Obituaries

MIDDLEPORT – Mervin Lewis Anderson Jr., October 3,1950 – November 26, 2024

Lewie, 74, Beloved Son, Husband, Father and Papa

Son of Mervin and Marjorie Anderson, loving husband of Gail Anderson, father of Kyle Anderson, (Megan Murphy) and Taryn (Dwight) Wadsworth, and Papa of Perry and Bode Wadsworth and Maev and Cormac Anderson. Brother of Marcia, Ann and Jane.

Lewie grew up and lived in his family home his entire life in Middleport. He attended Royalton Hartland High School,  graduating in 1968. He was an exceptional basketball player and very known for his skills on the court.

Lewie was a legend on the race track, racing motorcycles on dirt and being a Grand National champion on ice. He remained a popular face when attending the past few seasons at the Crusaders race track. It was truly a passion and a joy that he could share with his family and old friends being back at the track. His memories there will live on forever along with his record.

Lewie retired from Harrison Radiator, but continued working for most of his life. He had a natural drive and was the strongest, most hard working and loving man. He lived for his family…they were the light of his life as he was  theirs. He was truly the best, just a special, one of a kind human. He had a thrill and a drive for life, the best sense of humor and a contagious energy. He will be loved endlessly for eternity.

Merciful Lord, turn toward us and listen to our prayers: open the gates of paradise to your servant and help us who remain to comfort one another with assurances of faith, until we all meet in Christ and are with you and with our loved one forever.

There will be no calling hours. Lew wanted his friends and family to remember him for the time he had with them and to celebrate his life.  Lew’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates, Wallace and Heath Funeral Home of Middleport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Crusaders Motorcycle Club, 3312 Culvert Rd., Medina, NY, 14103 or https://racingtt.net (https://racingtt.net

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

MEDINA – Casey J. Lewis, 49, of Medina, NY, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, after a short battle with cancer.

Born on March 17, 1975, in Medina, NY, he was the son of Kurt and Carol (Hurt) Lewis.

Casey graduated from Medina High School in 1994 and was employed in the Maintenance Department at Brunner International up until his illness. Casey enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and was a die-hard Bills and NASCAR fan.

Besides his parents, Casey is survived by his three children, Dylan (Gabrielle) Lewis, Mason Lewis, and Riley Holmes, two grandchildren, Harper Houseman and Oliver Lewis. Also surviving are his three siblings, Shelly (Jeremy) Taylor, Brandon Taylor and Ronald Taylor, an uncle, Greg (Sue) Lewis, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, November 30^th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

BUFFALO – Hamilton “Chip” Doherty, Jr. slipped away peacefully at home on Saturday evening, November 16, 2024, surrounded with laughter and memories being shared by his family nearby. He was a determined and kind man, both in his entire life and as he approached its end.

Born in Buffalo on November 20, 1945, to Hamilton Doherty and Betty McCausland, Chip grew up in Albion, New York. He had fond memories of attending the Eagle Harbor two-room school through the fourth grade, tutoring the younger students in his classroom. He graduated from Albion High School and Amherst College, where he fell in love with New England. There he also met Karen Drivdahl on a blind date, and they were married in 1966.

After Amherst graduation in 1967, Chip attended Columbia Law School for one year before graduate school deferments were unexpectedly eliminated. As he and most of his classmates were in line to be drafted, Chip elected instead to volunteer for the U.S. Army as an enlisted person, serving three years in military intelligence. At the height of the Vietnam war, he was assigned to Wuerzburg, Germany. He and Karen were blessed to spend more than two years there, making many wonderful friends, both American and German, traveling Europe on a shoestring, and welcoming their first son, Tim. After honorable discharge he returned to law school, along with many of his former classmates who had also just returned from military service.

With his heart still back in New England, Chip joined the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson, Ryan and Gelinas in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1973, retiring in 2016 to enjoy full-time life on Cape Cod. A third-generation lawyer, his practice included working with hospitals, colleges, and local non-profit organizations. He was sometimes jokingly referred to as the firm’s pro-bono partner, and he was deeply appreciative of the support of his partners in his general practice. He was clerk of the Colony Club for longer than anyone can remember. He served on the board of Friends of the Homeless, and on the Community Council of the United Way, visiting sites and reviewing operations for grant funding applications.

Chip’s most meaningful professional endeavors were in service to the community. He served as Chancellor for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts for more than thirty-five years, mastering the complexities of Canon Law, being a trusted advisor to five bishops and sharing his wisdom and compassion with countless clergy and congregations. He was highly respected by his peers through his involvement in the Episcopal Bishops and Chancellors network of New England.

For many years, Chip was also chief legal counsel for labor relations for Square One (formerly Springfield Day Nursery), an early childhood education center in the city. In that capacity he contributed to making a difference in the lives of the children and families they served. He was unflappable even in the most difficult and tense situations. He will be remembered as an accomplished lawyer and a gentleman, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

After growing up in western New York, Chip fell in love with the ocean and Cape Cod, and taught himself to sail in his typical, methodical way. He and Karen vacationed there for over twenty years before buying a home near the bay. Everyone was amused by what he referred to as his “fleet,” a collection that included two very small sailboats, a windsurfer, a kayak, a canoe, and more. For more than fifty years, the Cape was the favorite gathering place for family and friends, and his days on the beach and sailing on the bay were among the most joyful of his life.

Chip and Karen recently moved to Minnesota to live near their youngest son Ben, his wife Erin Johnson, and daughter Allia. Chip’s heart was broken by the death of eldest son Tim in 2021. Chip is also survived by Tim’s daughters Sarah and Emily, son Chris (his wife Honor and their son John), brothers Kevin (Linda) and Stephen (Heidi), and their wonderful and wide-ranging families.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, on December 6 at 11 am. Interment will be on the Cape at a later date. Donations may be made in Chip’s name to the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, 29 East State Street in Albion; or Episcopal Relief and Development, at episcopalrelief.org

MEDINA – Emma M. (Pescara) Molisani, age 93, of Medina, NY entered into rest on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Medina Memorial Hospital.

Born May 10, 1931 in Medina, she was the daughter of the late Domenico and Angelina (Paolini) Pescara. Emma worked for Harrison Radiator Div. of GM in Lockport, where she retired after 25 years. Her son, Joe, and her three grandchildren were the lights of her life until the very end. She was a loyal and proud fan of the Miami Dolphins and the New York Yankees. Emma enjoyed the company of her cat, Homer, and her grand-pups, Porter, Cooper and Duke.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony, Guerino and Alberto Pescara.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved son, Joseph Molisani of Medina; three grandchildren, Joseph (Julia) Molisani, Jr. of Medina, Jennifer (Jarod) VanDerKooi of Edison, OH and Vincent Molisani of Albion.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina, NY 14103. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org or to the Vietnam Veterans of America at www.vva.org. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA – Alonzo E. Evans, 92, of Medina, NY passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Born on March 30, 1932 in the Town of Shelby, he was a son of the late George and Irene (Gardner) Evans. Alonzo graduated from Medina High School, Class of 1950. In 1956 he married the former Marian Goldsmith. Shortly after, he went to work for Agway. With farming in his blood, Alonzo owned and operated a dairy farm alongside his brother Leon, which they ran from the early 1960s until 1994. He continued in grain farming until 2022, when he retired at the age of 90.

Alonzo was predeceased by his wife, Marian Evans in 2017; all four of his siblings, Leon Evans, Donald Evans, Betty Evans and Dorothy (James) Flood.

He is survived by his two sons, Gary Evans and Kenneth Evans both of Medina; a grandson, Kyle Evans; great-granddaughter, Malia Evans both of Florida; two nieces, Linda (Gary) Houseman of Medina and Viola (Sam) Wahnon of Greenfield, NY; a nephew, Gary (Bonnie) Goldsmith of Florida; and several cousins.

His graveside committal service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 11AM at Bates Road Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

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ALBION – Beatrice “Bea” (Sedita) Welker, born October 24, 1939 in Albion, New York to Samuel and Mary Sedita, passed away on November 16, 2024 at the age of 85 in Missouri City, Texas.

Bea went to school for administrative studies and became employed at Kodak in Rochester, NY where she worked until she married. The family moved to Oakfield, NY where she was a full-time homemaker and caregiver for her son, Scott. Her husband’s work relocated him to Smithfield, North Carolina and during that time she became a special needs teacher’s aide and bus driver. The family later moved to El Paso, Texas and she worked as an Executive Secretary at J.D Williams Insurance Co. Upon retirement the family moved to Missouri City, Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandson.

Over the years, Bea was fortunate to make many lifelong friends and was fortunate to remain in touch until her passing. In her spare time, she was a beautiful cross-stitcher, avid reader, and enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Scott and Kim Welker; her grandson, Dylan Payan; and her brother, Robert Sedita (Karen).

Bea is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard “Dick” Welker who recently passed, her parents Mary (Adduci) Sedita and Samuel Sedita.

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

BARKER – Leo W. Shepard, Jr., age 86, died November 15, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family.  He was born October 21, 1938 in Lockport to Leo (Sr.) and Marie (Peters) Shepard and was a life-long resident of this area.

Leo was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Barker. As an avid woodworker, he worked on numerous projects at the church and parsonage as well as having made the cross which hangs in the sanctuary.

He was a former Boy Scout Leader and Scoutmaster, and enjoyed bowling and pitching horseshoes. Leo was the recipient of the Habitat for Humanity Golden Hammer Award for his dedication and volunteerism to the Association. He was a person who could fix anything for anyone and indeed did so. He made many sets of kitchen cabinets for family and friends. Leo was also very proud of the fact that he built his own home.

Mr. Shepard was predeceased by a sister, Rose (Ralph) Morse.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia; his children, Joseph (Brenda) Shepard of Springville, Andrew Shepard of Barker, Michael (Kathy) Shepard of Gasport, and Gerald (Debbie) Shepard of Gasport; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean (Don) Sipple of Medina as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home-Gasport, on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend Leo’s Funeral Service on Friday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. in Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker, NY, 14012.

Interment will follow immediately after in Hartland Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1675 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14220.

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

MEDINA – Brian P. Waild, Sr., of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his wife and children on November 13, 2024.

He was born in in North Tonawanda, he was the a son of the late Paul and Helen Waild.

On September 11, 1999, he married Marie Moshier. Brian retired from General Motors after 32 years. He was a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) providing counseling and support to employees with personal and workplace issues impacting their job performance. Once retired, Brian went back to work as a private investigator because, as he put it, he could not sit still.

Brian was a man who loved his family dearly, especially his dogs and grand puppies, enjoyed the outdoors, hummingbirds, and his flower gardens. He enjoyed southern rock music, fishing at the Gasport Marina, and was an avid Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marie; his children, Brian (Heather) Waild, Jr. of Casco, ME, Lisa (Martin) Fragale of Charlotte, NC, Megan (Mikeal) Davenport and William (Jessica) Waild, both of Medina, NY; and his precious Ginger (goldendoodle); eleven grandchildren, Breanna (James), Brian III, Owen, Emma, Maggie, Molly, Gavin, Gage, Alexis, Chloe (Joshua), Luke; (Darrial) and several great-grandchildren, Adah, Rhys, Cameron, Kaleb, Willa and Ryanna. Also surviving are four siblings, Patricia (Wayne) Thompson, Paul (Michelle) Waild, Karen (Maynard) Hagen and Doug (Cynndy) Waild and several nieces and nephews.

Brian will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.

Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Burial will be private for the family.

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

NIAGARA FALLS – Isabelle L. Wheatley, age 98, formerly of Knowlesville, died November 13, 2024 in Absolut Care Center of Gasport.  She was born July 13, 1926 in Jeddo, New York to Claude and Hazel (Brown) Lansill and had lived in the Niagara Falls area since 1961.

Isabelle worked for over 33 years as a mail clerk for ParMed Pharmaceuticals in Niagara Falls from 1985-2018.  She enjoyed being a member of the Sanborn Senior Citizens Group, gardening, Euchre, doing embroidery and needlepoint. She was lover of animals…especially cats, and was a person who was loved by many.  Mrs. Wheatley was predeceased by her husband Gerald, and her sisters: Agnes Barnard, and Viola Grimes.

She is survived by her children: Mary (Dennis Brannon) Wheatley of Niagara Falls and Larry Laskey of Niagara Falls as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends  at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St.-Middleport, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. where a Celebration of Isabelle’s Life will be held at 12 noon ion Saturday, November 30.

Interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY, 14094.  Isabelle’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home of Middleport.

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

ALBION – Bob passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends on November 7, 2024 following a year- long private battle with cancer.

He was born on May 20, 1949 in Albion, NY to the late Edward and Beatrice Kavanaugh. He graduated from Albion High School in 1967 and was employed by Fisher Price for 5 years before creating his own business, B&B Communications, for several years.

He moved to Colorado in 1981 and became the owner of Page One Wireless in Fort Collins in 1996 retiring in 2010.

Bob enjoyed spending time with family, his dogs and very much enjoyed picking on his nieces and nephews. His sense of humor remained throughout his last day which was not surprising to those who knew him.

Along with his wife, Brenda, he is survived by his two sisters, Kathy (Gary) Gibbs, Lynda (Jim) Vohs, nieces Liza Gibbs (her husband Kyle Schuyler), Becky Gibbs, Marie Vohs, and nephews Mike (Chelsea) Vohs, Brian Vohs, and James Vohs, all of Colorado.

Funeral arrangements have been made at the Vessey Funeral Service in Fort Collins. Condolences can be shared at vesseyfuneralservice.com

No services will be held per Bob’s wishes. Because of his love of animals, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to bigbonescaninerescue.org/donate/ or milehighcanine.org noting in memory of Bob Kavanaugh.

BRUNSWICK – It is with great sadness and love we announce the passing of Frank J. Goodrich on October 30, 2024, at the age of 69 in Brunswick, Ohio. Frank was born to Robert M. and Arlene H. (Waterstram) Goodrich on March 1, 1955, in Buffalo, NY.  The first son and grandson on both sides of the family, Frank was someone we looked up to growing up.  His sense of fun and adventure will be remembered with smiles and head shakes as Frank loved life and the people who are a part of his life.

Frank grew up in Lyndonville, NY, and graduated in the class of 1973.  He enjoyed playing football and baseball and hanging around his many friends.  He enjoyed all kinds of music and dabbled with various instruments, including a harmonica which he played rather well. Over the years he traveled and sought out warm climates as he hated the cold.  Frank did a brief stint in the Navy.   He achieved his Master’s in Business Administration and worked with both youth and the elderly in residential settings alongside his beloved wife Gwen.

Frank is survived by his sweet wife and caretaker of 24 years and 8 months, Gwen Goodrich.  His sisters, Kathleen (Dan) McGillivray of Hilton, NY, and Nola (Rick) Kresse of Lyndonville, NY.  His sons, Ian (Tricia) of Batavia, NY, and Jamie of Buffalo, NY. Stepson, Christoper (Robin) of Ontario, NY, and stepdaughter, Kristin (Jason) of Brunswick, OH. He leaves his legacy of love and joy to his 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and nieces and great-great nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, and many cousins who looked up to him as a big brother.

Besides his parents, Frank was pre-deceased by his fraternal and maternal grandparents. several aunts and uncles and his stepson Todd Holzschuh (Mercy).

A celebration of life will be planned in mid-May during lilac season where family and friends can gather and share dishes to pass of Frankie’s favorite foods.  The date, time, and location will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to assist with final expenses.

Thank you to the staff at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Pearlview, Brunswick, Ohio for caring for Frank and supporting Gwen during this time. Arrangements were made courtesy of Waite and Son Funeral Homes, Medina,Ohio.

“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.” – Leo Buscaglia

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.