Obituaries

Charles Arthur Barie, 76, of Corfu, passed away on March 9, 2024 at home under the care of his loving family.

Charles was born June 25, 1947 in Batavia, a son of the late Albert and Edna (Miller) Barie.

Charles enjoyed traveling and working on antique tractors.  He assisted DC Boxers in many aspects with their dog show competitions.  Charles is a veteran having served with the United States Army and he retired from CY Farms.

Surviving are his children, Christine (Kimberly Rapoza) Barie, Lisa (Joseph) Heath, and Adam Barie; grandchildren, Bryan Barie, Connor and Kylie Heath; sisters, Nancy Turner, Jeanne (Michael) Sheehan, Sharon (James) Snyder and Elizabeth (Michael) Algase; brothers, Paul (late Gail) Barie and Harold (Lisa) Barie; sister-in-law, Donna Barie; his significant other, Donna Schaefer and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Tamiko Barie and a brother, Edward Barie.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Charles's funeral service will be held on Friday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. He will be laid to rest in West Middlebury Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021,www.crossroadshouse.com/donate or American Boxer Charitable Foundation at www.abcfoundation.org.    

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

Freida A. Smart passed away on March 7, 2024. She was born on April 10, 1936 to the late Clarence (Carmen Vincello) Ray. She is preceded in death by her loving husband William and sibling Robert J Ray.  She lived her entire life in Batavia, NY. 

Together with her husband William of 63 years, raised 3 children; Cindy (Darrel Sonday) Smart of CO., Julie Holman of Batavia and William C. (Mindy) Smart of TN; Grandchildren Jason (Erin), Matthew (Maren), Dustin, Benjamin (Jamie), Brianna, Jack , McCord, and Darrel III; great-grandchildren Maiya, Knox, Nash, Reya, Reese, and Baby H on the way along with nieces and nephews. Always proud of her family she said they were her biggest joy and accomplishment.

In her younger years she enjoyed bowling, sewing, reading, supporting her children’s activities, the beach and gardening. Freida had many great times camping with family and the AR-GUYS who became like family, hosting weekly coffee with the Hen Club, although her biggest passion was cooking. Be it at the Checkerboard restaurant, catering many events large or small, or  being a “lunch lady”  in the Batavia school system. 

In a heartfelt acknowledgment for their compassionate care, the family would like to thank Amy and Paula who became like daughters and the staff at LeRoy Village Green.

There will be no prior calling hours. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 11:00am at Elmwood Cemetery 121 Harvester Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 immediately followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at Roman’s 59 Main St. Batavia NY 14020.

Family and friends will miss her greatly often hearing “Everyone loves Freida!”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leroy Village Green Activities Fund 10 Munson St, Leroy, NY 14482 or Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, NY 14020. 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.  

Marlin L. Oltman Jr. “Butch”, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (March 12, 2024) at his residence.

He was born November 9, 1942 in Batavia, NY, the son of the late Marlin and Lucy (Lee) Oltmann.

Butch served his country with the U.S. Army from 1960-1963.   He was employed by The Gleason Works of Rochester New York for over 40 years, starting as a machine operator and ultimately retiring as production supervisor.  Butch was active in his community having coached summer baseball, football, and running the refreshment stand at the Batavia Band Boosters Pageant of Bands for many years. 

Even though he was an only child, his Fryer cousins filled the role of brothers and sisters with whom he enjoyed making “mayhem.”  More recently, he has enjoyed a close bond with his coffee pals, “The Romeos,” who continue to meet each Thursday morning at Sport of Kings. 

Most will remember Butch for having a great sense of humor which he enjoyed sharing with his many friends and family.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Waclawski) Oltman of Batavia. Daughters, Anna Marie (Dana) Lamb of Indiana, Elaine (Barry) Brew of Bergen. Son, Randy L. (Elizabeth) Oltman of Massachusetts. Grandchildren, Rachel Brew, Dillon Brew, Jennifer Brew, Sarah Oltman, Amanda Oltman and Benjamin Lamb. Brother in-law, Anthony (Kathie) Waclawski and their children, Philip Waclawski and Sarah Leach, Brother-in-law Jerome (Marjorie) Waclawski of California and their children Jessica Richards and Mylissa Hopkins. Also survived by cousins and other family.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (March 18^th) from 11am – 2pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, where a funeral service will commence at 2pm. He will be laid to rest in Grandview 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.

Marion Furber Age 84 passed away March 12, 2024 at Cottage Grove Memory Care in North Chili.  Mrs. Furber was born in Warrington, England, a daughter of the late Harry and Lily (Hockenhull) Bate.

Marion is survived by her daughters, Karen (John) Campbell of Batavia and Elaine (Graham) Harding of North Myrtle Beach, South. Carolina; sister, Brenda Whyte of Warrington, England.  Grandchildren J.R. (Jill) Campbell, Jeffrey (Theresa) Campbell and Amanda Harding (Brett Elliott), Great Grandchildren, Nathan, Quinn and Noelle and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alan Furber; and a sister, Vera "Vicky" Leone.

Marion and her family emigrated from Warrington, England to Batavia in 1978, and even after being here for many years, she never lost her accent.  “Hello Love” was a familiar phrase that embodied Marion's personality, especially to people at United Memorial Hospital, where she spent her remaining working years in Central Supply.  Marion spent the last five years of her life being cared for by the wonderful staff at Cottage Grove Memory Care, special thank you to Marsha, Sylvia and Natalie

There will be no calling hours - a small family celebration will be held in North Myrtle Beach where Marion enjoyed many vacations with her family. 

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

Sybil Anne Galliford, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. She was born July 5, 1947 in Erie, PA, to the late Lawrence F. and Margaret R. (Emling) Smith. 

Mrs. Galliford retired from Jackson School in Batavia, after teaching there for 34 years. She enjoyed golfing, playing cards with friends and traveling. 

She is survived by children, Lauren Alyce Galliford of Dumont, NJ, Matthew Scott (Megan Boring) Galliford of Batavia; siblings, Gail (Joe) Raziano of FL, twin sister Susan (Peter) Balonek of Elba, Leslie (Rito) Cordaro of Pavilion, David Smith of FL, grandchildren, Kerrigan and Carson Galliford, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately for the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia City School District Foundation, 260 State Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 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.  

Marian Davy Moore, Marian passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born on August 10, 1929, the daughter of the late Warren E. and M. Emma Jones Davy.

Marian was a longtime employee of the Batavia City School District as the Guidance Office secretary. In later years she was a deputy town clerk in Elba, NY. Her interests included arts and crafts, sewing, painting, gardening, playing keyboard and traveling. She collected dolls, miniatures, doll houses and tea items.

She was a 35-year member of the Rolls Royce Owners Club, a charter member and first secretary of its Iroquois Region as well as publisher of its newsletter for many years. She was also a member of the Holt United Methodist Church and the Tonawanda Valley Collectors Club.

Her husband of 70 years, Dick, passed away in January 2022. Marian is survived by her daughter Cathy (Thomas) Norton, grandchildren Sarah Vincent, Andrew (Dr. Jamie) Norton, great-grandchildren Renee Castillo, Dani Vincent, Jack Norton and
great-great-granddaughter Lia Castillo, all of Michigan. She was predeceased by brothers Edwin Davy and Robert Davy and sister Martha Rhodes. She had several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Vista Springs Timber Ridge and Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of the entire family.

Marian will be buried at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, Holt, Michigan.
www.EstesLeadley.com

Bergen - Kevin J. Heinzerling, 60, died Monday, March 11, 2024 at his farm in Bergen, NY. He was born on October 14, 1963, in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Theodore Heinzerling and Marjorie (Ernst) Wilcox.

Kevin was a devoted husband and father.  He took great pride in caring for the horses and other critters on his farm with his wife Stephanie, and his best buddy Baloo.  When he wasn’t working on the farm, he could be found scrapping metal in his little yellow truck. After his service in the Marine Corps, he started his career in law enforcement as a correctional officer. Later in his career he found joy in working for Miller’s Mill Works Inc.

He was a graduate of Byron-Bergen Central School. After high school Kevin served his country in the United States Marines Corp. and later in the Air Force Reserves. During his service Kevin was awarded the Rifle Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Heinzerling; daughters, Stephanie Heinzerling, April (Thoue) Kongmany;  step-daughter, Jessica (Kevin) Wall; step-son, Mason Fuller.  Step-father, Craig Wilcox; sister, Penne Vincent, and step-brothers, Brett (Kristen) and James Wilcox.  Kevin was “Papa” to his grandchildren, Katai and Lily (Matt) Kongmany, Aden Heinzerling, Eric and Vera Wall.  He was Uncle Kevin to Jared (Michelle) Dawe, Olivia Vincent, Sadie (Kevin) Gleason, Brette-Ashley (Phil) Schmitt, Cash (Heather) Wilcox, and Madison and Mackenzie Wilcox. He is also survived by his Aunt, Beverly Rogers and many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kevin’s family finds peace in knowing that he is reunited with his daughter Bailey Jo Henizerling and imagines they are enjoying a Bud together.

All are welcome to pay their respects and attend calling hours Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 51 S. Lake St., Bergen.  A graveside service will be on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen. Memorials may be made in Kevin’s memory to: Open Door Mission, P.O. Box 14236, Rochester, NY 14614-0236

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

Viola “Vie” R. Murphy, of 13 County Route 43, Massena, NY, was born in Batavia, NY on August 14, 1933, the daughter of the late Charles J. Neth, Jr. and Alice Welker Neth Zeitz.  When the NYS Thruway divided the family farm in 1959, Vie and her first husband, Ernest A. Wahls, moved to Massena.  Ernest passed away in 1978.  She is also predeceased by her second husband of 40 years, James C. Murphy, who died a day and a half before his 100th birthday in 2020, as well as by her older sister Lillian Neth Wahls, brother-in-law Ivan Wahls, and her grandson, Drew Wahls.  

Vie is survived by her three children, Deborah Wahls White (Brian Sallee) of Reno NV, Arthur (Carla) Wahls of Batavia, and David (Robin) Wahls of Doswell, VA; four stepchildren, Sheilah Murphy of Salem, OR, Kevin (Deborah) Murphy of Gloversville, NY, Arline Murphy of Massena, and Nora (Bruce) Kotterman of Princess Anne, MD; seven grandchildren and step-grandchildren,  Andrea (Robert) Falkowski, James (Tessali) Wahls, Hillary Wahls; Seana Murphy, Christopher Murphy, Cassandra Murphy, Kelly Conners and 12 great-grandchildren.

Additional family members who survive include her brother Charles J. (Mary Catherine) Neth, III of Batavia, NY, Ruth (Eugene) DuBois of Greenville, TN, her brother-in-law Glenn Wohlsclagel of Batavia, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Vie was known for her beautiful flower gardens and a large vegetable garden, with her backyard twice being a feature of the Massena garden tour. She was always happy to share in their bounty.  She belonged to the women’s dart baseball and bowling leagues. In the 1990’s, she and her husband, Jim, participated in the State Senior Games, where Vie won Gold Medals in table tennis, and Bronze Medal in bicycling, qualifying her for the National Senior Games.  Together, Vie and Jim were avid Potsdam Bears basketball fans, world travelers, and always enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.

Vie was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and a longtime volunteer and member of St. Peter’s Outreach, formerly known as St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Calling hours are Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia.  Vie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Outreach, St. Lawrence Valley Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Thomas A. Sanfratello passed away at age 54 on March 10, 2024 in the line of duty, while serving and protecting the citizens of Genesee County, New York. Thomas was born on September 19, 1969 in Batavia New York to Anthony and Dorothy (Hinz) Sanfratello. Thomas is preceded in death by his father Anthony A. Sanfratello.

He graduated from Alexander Central School in 1987. He went on to complete his Paramedic Certification while being an active member of the Alexander Fire Department from 1986-2003. Thomas began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher on February 29, 1992. Thomas was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff in 1996 and attended the Erie County Law Enforcement Academy, 88th class. He was promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant in 2007.

Thomas was twice awarded Deputy of the Year, and awarded several commendations over the years. Thomas was heavily involved with the New York State Sheriffs Association, Stop DWI, and shop with a cop. Thomas was a Town Board Member for the Town of Alexander. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and a huge Buffalo Sabres fan. He had an overwhelming collection of Lego’s and Hotwheel’s. He enjoyed spending his time at Diecast conventions and was heavily involved in Motorama all across the country. He was an inductee of the Diecast Hall of fame in 2015 as the Collector of the Year and in 2021 he received the President’s award. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children.

Thomas is survived by his mother; Dorothy (Hinz) Sanfratello of Batavia; children Ian (Brittany), Kyla, and Alexis Sanfratello; Mother of Alexis, Rachel Sanfratello; sisters, Jacqueline (Patrick) Coffey and Michelle (Joel) Panasiewicz; nieces and nephews Rachel and John (Kelly) Diehl, Justin (Teresa) and Jordan (Sydney) Panasiewicz, Nathan (Laurel) Coffey and Samantha Coffey; his significant other Nicole Danser; 2 great nieces, 2 great nephews, along with many cousins, countless friends and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 2:00-8:00PM at the Call Arena at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held at the same location on Saturday March 16, 2024 with a burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Deputy Sheriffs Association PO Box 492 Batavia, NY 14021 (Memo Shop with A Cop or Fallen Officer Memorial) 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.

Jerome L. O'Grady, 87, of Latham, N.Y., passed away on February 27, 2024.
Jerry was born in Batavia, N.Y. in 1936 the youngest child of Patrick and Brigid O'Grady, Irish immigrants who settled in Western New York and raised their seven children.

He attended Notre Dame High School with his best friend Frank before studying History at John Carroll University in Ohio. After college, he began a thirty-year career with the New York State Police where he rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring as Deputy Superintendent. While with the State Police he completed his master's degree and graduated from the FBI National Academy. He was also proud to serve as the "Officer in Charge" of the Olympic Village during the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid.
In 1965, he wed Mary Leonard and began a 59 year long marriage. 

Together they raised four daughters and a son in their loving home.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Rita and Margaret; and his brothers, Vincent, Thomas, Jack, and James. He is survived by his wife, Mary; and children, Anne-Marie O'Grady, Kathleen O'Grady, Nancy (Kevin) Koller, Jeanne (David) Goldschmidt, and Patrick (Kate) O'Grady. Plus his spoiled grandchildren, Jeffrey, Molly, Sean, Charlie, Jane, Brigid, Claire and Grady. Along with dozens of nieces and nephews, and countless friends and co-workers.
Jerry was a devout Catholic and almost equally devoted to the New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish. He will be deeply missed.


Friends are invited to visit with Jerry's family on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Bowen & Parker Brothers Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Geoffrey D. Burke on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Latham.


To remember Jerry in a special way, his family suggests donations to the New York State Trooper Foundation https://nystf.org/donate.html
Please visit www.bowenandparkerbros.com to leave a message of condolence and for driving directions.

Ronald E. Loranty passed away peacefully at home on March 8th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 68 following a five year journey with cancer. He faced the challenges with strength, grace, and dignity with the support of staff from Roswell Park Cancer Institute by his side.

Ron was born in Batavia, New York, son of predeceased Loretta and Edward Loranty. He grew up on their third generation dairy farm located in East Bethany. It was there where Ron developed his love for animals and all things agricultural. He planted numerous trees, gardens and enjoyed tinkering with his John Deere Tractor.

Ron was a Marine. He stood by the “once a marine, always a marine” mantra. He took pride in everything whether it was at work, home or for others. Ron was a machinist at Batavia Metal for several years. Ron’s greatest fulfilment was when he utilized his carpentry talents to become an adaptive equipment specialist. His specialized designs and construction helped countless students with special needs at Aspire of Western New York.

He single handedly built porches, decks, garages, and a pole barn. His last accomplishment was a pergola he built, a labor of love, for his wife in the spring. He loved a challenge and always had a “can do, fix it” attitude.

Ron was determined to stay young both mentally and physically. As the years passed, he exceled at high jumping and won several medals, including GOLD at the New York State Senior Olympic Games.

He loved food and preparing his favorite dishes, Polish sausage and hot dogs.

He enjoyed being in the garage where he bought, worked on and sold cars. His Monte Carlo and Chevy pickups brought him happiness along with watching NASCAR from the comfort of his bed these last months.

He loved his pups, Blueberry and Joshie. They were always excited to open their monthly Barkbox together with Ron. Buddy and CoCo who both previously crossed the rainbow bridge met him with open paws to play eternal catch. They’re now receiving unlimited belly rubs and treats from their Pa. 

Ron is survived by his wife and best friend of 24 years – Stephanie. They believed in “starting the day over” and “never going to bed angry”.

Devoted father to Rebecca Loranty, Amy Loranty, Jennifer (Tony) Gregori, Cara (Chase) Winkstern, and Michael (Katie Lockwood) Grosshans. He held his grandchildren Chelsea, Tyler, Luke, Kyle and Karissa very close to his heart.
Ron is also survived by his sibling’s Linda (Lin) Jursted; Stephen (Kathleen Lee) Loranty and Robert (Christine) Loranty.

Ron was a longtime friend of Bill W. and Bob S. as well.

Ron will be remembered for his ability to make others laugh and light up a room with joy. He will be missed. 

His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone involved in Ron’s care over the years.

Family will be present at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY on Tuesday, March 12th from 4-8 PM.  Funeral Services will be held at the Townline Lutheran Church, Alden, NY on Wednesday, March 13th at 11 AM. Military interment will take place at the WNY National Cemetery, Pembroke, NY on Thursday,  March 14th at a time to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to 
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo) and Townline Lutheran Church (Alden).

Gerald Edward Foster Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at the age of 79 following a very long history of medical conditions. He was born on Tuesday, February 13th, 1945, in Batavia, New York. Over the years he resided in Oakfield and Batavia.

Jerry’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren who called him Beepa and following their success. He loved watching his grandson play hockey over the years and would be his biggest supporter. He followed his granddaughter's passion for science and her success after graduation and was excited for her upcoming wedding. He was always kind and caring for others and continued to educate everyone with posts on Facebook daily.

Jerry was a dedicated teacher at Oakfield Alabama Central School District in Oakfield, New York for 33 years before becoming a substitute teacher after retirement. He had a passion for history and genealogy, spending countless hours researching local friends and families' ancestral roots as well as, his own. He was also a proud Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan, always cheering on his favorite teams. Jerry was also a strong supporter of the Batavia Muck Dogs and frequently attended their games.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carol A. Foster, of Batavia; his daughters, Shannon (Timothy) Larson of Roswell, Georgia, and Jamee (Michael Pierro) Foster of Buffalo; his grandchildren, Emilee (Daniel Davidson) Larson and Colin (Kristina O’Neal) Larson; his brother, James (Sandy) Foster of Mocksville, North Carolina; his sister, Marjorie Chaddock of Batavia; half brothers and sisters, and sister-in-law Cynthia (Gordimir Magdic) McCloskey. Jerry had many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is predeceased by his father, Gerald Edward Foster Sr., his mother Mary Elizabeth Foster Snyder, his stepfather, Robert Snyder, and sister Jacqueline A. Foster Becker.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 15th, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorial services will immediately follow visitation at 3 pm also at the funeral home. These services will be live streamed (the link will be available on March 15th at 3 pm) by visiting his obituary on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Volunteers for Animals. P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021, Holland Land Office Museum, 131 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Conquer Chiari, 320 Osprey Ct., Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090-In donation line please write “In Memory of Gerald Edward Foster, Jr”. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Josephine M. Tierson, 97, of Batavia passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on April 5, 1926 in Preble, NY to the late Charles and Louia (Smith) Webster. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her daughter; Judy Schade; siblings Howard, Elsworth, Fred, Lillian, Louia, Alfred, John, Mildred, Frank, Harry and Richard. 

Josephine worked for many years at Mobile Chemical in Macedon. She enjoyed sewing and knitting things that she donated to various churches. She loved her two cats and watching birds and chipmunks while she sat on her porch. 

She is survived by her daughter; Mary Rumsey of Batavia; sons Alan DeCann of Geneva and Dale (Carol) DeCann of N. Chili; sisters Betty Keene and Louise Keene; grandchildren Jim Rumsey, Paul Cole, Steve Cole, Amber DeCann, Brian DeCann and Eric DeCann; great-grandchildren Tristan and Owen Rumsey, Everett, Grayson and Quinlan Cole; her very special cats, Raven and Minerva, along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.vol4animals.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. 

LeRoy ~ Pamela (Myers) Cross passed away at age 60 on February 28, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  

     She is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Roland) Smythe (grandchildren: James Burns the 3rd, Devon Kent, and Samantha Kent), and her 2 sons, Daniel Smythe and Timothy (Keri) Smythe; the whole Cross gang; Bill Connell and Kelly Connell; her mother, Agnes (Dan) Snyder; step-mother, Joanne Myers and her brothers, Mike (Kim) Myers and Steve (Kailey) Myers; many nieces and nephews and many many grandchildren, along with her canine companions, Maple and Hussle.  She was predeceased by her husband, Lynn R. Cross, her father, Bob Myers and her beloved dog, Aries.     

 WE ALL LOVE AND DEEPLY MISS U MOM!!!!!!!

Pam worked at Coopervision in Scottsville for many years until she retired in June 2023.  She enjoyed going to the casino, drawing, hanging out with her fur babies, but most importantly, being with the ones she loved!!!! She loved and cared about her family and friends and made sure EACH AND EVERYONE OF US KNEW THAT!!!!!

     May the memories and impressions she made on each and everyone's lives, live and carry on!!! There will be no calling hours as she requested. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

     Family would appreciate any donations to go to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or Wilmot Cancer Center, 300 E. River Rd., P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.

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

Bellona - Katherine Virginia LaVarnway, 69 of Bellona, New York passed away on Thursday, (February 29, 2024) at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility where she had been residing.

Kathie was born May 11, 1954 in Los Angeles, California a daughter of the late Gerald and Mona (Casey) Johnson Sr.

Kathie enjoyed several years living in different areas of the country before landing in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was there where Kathie  met the love of her life, Mark. Kathie and Mark eventually relocated to Bellona where they made a home, and she became a staple of her community working for 30 years as a server at Ponderosa Steakhouse in Geneva.

Kathie, or as she was affectionately known to her youngest grandchildren as “Grandma Honeybuns” was loved by her family and many friends. Becoming a mother and a grandmother were two of her greatest accomplishments. Her loyalty, generosity and spunky personality will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

Katherine is survived by her husband of 36 years, Mark P. LaVarnway of Geneseo; son, Daniel (Jessica) LaVarnway of Perry; grandchildren, Evan and Leah LaVarnway, and Gavin Johnson; brothers, Robert (Cyril) Johnson of Arizona, Gerald (Renee) Johnson, Jr. of Alabama; sisters, Patricia Gonzalez of California, and Lisa Johnson of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline Wink; and a son, Jacob Johnson.

There will be no visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SS. Joachim & Anne Parish in Attica at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery in West Palm Beach Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wyoming County SPCA.

Arrangements for Katherine were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.