Obituaries

Pavilion ~ Donna K. O’Neill, age 79, passed away on Thursday (January 23, 2025) in the loving presence of her family.

     She was born May 21, 1945 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Leonard and Florence Shepard Vaughn.   

  Donna will be remembered as a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many.  She enjoyed being a homemaker and an owner of O’Neill Excavating.  She would love to entertain family and friends at her home, where they would gather at their baseball field.

     She is survived by her children, Dawn O’Neill of York, Leonard (Linda) O’Neill of Wyoming, Scott O'Neill of East Bethany and Shelley (Ronald) Thompson of Bethany; grandchildren, Teresa O’Neill, Codey (Ashli) O’Neill, Joey (Maddie) O’Neill, Josh (Lindsay) O’Neill, Connor Thompson and Kristen Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Patrick, and Henry O’Neill; sister-in-law, Donna (Walt) Vail of Oregon; cousin, Ann Pokorny, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 59 years, David E. O’Neill; brother, Harold Vaughn; brother-in-law, Edmund (Patricia) O’Neill and sister-in-law, Grace (William) Hyback.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, February 3 from 2 ~ 5 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where her Service of Remembrance will be held at 5:00 PM.  Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Donna’s Life at the LeRoy American Legion, 53 W. Main St., LeRoy immediately following her Remembrance Service.

     Memorials are suggested to either the Pavilion Fire Dept., P. O. Box 156, Pavilion, NY 14525, the Pavilion Cemetery, P. O. Box 11, Pavilion, N.Y. 14525 or to the Perry Ambulance Service, 11 Mill Street, Perry, N.Y. 14530. 

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

Sheldon - Bernice V. Perl, 81 of Sheldon passed away on Thursday, (January 23, 2025) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Perl was born November 26, 1943 in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Hynds) Rautenstrauch.

Bernice was a long time parishioner of St. Cecilia's Church in Sheldon and along with her late husband operated Perl Farms. She loved raising llamas and traveling. Most of all, Bernice cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Lee (Amy) Perl, Bruce (Amy) Perl, Larry Perl all of Sheldon, Stephen (Jennifer) Perl of Cowlesville, Cheryl (John) Kast of Albion, and Linda (Robert) Haungs of Lancaster; brother, Kenneth Rautenstrauch of Batavia; brother-in-law, Richard Warmus of Henrietta; sister-in-law, Shirley (James) Strozewski of Plano, Texas. 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Along with her parents, Bernice is reunited in death with her husband, Paul Perl; daughter, Gail Almeter; sisters, Diane Warmus and Kathleen (late Gerald) Schwab.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Steet in Attica.  Bernice 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, (January 28, 2025) from St. John Neumann Catholic Church - St. Cecilia Worship Site, 991 Centerline Road in Sheldon. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Sheldon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Timothy L. Pulliam on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. Timothy was born on Saturday, July 11th, 1964, in Rochester.

Timothy was a devoted husband to Linda J. Thompson Pulliam, whom he married on August 31, 1996. He was a proud father to his children, Cheryl (Jesse) Kibbe of Middleport, Timothy D. Pulliam of Rochester, Christian (Will) McDonald of Oakfield, and James R. (Cheyanne) Pulliam of Batavia. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Maximus and Dallas Pulliam, Logan, Michael and Olivia Griffin, and Josephine Kibbe.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Caroline Totten Pulliam, Timothy's life was a testament to his love for family and sports. A lifelong enthusiast, Timothy was an ardent fan of the Minnesota Vikings, North Carolina Tar Heels, Montreal Expos, Boston Celtics, New York Islanders and Tottenham Hotspurs. He fondly enjoyed reminding his son Jimmy that "his Celtics" triumphed over Jimmy's Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Timothy's vibrant spirit and love for his family and friends. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Timothy's life was a testament to his joyful spirit and the immense love he had for his family and sports. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Corfu - Steven E. Bussard  61 of Corfu passed away on Monday, (January 20, 2025) at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo.

Mr. Bussard was born September 23, 1963 in Hamilton, Bermuda a son of Willard Bussard of Virginia Beach and the late Gloria (Zimmerman) Bussard.

Steven had been attending the Oakfield Community Bible Church and was a 14 year veteran of the United States Army where he was Military Police. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed riding motorcycle, biking, going to the movies, and taking long walks. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Surviving along with his father, is his son, Philip Bussard of Italy; sisters, Evelyn Myers of Orlando, Florida, and Alison (Marcos) Hernandez Garcia of Oakfield; nieces, Crystal Lawrence, Rachel Rojas, and Ashley Marcos; nephew, Joseph Louis Myers. Several great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Steven is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Heck and niece, Colleen Ann Hernandez.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held in Western New York National Cemetery for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements for Steven were entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John A. Bachulak Jr., 76 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 21, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

 He was born August 10, 1948, a son of the late John and Irene Yasses Bachulak.

John was a supervisor for Kodak prior to his retirement. He started JB Custom Interiors during his retirement where he served many people throughout Genesee County with his carpentry knowledge. He loved to fish, especially with his grandchildren. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Janet Leone Bachulak of Batavia. Daughter, Jacqueline (Ben) Thompson of Batavia. Sons, John (Nancy) Bachulak III of Batavia and Justin Bachulak of Batavia. Grandchildren, Isabella, Declan and Llewyn.

He was the brother of the late Dennis Bachulak. 

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.

Varysburg - James J. Jeanotte, 77 of Varysburg passed away on Friday (January 17, 2025) at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Mr. Jeanotte was born February 9, 1947 in Iowa a son of the late Raymond and Arlene (Grider) Jeanotte.

James was a man who loved his family. He loved to wisecrack jokes with you. He had the temperament that you could never tell if he was joking or not though. He loved to challenge us to bring out the best in each of us he loved football and always had something to say about the games.

James is survived by his children, Crystelle Lathrop of Varysburg, Raymond Jeanotte of Plano, Texas, Joseph (Lourina) Jeanotte of Castile, Heather Jeanotte of Wylie, Texas, Tammy Windrum of Plano, Texas, and Robert (Patricia) Windrum of Plano, Texas; brother, Paul (Sue) Jeanotte of Rochester; sisters, Rachel Jeanotte of Seattle, Washington, Judi Jeanotte of Oregon, and Janet (Richard) Moore of Texas; brother-in-law, Steven Behnke of Rochester. 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

In death, James is reunited with his parents; his wife, Betty (Baker) Windrum; son, James Jeanotte; grandson, Gage Collard; brothers, Irving (late Betty) Jeanotte and Brian Jeanotte; sisters, Joyce Jeanotte and Raylene Behnke.

There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Varysburg or North Java Fire Departments. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Raymond E. Whitehead Jr., 85, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born on July 22, 1939, in Lockport to the late Raymond E. and Violet May (Brown) Whitehead Sr. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years; Angeline (Paradise) Whitehead; sister Juanita wright.

Ray led a life full of service, adventure, and love. Ray’s passion for adventure began early in life; he was a standout scuba swimmer in high school and later was on the dive team for the local police department.  He proudly served in the US Navy for 4 years, further instilling his sense of duty and discipline. After his military service, ray transitioned into a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement, including 25 years as a New York state correctional officer and also went through the police academy to pursue his passion for justice and served on the Middleport Police Department for 16 years. Ray’s career was not limited to law enforcement.  He worked as a security officer at fisher price toys in Medina, and was also a security officer at Batavia downs.

Outside of his professional life, he achieved a personal milestone by obtaining his private pilot’s license.   He was an avid hunter, swimmer and had a passion for tropical fish, feeding the birds in the backyard. Ray’s enthusiasm for shooting was also well-known, having ranked first place numerous times at the local gun range. Ray’s love for his family was unparalleled, and his greatest joy came from finding the love of his life on a blind date at a sock hop. He and his beloved wife Angie, raised 3 beautiful daughters. He also enjoyed quality time with his family in the great outdoors tent camping to numerous parks. He was also a proud Daschund lover, and his home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of dogs.  He was a snowbird and traveled to Florida during the winter months and enjoyed the sunshine and warmth with family and friends.   

Ray will be remembered for his integrity, love, and devotion to those he cherished. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

He is survived by his 3 daughters; Diane(Norman) Hubbard of Batavia, Donna (Mark) Demarzio of Inverness FL, Debbie (Patrick) Accetta of Niagara Falls; siblings Marsha Allen, Karen Godin, and Susan Testa; 9 grandchildren,14 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  An 11:00AM Graveside Service with military honors will take place on Monday February 24, 2025 at Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY 14036. Anyone planning on attending this service, please arrive at the cemetery at 10:45AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee county animal shelter https://www.vo14animals.org/ .   To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329 -333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Rose Ann Judy Kent (D’Angelo), known as Roseann passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on February 20, 1945, in Buffalo to the late Rinaldo and Margaret (Monteforte) D’Angelo, both Sicilian immigrants. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Allen Kent Sr. and grandson Dustin Kent. 

Roseann was a longtime resident of Batavia and lived at the 400 Towers of Batavia for 25 years. Roseann leaves behind a loving legacy through her five children, Debbie Kent of Lockport, Robert Kent, Jr. of Batavia Sherry (Jeffrey) Gerould of Corfu, David Kent of Batavia, and Vicky Kent of Oakfield; eleven grandchildren, Brittany (Mark) Moffat of Williamsville, Brandon Kent of Lockport, Jenna Kent of Basom, Stephany (Kenneth) Henning of Williamsville, Jessica Gerould of Corfu, Tiffany Kent of Batavia, Samantha Kent of Oakfield, Melissa Cicatello of Rochester, Amanda Kent of Batavia, Robert Kent III of Batavia; and her nine great-grandchildren Ayden, Jack, Addison, Kenzi, Riley, Emily, Derek, Serenity, Amelia, and one great granddaughter on the way. 

Roseann enjoyed playing cards, watching her favorite tv shows, and had a love for sweets but she loved nothing more than to spend quality time with family. Roseann is loved and remembered by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. 

There will be no prior calling hours. The family will hold a private service.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Catherine J. Frantz, 82 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Orchard Manor in Medina. She was born October 25, 1942 in Batavia to the late Clifford and Ella (Weaver) Schuster. She is preceded in death by siblings, Betty Schuster, Charles, Donald, Wayne and Robert Schuster, Meredith Green.

Mrs. Frantz worked as a Home Health Care Aide for many years before retiring with Visiting Nurses Association in Batavia. She loved to take care of people, especially her family.

She is survived by her beloved children, Lori Shultz of Batavia, Walter Frantz of North Pole, Alaska, Linda Frantz of Nunda, David (Heather) Frantz of Batavia, sister, Donna Pierce of Nunda, 5 grandchildren, Shayna Shultz, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Shultz, Alyssa Kemp, Izabella Frantz, Alexavier Frantz, 5 great-grandchildren, Braytyn, Audrey, Krystina, Grayson, Kamden, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours, a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, www.mda.org or to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

Eslie James Worthington Sr., known fondly as Jim, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on October 21, 1943, in Batavia,  Jim was a longtime resident of Elba.

A graduate of Alexander Central School in 1961, Jim went on to have a long and dedicated career at Laborers' Local 435 in Rochester where he worked tirelessly for 27 years. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was celebrated as a formidable stock car racer from 1968 to 1976, competing at tracks in Holland, Perry, Lancaster, and even in Huberstone, Canada. His racing prowess earned him numerous championships and accolades throughout his illustrious career.

Jim's love for adventure extended beyond the racetrack; he was an avid hunter and fisherman, making cherished memories on his trip to Colorado and days spent boating and relaxing by the lake.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Charlene R. Pangrazio Worthington of Elba. He leaves behind a loving legacy through his children, Eslie James (Tamara) Worthington, Jr. and Tammy (Alex) Giuliani of Batavia; his six grandchildren, Danyelle (Nick) Brinkman of Elba, Eslie James (Felicia) Worthington, III of Tennessee, Brianna (Jason) Scott of Spencerport, Morgan (David) Stackhouse of Elba, Malissa King of Elba, and Melony (Brandon Shuknecht) Bedard of Elba; and his eleven great-grandchildren, Gunnar Scarborough, Brynn Stackhouse, Stella Stackhouse, Kendra Watson, Braelyn Shuknecht, Hudson Brinkman, Belle Worthington, Adalynn Scott, Eslie James Worthington, IV, Tallulah Brinkman, and Elliana Scott, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond and Mabel Calkins Worthington, and his siblings, Raymond, Roy, Spencer, Donald, Viola Wight, Winifred Cook, and ZoElla Spink.

In accordance with his family's wishes, there will be no prior visiting hours. A private burial will be held at the family's convenience at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. A celebration to commemrorate his legacy of love is being planned for the spring. His family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Drive #320, Buffalo, New York 14221. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

His departure leaves a void, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

LeRoy ~ With broken hearts and sadness, we announce the death of Francis “Fran” O'Geen, age 90, on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1:50 A.M. at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home following a strong brave battle to overcome multiple health issues.

     At this time, his family gives their heartfelt thanks to the entire “family” at LVG for the excellent care provided to Fran during his stay.  We also wish to acknowledge his years of care at Orleans Dialysis in Batavia.   

  He was born May 25, 1934 in LeRoy, a son of the late Frank and Carmella Zalacca O’Geen.

     Fran will be remembered as a gentle, sweet and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle and faithful friend loved by all.  He enjoyed bowling, playing slow-pitch softball, golfing and spending winters in South Carolina with his wife, Chip.  Fran was also an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Rose “Chip” Antinore O’Geen; his loving caregiving children, Cheryl (Frederick) Murphy and Fran O’Geen (Kim Biegasiewicz); beloved grandson, Nick O’Geen (Kristina Sawyer); step-grandchildren, Lisa Murphy and Jeff (Robin) Murphy; step-great-grandchildren, Brittany, Spencer, Brooke, Amber and Justin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Joan) Antinore, Grace (late James) Antinore, Jacque (Emily) Antinore and David (Karen) Antinore, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

     In addition to his parents, Fran was predeceased by his four sisters, Concetta O’Geen, Josephine (Eugene) Tomaszewski, Mary (Walter) Pietryzkowski and Sara O’Geen and daughter-in-law, Mary Heveron O’Geen.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 25 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where a brief prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Crossroads House, P O Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 www.crossroadshouse.com  or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105-9959 www.stjude.org/donate

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

Suzanne (Sue) Fenton Burns Freeland of Arcadia, FL passed away on Thursday, January 16 at the age of 93. She was born August 26, 1931 in Jamestown, N.Y. to the late Harry Porter Fenton and Marion Chilson Fenton. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Dallas V Burns in 1999.

She was a devoted mother to her three children; Rebecca (Stephen) Mruczek of North Venice, Brian (Mary Kay) Burns of Arcadia and Steven (Leslie Mirabito) Burns of Sarasota. Proud Grandmother to Heather (Phillip) Nedley of Arcadia, Scott Mruczek, Jason (Emily) Mruczek, Nick (Ashley) Burns of Sarasota and Craig (Alyse) Burns of Casper, WY. She was blessed to have 12 great grandchildren; Porter and Abel Nedley, Brooklynn and Aubrey Mruczek; Dallas, Reagan, Merritt, Delaney, Bennett Burns and Ellie, Riley and Carter Burns.

Sue was high-energy, had a contagious smile, lived life with a generous heart and was committed to her family and community. In her younger years, Sue loved to sew and was known to make great clothes for her daughter and sons. Sue was a member of Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524, serving as Chaplin for multiple years. She was always willing to help with events and lend a hand. Sue was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #11 where she was active in their Memorial Day ceremony.

She lived with her family in Stow, NY on Chautauqua Lake until her junior year in high school. Her family then moved to Pavilion, NY where she graduated from Pavilion Central School in 1949.

She received her License of Nursing at Catharine McCauley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia, NY then worked for many years at Dr Strollo’s pediatric office. In 1976, Sue and Dal moved to Arcadia, FL where her father, Harry Fenton, had grown up and graduated from DeSoto High School. Sue worked as an LPN at G. Pierce Wood Hospital for several months and then at the former Bon Secours St Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte. She received her RN from Edison Community College in Ft Myers.

Sue went on to study Oncology becoming the first nurse in Charlotte County to be certified in Oncology Nursing. She assisted Dr Pizzaro’s start of the Fred Ferris Oncology Unit, later becoming the Nurse Manager until its closing.

In 2001, Sue married Richard (Dick) Freeland. They spent winters in her home in Arcadia and summers at their home at Pine Hill Park in Franklin, NC where they had many friends. Dick preceded her in death in 2007.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to the Harry Anna Trust Fund thru Arcadia Elks lodge or Alzheimer’s/Dementia Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 27 at 1:00pm at the Arcadia Elks Lodge.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaydgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Gordon “Gordy” Yohe, age 81, of Byron, NY, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025 at the Buffalo Veterans Hospital after a short illness.

He was born on June 13, 1943 in Batavia, a beloved son of the late Max and Beatrice (Donnely) Yohe.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Gordy dedicated his life to service and hard work. He was employed with various machine shops and trucking companies in the Rochester area, where his strong work ethic was admired by all who knew him. Outside of work, Gordy had a passion for reading and was an avid collector of Indian artifacts, a hobby that brought him much joy and a sense of connection to the past.

Gordy is survived by his stepson, Anthony (Nicole) Zicari, and other friends and family, including his dear Uncle Lynn and Aunt Lorene Goetz, who were an important part of his life, and his beloved cat, Pewee.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary; parents, Max and Beatrice Yohe; sister, Irene Fowler, as well as other close family members.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia. There are no services at this time. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

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

Lorene May Shamblin, 90, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 16, 2024. Born Lorene Gibson on April 9, 1934 in Fola, West Virginia, she married her late husband, George Shamblin, in the late 1950’s, and after they honeymooned in Niagara Falls, the couple became lifelong residents of Oakfield, New York.  

Lorene retired from PW Minor Shoe Factory in 1996. She was a hard worker and a devout Christian who faithfully attended Grace Baptist Church for over fifty years. Her most cherished possession was her family bible. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Mattie Daniels Gibson.    

Always an involved and loving family member, Mrs. Shamblin is survived by four sisters: Evelyn, Mattlene, Gerelene, and Arlene; four children: George Wayne (Terry) Shamblin, Barbara Wilt, Brenda (Dietmar Berndl) Shamblin, and John (Gena) Shamblin; six beloved grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, honorary family members, neighbors, friends, and members of her church family. Her thoughtful kindnesses and genuine concern for others will be dearly missed by all. 

Friends and family are invited to call from 11am to 12 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Burdett and Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. A brief service to celebrate her return to the Lord will follow calling hours, and then Lorene will be laid to rest next to her husband of 55 years and son-in-law, Harold Wilt, at St. Cecelia’s Cemetery on Maple Road in Oakfield.  Memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Alabama - Rita L. Zybeck, 85 of Alabama passed away on Thursday, (January 16, 2025) at Gateway Home in Attica.

Mrs. Zybeck was born October 9, 1939 in Gowanda, a daughter of the late David and Louise (Huch) Johnson. Rita is also preceded in death by her sister, Dale Koch.

Rita loved spending time with her family and friends and she also enjoyed taking care of her animals.  She enjoyed camping, bird watching, and listening to her music.  She was a warm and caring person and made a significant impact on everyone she met.

Rita is survived by her husband, Eugene S. Zybeck; children, Kimberly (Randy) Dorman, Kyle (Donna) Harris, Lisa (Jeff Gray) Zybeck-Shultz, and Mark (Fely) Zybeck; grandchildren, Taylore (fiance Hunter Peterson) Dorman, Thomas (Melinda) Weichman, Jonathan (Kristen) Harris, Jennifer Harris, and Michael Weichman; great-grandchildren, Skarlett, Amelia, and Lucille; sisters, Debra Johnson, Diane Christopher, and Mary (Tim) King; brother-in-law, Charles Koch. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday (January 23, 2025) from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield where Rita's memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. Interment in Western New York National Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.