Obituaries

John T. McKeown, 83, of Mount Joy, Pa., passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Moravian Manor Communities with his wife and daughter by his side. Born in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Patrick and Katherine (Gorman) McKeown. John was the husband of Kathryn (Goetz) McKeown with whom he celebrated 54 years of marriage.

John taught 5th and 6th grades in Medina Central School District for 37 years. He was a member of Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Mount Joy, PA. He was an avid reader and coin and stamp collector. John enjoyed golfing, bowling, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and most of all spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Kathryn, are two children, Kathleen Cool, wife of Andrew of Downingtown and Timothy McKeown, husband of Dr. Kathleen Hromatka of Wayzata, MN. Also surviving are his four grandchildren: Ella (18), Carter (17), Macklin (13), and Cora (3).

He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Monahan and a brother, James McKeown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy, Pa. 17552 on Friday, September 6, at 11 a.m. Family and friends will be received at the church before Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at St. Gregory’s Cemetery, North East, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to dementia care at Lancaster General Health Foundation, 2110 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster, Pa. 17601 or to Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.sheetzfuneralhome.com.

LYNDONVILLE – Donald L. Woodroe, 79, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Orchard Manor Nursing Home, with his loving family at his side.

Born on May 10, 1945 in Medina, NY, he was the son of the late Eugene and Susan (Henninger) Woodroe.

Donny grew up in Lyndonville and started working at an early age at the S.A. Cook Manufacturing and lastly worked the majority of his life at H.H. Dobbins, from which he retired from. He enjoyed photography and fishing, but most of all enjoyed socializing with his family and friends over a cold beer.

Donny is survived by a nephew, John (Sherrie) Balcerzack of Medina, NY, and a niece, Marcy Balcerzack of Florida. Besides his parents, Donny is predeceased by two siblings, William and Joan (John) Balcerzack.

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

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 Donny at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

MEDINA – Donald J. Fortunato, 87, of Medina, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Unity Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Born April 20, 1937 in Medina, he was a son of the late Jesse and Angelina (Cappabianca) Fortunato. Mr. Fortunato was a graduate of Medina High School Class of 1957 and went on to serve in the Army National Guard. He graduated from the Trott Vocational School with a focus in sheet metal trade. In 1961 he married Florence M. Maryjanowski and the couple made their home in Medina. Mr. Fortunato worked for Eastman Kodak Co., retiring after 31 years. He was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart RC Church and currently an active parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church. Mr. Fortunato held his private pilot’s license for many years. He was a history buff, enjoyed hunting, gardening and was a skilled woodworker. Mr. Fortunato was well known for his cooking, especially his pizza and ravioli.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Florence Fortunato; two sons, Steven Fortunato and Paul (Michelle) Fortunato; grandchildren, Ashley Fortunato and Anthony (Kaitlyn) Fortunato; great-grandchildren, Jayden Shivley, Jesse Fortunato and Anabella Fortunato; and his brother, Caesar (Mary) Fortunato; and several nieces and nephews.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 10AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

LYNDONVILLE – Evelene “Evie” R. Callard, 77, of Lyndonville, passed away after a long illness on August 28, 2024.

She spent her early years in Massena, NY with her six siblings. Evie was a graduate of Albion High School, Class of 1965 and earned her Associate’s degree from Genesee Community College. She later obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SUNY Brockport. Evie had a fulfilling career that centered on Social Work for Orleans County. Her passion was to help anyone in need. Throughout her life, she remained very active in the community, dedicating her time to numerous organizations. Through volunteer work she made wonderful, lifelong friendships.  As a proud host, she didn’t need a reason to throw many memorable parties.

Evie was predeceased by her parents, LeRoy and Evelyn Requa; brothers, Lee and Ronnie Requa; husband, Rick Callard; and companion, Robert Holtz.

She is survived by her son, Michael Kuhmann (Onnalee); grandchildren, Jacob and Melanie Kuhmann; mother of her grandchildren, Heidi Kuhmann; siblings, JoAnne McWilliams, Donald (OkHui) Requa, Gerald Requa, Debbie (Rick) Lang; sisters in-law, Geraldine and Mary Requa; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to close family friend, Michelle Wiseman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 30 from 11AM-12:30PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her memorial service will immediately follow at 12:30PM and interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. Donations in Evie’s memory would be appreciated to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

ALBION – Patricia McCormick Morrisey of Albion, age 76, passed away August 27, 2024 from complications of Alzheimer’s. Born January 10, 1948 in Lackawanna, NY to the late Joseph and Margaret (Fravel) McCormick, the 13th of 18 children.

Graduate of Mt. Mercy Academy and Buff State. Moved to Orleans County where she worked at Marian House, was Head Start Director, respected GED teacher, and beloved mother and hostess.

She is survived by her devoted husband of over 40 years, Gerard Morrisey, and her three daughters, Erin Cebula (Jose “Pepe” Davila), Elizabeth Morrisey (Corey Orlop), and Ellen Morrisey (Alances Vargas), and two grandchildren, Gabriella and Magdalene Davila. She is also survived by seven siblings, Peggy (Charles) Siegle, Barb (James) Schintzius, Frank (Phyllis) McCormick, Mary Ellen (Gerard) Siuta, Madonna Huthsteiner, Teresa (Ronald) Messina, and Timothy “Cy” (Cathy) McCormick, as well as 67 nieces and nephews.

Pat’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Friday, August 30th from 4:00-7:00pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Saturday at 10:00am. Interment will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Orleans or the Cobblestone Society & Museum in Albion NY.

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

WARRENTON, GA – We honor the life of Neil F. Derisley, who entered into eternal rest at home on August 23, 2024, surrounded by close family. Neil was born to the late Frederick Derisley, and the late Esther Allen Derisley, in Albion, NY on October 30, 1945, and resided in the Waterport/Lyndonville area for much of his life. During the Vietnam War, Neil was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 20, where he served 18 of his 24 months in country before being honorably discharged in 1968. Upon his return, Neil settled in Albion, NY where he began to raise his family and start his small cattle farm.

Neil retired from Rochester Telephone after 35 years as a cable repairman. Neil then went on to become an instructor of fiber optics, teaching this new technology to future generations. After retirement, Neil enjoyed spending time mowing the orchards of Circle R Fruit Farms as he was always happiest while farming. Later in life, Neil took up the hobby of woodworking, providing his family and friends with beautiful handmade treasures.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Kwiatkowski Derisley. Brother Allen (Denise)Derisley of Albion,NY.  Two sons Christopher (Christopher) Derisley of Tonawanda, NY, Marc (Danielle)Derisley of Waterport, NY.  Daughter, Genienne Griffin, Batavia NY. Seven grandchildren Patrick, Garrett, Andrew, Kendall, Paige, Meaghon (Cameron), and Thomas.  Five great grandchildren Colin, Brooke Lynn, Keegan, Lilyonna, and Liam.

The Family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Avenue-Albion, FRIDAY OCTOBER 11th from 4-7 p.m. followed by his Memorial Service immediately following visitation at 7 p.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Any donation can be made to a Veterans Charity of your choice.

Please visit www.lowefuneralhomes.net to sign the online guestbook.

Lowe Funeral Home, 77 W. Gibson St. Warrenton GA 30828 (706) 465-3333

WATERPORT – Jerry F. Adams, age 70, died August 25, 2024 at home.  He was born December 4, 1953 in Altoona, PA to Clyde “Jack” and Evelyn (Cruthers) Adams and had lived in this area since 1976.

Jerry graduated from Penn State University and went directly to Xerox where he worked as an Electrical Engineer for over 39 years.  While at Xerox, Jerry received 12 patents.  Following retirement he worked as a Rural Postal Delivery Person.  Jerry was a past Chief of the Carlton Fire Department, an avid golfer, loved to hunt with both bow and shotgun and enjoyed reading.  He also loved to make maple syrup especially because his grandchildren would help him with the process!

He is survived by his wife of 32 years Catherine, his sons: Curtis Johnson of PA, Mark Johnson of PA, Andrew (Randi) Johnson of Albion, his sister: Barb (Mel) Edmundson of PA, his grandchildren: Bailey, Addison, Hunter, Elliot, Eli, Aerilyn and 1 nephew: Shaun (Jess) Edmundson.

There will be no calling hours. SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held SATURDAY AUGUST 31, 2024 in the Carlton Fire Department Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Road, Albion, NY, 14411 beginning at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642.  Jerry’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Jerry, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

KENDALL – Carol L. Burchfield, age 71, passed away after a short battle with an illness at Hildebrandt Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born April 11, 1953, in Brockport, a daughter of the late David and Joyce (Bailey) Reis and had lived in this area most of her life.

Carol is survived by her children, Dan (Nicole) Reamer, Trisha (Heath) Moyer, Casey (Morgan) Burchfield, Caitlin (Matt) Burchfield; grandchildren Quentin, Brayde (Mackenna), Tristyn (Olivia), Lydia, Savvy; siblings David (Joan) Reis, Lynda (Jim) Bullivant, Edwin Reis, Bonny (Keith) Tymkin as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, Saturday September 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

NEWFANE – Cami S. Smith, age 57, died August 24, 2024 while at the Ellicott Center in Buffalo. She was born July 27, 1967 in Buffalo to Charles and Linda (Collins) Fuller and was a lifetime resident of this area.

Cami was a gifted crafter and artist who enjoyed crocheting and drawing. She loved to collect frogs and go to craft shows. Cami was a very kind person who never judged anyone and didn’t have a bad bone in her body. As a very family-oriented woman, she loved her children with all her heart and always made sure they had what they needed.

Ms. Smith was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by her life partner, Gregory Dunning; her children, Trent Fuller of Buffalo, and Austin (Megan) Smith of Lockport; her step-mother, Patricia Fuller; step-brother and -sister: Craig (Karen) Heidemann and Candy Heidemann; Greg’s son, Steven (Mary) Dunning and their children; her grand-dogs, Benny and Marley as well as several cousins and friends.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Cami’s graveside service on Friday, Sept. 6, at 12 noon in Hartland Central Cemetery-Gasport. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY, 14304.

Cami’s arrangements were entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport. To share a special memory of Cami, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – James   G.   Lyman,   64, a beloved flutist, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on August 21, 2024, near his home in  Minas del Castillo.

Originally from Albion, NY, Jim’s life was a symphony of passion, talent, and dedication. He pursued his love for music at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Oberlin College, Guild Hall in London, receiving his masters from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a PhD from   the Peabody Conservatory/Johns Hopkins University.

Jim’s flute carried him to incredible heights, playing as the principal flutist for the Naples and Palm Beach Orchestras, Houston Orchestra, and starting in 1992, the Royal Symphonic Orchestra of Seville.

In Seville, he found not only his professional home but also a community of like-minded musicians who shared his love for creating beautiful music. He travelled world-wide with the Royal Orchestra of Spain, playing in many countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Beyond his performances, Jim’s influence resonated globally as he taught master classes in flute in cities like New York, London, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Ankara and Seville. His passion for teaching was matched only by his love for Spain, where he joyfully spent his later years, embracing the vibrant culture and caring for his beloved mother, Evelyn, during the final decade of her life.

Jim’s spirit lives on in the hearts of his surviving family—his brothers Curtis  L. Lyman, Jr.  and  Nathan (Gail)  M.  Lyman,  as well  as  his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful dog Millie.

Though there will be no calling hours, the family will hold a private service to celebrate Jim’s remarkable life. In honor of Jim’s memory, the family kindly requests donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Albion or Oberlin College, where his love for music and life will continue to inspire others.

LYNDONVILLE – William B. “Bill” Maynard, 82, of Lyndonville, NY, entered into rest on Wednesday, August, 21,2024, at the Medina Memorial Hospital.

He was born on June 30, 1942, in Cambria, NY, the son of the late Edward and Marjorie (Perkins) Maynard.

Bill graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1960. In 1963, he married the former Marilyn Martin and moved to Rochester, NY, to work at Bausch & Lomb. They moved back to Lyndonville to be employed with Phinney Tool & Die, then worked as Lead Man for the former Fisher-Price. After the closing of Fisher-Price, Bill owned and operated his own machine shop, Maynard Enterprises. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with his family, especially his grandchildren, and was a dedicated Buffalo Bills fan.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn; three children, Steven (Fran) Maynard of Pulaski, NY, David (Caroline) Maynard of Hamlin, NY, and Jeffrey (Jenifer) Maynard of Lyndonville; seven grandchildren, Steven (Rob) Jr., Nick, Billy, David Jr. Ryan, Cassie and Emma. Also surviving are two siblings, Teresa (Albert) Benson of Spencerport, NY, and Merry (Vince) Iorio of Medina, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Bill is predeceased by three siblings, Betty Jean Stawicki, Barbara Johnson, and Eugene Maynard.

As per Bill’s wishes, there are no calling hours, and a private service will be held at the family’s convenience. Instead of flowers, please donate in Bill’s name to Hamlin Dog Shelter, 80 Railroad Ave. Hamlin, NY 14464. 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 Bill at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

OAKFIELD – Gregory A. Grimes, 67, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on August 22, 2024 in the Palliative Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Greg was born on June 20, 1957 in Batavia N.Y., a son of Mary Lou (Reigle) Grimes of Batavia, and the late Francis Richard Grimes.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lois (Phillips), sons, Timothy (Kaitlyn) Grimes of Fort Eustis, VA and Matthew (Molly) Grimes of Alexander, his grandchildren, Mary Mae, Myles, Maura, Millie of Alexander N.Y. and Emmylou of Fort Eustis, VA. He is survived by his sisters, Colleen (David) Ronan of St. Cloud, FL and Kathleen (Christopher Roberts) Goras of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews.

Greg was employed for many years at the US Gypsum Board Plant in Oakfield N.Y. until closing. Greg then worked for many years at Oatka Milk Products in Batavia, N.Y.

Greg will be remembered by his love of watching sporting and musical events of his grandchildren and talking to Emmylou on her ride home from school every day. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed when his family was all together.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd, LeRoy N.Y., where a brief service of remembrance will be held at 7 p.m. A Mass in Greg’s memory will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester or the Wilmot Cancer Institute, 300 East River Rd., P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627-8996

Your memories and condolences may be shared with Greg’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

MEDINA – James R. Bensley, age 65, of Medina, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Born November 21, 1958 in Medina, he was the son of the late Robert J. and Anne (Wasvary) Bensley. Jim grew up in Medina, attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Medina High School in 1977. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Buffalo State College in 1986 and Master’s Degree from Virginia Tech in 1988, both degrees in Urban and Regional Planning. Shortly after, Jim returned to his alma mater as an adjunct instructor in the urban and regional planning program at Buffalo State College for nearly 30 years. Highly regarded in the field of planning, he was known to have exemplary passion and commitment to the profession. Jim worked for many years as a county planner for the Orleans County Planning & Development Department. In 2015, he was promoted from Senior Planner to the Director of the department. During his tenure with the county, Jim led multiple Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs in the region among other projects. In 2018, he was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching and was recently awarded the Michael J. Krasner Professional Planner Award. Jim was a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), served on the board of commissioners for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority- Regional Transit Service (RTS), Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council and the County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Council. Jim was also a graduate of the Leadership Orleans program. Outside of work, Jim was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed traveling to games in various genera of sports and was a diehard fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bisons and the Cleveland Indians. Jim enjoyed staying active whether it was biking, rollerblading, ice-skating or kayaking. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Left to honor his memory are his sister, Paula Bensley (John Borello) of Albion; his niece, Brooke Bensley (fiancé, Steven Elensky III) of Rochester; along with many cousins and extended family members of the Bensley and Hayden families.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from 4-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 10AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

MEDINA- Nelda Toussaint, 93, of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at her home, with her loving family at her side.

She was born on January 28, 1931, in Medina, NY, the daughter of the late Lavern E. and Violet T. (Axtell) Beeton.

Nelda graduated from Medina High School in 1947 at the age of sixteen. She furthered her education at Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in 1951. After graduating from college, she returned to Medina and was employed by Harrison Radiator and married her husband, the late Vernon E. Toussaint in 1956.  She left work in 1959 to raise her family and begin her work as bookkeeper and office manager for her family’s farm, which she did meticulously for the rest of her life.  She also worked as a bookkeeper for the former law office of Milford L. Phinney and then for the law office of Katherine Bogan which she continued to do until early 2024.

Nelda was a lifelong, active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Medina, and an over 20-year member of the Medina School Board, having served on various committees and also as President.  She was a member of the Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of Twigs, Tuesday Club, and served as the past District Commissioner of Woods Creek Pony Club.

Education was one of Nelda’s passions and even after stepping down from her official capacity on the school board she continued her involvement by attending meetings and serving on the budget committee for a number of years.  Her greatest passion however was her grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments, having never missed a concert, recital, athletic event or graduation even throughout their college years.  She loved traveling to exotic locations and had many adventures including traveling to Morocco and riding a camel across the Sahara at age 89. Her active lifestyle also included yoga, water aerobics, and walking with friends.

Nelda is survived by her two children, Jeff (Marcia) Toussaint and Jenifer (Joe) Cardone; six grandchildren, Matthew (Molly), Aaron (Samantha), Andrea Toussaint and Rosalind (Alex) Eaton, Michael, and Sophia Cardone; and three siblings, Warren (Trudy) Beeton, Linda (Klaus) Shigley,  Jay Beeton, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 522 Main St. Medina, 14103, with the Pastor, Rev. William Wilkinson, officiating. Burial will be in the Millville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nelda’s name to the Hospice of Orleans County or the First Presbyterian Church.

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

PALM COAST – Howard Hibbard of Palm Coast, Florida (formerly of Medina, New York) passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the age of 83, from complications after surgery, with his family by his side.

Howie was born in Medina, New York in 1941. He married the only love of his life, Marcia, on March 3, 1962, and they had two children, Bonnie (Lyle) Hermann and Steven (Laura) Hibbard.

While living in Medina, Howie enjoyed many years of boating on Lake Ontario, where he gained many life long friends. He spent a few years as a village Board Member and as an Auxiliary Policeman in Medina. He retired from Harrison’s/General Motors after 30 years. After living in the same house with Marcia for 50 years, he moved to Florida to be near his children and grandchildren. Everyone who knew Howie will remember his sense of humor and fun loving personality. ‘Happy Feet Howie’ loved Elvis, his Polka Party friends on TV in his later years, and any music with some ‘jive’ in it. He loved being with family and friends, playing cards, making jokes (just kidding), and sitting at his computer playing with his stocks and keeping records. Howie was a loving, devoted husband of 63 years, a wonderful father who instilled values in his children, and a doting Bompa to his three grandchildren. He will be so missed!

Howie is survived by his wife Marcia, daughter Bonnie (Lyle) Hermann, son Steven (Laura) Hibbard, and three grandchildren, Layne Steven, London Grace, and Levi Hamilton Hibbard, all of Palm Coast, Florida.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, August 15, at 3 pm at Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast located at 220 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

HOLLEY – Rena A. Farino, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a short illness in Batavia NY on August 16, 2024.  She was born August 13, 1935, in Holley, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Antoinette (D’Andrea) Farino.

Rena is survived by her sister Judy (Farino) Emanuele; nephew Donald M. (Renee) Emanuele; niece Beth A. (Michael Lombino) Friedo; great-nephews Nicholas and Timothy Friedo of New York City, Jakob and Ty Emanuele of Chili, NY as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rena worked at Lustig Foods for several years with her longtime best friend, Betty Knight, then retired from Taylor Instruments in Rochester NY.

Rena will be remembered for her love of family and friends, and the delicious Italian food she would prepare for her family.  She enjoyed watching her great-nephews when they were young, always making them laugh and bringing surprise toys with every visit.

She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills and her favorite tv show was “Dancing with the Stars”.

There are no prior calling hours.  Her Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Holley NY.

To live is to learn
To learn is to laugh
To laugh is to love

Fly high Aunt Rena, rest in peace and we will miss you.  With love always, The Boys.

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

HOLLEY – Jean M. Cartwright, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born December 21, 1936 in Rochester to the late Giuseppi and Angelina (Arena) Coniglio.

She grew up in Rochester where her family owned and operated Coniglio Ice business. She attended Rochester City Schools and soon after worked at Stomberg-Carlson as a phone attendant and later as an elevator operator then as a stay-at-home mom with her children. Jean enjoyed spending time at her home in Ocala, FL in the cooler months, watching soap operas, game shows and going camping or taking an occasional casino trip. Even though she never drove after one test drive, she always found a way to the casino and thrift shops with her darling friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Earl D. Cartwright in 1995; siblings, Kathryn Stella, Frances Stenglein, Alfreda Piampiano, Josephine Giangreco, Ross Coniglio, Andy Coniglio, Frank Coniglio and Joseph Coniglio; grandsons, Daniel Bell, and Joseph M. Stephens, III.

Jean is survived by her children, William Stephens, Sr., Angela (Richard) VanWyngaarden, Joseph (Lisa) Stephens, Sr. and Earl J. Cartwright; grandchildren, Tiffany Bell VanWyngaarden (John Armosino), William Stephens, Jr., Richard VanWyngaarden, Jr., Angelica (Henry) Maier and Joseph (Colleen) Stephens, Jr.; other bonus grandchildren, Mark “O” McGuire, Dixie Martin, Chrissy Sommerfeldt and Liz Davenport; many special great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Wednesday, August 21st from 5 to 7 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s RC Church, 9 S. Main St. Holley, NY 14470 on Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be made to St. Mary’s RC Church 13 S. Main St. Holley, NY 14470.

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

PALMDALE – Marcia Jean (Carr) Gayle, age 82 passed away on July 13, 2024 in Palmdale, CA. Born May 25, 1942 in Albion, NY, Marcia was a beacon of resilience and positivity throughout her life. Despite contracting polio at age 7, Marcia’s spirit remained unbroken. Utilizing crutches and braces and a wheelchair, her faith and optimism never wavered.

Marcia’s educational journey began in a one-room schoolhouse in West Barre and continued through Albion Central High School followed by studies at Bryman College, Santa Monica College, and UCLA.

Marcia’s professional life was as diverse as it was successful. She began her career as a dedicated teacher, then transitioned into public relations. Marcia made a significant impact as a talk show host and producer of her Emmy-Nominated show “New Forces” and later ran her own business, Gayle & Assoc. Her work always reflected her deep commitment to community and communications.

Her personal life was filled with love and joy from her family and friends. Marcia is survived by her daughter, Pony Gayle; her husband, Clive Reid; her siblings Bonnie (Raymond) Piedmont, Ronald (Susan) Carr, Janet Carr Silker, Ruth (Kirk-deceased) Snyder, June (Warren) Seager, brother-in-law Dennis Beedham, sister-in-law Fonda (Wilkins) Carr, as well as many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Helen (Waldo) and Walter Carr, Marcia was preceded in death by Tim Gayle (Pony’s father), her siblings Terri Lynn (Carr) Krieger, Donald Carr, and Dayle Rae (Carr) Beedham.

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, August 24 at the West Barre Church (where Marcia was a lifelong member). A reception will follow in the church hall.  A private burial will follow the church service at the Millville Cemetery.

Memorials in Marcia’s name can be made to PAWS/Animal Shelter or to the West Barre Church, 5377 Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, NY 14411.