Obituaries

Posted December 01 2020

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Posted September 20 2022
Patricia “Paggie” Poehlman

Patricia “Paggie” Poehlman, 70, of Clarendon decided on Sept. 20, 2022 to leave the building and head off to the Rainbow Bridge to be reunited with all her domestic felines which had gone before her.

Paggie was born in Baltimore, MD on Dec. 28, 1951 and had lived in this area for over 5 years.  As an employee of the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, she felt that being born so close to Christmas, that she was gift to the people of New York and would endeavor to ‘help’ them with their tax problems as needed.  In her spare time, she liked to read, do needlepoint and sew as well as watch old movies and be glued to the Turner Classic Movie channel on TV. She was a hard-core woman with a heart of gold. One of her greatest pleasures in life was to spend time with and enjoy her family.

She is survived by her sister: Wendy (Tom Irwin) Poehlman of Waterport, her nieces and nephews: Jen (Sam Karp), Damian, Allie, Samantha and her special nieces and nephews: Lucas and Natalie Powley as well as Penny and Margaret Wojdylo.  She is also survived by her beloved cat and companion Amelia Bedilia.

There will be no calling hours and her service and interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Paggie’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion.  To share a special memory of Paggie, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Paggie will forever be remembered by her family and friends for being friendly, stubborn and a ‘Typical State Worker.’  She’s now going out for coffee with Gram!

Posted September 20 2022
Glen E. Martin

Glen E. Martin, 86, of Medina, NY, beloved husband of Sandy Martin, passed away on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022 at Supportive Care of Orleans, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Feb. 28, 1936 in Batavia, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Viola (Dusen) Martin.

Glen graduated from Batavia High school in 1954 and having strong patriotism, he willing enlisted in the U.S. Army. He reached the rank of Staff Sargent and was stationed in Giessen, Germany. Upon returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Sandy Smith and on September 13, 1958, they were married and together they raised three children. Glen had a strong work ethic and worked several jobs and lastly for the Town of Pembroke Department of Public Works after 17 years of dedicated service, Glen retired on March 1, 1998. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He cherished the time spent with his family. Glen was a gifted woodworker and a dedicated Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. In his spare time he built balsa wood airplanes and was an avid reader.

Glen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandy, three children, Missy (Joe) Chilano of Batavia, NY, Brian Martin of Akron, NY, Paula (Adam Graff) Welker of Medina, NY, nine grandchildren, Zack (Alana) Welker, Riley (Shanell) Walker, Caleb, Matthew, Ethan, Wyatt, Leah Hailey, and Hannah Martin, two great-grandsons, David and Levi Welker. Also surviving is a sister, Gloria Stoller of Clifton Park, NY and several nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced with full military honors being accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Glen’s name to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411.

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

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

Posted September 20 2022
Barbara S. Thaxter

Barbara S. Thaxter, of Medina, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Mon., Sept. 19, 2022.

Born at her family home on Orient St. in Medina on April 18, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Alice (Chambers) Stillwell. On July 25, 1959 she married her high school sweetheart, David L. Thaxter, Sr. David had enlisted in the United States Air Force. Together they would raise 5 children while traveling the globe. Her husband’s last assignment was in Maryland, where they would retire. In recent years, she moved back to Medina due to her declining health to live with her daughter, Jennifer. Barbara had a strong faith and was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Medina. Barbara lived for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family, a lasting legacy. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Lt. Col. David L. Thaxter, Sr. on Jan. 31, 2002; and 9 siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, David (Kimberley) Thaxter, Jr., Stephen (Jacqueline) Thaxter, Kenneth (Cindy) Thaxter all of Maryland; Jennifer (Rob) Riemer and Suzanne Thaxter both of Medina; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Shirley Mancuso; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Thu., Sept. 22 from 4-7 pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. A brief prayer service will follow at 7 pmM. Barbara will be laid to rest next to her husband in Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, MD at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Challenger Sports of WNY, 5827 Sandy Lane Lockport, NY 14094. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Posted September 20 2022
Josefa Newman

Josefa Newman, 72, of Medina entered into rest at her home on Fri., Sept. 16, 2022.

Born on Oct. 15, 1949 in Colon, Panama, Josefa was a daughter of the late Ricardo Leon and Josefa Casiano Prado. She married the late Carl Newman in 1978. A homemaker, Josefa raised a family of three children. They lived in the Lockport area for a few years and have resided in Medina since 1989. Josefa enjoyed painting and drawing. She also had a fond interest in U.S. history. Josefa was a faithful Catholic and prayed often. She found peace and tranquility in her memories of being on the ocean beach in her homeland of Panama.

Sadly, Josefa was predeceased by her husband, Carl in 1994. She was also predeceased by her five siblings, Reinaldo Leon, Ricardo Leon, Rueben Leon and Ruby Leon Lee.

Survivors include her three children, Quincy (Fulvia) Newman of FL, Heather (Brian) Morrow of CO and Ashley (Fred) Barrett of MI; 15 grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews.

Her graveside committal service will be held on Thu., Sept. 22 at 2 pm in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Medina. The Rev. Stephen Soares will officiate. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Posted September 19 2022
Frederick “Fredi” Willis

ALBION – Frederick “Fredi” Willis, age 65, passed away at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center on September 18th, 2022 surrounded by family following a long illness.  He was born on October 17th, 1956 to the late Hildreth and Helen Willis in Albion, NY.  

Fredi’s biggest passion was gardening, especially tending to his roses.  He went to school and graduated from Albion, moving on to work at multiple companies, ultimately retiring from Chase Bank in Albion.  Fredi loved cooking, supporting his favorite football team, the Cleveland Browns, and spending time with his family. He also doted on his three dogs, Jerry Lee, Bear, and Jade. 

Fredi is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Brigitte Willis; son Josh (Stephanie) Willis; daughter Chantel Willis; brother Keith (Charlotte) Willis; sisters Dolores (David) Kelley and Charlene Willis; sisters-in-law Lorri (Jim) Vagg and Tracey (Ken) Pritt; granddaughter Arya Willis, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close friends. 

The family will receive friends on Friday September 23rd from 4:00-7:00 at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Avenue Albion, NY.  Services and interment will take place at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fredi’s name may be made to a charity of your choosing.  To share a special memory of Fredi, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com 

Posted September 15 2022
Linda Marie Bunde (Stafford)

Linda Marie Bunde (Stafford), 53, of Spencer-Van Etten, NY/Albion, NY died on Aug. 22, 2022 at the Supportive Care of Orleans (Martin-Linsin Hospice) Residence in Albion, NY following a long illness.

Linda was born Sept. 14, 1968 in Hagerstown, Maryland.  She was adopted by the Bunde family and grew up in Spencer-Van Etten, NY. She was a 1986 graduate of Spencer-Van Etten High School where she was very much involved in band activities including becoming a first chair clarinetist. She also played field hockey. She attended college at Cazenovia after high school.

She was a well-organized homemaker who loved to cook and bake for her family and friends.  She was always hosting picnics on Seneca Lake for everyone.  Linda worked many jobs from retail to restaurants and enjoyed being around people.

Linda loved animals, especially her Pomeranian, Zoey, (who sadly passed away in 2014).  She also loved turtles, giraffes, and birds, especially cardinals.  She once saved a turtle that was in the road from being run over by a tractor trailer.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Brittany Bunde, son, Tristen Stafford, Granddaughter, Sophia Smith, and very close friend, Peter Sidari. She is also survived by her friends, Aunt Bea Ellison and her family: including but not limited to Leisa, Debbie, Lucas, and Jenna, as well as Dee Sousa (and the late Elaine Sousa) and many other relatives and friends.

Linda’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals at Palliative Care at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong and at Supportive Care of Orleans for all of their kindness and caring during her illness. They would also like to thank her oncologists and radiation doctors and nurses as well.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Sat., Sept. 24 at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Albion at 10 am (with a receiving line at 9:30 am preceding the Mass).  The following day (Sun., Sept. 25) there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at Spencer Pond (in Spencer-Van Etten) from 2-4 pm for family and friends from her hometown.  Interment will be Mon., Sept. 26 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Albion, at 10 am.  Donations in her memory can be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion.

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

Posted September 15 2022
Paul M. Hoffman

Paul M. Hoffman, 65, of Medina, passed away on Wed., Sept. 14, 2022 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion following a battle with brain cancer.

Born Jan. 18, 1957 in Medina, he was a son of the late John and Geraldine (Cady) Hoffman. Paul graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1975. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1979 aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal. Paul was a man of impressive strength and stature. He was a weight lifting enthusiast and competed in various lifting competitions. He was a founding member of the Barbell Club at the Y.M.C.A. in Medina, which started in 1982. He worked security for Darien Lake, stage security, at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Key Bank Center and for the Town Ballroom. Paul worked for many years at Associated Brands in Medina and lastly, for Benlin Distribution Services in Buffalo as a shipping supervisor. A gentle giant to many, Paul was known for his great sense of humor and loved to joke around. He enjoyed playing bass guitar, going to concerts and listening to classic rock and heavy metal music. He also enjoyed collecting knives and loved to grill and cook out.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his brother, David Hoffman in 2018 and step-daughter, Jennifer Lacey in 2009.

Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Kurt Hoffman of Rochester and Jill (CJ) Kenward of Medina; grandson, Ryker Kenward; brother, Robert Hoffman of Middleport; and many dear friends.

Calling hours will be held on Mon., Sept. 19 from 5-7 pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Tue., Sept. 20 at 11am followed by interment in West Ridgeway Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans at www.supportivecareorleans.org

Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Posted September 13 2022
John L. Foss

John L. Foss, 75, of 309 Lisbon Bridge Rd., Garland, went to be with the Lord with his family around him on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

John was born March 21, 1947, in Orleans County, NY, to the late Leo (Bud) & Elizabeth Foss. John worked at Eastman Kodak up until he retired and soon afterward moved to NC. He farmed on his NY home property and was the owner of J & P Furnaces with his wife. He worked at Taylor Manufacturing up until he became sick.  John was a beloved member of Rowan Baptist Church in Clinton.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Ingold Cemetery in Garland, NC by the Reverend Clay Carter.

John leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife: Peggy Callard Foss of the home, three daughters: Cheryl Weldon of Ingold; Amy Foss-Moyer and husband Tracy of Ingold; Jennifer Freeman and husband Jason of Fayetteville, and six grandchildren: Jeremy Foss; Ashlee Sadler; Casey Pruitt; Liberty Jenks; Bradyn Jenks; Brycen Jenks, two great-grandchildren: Railee and Kinsley, and several cousins and many friends. We have all lost a great man.

Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland. www.carterfh.com

Posted September 13 2022
Harold Edward “Ed” Rightmyer

Harold Edward “Ed” Rightmyer of North Chili, NY passed away Sun., Sept. 11, 2022. Formerly of Hulberton Rd. in Holley, NY.

Harold was born on Feb. 28, 1939, in Auburn, NY to his parents Harold and Charlotte Rafferty Rightmyer.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Wizorek Rightmyer. Mary Beth (Peter) Ferrari with Christopher and Elizabeth. Gerald (Annie) Rightmyer with Rachel. Jean Nothnagle with Collin and Nathan. Peter (Cheryl) Rightmyer with Jacob and Gregory. His sister, Elaine Long-Ellis, and several nieces and nephews.

Ed was employed at Marine Midland Bank in Rochester and Buffalo for 34 years and he retired from Rochester Community Savings Bank. Ed was very active in the WNY German Shorthaired Pointer Club. Judging and competing with his pointers, along with serving as President and treasurer. He also served on the board of directors of the Rochester Credit Bureau, serving as President as well.

For more information visit www.walkerbrothersfh.com

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Posted September 12 2022
David M. Bertsch

CARLTON – David M. Bertsch age 80 passed away September 10, 2022 at Unity Hospital following a short illness.  He was born February 28, 1942 in Albion, a son of the late Martin and Mildred (Barton) Bertsch and had lived in this area all of his life. 

Dave served in the US Marines from 1960-1963.  He was a member of the Gaines Carlton Community Church and the Renovation Lodge #97 F&AM and served on the Town of Carlton Planning Board.  He worked at Eastman Kodak retiring in 1992.  He loved his coffee club known as the “Old Farts”; they met every morning at his house.  Farming was his life and his passion.  He was known for his apple cider which was named after his basset hound and his pumpkins which he started as a kid and continued into adulthood.  Dave owned and operated Bertsch’s Good Earth Market with his wife Sharon, daughter and son-in-law Heather and Jim.  He was a family man who loved his family and adored his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon; his children David Charles (Jennifer) Bertsch, Heather (James) Tabor, Stuart Bertsch; grandchildren Madelin, Natalie, Martin; sister Nancy Owens as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Friday September 16th 12:00pm-1:00pm where his Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm. Burial with Military Honors will be held privately at Mt. Albion Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411, COVA, 239 S Main St., Albion, NY 14411 or Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. W, Albion, NY 14411. 

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

Posted September 10 2022
Patricia L. Reale

MIDDLEPORT – Patricia L. Reale, 87, died September 9, 2022 in Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. She was born October 14, 1934 in Gasport to Timothy and Lola (Bradford) Lahey and was a life-long resident of this area.

Patricia was a member of St. Stephen’s R.C. Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Bereavement Committee. She also worked for many years as an Election Inspector and was a member of the Middleport Grass Roots. However, she will be remembered by most as a person who was devoted to her family. Mrs. Reale was predeceased by her brother James Lahey and her sister Judy Morphet.

She is survived by her by her husband, Michael J. Reale; children, Michael Reale of Middleport, Rebecca (Richard) Hinkson of FL, and Joseph (Melissa) Reale of Buffalo; her grandchildren, Mike (Nicky), Jennifer (Jeff), Matt (Brianna) and Jarred; 10 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State Street-Middleport, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen’s Church. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity or organization of your choice.

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

Posted September 09 2022
James L. Andre, Sr.

KENDALL – James L. Andre, Sr., 86, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday September 7, 2022.  Jim was born June 30, 1936 in Irondequoit, a son of the late Charles and Olive (Bartlett) Andre and had lived in this area most of his life.

Jim served in the US Navy from 1956-1960 on the Battleship Steinaker “Tin Can” DD863.  He was an active member of the Orleans County Veterans Joint Council and was instrumental in the development of WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke and starting the transportation service, taking veterans to and from their doctor appointments. He was one of the main volunteers and drove for over 25 years. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, especially the Toronto Blue Jays and football, especially the Buffalo Bills. Jim was a very caring man who was always willing to help anyone.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Matthew; brothers Richard, Bob, Francis “Buzz”; sisters Rose Patterson, Leona Perry and Arlean Snyder.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann; his children Sherry West, Margie Steffen, James Andre II; grandchildren James Andre III, Ashleigh Andre, Matthew Andre, Jr., Michael Andre, Marissa Andre and Mitchel Andre; several great-grandchildren; sister Anna (Ed) Nichols; brother-in-law Edward Snyder as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. His burial with Military Honors will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at WNY National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu NY 14036.  Memorials may be made to the Orleans County Veterans Joint Council, 13996 State Route 31, Albion NY 14411.

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

Posted September 08 2022
Earlene J. Bertoni

Kent – Earlene J. Bertoni went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 6, 2022 at the age of 97.
She was predeceased by her parents, Daniel & Lillian Froman; her husband, Bruno Bertoni; her 11 siblings, Earl, Martin, Irving, Kenneth, Lorna, Helen, Merle, Hazel, Grace, Gertrude & Cecil; and her son-in-law, Jim Pruner.
She is survived by her children, Anthony Bertoni, Patrick (Renee) Bertoni, Daniel (Jeanne) Bertoni, Sandra (Lee) Jennings, Linda Pruner, Theresa (Bruce) May and Donna Bertoni; her 9 grandchildren, Rebecca, Kimberly, Colleen, Mary Jo, Maria, Alyssa, Danny, Anthony & David; and her 9 great-grandchildren.
Earlene loved playing baseball as a child, especially as the pitcher. She was a retiree of Rochester Products where she worked in production. She enjoyed working, shopping, flower and tree gardening, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Most especially she enjoyed her family. She will be deeply missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend Earlene’s Visitation on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, 735 East Ave., Hilton, where there will be a short service at 12 pm, followed by her burial at Mt. Albion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411 in Earlene’s memory.  To donate online click on the charity name.

Posted September 06 2022
Roger L. Soule

Roger L. Soule, 81, of Albion died Sept. 5, 2022 in Unity Hospital following a short illness.  He was born Dec. 14, 1940 in Albion to Claude and Cornelia (Sadler) Soule and was a life-long resident of this area.

Roger retired from Rochester Products and then started his own Landscaping and Yard Business named Roger’s Lawn & Garden.  He enjoyed the outdoors and was known to love camping, collecting tools, and birdwatching.

Mr. Soule was predeceased by his wife Gail, and two brothers: Ronald and Russell.  He is survived by his children: Melissa (Glenn ) Tyler of Medina, Nancy (John) Ellison of Albion, Kevin (Sara) Soule of Rochester, his significant other and companion: Beth Mogray of Spencerport, his brother: Richard (Rita) Soule of Waterport, his sister: Diane (Larry) Reed of Holley, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, Mon., Sept. 12 from 12-2 pm and 5-7 pm.  Private service and interment in Mt. Albion Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Posted September 06 2022
Joyce D. Gavenda

Joyce D. Gavenda, 94, of Albion passed away Sept. 6, 2022.  She was born in Albion July 1, 1928 the daughter of the late Elmer and Velma (Mowers) Draper.  Joyce was a member of Holy Family Parish and Ladies of Charity.  She was a former legal secretary for Church & Church Attorneys. 

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Ralph W. Sr. in 1995, son Ralph (Susan) Gavenda Jr., brother Donald Draper and sisters Clara Gibbs and Hazel Waldo.

Survived by several nieces & nephews.

No prior calling hours.  Joyce’s mass of Christian Burial will held at Holy Family Parish/St. Joseph’s Church on Fri., Sept. 9, at 9:30 am.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY; or PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the staff of Medina Memorial Hospital North Wing for the loving and devoted care given to Joyce.

Joyce’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Avenue, Albion.

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

Posted September 06 2022
Joan Wigley (JoAnn), nee Crawford

“The day she had to leave us when her life on earth was through, God had better plans for her, for this we surely knew” – author unknown.

Joan Wigley (JoAnn), nee Crawford, loving mother, 86, entered into her final rest on Fri., Sept. 2, 2022, at her home in New Castle, PA.

Born on Feb. 26, 1936, in Mount Jackson, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Lilah Blake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, Donald C. Wigley in 2012, also of New Castle, as well as a half-brother. She is survived by her children, David D. Wigley and Jodi L. Shaffer, both of New Castle, and Gregory C. Wigley (Kelli) of Boardman, OH, as well as by her grandchildren, Zachary C. Shaffer of Buffalo, NY and Cassandra and Mackenzie Wigley, both of Boardman, OH.

She had owned and operated, along with her husband, Parkstown Video, located at Parkstown Corners, New Castle, for 10 years. Upon retirement, she and her husband relocated to Western New York, where she enjoyed gardening, being a merchant of eBay, and visiting Turning Stone and Seneca casinos. JoAnn had recently returned to her home state where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, doing work search puzzles, watching NASCAR and football, where she cheered on her favorites, Kevin Harvick and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen.

She was cherished by her family and will be sadly missed by them as well as her sidekick cat, Mimi.

In honoring JoAnn’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial for the immediate family will be arranged at their convenience.

Memorial contributions may be offered in JoAnn’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, where online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.

Posted September 06 2022
Thurman Mallard

Thurman Mallard, 79, of Medina, passed away on Fri., Sept. 2, 2022 at the Orleans Community Health, Medina Memorial Hospital.

Thurman was the son of the late Freeman and Dorothy (Dye) Mallard and was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard and Carl Mallard, Bill O’Brien and Alfred Stone; and his sisters, Mary Jane Howard, Betty Wright and Mary Helen Mallard.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gilda Cardone Mallard; daughter, Amber Conway (Jake Powell); much beloved grandchildren, Brady and Shaelyn Conway; and brothers Bobby (Wanda) Mallard and William (Shelley) Gazaway.

Thurman was a lifelong and well-respected auto technician, who worked long hours and enjoyed manual labor. In 2012 he retired from College Service Center in Brockport. During his retirement Thurman remained a loyal NASCAR enthusiast and turned his attention to supporting the burgeoning athletic and academic development of his grandchildren.

It was Thurman’s wish that there be no prior calling hours. Interment will be in the Calandra/Cardone burial site in Boxwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Thurman’s memory, his family appreciates supporting the York Junior Golden Knights, PO Box 75, Retsof, NY 14539, an organization which oversees the extracurricular activities of Thurman’s grandchildren, Brady and Shaelyn Conway.

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

Posted September 06 2022
Gary E. Cooper

Gary E. Cooper, 77 of Bergen passed away on Wed., Aug. 31, 2022 at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Cooper was born on June 9, 1945 in Medina, a son of the late Albert and Ruth (Keller) Cooper.

He was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and was proud to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Gary worked for New York State OGS for many years as a mechanical engineer. He loved music – playing in several local bands and was a DJ for many years. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family.

Gary is the husband of Janice (McGarrity) Cooper of Bergen. The two were married on June 9, 1975.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Christine (David) Childs of Churchville, and Cole Cooper of Bergen; grandchildren, Caden and Ryan Childs, and Kennedy Cooper; sisters, Joan Cooper Manley of North Chili, Sandra (Edwin) Elzer of New Jersey, and Karen (Joe) Wu of Connecticut. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by a son, Clinton Cooper who passed away in 2009.

Family and friends are invited to call on Fri., Sept. 9, from 4-7 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave., Bergen. Gary’s funeral service will be held at 10 am on Sat., Sept. 10, 2022 at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 S. Lake Ave., Bergen. A private burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund or Bergen United Methodist Church.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Posted September 06 2022
Clarence V. “Butch” Wells

Clarence V. “Butch” Wells, 79, of Canisteo, NY passed away on Sat., Sept. 3, 2022 at Strong Hospital after a short illness.

Born on July 1, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Gray) Wells.

Clarence was drafted in the US Army and after his service to his Country, returned home and raised three children. In 1982, he started working as a diesel mechanic for Barden Homes, Beam-Mack and for his own firewood company, Wood X.

He is survived by a son Mark (Lis) Wells of Oakfield, NY and his two other children. Grandchildren Allison (Rick) Stanley of Medina, Ashley (Jeremiah Neyman) of Oakfield, Amanda (Scott Mabon) Wells of Batavia and Kyle (Kayla VanBilliard) of Oakfield, six great-grandchildren, Kahlen, Brianna, Caleb, Damien, Ryker and Mandalyn and his good friends, Clyde and Sharon Busch of Canisteo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Orleans Joint Veterans Council, NY-31, Albion, NY 14411

Relatives and friends may call on Thu., Sept. 8, 2022 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield NY where a funeral service will be held at 1 pm. Burial will be private for the family.

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

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

Posted September 01 2022
Eileen M. Auker

Eileen M. Auker, 42, of Albion, NY, entered into rest on Mon., Aug. 29, 2022 in Wellsville, NY.

Born on Feb. 18, 1980, In Ephrata, PA, she was the daughter of Ivan W. and Susan Martin.

Besides her parents, Eileen is survived by her husband of 20 years, Daniel Auker, seven children, Margaret, Marie, Kathryn, Ellen, Arlan, Michael, and Kalvin. Also surviving are six brothers and three siblings and many nieces and nephews and her parents-in-law, Ivan and Minnie Auker of Ephrata, PA. and three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Eileen was a devoted mother and homemaker and she enjoyed waiting on the customers at Fairview Farms on Rt. 31.

Relatives and friends may call at her home on the corner of Knowlesville Rd. and 12565 State Rt. 31, Albion, NY 14411 on Fri., Sept. 2 from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held on 9:30 am on Sat., Sept. 3 at the Stauffer Mennonite Church, 12287 E. Yates Center Rd. Lyndonville, NY 14098 with burial following the service.

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 Eileen at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com