Obituaries

Mary L. Geary, 82, of Batavia, NY passed peacefully at her home on February 19^th, 2024.  She was born in Buffalo, NY on July 18^th, 1941, was raised in Pavilion, NY and graduated as part of the Pavilion High School class of 1959.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Teresa Marshe, husband, Thomas E. Geary, son, John S. Graham, and grandson Jordan M. Kosiorek.  

Mary is survived by her loving companion and friend of nearly 40 years, George H. Way of Batavia, NY, her sister, Joyce A. Betts of Buffalo, NY, sons, Steven T. Graham of Greensboro, NC, Brian R. Graham of Statesville, NC, Todd A. Graham of Ellaville, GA, Damien R. Graham of Faribault, MN, her daughter, Shannon B. Lewis, of Sarasota, FL, her grandsons Ethan T. Geary of Northport, FL, Nicholas  J. Lewis of Northport, FL, her granddaughter Adrianna M. Carducci of Painesville, OH.  She is also survived by Laura A. Lewis, of Clarence, NY, Robert J. Way of Roanoke, VA, as well as several other grandchildren, great grandchildren and many loving extended family members and dear friends. 

Mary was a Craft, Chinese Auction, and Shopping enthusiast.  She also enjoyed Gardening, Painting, Reading, Knitting as well as spending time with her family and friends, and her dog Cooper.  She extended genuine kindness to everyone and enjoyed making the holidays special for her friends and family.  She had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed the little things in life the most.  She had a generous and giving heart that she will forever be remembered for.  
 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Friday May 3, 2024 at Western New York National Cemetery 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY 14036 where she will be laid to rest.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Richard “Dick” Barie of East Bethany passed away on Saturday Feb. 17 th at Strong Memorial Hospital.
 

Dick was born March 18, 1943 in Batavia NY, the son of the late Robert and Lorena Barie.
 

After graduating Alexander High School, Dick attended Cornell University where he received a degree in Agricultural Business. Upon graduation from Cornell, Richard returned to East Bethany where he eventually formed a partnership with his parents and brother at Lor-Rob Dairy Farm. The family farm was the passion of Dick’s life for almost 60 years.
 

As a youth Dick was an active member of the FFA and became a leader in the Genesee County Agricultural industry as well as a lifetime member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, Genesee Memorial Hospital Board member, a Bethany Town Board member and the Bethany Town Supervisor for several years. Dick enjoyed his family, his employees and served as a resource to anyone who needed him. He was well known for the time spent with the Belgian horses he and his family campaigned for over 40 years. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Sandvoss) Barie; his children Karen Johnson (Steve) of Jamestown, Debra Barie (Tim Buckenmeyer) of Alexander, and Mark Barie (Jocelyn) of East Bethany, their mother Sally (Rider) Barie of Batavia, as well as stepsons Peter Sandvoss of Canandaigua, and Stephen Sandvoss of East Bethany; and grandchildren Remy Lacey of Batavia, and Avery and Austin Sandvoss of Canandaigua.
 

Richard was predeceased by his parents and his brother, David Barie.
 

Calling Hours will be held on Friday February 23, 2024 at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Richards’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00am at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at East Bethany Cemetery.
 

Donations in memorial can be made to the East Bethany Presbyterian Church or the Genesee County Agricultural Society.
 

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

Mrs. Prudence Wilson Pray, 80, passed away on February 17, 2024 surrounded by her family. She passed peacefully with the knowledge that she was greatly loved and adored by her loved ones, and that her loved ones knew how deeply she loved and cared for them as well.

Prudence, best known by friends and family as Prudy, was born February 26, 1943 in Oneida, New York to her late and loving parents, Carl and Louella Wilson. After graduating from VVS High School (Vernon, NY) in 1961, Prudy was briefly employed at General Electric in Syracuse, NY.  In 1963 she eloped with her husband of sixty years, Raymond S. Pray to Fort Stewart, Georgia where they were married. They spent two years in Georgia while Raymond was in the Army before settling in Alexander, NY. For the better part of her life, Prudy lived in Batavia, NY. After raising her children, Prudy assisted Raymond in the accounting department of the Batavia Animal Hospital.

Surviving along with her husband are her children, Scott (Peggy) Pray of Corfu, Michelle "Shelly" (Jon) Cacchione of Erie, Pennsylvania, David (Kimberly) Pray of Portland, Oregon and Tammy (Brendan) Wyatt of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Seth, Jasmine and Anneka Pray, Sam and Madeline Cacchione, Sonora and Ezekiel Pray and Sora Wyatt, her brothers, Charles "Red" (Barb) Wilson of Sherrill and Richard "Dick" (Rosemary) Wilson of Tully along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Beverly (Charlie) Adams.

It was the mission of her life to take care of the people she loved. Prudy had a natural knack for homemaking, raising her four children and eight grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and a fantastic baker, always sharing her food with the people she loved. She had a love for all animals, raising lots of dogs and cats over the years. She was a follower of the Lord and spent her life dedicated to Him. Prudy loved the sport of bowling, having bowled in a women’s league for many years. She enjoyed traveling all over the United States with her husband in their RV. They also spent several winters in their retirement community in Arcadia, Florida with frequent nights out to dinner, watching sunsets on the beach, activities at the RV park and socializing with friends in their community.

Prudy was admired and deeply loved by anyone who knew her. Many describe her as nurturing, kind hearted, generous, and to have a great sense of humor. Though she had many wonderful qualities about her, Prudy will always be known as a great and proud mother and grandmother who loved her children unconditionally. Those were the roles she truly embraced the most. As we mourn the loss of Prudy, know that she would want everyone to celebrate her and carry out her legacy by spreading love, being kind, and always saving room for dessert.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Graveside services will be held on Friday at 10 am at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, New York 14036. Please assemble at the cemetery by 9:45 am.

Memorial services will follow graveside services at 12 pm on Friday at The Church in Alexander, 3389 Church Street, Alexander, New York 14005. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Prudy's name to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to The Church in Alexander, 3389 Church Street, Alexander, New York 14005.

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

Bergen - John P. Weiss, 73 of Bergen, NY, passed away on Sunday, (February 11, 2024) at home in Bergen. He lived for many years in Dover, Ohio.

Mr. Weiss was born December 28, 1950, in Lackawanna, NY, the son of the late Oscar and Marion (Mansfield) Weiss of Hamburg, NY. He grew up in Hamburg, graduated from Hamburg High School in 1969, and went on to graduate from Cedarville College in 1973.

He worked for a few years as a youth pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then spent time at Kent University in Ohio working with Campus Crusade for Christ. He moved to Dover, and retired in 2009 after many years as a draftsman, most recently with Gradall Industries in Ohio. As a young boy, he became interested in astronomy and remained an avid stargazer throughout his life. He was an active member of a local astronomy group.

He is survived by his sisters, Carol Weiss of Nyack, New York, and Joanne Janus of Charleston, South Carolina. Nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Smith, Bonnie Weiss, and Nancy Meade.

A memorial service is being planned, tentatively scheduled for April 9. Burial in North Byron Cemetery will be private.  

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

Joanne M. Zimmerman, 94, of Medina, died on Friday, February 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the Medina Memorial Hospital-North Wing Skilled Nursing Facility.

Joanne was born in Medina on August 21, 1929. A daughter of the late Joseph and Ervanna (Bowen) Menke, Joanne, alongside her older sister, Flora Linda, grew up on West Center Street. She graduated from Medina High School and went on to earn a nursing degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Joanne worked as a Registered Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and moved home to Medina after she met the love of her life, John E. “Jack” Zimmerman. The couple were wed on June 28, 1952 at St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Together they raised eight children in the home that her grandparents built on West Center Street, located just across the street from her own childhood home. Once her youngest child was in school, she returned to nursing and retired from Medina Memorial Hospital in 1991.

Friends and family remember Joanne as the mother they wish they had. Joanne’s West Center Street home was a hub of activity, a gathering place for all of her children’s friends. Whether setting an additional place at the dining table, a sleepover, or summertime at the family cottage on Lake Ontario, Joanne was at the center of every activity.

The congregation at St. Mary’s Church will remember the Zimmermans trapsing into church each Sunday to sit in front of the pulpit as Father delivered the weekly message. The older children may remember the early years at the cottage with weekly Sunday sailboat races, where Joanne was the hostess behind the scenes. Summertime at the cottage meant baths in the lake, heating water on the stove and no TV. Summer never began until Joanne’s sister, Flora Linda, arrived with her family from California for a visit. Even though she lived her entire life within a three-block radius, it was in 1970 that she and Jack took to the road, taking the entire family on a summer vacation around the United States with ten people in a nine-passenger station wagon with a seventeen-foot travel trailer in tow.

She made a traditional family dinner every night, which was more like a banquet for ten. Every birthday was a holiday, and every holiday was a special time for a family celebration. Though Joanne was not a fan of the cold, she enjoyed driving her children to Gallagher’s Hill for sledding and participating in ice boating on Glenwood Lake. She only ventured into Lake Ontario once a summer for her annual swim. Grandchildren will remember her watching them swim, bonfires at the lake, her sense of community and the life lessons she imparted on them.

While raising her large family, Joanne also had an active social life through her sorority, bridge club and Coterie with friends known as the Dutch Treat Crowd. Although anxious when put on the spot or in the spotlight, Joanne was often a behind the scenes instigator of practical jokes, mischief and other merriment without parallel. She will be dearly missed.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband, John E. Zimmerman 2004; and son, Robert A. Zimmerman 1992.

Survivors include her children, John E. (Christine) Zimmerman, F. Linda Knipe, Joseph (Carol) Zimmerman, Mary (Thomas) Robinson, Phillip (Connie) Zimmerman, Joanne A. Zimmerman and Carl (Sally) Zimmerman; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Flora Linda Sardina; many nieces and nephews; and several dogs and grand-dogs.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 4-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will follow in Boxwood Cemetery.

Following the services, the family would like to invite everyone to join them at the Sacred Heart Club, 189 N. Gravel Rd., Medina, for a funeral luncheon and Celebration of Joanne’s Life, where the sharing of memories and stories by family and friends will be encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Orleans Community Health Foundation at www.supportoch.org, the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or to a charity of choice. Please share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Marsha Jean Botham, 65 of Buffalo and formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (February 14, 2024) at Buffalo General Hospital.

She was born May 10, 1958 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of Robert Botham of Warsaw and the late Rena Seddon Botham. 

Marsha was employed by V.P. Supply Co. of Cheektowaga, NY, where she loved to go to work every day. Her co-workers were like a second family to her. She was an artsy person, who enjoyed painting, crafting and creating her own greeting cards. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats and was a foster care giver for many of them. Most of all she loved her children, grandchildren and family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving besides her father are her three children, Renee (Soupy) Milks of Akron, Neil (Tori) Dylag of Buffalo and Ben (Autumn) Purucker of Plattsburg. Grandchildren, Alexis, Isaiah, Mykenzie, Hayden, Joey, Henley and Delia. Siblings, Debbie (Barry) Schoonover of Oklahoma, Laura (Michael) Hohensee of Varysburg and Robert (Amy) Botham of Florida. Also survived by her fur daughter, Chloe and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (February 24^th) from 10am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to the Ten Lives Club at www.tenlivesclub.com/donate. 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.

Bergen - Barbara Howard, 85, of Bergen, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester, New York.

Barb was born February 3, 1939 in Albion, New York, the daughter of the late James and Irene (Wahl) McGee.

Barbara loved to spend time with her family and friends.  Her door was always open for a long visit.  She also loved to crochet.  She loved to make newborn sets for the children of family and friends.  In her spare time, she was an avid Bingo enthusiast and she loved to shop at the Made in America store.

Barb married the love of her life, Richard Howard, on August 22, 1959. Together they raised 4 wonderful children and enjoyed many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at the Genesee County Nursing Home until her retirement.

Surviving is her husband, Richard Howard of Bergen, New York; children, Deborah (Donald) Fogg of Bergen, New York, Richard (Sarah) Howard Jr. of Hopkinton, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Leffel of Batavia, New York; and 9 grandchildren, D.R. Fogg, Devin Fogg, Amanda Chadsey, Joshua Howard,  Daniel Neal, Matthew Neal, Abigail Regan, Racheal Howard, and Benjamin Howard; 11 great grandchildren, her beloved hairdresser and surrogate daughter, Maria (Rob) Rowland, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death Barb is reunited with her son, James Howard, parents, James and Irene McGee, and brothers, James and Anthony “Pat” McGee.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home in Bergen, The funeral Mass for Barb will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at St. Brigid's Church, 18 Gibson St, Bergen, NY 14416. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 12:00pm to 2:00 pm at the Rose Garden, 21 Buffalo Rd, Bergen, NY 14416. Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Holley, New York.

For Barb's son James Howard, calling hours will be held on May 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Ave. in Bergen, where Jim's funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. also on May 17.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barb’s memory to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center - 2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626

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

Ann Kalish, 73, of Batavia and formerly of Albion, passed away on February 9, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Ann was born January 9, 1951.

There are no prior calling hours.  Ann's service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 19 at St. Joseph Mausoleum, 531 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  

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

Arrangements for Ann were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

John Anthony Mondo, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away in his sleep on the morning of January 15, 2024.  He was born on November 19, 1926 in Batavia, New York to Anthony L. and Alice Concetta (Gugino) Mondo. 

John was a 1944 graduate of Batavia High School, and a proud veteran of World War II, who served with the U.S. Army in Europe.  After returning from his military service, John attended Purdue University, the University of Buffalo, and earned a diploma in Architectural Drawing from Erie County Technical Institute.  On October 1, 1960, he married Nancy Evans in Batavia, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage together, making their home in Batavia until moving to Bradenton, Florida in 1973, where they lived for the remainder of his life.

John is survived by his sister, Anne (Mondo) Burns; his wife Nancy, and their four children, Anita (Lori Pierce) Mondo, Daniel (Elizabeth) Mondo, John (Will Forster) Mondo, and Stephen Mondo; five grandchildren, Tiffany Mondo, Christopher Otteni-Mondo, Courtney (Jake) Lane, Hailey Mondo, and Abbey (Cody) Mordecai; three great-grandchildren—and two more he was looking forward to meeting in the coming months; as well as all of his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their families.

John was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Josephine (Mondo) Tubiolo; his son’s partner, Rick D. Marchewka; and his great-niece, Michelle A. Cecere.

Calling hours will be held at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia on Thursday, February 22nd from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street in Batavia on Friday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a graveside committal service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221 (guidedogs.org). 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.

Douglas (Doug) Higgins peacefully passed away on February 12, 2024, at the Gateway Home in Attica, New York, after a long and courageous health battle. 

Doug was born on December 27, 1947 at St. Jerome's Hospital in Batavia, New York. He was the son of Glady Bey Higgins of Attica, New York, and Thomas F. Higgins, formerly of Auburn, New York. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brothers, Jim Higgins of Davis, California, and John Higgins of Attica, New York. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara E. Higgins of Attica; his brother-in-law, Salvador Ramirez of Davis, California, as well as nieces and several cousins.

Doug attended grade school at St. Vincent's De Paul Catholic School in Attica, New York. He graduated from Attica Central School in 1966 with a local diploma in Business and was a three-sport athlete; achieving Varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Doug then attended Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York, where he received an Associate's Degree in Business and the State University College at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor's degrees in both Business Education and Environmental Studies in 1973.

Doug was a Vietnam Era Veteran enlisting in the United States Army Reserve in 1967 and proudly serving until he was Honorably Discharged in 1973. He was employed by the York Central School District as a secondary business education teacher from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. Doug was also a New York State Sportsman Education Instructor for more than 40 years teaching Hunter Safety, Bow Hunter Education, and Trapper Training courses.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and golf. He especially enjoyed spring turkey and elk hunting, where he traveled extensively in pursuit of his passions. He was a life-long member of the Attica Golf Club, (currently "The 10th Hole") in Attica, the National Rifle Association, the North American Big Game Club and was a Silver member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 2015, Doug was voted into the New York State Sportsman's Hall of Fame in recognition of his life-long volunteerism which benefited countless numbers of New York's Outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Doug was a member of the A-ON-DO-WAH-NUH Sportsman's Club in Leicester, New York, the York Sportsman's Club near his home in York, and the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734 in Attica, New York.

Doug will sadly be missed by his family, many close friends, and his dog, Jake. A special "Thank You" to the volunteers and staff at the Gateway Home in Attica for all of the wonderful care and support Doug received during his stay.

Visitation for Doug will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11:30 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doug's name to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, New York 14011; Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020; or the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734, 83 Market Street, Attica, New York 14011. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Batavia - Gloria J. Wolford of Batavia passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital.
 

Gloria was born January 5, 1940 in Batavia, NY. The daughter of the late Roy and Leona Harloff.
 

Gloria was the youngest of seven children, raised on a farm, and grew up learning about responsibilities, hard work and a dignified strong work ethic. Her mother was quoted once saying; “you have to have backbone not just a wishbone,” and Gloria truly lived by those words.
Her strong will was often nurtured into many incredible accomplishments. She was truly remarkable, strong and an independent woman yet helpful and caring at the same time.
 

Gloria drove school bus for various districts for over 30 years. She also worked as the bookkeeper for her husband’s pest control business for many years. Gloria and her husband Frank enjoyed spending time at their camp in Cherry Grove, PA. They enjoyed taking rides in
the country and going to garage sales. They went on many trips throughout the years and enjoyed camping in their motorhome. They had several Schnauzer dogs over their lifetime, and at one point had a total of six. Gloria had a maltese dog named Susie who was always by her side and Gloria would often say she didn’t know what she would do without her.
 

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank in 2021, and son, Terry Wolford in 1965. Surviving are her children: Todd (Becky) Wolford, Karen (Doug) Kohorst, Trent (Lynn) Wolford and Lori (Rick) Bush; thirteen grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Moden, Stephen (Anne) Wolford,
Amanda Wolford, Bethany (Andy) Peters, Ashley Kohorst, Brandon Kohorst, Emery Kohorst, Eric Wolford, Alyssa (Dylan) Shea, Patrick Wolford, Jack Wolford, Lindsay (Brent) Seewald and Travis (Kaiti) Bush and six great-grandchildren.
 

We cannot thank Fresenius Kidney Care enough and Nurse, Mark Moser for being such an integral part in her life and the kind and compassionate care she received over the years. Special thanks to the East Pembroke Fire Dept. for their prompt and courteous response each
time they were called upon. There are no words to express our gratitude. 

In accordance with Gloria’s wishes, no memorial services will be held. Her family will honor her memory privately. Memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Fire Department, P.O. Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056.

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

Nancy Lewis Pascucci, a former resident of East Aurora and Batavia, New York died peacefully on Sunday Feb. 11th. She was 93. 

Mrs. Pascucci was born on April 6, 1930 in Spencer, NY, the eldest child of the late Harold and Jean (nee Fisher) Durham. The Durhams moved to East Aurora when Nancy was 12 years old. After graduating from East Aurora High School in 1947, she attended Keuka College where she enjoyed studying sociology and being the coxswain for the Keuka College rowing team. 

Mrs. Pascucci also attended Bryant and Stratton College and following graduation worked as the administrative assistant to the Superintendent of the East Aurora School District until the birth of her first child. 

She married Loran L. Lewis, IV in June 1951 and they were together until his death in 1990. 

A lover of the theater arts, Nancy loved music, singing and acting. She was a founding member of The Aurora Children’s Theater group which performed plays in elementary schools throughout Western New York in the 1960’s. Mrs. Pascucci was active in the Aurora Players performing in such plays as Picnic, The Music Man, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls.  She also enjoyed working behind the scenes, winning the Aurora Players creative award for outstanding special effects. Nancy sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora for nearly 25 years. 

Mrs. Pascucci also sang in the Quaker Chapter of Sweet Adelines, an organization devoted to singing barbershop harmony. As a past President and Show Director, Mrs. Pascucci was selected as the Sweet Adeline of the Year in the 1970’s from more than 1,000 members in Western and Central New York, Northern Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. 

Nancy also loved to play bridge and formed a bridge group with her friends that met on a weekly basis.

Mrs. Pascucci worked at The Aurora Town Public Library in East Aurora, NY for 25 years, retiring after she married her second husband, Louis Pascucci in 1995 and moved to Batavia, NY. 

A lover of travel, Nancy travelled extensively throughout her long life, especially enjoying her trips to Italy with her husband Louis, England and Scotland with her daughter, and Hawaii and Puerto Rico with her friends.  As a member of an Orchard Park Senior Citizen group, Diamonds in the Rough, she participated in nearly every trip, concert, talk or play they organized. 

Nancy loved people and possessed an uncanny ability to make friends with nearly everyone she met. Her youthful spirit and fun-loving nature was only matched by her kindness, generosity and concern for others.  Most importantly, Nancy loved her family. They were her greatest joy and comfort. She will be deeply missed. 

She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Thomas Saunders) Lewis, Jennifer (Jeron Drew) Lewis Drew, and son Robert Lewis; sister Joan “Joey” Newell, brother Thomas (Patricia) Durham. She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher (Rachel) Saunders, Gabriel (Saba) Saunders, Nicholas (Faith) Drew, Kelsey Drew, eight great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by her first husband Loran L. Lewis IV, second husband Louis Pascucci and granddaughter Alicia Saunders Convard. 

Visitation hours at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia on Friday, February 16th from 11am-2pm to be followed immediately by a graveside committal service at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia. All are welcome. 

A Celebration of Life will take place in the summer. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Aurora Town Public Library at 550 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 or to ArcGLOW, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Gertrude Constance Gorski, 93 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born September 3, 1930 in Tupper Lake, to the late Charles and Isabella (Godin) Sivret. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Gorski, siblings, Dr. Alexander (Elizabeth) Sivret and Elizabeth (Joseph) Barsuk.

Mrs. Gorski retired as an RN from Rochester Psychiatric Center, she also worked at St. Jerome’s Hospital for many years. Nursing was something she was very passionate about. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild and her special dog; Trucker.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Zanghi of Batavia, Cecelia (Tony Ortiz) Gorski of Lackawanna, and Charles (Susan) Gorski of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, David (Kelley) Zanghi, Eugene (Michelle) Myers, Charlene (Samantha) Myers-Pauly, Charles “CJ” (Ashley Wumkes) Gorski, James (Jackie Nocita) Gorski, Clayton (Cheyenne Ernst) Gorski, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of her Life will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Rd. Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Martha Grace Van Duyne Clingerman died peacefully February 5, 2024 after a brief illness.  Martha was born October 13, 1934 in Butler, NY to Leroy and Margaret (Graham) Van Duyne. 

She is predeceased by Richard C. Clingerman and beloved partner Lester W. Nodecker and siblings Merton, Muriel Blondell, Richard, Shirley Simmons and Carol Wolf. 

Martha is survived by brother David (Lillian) and her four children Clarence Dale Clingerman, Debra (Kevin) Reynolds, Todd Clingerman (Dorothy) and Terri (Mark Hackett Jr) granddaughters Sara (Stephen) Condie, Tiffany Reynolds (Anthony Dello Stritto), and Stephanie Gonsalves and great grandchildren Kevin, Nathan, Kaya, Kyleigh and Nikolas. 

Martha and her kitchen were the heart of her family and she gathered the generations together several times a year for decades to enjoy great food and laughter.  She passed her great love of books, music and the Buffalo Bills on to the following generations and, less successfully, her talent for gardening. She was an honorary “Mom” to many of her children's friends. Martha was the mom who packed great lunches, took her children on day trips, to drive-in movies, berry picking, and who got them out of bed in the middle of the night to see the aurora borealis over Lake Ontario. 

Martha worked for years at Sarah Coventry and retired from Dynalec Corporation.  In retirement, she and Les enjoyed extensive road trips, gardening, cows and cats.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Service will be held at her interment in Butler-Savannah Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SPCA. Go Bills! To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Darien Center - Joyce Mingle, 83 of Darien Center passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at a local nursing home.
 

Joyce was born Saturday, September 21st, 1940 in Lackawanna, NY a daughter of the late Norman and Rosemary (Kirst) Koester.
 

Joyce married her soulmate, Edward Mingle, on July 5th, 1975. Together they developed a partnership on their farm and raised a family. Before
joining Edward on the farm, Joyce was an educator and school principal.
 

Joyce will be remembered by her husband, Edward Mingle; son, Jacob (Kelly) Mingle; Siblings, Tom (late Alice) Koester, Jean (late Sebastian “Edward”) Thomas, her twin, Janice (late Paul) Korzelius, Theresa (Jeff) Lunn, along with many nieces and nephews.
 

Family and friends are invited to Joyce’s funeral mass on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040. Burial will immediately follow the funeral mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Darien Center, NY.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s name to The Sisters of St. Francis, an organization she spent 14 years with, 201 Reist St, Williamsville, NY 14221 or Our Lady of Good Counsel, 10677 Alleghany Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040.
 

Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.