Obituaries

OCALA, FL – Eva L. Balys, 84, of Ocala, FL, passed from this life on Monday, March 31st, 2025, at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital in Ocala, FL, shortly after suffering a medical emergency.

Born December 13, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur H. and Ruth L. (Moon) Brinkman. Mrs. Balys moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Debra. Prior to that she was a lifelong resident of Western NY. Eva attended schools in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1958, then attended Bryant and Stratton for Secretarial Studies. On October 11, 1958, she married Frank L. Balys in Calvary Baptist Church. Mrs. Balys was employed by the Niagara Wheatfield CSD, where she retired in 2002 as the Transportation Supervisor. In her younger years, Eva coached youth cheerleading and supported her children’s numerous activities, in her later years she and her husband spent time enjoying their beloved grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Eva is predeceased by her loving husband, Frank L. Balys, Sr. on January 6, 2015, and her brother Arthur H. Brinkman.

Mrs. Balys is survived by her four children, Frank L. (Cathy) Balys, Jr. of Holley, NY, Debra L. Balys of Ocala, FL, Daniel D. (Russell) Balys of Ocala, FL and Joseph M. (late Bonnie) Balys of the Town of Niagara, NY; six grandchildren, Matthew (Mary Scott), Ryan (Christie), Christopher (Madison), Erik, Mint and Joshua; three great-grandchildren, Luca, Theodore and Vincent; one brother, George D. Brinkman of Hamlin, NY and, sister-in law, Elizabeth “Betty” Birmingham of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM which will be celebrated in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at the St. Leo’s worship site, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY., followed by entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to OTTO RENDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Please visit www.GOODLANDERCARES.com to leave condolences and memories.

Alyssa was predeceased by her father Eric Pluskwa.

Alyssa is survived by her loving family, her mother Colleen (William) Walworth, sister, Ariana (Kyle Herman) Pluskwa, brother, Benjamin L. Klino, grandmother, Janet Pluskwa, grandfather, Charles Rissew Sr., bonus family, Larry Klino and Jenna Klino, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alyssa’s family will receive friends at the Cooper Funeral Home 215 West Center St., Medina, NY., on Friday April 11, from 4:00-7:00.  Alyssa’s Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday April 12, at 3:00pm.  Interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Alyssa, please visit: www.cooperfuneralhome.com

qBARKER – Gregory A. “Greg” Wakefield, 69, of Barker, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

Born November 23, 1955, he was the son of the late Milford and Shirley (Helsdon) Wakefield.

Greg graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1974, worked for Bentley Farms and Kodak for several years, and lastly retired from Orchard Manor as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing.

Greg is survived by two sons, Brian (Trisha) Wakefield of Kendall, NY, and Timothy (Krista) Wakefield of Canandaigua, NY, and three grandchildren, Brianna, Austin, and Marissa. Also surviving are his two siblings, Kent (Juli) Wakefield of Barker, NY, Gary (Sandy) Wakefield of Lyndonville, NY, a sister-in-law, Wanda Wakefield of Moravia, NY, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, Greg is predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Greg’s twin, Jeffrey.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Greg’s name to the Lyndonville Lions Club/4th of July Fund, P.O. Box # 371, Lyndonville, NY 14098.

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

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

ALBION – Marylon J. Jones age 89, of Wood Road, passed away April 6, 2025, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born December 20, 1935, in the Town of Ridgeway, a daughter of the late Homer and Thelma (Plummer) Lake and had lived in this area all of her life.

Marylon was a member of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.  She was very proud of the fact that she and her siblings stayed very close through the years, talking to them every day.  She was involved with the Senior Citizens Group and enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking and baking.  She was known for making the best pie crusts.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Ronald E. Jones; sisters Lauritta Conner, Judith Appleby; brother Norman Lake; step-son Jeff Jones.

She is survived by her children Robin (Virginia) Bale of Springhill, TN, Cindy Bale Schmitt of Middleport, Jeanne (Kenneth) Anstey of Medina, Tina (Tim) McAllister of Holley, Michael John Bale of Medina; step-daughters Deborah Jones Lloyd, Rhonda Long; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 N Main St, Lyndonville, NY 14098 Saturday April 12th 10:00am-11:30am where her Funeral Service will follow at 11:30am. Burial will be at a later date in Lynhaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the church or Hospice of Orleans, 14080 State Route 31, Albion NY 14411.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cooper Funeral Home, Medina.

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

WATERPORT – James E. “Jim” Mitchell, 81, of Waterport, NY, transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.

Born on June 13, 1943, in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late John H. and Alice K. (Knack) Mitchell.

Jim grew up in Detroit, and with his parents, they vacationed on Lake Ontario in the summer. On April 26, 1975, he married the former Martha Martillotta, and they raised two children together.

Jim spent a year at the University of Hawaii and lastly at Central Michigan, receiving a Bachelor of Science. He taught school in Detroit and booked entertainment in Hawaii, owned the Black North Inn in Kent, NY, a landscaping business in High Point, N.C., and the Donut Express in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. He returned to the Waterport area for his retirement. Jim enjoyed fishing, horses, bowling, traveling the country, and bird watching and playing bridge. Most of all, Jim was a devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pastor Martha Mitchell; children, Jane (Oliver) Henderson of Oxford, England, and James Louis (Angela) Mitchell of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Charles and James Mitchell and Eve Henderson; a brother, John H. (Barbara) Mitchell of Kernersville, N.C.; a niece, Sherry Mitchell; and two nephews, Allen and William Mitchell.

Besides his parents, Jim is predeceased by a half-brother, Robert Mitchell.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the Albion Presbyterian Church, or the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098 or to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, 150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 750, Chicago, IL, 60601.

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

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

ROCHESTER – Linda E. Miller. 82, of Rochester and Kendall, NY, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Absolut Care, Gasport, NY.

She was born on December 24, 1942, in Rochester, NY, the daughter of the late Marvin and Arlene (Bloss) Eidman.

Linda graduated from East High School in Rochester, where she met her soulmate, Bruce P. Miller, while ice skating. They married on December 17, 1960. She was a devoted mother and den mother to her two sons, and she kept a watchful eye on them as a cafeteria monitor while in Rochester. In 1979, they moved to Kendall, NY, where she continued helping as a Teachers Aide. Linda was instrumental in founding the Faith Covenant Fellowship Church of Medina, where she served on the board and led Bible studies. She was a devoted Christian who always read the Bible and ministered to others.  She enjoyed gardening, camping, and participating in Civil War reenactments with the Genesee County Museum in her spare time. Most of all, Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially around the holidays.

Linda is survived by her two sons, Vernon (Amy) Miller of Medina, NY, and Curt (Jacky) Miller of Warsaw, NY, and nine grandchildren, Brittany (Joe) Sloan, Renee (Ron) Chrostowski, Dillon Miller, Jessica Moretti, Megan (Jon) Nelson, C.J. (Mary) Kreutter, Brittany (Cody) Kreutter and Amber and Zoey Kreutter and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Sandy (Ray) Shrader of Franklin, TN, Gerald Eidman of North Rose, NY, and Nancy (Warren) Simms of Monroe, NC. And several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 AM-12 PM at the City Church (St. Anthony) location, 114 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020, where a funeral service will be held at noon with the Pastor, Ryan Macdonald officiating. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s name to a charity of one’s choice.

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

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

ALBION – Roy Daniels, 87, of Albion, New York passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1937 at Ameagle in Raleigh County West Virginia to Everett Lee Daniels and Louise Gibson.

He was a man of few words but was well known throughout the community for being kindhearted and willing to help others in need. He was devoted to his loving wife Vera Daniels and his passion for hunting and fishing, which he enjoyed doing every chance he had with family and friends.

Roy is survived by sons, James and Duane, daughters, Peggy and Barb. Sisters Mary and Betty, brother Raymont, grandkids Austin, Ana, Ashleigh, and Mateo. Deceased brothers Danny, Charles, and deceased sister Rose Lee (who made the best pasta ever).

Services: There will be a short celebration of life at the Elks Club in Albion between hours of 5-7 p.m. on April 8. He will join his wife Mae April 10th at 12 p.m. Mount Albion Cemetery Deerfield area.

Helene was a medical secretary and worked for Dr. Sansocie and Dr. Boone in Brockport for over 20 years. She married Joseph Sanders in 1988 and relocated to Williamsville, NY where she worked for Amherst Dental for another 20 years. Helene enjoyed watching the birds and other wildlife in her backyard. She loved tending an herb garden, traveling with her husband Joe, and she especially loved to cook. Helene was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and could be heard screaming at her television whenever they played. She also loved lighthouses.

Mrs. Sanders was predeceased by her second husband, Joseph; the father of her children, Edward Swingle; daughter, Teresa McLaren and sister, Dorothy Towell.

She is survived by her daughter: Deborah Renner of Holley, brother: Michael DelVacchio (Betty) of PA, sister: Nancy Lally (Mick) of PA, 8 grandchildren: Michael (Seantel), David (Torey), Philip (Monica), Daniel (Holly), Alex, and Gregory McLaren, Hannah Waite (Dakota Wendt) and Olivia Waite (Jacob Marks), 12 great grandchildren, godson Scott Frearson (Karen) and his sister Wendy, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Rt. 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Saturday, April 12th from 11am-1pm where her memorial service will be held at 1pm following visitation. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd, Suite #110, Rochester, New York, 14618.

CHURCHVILLE – Robert C. “Bob” Steimer Jr., 75, of Churchville, NY, passed away after declining health on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Born on September 12, 1949, in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Erma (Kraatz) Steimer Sr.

Bob graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1968 and later graduated from Genesee Community College and then the University of Potsdam, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.  On August 26, 1972, he married the former Sharon L. Hensel, and they made their home in Churchville together. He worked in cyber security for Wegman’s in their IT Department. Bob and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially while camping and photographing the outdoors.  He was a true patriot and was a long-time member of the Chili Volunteer Fire Department.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, Sharon, two sisters, Pat (Bill) Eick and Kristine (David) Hydock, a brother-in-law, James Hensel, and nieces and nephews, Todd (Angela) Eick, Tim (Lelainya) Eick, Heather (Jason) Milne, Katie (Bob) Olinger, Andrew (Margaret) Hydock and their families and several cousins. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM with the Rev. Richard Wolf officiating. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the Chili Fire Department, 3225 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624.

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

BROCKPORT – John G. Neibel, age 89, passed away March 28, 2025 at his home. He was born May 10, 1935, in Franklin County, IL, a son of the late Andrew and Frances (Roberts) Neibel.

John had retired from Eastman Kodak in Rochester where he worked for many years. He was a member of Golden Heights Church. He was a hard worker and enjoyed helping others in need, working on cars, yodeling, fishing, hunting, and wood working.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Elizabeth Neibel and Geraldine (Lloyd) Williams; brothers, Albert (Nancy) Neibel, Joseph (Charlene) Neibel and Clifford (Eleanor) Cedar.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Brenda (Gerald, Jr.) Kelley; sons, Michael (Rebecca) Neibel and Brian Neibel Sulimowicz; step-daughter, Heidi (Gary) Metz; step-son, Eric Forst; grandchildren, Keith (Michelle) Topham, Andrew Ruggles, Steven (Gina) Ruggles, Bridget Neibel, Michael Neibel and Stephanie (Nathan) Vangilder; step-grandchildren, Noah Winslow and Alex (Morgan) Winslow; special nephew, Danny Williams; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Tuesday, April 1st from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. where his funeral service will be held immediately following at 8 p.m. Interment will be held Wednesday at 1:30pm in N. Byron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

STAFFORD – Joshua S. Gaylord “Joshie”, 46, of Stafford NY died unexpectedly on March 27, 2025 despite the heroic measures taken by his son Vinny. Josh was born February 9,1979, in Rochester NY to Michelle and the late Paul Gaylord.

Family, friends and making memories were Josh’s top priority. He loved being a father and always said he “created his own best friends.” He loved his wife Joyce “his boo” with his whole heart.

He had a larger than life personality that made people gravitate to him. Even if you just met him, you felt as if he was your best friend. He was the life of the party and could always bring the crew together. He could always find the silver lining and made people feel like they could accomplish anything.

Josh always gave 100 percent to everything he did. He was a master sushi chef who successfully owned his own business, Yume Sushi for 5 years. He “flipped” multiple homes and loved transforming them into something beautiful. And most recently, making a new “work family” at Oatka.

Josh is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Vinny and Tommy; mother, Michelle; in-laws, Charlie and Elaine (Smith), Tom Morphet; siblings, Christian Gaylord, Oliver (Karren) Gaylord, Shawn Gaylord, Aaron (Jessica) Gaylord and Samantha (Emmett) Maguire; aunts, uncles, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is reunited with his father, Paul; cousin, Michael; uncles, Rocky, Roger, Jerry, David and Philip; and aunt, Mary Ellen. They will all celebrate in heaven until we meet again.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for his boys. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

MEDINA – Allan J. Kropf, 91, of Medina died March 20 at Medina Memorial Hospital, under Hospice care, after undergoing surgery for a broken hip.

Allan was born Sept. 10, 1933 in Niagara Falls, a son of the late Howard and Ethel (Hoolihan) Kropf.

He graduated in 1951 from Barker High School and joined the Naval Air Reserve at Niagara Falls Air Base. He enlisted in the Army on April 13, 1953, serving four years. While on leave in New Orleans, he met Carolyn Peters, whom he married, settled with on Johnson Creek Road and raised five children.

Al had a favorite saying. “You only go down this road once, and you have to hit both sides on the way, as you never get another chance.” And hit both sides he did.

A lifelong career in the automotive industry began with an auto repair shop in Hartland, a Ziebart rustproofing franchise serving Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, ownership of a Ford dealership in Medina, a muffler shop and Mac Tools franchise.

His life took on a new interest when he met a private pilot in Florida, who took him on a ride in his plane. Al eventually bought his own airplane and learned to fly, earning a commercial pilot’s license.

He also had an interest in boats and had owned three cabin cruisers, in which he and his family sailed the waters of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Rideau Canal.

After retirement, he became a part-time ad representative for The Daily News in Batavia.

In 1987, he married the former Virginia Boyle of Millville and they settled in Basom, until moving to Medina in 2018. During their years together, they flew all over the United States in their airplane, which Allan insisted Virginia learn to fly. Together they have been to all 50 states, China and on numerous cruises.

Actively involved in his communities, he was a member of the Moose Lodge, Medina Masonic Lodge (now Towpath Lodge) and Medina Presbyterian Church, a former commander of the Civil Air Patrol’s Lockport squadron, a councilman in the towns of Hartland and Alabama and member of the town of Alabama Planning Board during development of the STAMP Project.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Virginia “Ginny” Kropf; five children, Allan (Mi Cha) Kropf of Chesapeake, Va.; David (Melissa) Kropf of Bergen; Michael (Christine) Kropf of Albion; Stephen (Jodie) Kropf of Newfane; and Karen Kropf (Stephanie Irwin) of Albion; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Also, four stepchildren, Randy (Cindy) Boyle of Oakfield; Terry Boyle of Medina; Timothy (Penny Stockwell) Boyle of Clarendon and Robin Boyle of North Carolina; numerous step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Al’s memorial service will take place Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial with military honors will be in Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County, the Medina Senior Center, or the First Presbyterian Church of Medina.

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

WINDER, GA – Dennis A. Drought, age 76, of Winder, Georgia passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 1, 1948, to the late Edelbert James Drought and Lois Maude Emery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Drought.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Amber N. Perren of Winder, GA and Sonja R. (Douglas) Schad of Oxford, GA; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his brother, Paul L. (Shirley) Drought of Brockport, NY; his sister, Joyce Drought of Albion, NY and many loving nieces and nephews.

Dennis was of the Methodist faith and grew up in Albion, NY. He spent most of his life there until he moved to Winder, GA in 2009 to be closer to his daughters. He was a proud Marine, serving in Vietnam for 13 months. After returning in 1969 as a Corporal, he was transferred to the reserves. Dennis had odd jobs here and there until he found his home at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, where he retired as a Lieutenant after 34 years of dedicated service. Dennis had a love for movies and music. He enjoyed talking with his children and grandchildren and hearing about their daily lives, goals and accomplishments, but the thing he was most proud of was being a loving Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.

Dennis’ family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Ave, Albion, NY on Wednesday, July 2nd from 10:00 – 11:00am, followed by his Celebration of Life service at 11:00am. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Albion Cemetery directly following the Celebration of Life.

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

BROCKPORT – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dianne S. Hart, age 82. Dianne left this world on March 24, 2025 with family by her side. Dianne is survived by her husband Dale, and children, Nathan, Benton (Sarah) and Jacob (Deborah). Dale and Dianne have eight grandchildren: Henry, Warren, Jasmine, Madeleine, Vander, Charlie, Eva and Ethan.  Dianne was the oldest of six girls.  Her parents were Benton and Marjorie Sneary of Versailles, OH.  Calling hours are on April 5, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport, NY.

Dianne lived a life full of adventures and accomplishments.  She grew up in the small town of Versailles, OH, where she attended high school and met her future husband Dale at the age of 15.  Dianne, who was the Valedictorian of her high school class, attended Miami University (Oxford, OH).  After 2 years of university study, Dianne was married on August 24, 1963, at 8:00 am, St. Denis Church, Versailles, Ohio. Dianne was 20 and Dale was 22 years old.

Dianne transferred as a junior to The Ohio State University, working on a degree in education to become a French teacher.  In 1964, Dale and Dianne joined the Peace Corps, where Dianne patriotically served her country for two years, assigned to the small city of Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.  During training Dianne hid her pregnancy from family and the Peace Corps, as she did not want to worry family and wanted to maintain her assignment.  Their son Nathan was born April 8, 1965 in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire in a one room health clinic.  Dianne served as teacher at the local “Foyer de la Femme,” an adult education center for women who had never attended school. They ranged in age from 19 to 27 years and many students brought their babies to class with them. Instruction was in French, and Dianne taught reading, writing, health care, sewing, cooking, and child care.

In 1966, Dale and Dianne returned to The States and later attended Ball State University.  In 1968, Dianne was accepted into the Doctoral program in English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.  Dianne selflessly declined the opportunity and instead chose to support her husband in his pursuit of a PhD.  In 1971, after moving to Brockport, NY Dianne pursued a Master’s degree in Education and later taught English at Holley High School, both old & new. In 1972, Dianne and Dale temporarily adopted her youngest sister, Suzy.  The arrangement had a beautiful impact on the Hart family.  Suzy went on to graduate from Brockport HS in 1974. Dianne often remarked that Suzy’s presence made her a better person, mother,  and teacher.  Dianne went on to teach for 27 consecutive years at Holley HS.  She indeed brought unique experiential wealth to the classroom and had a profound impact on many young formative minds, including her sister, Suzy.

With the arrival of her first grandchild (Jasmine), Dianne retired from teaching in 1996 and joined Classic Adventures Bike Tours full-time.  The addition of Dianne to this family-run adventure travel business brought the company to new heights of success.  Dianne was enthusiastic, detail oriented, could speak Modern Greek and French, and was already an avid cyclist.  A willingness to learn new skills, coupled with an affinity for human connection in foreign cultures, she was a perfect fit in this dynamic business.  Dianne cycled in many countries including Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.  Leading small group bicycle tours in the country of Greece was a favorite destination. She completed coast to coast rides (USA) on more than one occasion.  The family bike packing trip (1,500 miles) from Savanna, GA, passing through Ohio back to Brockport, NY, will go down as one of her most memorable rides.

Dianne was an accomplished pianist, with a beautiful and melodic voice.  She enjoyed cooking, food preservation, gardening, camping, quilting, sewing, and made several large braided rugs.  She created countless custom pajamas, dresses, costumes, pillows and quilts for her grandchildren.  During her time in Hamlin, NY, she formed a book club, an activity she always looked forward to, especially the lively discussions that ensued.  Today we often put too much stock in the pursuit of material wealth.  Dianne firmly believed that there was great value in a broad liberal arts education when paired with a courage to try new things.  This was reflected in her teaching career and time with Classic Adventures. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep respect for education and a strong moral foundation, encouraging them to pursue knowledge with integrity and compassion.

Dianne loved easily.  She was a ray of light in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren.  Her teaching skills, a thoughtful world vision, coupled with her warm and generous nature, made her the perfect wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a treasure to all who knew her.