Obituaries

On May 1^st, 2024, Jane Teresa Sojda Burns journeyed peacefully home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ and to be reunited with her beloved husband, John “Jack” Burns, her mother Helen, father John Sojda Sr., five brothers, Valentine, Julian, Richard, Gerald, and John Sojda, Jr., and her two sisters, Mary Stan, and Dorothy George. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl A. Graham and Luanne (Kelly) Chamberlain, four grandchildren Renee (Michael) Francavilla, Shane Graham, Samantha Goldrich, and Mikaela Goldrich, two great-grandchildren, Alexis (Nick) Collins and Dominic Francavilla, and two great-great-grandchildren, Anderson Jane Collins, and Michael Graham Collins. She also leaves behind nearly 30 nieces and nephews, who were very special to her and with whom she spoke frequently.

Jane was born on June 17, 1931. She was friendly and positive in her interactions with everyone, from family and friends to hospital staff and the strangers. She instilled her spirit of friendliness and generosity into her children, grandchildren and extended family, thus spreading her humanitarian impact, as they carry on her legacy across the country.

Her positivity, humor, smile, and laugh were genuine and brought comfort to conversations to everyone with whom she interacted, and will be sadly missed by so many whose lives were touched by her kindness throughout her wonderful ninety-two years of her life. She was an avid knitter and puzzler, and many who knew her were recipients of her handmade knitted blankets and puzzles.

Friends may call Monday, June 17th from 10:30am to 11:30am at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where services will commence at 11:15am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 17th at 12 noon at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Paul Lawrence Docteur, 81, of Cape Vincent, NY, passed away peacefully and willingly at the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY surrounded by his family on May 4, 2024 to rest in the arms of GOD.

Born September 30, 1942 in Alex Bay, son of Lawrence and Gladys Docteur, he graduated from Cape Vincent Central School in 1960. He married Bonnie Wood on September 21, 1963. The couple raised their 4 children in Bergen, NY and spent weekends at their summer home on the River. While residing in Bergen, Paul was a member of the St. Brigid's parish, he also served 2 terms as the Commander of the Bergen American Legion Post 575. Paul served in the US NAVY as a RD3 USNR from 1962 to 1968. After which he worked at Eastman Kodak until his retirement in 1991 where he has since enjoyed every day back on the St. Lawrence. Paul was a parishioner of St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council, 4th Degree. In his leisure time he enjoyed first and foremost watching the Yankees. He volunteered at French Days, the local food bank, served on the planning
board and was a member of the Lions Club. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and enjoyed spending time with family and friends on his beloved St. Lawrence River.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Bonnie, and their 4 children; Wanda (Mark) Swanson, Kyle Docteur, Angela (Ricky) Corcimiglia, Deborah (Todd) Tillotson. DOC will be missed by his dedicated siblings, his 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by several loving family members including those closest to his heart; son-in law Jeffrey Ely, brother Louie, grandson Eric Corcimiglia and daughter in law Louella Docteur.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s name to the Office for the Aging at 175 Arsenal Street 2nd Floor, Watertown, NY 13601.
We will celebrate his life at the St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church on Kanady Street in Cape Vincent on Saturday, May 11 at 12 noon. Calling hours will be held at the St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church before the noon service beginning at 10 AM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home of Cape Vincent, NY. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

Douglas A. Lowder, 71 of Oakfield, passed away on April 21, 2024.

He was born November 30, 1952 in Batavia, a son of the late William and Barbara Chiuppi Lowder.

Doug is survived by a son, Joshua Butera. Siblings, David (Rosann) Lowder, Diane Price, Dennis Lowder, Dawn (Daniel) Baker and Daryl (Cindy) Lowder. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (May 25^th) from 11:00am-1:00pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, where a memorial service will commence at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Faye Anne Barone, age 86, of Elba, NY, passed away on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. She was born on November 10th, 1937, in Elba, New York.

Faye was a devoted mother to her daughter Melissa Barone of Elba, and a caring sister to Margaret Parker, also of Elba. Faye is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Melody, Jack, Wendy, Linda, and Christopher. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews.

Faye was predeceased by her loving husband, Carl Barone; parents, Andrew and Evelyn Pridmore; siblings, Lawrence Pridmore, Jeannette Pridmore, Allan Pridmore, Linda Pridmore, and Raymond Pridmore; Nephews, Michael and Steven.

Faye was a devoted employee of the New York State Police Department in Batavia, NY, where she worked as the Principal Clerk, until her retirement in 1992. She was also a graduate of Elba Central School.

Faye was actively involved in her church, singing in the choir and volunteering her time. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her family, and showering affection on her three cats, Tonto, Sweetie and Noah, and her beloved dog, Lucy.

Calling hours for Faye will be held at Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home on Friday, May 10th, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at First Presbyterian Church-Elba, 23 N Main St, Elba, NY 14058, on Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church-Elba, 23 N Main St, Elba, NY 14058.

Faye will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

Arrangements are under the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Carol Hilchey, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, at the age of 82. She was born on Monday, August 18th, 1941 in Batavia, New York, to William Elmore and Elizabeth (Powers) Elmore.

Carol worked in a law office as a paralegal for Albert Avery in Oakfield NY. Upon the birth of her sons, Carol became a devoted homemaker, tirelessly caring for her family. She was an excellent cook and baker, a job even more necessary at the time to feed two active and growing teenage boys. Carol was a voracious reader, often finishing an entire novel in a single sitting. She also enjoyed spending time outside with her husband Glenn tending their garden and numerous plants on their property in Oakfield.

A long-time resident of Oakfield, Carol is survived by her sons, Dr. Shannon (Rebecca) Hilchey of Rochester, New York and Dr. Sean (Nora) Hilchey of Piedmont, California; six grandchildren, Connor, Emily, Maxwell, Mirabel, Holden, and Annabeth; siblings, Dennis Elmore, Joan Plapus, Peggy White, Cindy Elmore along with several nieces and nephews.

The love of Carol's life, her husband Glenn Hilchey, predeceased her. Together, they built a beautiful life surrounded by family and friends who will remember her for her warmth and generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads House, located at 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (https://www.crossroadshouse.com/donate), where Carol spent her final days. Carol’s family would like to send their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Crossroads House for their tireless efforts making Carol as comfortable as possible during her final hours.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. We will forever cherish the memories we shared with Carol and hold her close in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Carol. You will be dearly missed.

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Marion - Jeanne Lucille O'Hara Hitchcock Heyen Boise , 78 of Marion passed away on Thursday, (May 2, 2024) surrounded by family at home.

She was born January 9, 1946 in Auburn, a daughter of the late Lloyd Lee O'Hara and Reva (Mapes) O'Hara Hitchcock, and step-daughter of the late Charles Hitchcock.

Jeanne was a gifted woman with a passion for teaching and caring for others. After receiving her Masters degree in teaching Jeanne moved to California with her then husband Edward Heyen and had two children: Kimberley and Stefanie, while substitute teaching.

She returned to New York in 1974 to be closer to family where she met and wed Stephen Boise. Jeanne and Stephen moved their family to Marion in 1981 to take over the Boise Family Dairy Farm while raising two more children: Jessica and Nicholas.

After 23 years of dedicated care raising her children, she decided to return to school where she earned a Bachelors and Masters in nursing as well as many other advanced credentials. Ultimately her career in nursing culminated into her becoming a nurse practitioner. She was proud to have ended her working career by combining her passion for teaching and nursing by teaching nursing for Wayne County BOCES for 6 years prior to her retirement.

Jeanne was a member of Mensa throughout her adulthood and maintained a high level of academic and other interests all her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years Stephen J. Boise whom she married on October 7, 1978; children, Kimberley Kemp of Marion, Jessica (Steven) Johnson of Batavia and Nicholas Boise of Marion; grandchildren, Madelaine Kemp, Meredith Kemp, Kaleesi Johnson, Sloan and Jaxon Boise; brother, William (late Missy) Hitchcock of Aurora;  sisters, Nelsa (late Larry) Selover of Aurora, Marcia (Bud) Sipfel of Georgia, Nancy Hitchcock of North Carolina; and brother-in-law, John (late Susan) Dair of Rochester. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death Jeanne is reunited with her parents; daughter, Stefanie Boise; brothers, Charles Bradford "Brad" Hitchcock and Brian Hitchcock; and sisters, Susan Jane Dair-Hitchcock and Linda Ann Hitchcock.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday (May 13, 2024) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Young Funeral Home, 4025 Main Street in  Williamson; where a funeral service will immediately follow visitation. She will be laid to rest in Marion Cemetery in Marion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CP Rochester, 3399 Winton Road S. Rochester, NY 14623. Please make checks payable to Ability Partners Foundation.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to H.E Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia.

Barbara A. Brown, age 81, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Gateway House in Attica.

She was born on Saturday, August 15th, 1942 in Batavia a daughter of the late Holden Brinkman and Loretta Woolever Brinkman.

Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her son, Ronald E. Brown Jr., of Batavia, her granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Brown and Sydney Riley Brown, her sister, Bonnie (late Larry) Horine of Batavia, and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Rebecca Lynn Brown who passed away on June 25, 1964, longtime companion, David F. Brewer and her siblings, Richard Brinkman, Dennis Brinkman, Donald Brinkman and Carl Brinkman.

Barb was a dedicated respiratory therapist for many years at Lakeside Memorial Hospital and retired from United Memorial Medical Center.

In her free time, Barb enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her delicious meals and beautiful flower beds. Barb loved sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee in the morning.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batava where memorial services will be held at 10 am Wednesday . She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. Donations can be made to Gateway House at 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

Allyson (Ally) Colby Carlson , 62, of LeRoy passed away on Sunday April 28.  Ally was born October 10, 1961 in Scotia NY. She grew up in Corfu NY. 

Ally had the voice of a songbird sharing her voice performing with bands throughout her life. Taking after her grandfather, she was a jack of all trades, working hard to provide for her and her boys she was a machinist, a dental assistant and a hair & nail artist.

Ally, forever young at heart loved to learn,  loved to have fun, always trying new things and places. Being in nature and reading books of all sorts, Ally also loved to share her delicious cooking , and take loving care of anyone who crossed her path. Her light , beauty and beaming smile will be greatly missed by all that knew her. 

Ally was predeceased by her mom Betty Colby , father Dick Colby , and her sister Karen Colby Graham. Her light will live on through her sons , Luke and Cole Farner , her sisters LuAnn Saunders and Sue Pfalzer, her many nieces and nephews , grandsons , cousins , friends and all that she touched in her loving and beautiful life. 

A celebration of life party will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. at the Gillam Grant Community Center in Bergen, NY, where everyone who knew Ally is graciously welcomed to come and share their memories of her and celebrate her life.

Faye Anne Barone, age 86, of Elba, NY, passed away on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. She was born on November 10th, 1937, in Elba, New York.

Faye was a devoted mother to her daughter Melissa Barone of Elba, and a caring sister to Margaret Parker, also of Elba. Faye is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Melody, Jack, Wendy, Linda, and Christopher. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews.

Faye was predeceased by her loving husband, Carl Barone; parents, Andrew and Evelyn Pridmore; siblings, Lawrence Pridmore, Jeannette Pridmore, Allan Pridmore, Linda Pridmore, and Raymond Pridmore; Nephews, Michael and Steven.

Faye was a devoted employee of the New York State Police Department in Batavia, NY, where she worked as the Principal Clerk, until her retirement in 1992. She was also a graduate of Elba Central School.

Faye was actively involved in her church, singing in the choir and volunteering her time. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her family, and showering affection on her three cats, Tonto, Sweetie and Noah, and her beloved dog, Lucy.

Calling hours for Faye will be held at Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home on Friday, May 10th, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at First Presbyterian Church-Elba, 23 N Main St, Elba, NY 14058, on Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church-Elba, 23 N Main St, Elba, NY 14058.

Faye will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

EDNA L. (RHODES) TESSINA, 101, of Webster, New York, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024.
Edna was born in Pavilion, NY. She grew up and attended school in Oakfield, New York, and graduated from what was then called Brockport State Teachers College. Edna taught briefly in Wellsville after college, and later resumed her teaching career at Townline Elementary School in Alden, NY. She was a long-time Buffalo Bills and Boston Celtics fan. Edna loved her family, friends and students, and the feeling was mutual.
She was everyone's mom. She loved music, played piano and organ for productions at college and sometimes at church. After moving back to her childhood home upon retirement to care for her mother for 12 years, Edna sang in the choir at Oakfield United Methodist Church. She later moved to Webster to be near family, and lived with her daughter and son-in-law for 8 years before her recent move to The Maplewood nursing home, where she received loving care from an exceptional staff.
Edna is predeceased by her husband, LeRoy Tessina Sr.; her parents, Florence and Ralph Rhodes Sr.; sisters, Vivian Roman and Ruth Rhodes; brother Ralph Rhodes, Jr ; sons, LeRoy Tessina Jr., Thomas Tessina and Jon Tessina; and grandchildren, Kevin Tessina and Melissa Tessina. Edna is survived by her children, Francis (Mary) Tessina Sr., Ruth (Gary) German, and Michael (Lynn) Tessina Sr.; grandchildren, Francis Tessina Jr., Jonathan (Kim) Cortes, Christina (Junior) Prinz, Michael Tessina Jr., Matthew (Lindsey) German, and William Tessina, 13 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and many dear nieces,
nephews and friends.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of Edna's family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Play It Forward Fund, Eastman School of Music, Office of Advancement, 26 Gibbs St, Rochester NY 14604 (to fund tuition scholarships for music lessons or camps
for school children); or to the Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 S. Main St, Oakfield, NY 14125.

Batavia - Margaret J. "Peg" Smith, 87, of Batavia, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Saturday, (April 27, 2024) at Crest Manor Living & Rehab Center in Fairport.

Margaret was born July 29, 1936, in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Milton Whaley and Kathleen (Foley) Whaley. Peg grew up in Pearl Creek, graduating from Pavilion High School. A devoted wife of the late Charles D. Smith, Margaret raised her family in Batavia. She worked as an administrative assistant for Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester before later working at and retiring from the Greens in LeRoy.  Margaret was cheerful, kind, and compassionate, always willing to help others in need.

Surviving are her children, Patricia Steinsholt of Phoenix, Arizona; Robert Ditzel, and William Ditzel, both of Batavia; and David (Julie) Ditzel of Rochester; stepchildren, Deborah (John) Sikora of Rochester, Donna Smith of Medina, and Mark (Teresa) Smith of Caledonia; daughter-in-law, Christine Ditzel; and siblings, William (Sonia) Whaley of Pavilion, and Linda Dirrks of Kansas City, Kansas; brother-in-law, Edward Cutcliffe of Pavilion, and sister-in-law, Rosemary Whaley of Pearl Creek. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents and husband, Margaret is predeceased by her son, Thomas Ditzel; and siblings, Mary E. Fay, Nancy Cutcliffe, and Thomas M. Whaley Sr.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Flight Central,100 Amherst Villa Rd, Buffalo, NY 14225,  Mercy Flight - When Minutes Matter: Emergency Medical Transport WNY.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia- Andrei Abramov Schwartzman of Batavia passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at his home in Batavia.

Andrei was born on March 26, 1991, in Moscow Russia. He was the adopted son of Alan Schwartzman and Jean Tyson of the Bronx and biological son of Alexander and Natalia Abramov of Moscow.

He was a member of the student body at Genesee Community College. His interests included animal welfare, environmental issues, public safety, country music, long walks in quiet places and spending time with his family.

Andrei graduated from Summit School in Nyack, NY and Community School in Teaneck NY.

Surviving are both adoptive parents in The Bronx, his beloved cats Fat Joe and Ebony Eyes, brother Alex Abramov Schwartzman of Virginia Beach, sister Shelia Grey and nieces Aniya Agron and Destiny Grey of Newport News, Va, Aunts Zell Schwartzman of New York, Ruth(Art) Sabatini and Mary Ann Hopkins of Syracuse, Elizabeth( Bill) Parke of Rutherfordton NC, Uncle Bill (Pat) Tyson of Douglasville Ga., many cousins and sister Vicky and brother Dennis Abramov, formerly of Moscow, Russia.

Andrei is preceded in death by his Uncle Jim Tyson of Oakdale Ca., and his Schwartzman and Tyson grandparents of New York and Sayre Pa. respectively.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

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

Rochester, NY – Joan C. Scott, 87, died of natural causes April 29, 2024, at her home in Rochester, NY.  Joan was born January 7, 1937, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of John H. Cleveland and Ermina Margaret Cleveland (née Bond)

Joan graduated from Watertown High School, Class of 1955. Following graduation, she attended SUNY Potsdam and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, after which she taught kindergarten for several years. She married William B. Scott Jr. April 5, 1958, and they settled in New Hartford, NY. They moved to LeRoy, NY in 1968 and lived there until the passing of her husband, who died from cancer on August 13, 2017.  They were married for 59 years and had four children. 

Joan was an active parent with four children in the LeRoy Central School system. She advocated fiercely for resources to be available for children/students who were cognitively diverse, volunteered at the high school musicals, and was a LeRoy High School Band Mom. She was also an active member of both the LeRoy and Bergen United Methodist Churches. An avid fisherwoman, Joan could always be counted on to spread joy, share good humor, and was known for her own brand of witticisms. She was deeply caring, loved nature, especially bird watching, being up at the cabin, and her kids very much.

Surviving in addition to Joan’s companion/partner, Tom Ireland; are her son, William B. Scott III of Batavia, NY and his son, Brandon Scott of Tennessee; daughter, Suzanne E. Scott of Chicago, IL, and her husband, Hidemasa Yamakawa; son, David W. Scott of Fairport, NY, his ex-wife, Deborah B. Scott, and their two children, Nathan J. Scott and Julia R. Scott, both of Rochester, NY and son, Matthew B. Scott of Watertown, NY. She is also survived by her younger sister, Martha Leising (née Cleveland) of Webster, NY, her sisters-in-law, Peggy Cleveland of Watertown, NY, and Pam Cleveland of Tampa, FL.

A service of remembrance will be scheduled for the summer of 2024 in Sackets Harbor, NY.

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

Chester S. Glomb, 96 of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024.

Chester was born on August 31, 1927, in Buffalo, a son of the late Stanley and Mary Bialach Glomb. He was the husband of the late Jeanette Glomb; father of the late Bruce Glomb and brother of the late Peter Glomb, Estelle Puls and Jean Stull. Chester served our country with the Merchant Marines during World War II.

Chester was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. He loved his garden, especially growing tomatoes and had a fondness for apple pie.

Chester is survived by his children, Kathleen (Lyle) Gardner, Barbara (Jim) Klimczak, Brian Glomb and Kevin (Joan) Glomb; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call Friday, May 3, 2024 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street Corfu, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 18 West Main Street, Corfu. Burial will follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.