara University. Wayne had a quick wit and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. There was nothing he liked more than to discuss and debate politics, novels, and current events. Wayne enjoyed spending his free time watching sports, especially enjoying NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball, and attending March Madness games. He was also an avid animal lover, enjoying the company of several family dogs would offer to cat sit for friends.

Wayne is survived by his mother, Shirley Miller Wallach of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, Scott Van Vleet of Goodyear, AZ; sisters, Pamela Sedlak (Scott) of Riverview, FL and Kelly Cavaliere (Gregg) of Katonah, NY; along with numerous other relatives.

Family and friends can gather on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Colonial Ramsay Funeral Home, 275 S. Main St, Liberty New York, 12754. The service will be held at the funeral home at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs, New York. A  Celebration of his Life will be held locally (Medina) at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wayne M. Van Vleet, Esq. Scholarship Fund c/o the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, 4232 Shelby Basin Rd. Medina, New York, 14103.

WATERPORT – Ruth Bernard of Waterport left this earth peacefully at home in the early hours of October 18. She was in her 99th year. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Ruth became a child refugee in England when WWII broke out. Her family eventually reunited in New York City. She married there and in the 1960’s moved to Toronto where she resided for many years before retiring to the peaceful countryside of western New York.

Ruth was a creative spirit who had a particular interest in movement and dance therapy. She was a charter member of the American Dance Therapy Association. She was the founder and director of the Center of Movement in Toronto. She wrote poetry avidly and has several published volumes to her name. Her poems also appeared regularly in Verse Afire, a publication of the Ontario Poetry Society. In 2006 she published her selected memoirs, Dances of Remembrance.

Ruth was known as a person of exceptional generosity. She loved preparing and sharing food with friends and family. She lived according to the Biblical principle of “Welcoming the Stranger” and was a friend and mentor to people of manybackgrounds. She was one of the founding members of World Life Institute, a non-denominational non-profit organization with branches in Toronto and New York State. She was a spiritual seeker all her life, firmly planted in the monotheistic tradition.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Jacqueline Bernard of Waterport, and her brother Bernard Feldman of Hollywood, Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a large spiritual family. Many thanks go out to the wonderful team of home health aides for their exemplary care of Ruth during the last few years.

Ruth was interred in Waterport at the Town of Carlton Cemetery, according to tradition. Donations may be made to one of the following organizations in memory of Ruth Bernard: World Life Institute at https://www.worldlife.institute/donate, HIAS refugee support organization at https://act.hias.org/page/53286/donate/1or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute at https://www.roswellpark.org/

“The Lord is my God; the Lord is One.” Ruth’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cooper Funeral Home 215 W. Center St. Medina, NY.

To share a special memory of Ruth, visit www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Richard G. “Dick” Standish, age 89, died October 23, 2024 in United Memorial Medical Center.  He was born June 11, 1935 in Albion and was a life-long resident of this area.

Dick was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the VFW.  He often helped out at the Knowlesville Fellowship Hall, and enjoyed camping, playing Euchre, and going to Florida.  Dick was also a classic car enthusiast but more than anything, he was a devoted family man who cherished time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Mr. Standish was predeceased by a daughter: Sherryl, a grandson: Brandon, and two sisters: Eleanor “Mickey” Rocco, and Marilynn LeCroix.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Betty Lou, his children: Leonard Standish of Albion, Tammorah (David) Neal of Albion, Mark (Carrie) Standish of Albion, Derrick (Jan) Standish of Barre, 8 grandchildren, as well as several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Avenue-ALBION, TUESDAY 10/29 from 1-4 pm where his Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 4pm.  Military Honors will take place following the service at the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Batavia VA Medical Center Rehabilitation Unit, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY, 14020.  To share a special memory of Dick, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

David Gonzalez, age 60, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was born on October 4, 1964 in Jamaica, NY.

He is predeceased by his loving mother Esther Ruperto. He is survived by his father Aurelio Gonzalez, survived by the love of his son, Slade (Sladee) Gonzalez, siblings Richard (Jacqueline) Gonzalez, Daniel (Tara) Gonzalez and several nieces and nephews.

David proudly served in the US Navy as an aviation structural mechanic(s), aviation warfare specialist, naval air crewman, he was also a crew chief and rescue swimmer aboard the CH-46 Sea Knight and SH-3 Sea King helicopter(s). He toured across the globe on 4 long deployments where he made some of his lifelong friends and made unforgettable memories. He enjoyed woodworking, working on small engines and growing his knowledge of the Bible and Jesus.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which in Christ Jesus our Lord.

HOLLEY – Nancy A. Lavender passed away on October 23, 2024 at Kirkhaven in Rochester. She was born on May 17, 1931, in Clifton, NY to the late Merle and Rena (Sovereign) Allen. She moved to Clarendon in 1946, and had lived Holley most of her life.

She was employed at Merrill Grinnell Funeral Home in Holley where she was a secretary and receptionist for over 24 years.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert W. Lavender and her sisters, Sylvia Lavender and Jean Cutt.

She was survived by her daughter, Janice Lavender; Predeceased by, her son in law: Raymond Bilohlavek Sr.; her grandchildren, Annette and Ray Bilohlavek, Michael (Lisa) Lavender and Matthew Bilohlavek, great grandchildren: William, Emma, Gabriella, Audriana, and Riley as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Nancy’s interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holley Fire Department.

Nancy’s arrangements were entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Holley. To share a special memory of Nancy, please visitwww.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com