Obituaries

Batavia - Alexander "Alex" O'Brien, 20, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Alexander was born April 19, 1999, in Batavia, a son of Gregory and Karen (Langdon) O'Brien of Batavia.

Alexander was a custodian at the New York State Veteran's Home and also worked food service at the New York State School for the Blind.  He enjoyed anime, music, writing and being with his family and friends.

Surviving along with his parents, Gregory and Karen, are his brothers, Zachary O'Brien of Batavia and Steven O'Brien of Batavia; grandmother, Betty O'Brien of Batavia and two very special friends, Walter and Mary.

Alexander is a grandson of the late John O'Brien and Douglas and Elizabeth Langdon.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where a Time of Sharing will be held at 4:00 p.m., also on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Alexander's memory may be made to Mercy Flight, 4781 East Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020, https://www.mercyflight.org/support/ or to Palliative Care Program - Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 278996, 300 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14627, www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/.

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

Batavia - Dixie L. Best, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Dixie was predeceased by her son, Steven Rethlake and her brother, Danby Best.

Dixie is survived by her daughter; Tara (Joseph) Statler; grandchildren; Aaron Statler, Bethann Rethlake and Tiffany Rethlake; great-grandchildren; Eloise Statler and Lucas Walls; her brothers; Mike (Debbie) Best, Corky (Sue) Best and Doug ( Jean) Best; her special friend and niece, Jessica Oliver along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. She will be entombed in the niche at Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Françoise (Frances) Menard Bourdon passed away June 16, 2019 in Batavia, New York.  Frances was born March 22, 1925 in Alfred, Ontario, Canada to Isaie and Alma (Sibué) Menard.

  She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Eugene  (Gene) Bourdon, her children Anne and Mark, twin brother  Rev. Francis Menard and sister Helen White. She is survived by a brother, John Menard (Sophie) and sister, Gloria Breh (Michael), her 4 children (and their spouses), Mary Lou Bailey (Ernie), John Bourdon (Claudia), James, and Denise Spadaccia (Larry), 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She and her husband, Eugene Bourdon, operated Bourdon Oil and Tire in Cobleskill, New York from 1957 until Gene’s death in 1981. Frances continued to live in Cobleskill, but spent winters in Maryland with her son, John and daughter-in-law, Claudia.  Frances was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church and active in the hospital auxiliary. She enjoyed regular family gatherings with her siblings, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their friends at Thanksgiving, Easter and at any other opportunity.  

In the words of her grandchildren, ‘Granny’ was the epitome of beauty, strength and grace, and looked for sunshine in every day.  She was often referred to as ‘solar powered’! She was ever present in our lives, celebrating our victories, and acknowledging our struggles.  She always had time to read us books, look at our pictures, and sing songs. In her final two months, she continued to teach us by modeling how to die with grace, strength, courage, and dignity.  Granny will be the center of stories around the card table for generations to come continuing to fill hearts with warmth, laughter, and love. She lives on in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, New York on Tuesday evening, June 25 from 5-7PM.  Visitation will also be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 26 at St Vincent DePaul Church in Cobleskill, New York followed at 11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial.  

In lieu of flowers, people are invited to contribute in her memory to Crossroads House in Batavia, NY www.crossroadshouse.com or St. Vincent DePaul Church www.stvincentdepaulcobleskillny.com.  

Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mrs. Bourdon's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

OAKFIELD - Laura A. Gonzalez, 62, of Oakfield, formerly of Byron, passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at her home in Oakfield.

Mrs. Gonzalez was born July 12, 1956, in Batavia, a daughter of Virginia (Zeitvogle) Mann of Leroy and the late Donald Mann.

She was a 1974 graduate of Byron Bergen High School and attended Genesee Community College.  She enjoyed watching movies, reading Stephen King novels, crochet, collecting decorative cow figures and watching cooking shows.

Along with her mother, she is survived by 2 sons, Jason C. (Rebecca) Mann and Adam M. (Candice) Gonzalez, both of Batavia; 3 brothers, Donald (Joanne) Mann of Dansville, David (Karen) Mann of Groveland and Charles Mann of AZ; a sister, Barbara (Rodney) Bouchard of Pavilion; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.            

She was predeceased by her sister (the late) Karen Mann.    

Friends may call from 4 - 7 p.m. Thursday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia where her service will follow at 7 pm.  Private burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Thomas E. Hayes Sr., 69 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Crossroads House. He was born September 9, 1949 to the late Edward (Rosalind Zeis) Hayes. He is preceded in death by siblings Robert and Gary Hayes, Nancy Cifelli.

Tom was a proud United States Army Vietnam Veteran. He loved spending time in his vegetable garden and cooking. Tom was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed driving his Mustang. He was a hardworking man that never seemed to stop. Tom loved camping and spending time with his family.  

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Brigid K. (Hunt) Hayes of Batavia; children Alicia (Steven) Fitzsimmons of Oakfield; Christina (Jamon) Freak of New Zealand; Brandi Hayes Barnett of Collinsville, IL; Caitlin (Jacob) Fronczek of Tonawanda; Thomas E. Hayes Jr. of Batavia; special niece Shelby (Brandon) Falker of Akron; sister Patricia (William) Cultrara of Oakfield; brother-in-law James Cifelli of Batavia; 6 grandchildren Kaleb, Quinn, Collin, Tyler, Alex and Savannah, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday June 19, 2019 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday June 20, 2019 at the Funeral Home. Tom will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

 

 

Joyce L. Marchese, 89 of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Premier Genesee Center. She was born October 5, 1929 to the late Glen (Rena) Hammond. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Salvatore J. Marchese and daughter-in-law Michele (Hunt) Marchese.

Joyce was very active in raising her family by planning family activities, travel and outings. For years she was a co-owner and participated in the daily operations of Heveron’s Hotel, restaurant and tavern. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren along with painting, knitting, traveling and of course playing card games.

Joyce is survived by her children Glenna Harloff and her children Kevin (Carolyn) Geisler, David (Jackie) Geisler, Jennifer (Jeff) Barnes and Michael (Lisa) Harloff; Paul Marchese; Peter M. (Deborah Wade) Marchese and his children Philip (Adrienne) Marchese, Sara Marchese; S. (Lori) Marchese; Daniel (Terri) Marchese and their children Daniel (Carolyn) Marchese, Salvatore Marchese, Miles (Lexi) Marchese; four great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Joyce will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Douglas J. Maloy, 72 of LeRoy, passed away peacefully on Friday June 14, 2019 at his home. He was born March 30, 1947 in Batavia to the late John (Marcia Miller) Malloy. He is preceded in death by a daughter Barbara Middleton.

Doug worked for many years as a mason. He worked hard and he played hard and he’ll be remembered that way.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kelly (Millsbaugh) Maloy of LeRoy; son John D. (Missy Nobles) Maloy of Attica and two grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

BATAVIA - Elizabeth Ann Finnin, 49, of Batavia, lost her battle with addiction on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home in Batavia.

Elizabeth was born September 8, 1969, in Walla Walla, Washington, a daughter of the late Homer A. and Zelma (Moffit) Ruble.

She was a very friendly person who enjoyed cooking.

Survivng are her children, Preston Ruble, Ashton Ruble, Taylor (Agin Hasenauer) Finnin, Faith (George Nichols) Finnin, and Grayson Finnin; 7 grandchildren; a brother, Michael; sisters, Mary, Ovila, and Diane.  The father of her children, Frank Finnin also survives.  

She is preceded in death by a son, Bryin Sebastian Ruble and brother, Irvin.

Family and Friends are invited to atted Elizabeth's Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (June 22, 2019) at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia, with Rev. Martin MacDonald officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Mildred H. Davies Kujawski of Batavia passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home. Mildred was born July 11, 1930, in Buffalo, NY.  Daughter of the late Ruth Schattner and Frederick Davies. She is predeceased in death by her devoted husband Joseph Paul Kujawski who died November 19, 2004.  Also predeceased by her brother, Richard Davies.

Millie worked for over 14 years as the Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in Batavia, NY.  She also enjoyed being a teacher’s aid for the Batavia School system for many years. Her joys were singing and sewing. She was a member of the Genesee Chorale, St. Joseph Church choir, Museum Quilt Guild and Genealogy Society. She joined and volunteered for countless local groups.

She is survived by her five children, Nancy Kujawski of Missouri, Paula (Donald) DiLaura of Batavia, LuAnn (Jack) Leonard of Florida, David (Beth) Kujawski of Colorado and Lynn (The Late William) Hastings of Batavia. Six grandchildren, Julie (Chad) Higgins, Andrea (Jeremy) Karas, Donald II (Alexandra) DiLaura, Sean Leonard, Nathan Kujawski, and Katherine (Tommy) Matteson. Along with twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dear brother and sister-in-law Robert and Janice Davies of Florida, Jane Davies Of Florida, Brother-in-law   Henry Kujawski, sister-in-laws,  Florence Kujawski and Marian Malzewski.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday June 22, 2019 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow calling hours 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, the Twenty-five Neediest Children's Fund, Inc, C/O  Nann Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Or Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc.,127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Bradley L. Stevenson, 60 of Gainesville, NY passed away on Friday June 14th at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Batavia, NY on September 29, 1958 a son to the late Robert Lewis and Margaret Louise (McAdoo) Stevenson. Brad worked for Brothers Transportation in Wind Gap, PA., previously for M&T Trucking in Pavilion, Quality Trucking and Caledonia Tanklines. Brad was a member of the Gainesville Fire Department. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, classic country music, dancing, and watching wrestling on TV.

He is survived by 2 sisters: Barbara DeWitt of Oakfield, Beverly (Richard) Waite of Warsaw, 2 brothers: Bruce (Elizabeth) Stevenson of Fulton, Brett (Bobbi) Stevenson of Batavia, sister-in-law: Lisa (Brian) Deel of Livonia, his companion: Rhonda Winkstern of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife: Lori (Fuller) Stevenson who passed away in 2010, In-laws: Gerald and Marilyn Fuller.

Family and friends may call from 4:30 – 8:30pm on Friday June 21st at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main in Perry. A fireman’s service will be held on Friday at 8:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday June 22nd at 2:00pm at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Gainesville, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gainesville Fire Department or to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 585-237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

E. Bethany ~ Jean Donna “Umma” Spence, age 69, of E. Bethany-LeRoy Road, passed away early Friday morning (June 14, 2019) at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

   

She was born April 15, 1950 in Johnson City, a daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Gillespie Solian Sr.

     Donna will be remembered as loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who adored her family and was very active in following all her children's and grandchildren's activities.  She was well known for her sense of humor and her inexplicable way of always mixing up her idioms.  She especially enjoyed working alongside her husband whenever he needed a hand.  She was very proud of her certification as a pharmacy technician and was a past member of the ladies auxiliary in Forest Lake, PA.

     She is survived by her children, Edward (Wendy) Spence, Jefry (Susan) Spence Jr. and Jill Spence (Jim Brough); grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Kalmus, Alyssa Franks (Josiah Tetreault), Katie Rose Spence, Eryn Spence and Robert (Jennifer) Morehead; great-grandchildren, Jackson Spence, Dannielle Morehead and Taylor Morehead; siblings, Bobby (late Bonnie) Solian, Johnny Solian, Pauly Solian, David (Jane) Solian, Jimmy Solian, Helen (Nick) Kulik, Matty Solian and Tommy Solian; sisters-in-law, Laurie Solian and Dee Solian, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband, Jefry Spence Sr., brothers, Joseph Solian Jr. and Michael Solian, sister, Joann Solian and grandson, Nathaniel Edward Spence.

     Family and friends are invited to Donna's Celebration of Life Reception to be held on Sunday, June 23^rd between 11am and 3pm at the LeRoy Country Club, 7759 E. Main St, LeRoy, NY 14482.

     Contributions in memory of Donna may be made to Warrior House of WNY, 22 Mill St. Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

     Mrs. Spence and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

   

       

    Betty L. Schmieder, 88, of Alexander died peacefully at her home on June 14, 2019. She was born in Batavia, NY to the late Howard and the late Arlene (Gimm) Cochran. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 1994 and her sister, Jeanne in 1983.

Betty enjoyed reading, traveling, and learning.

Betty is survived by her children, Bernard (Jane) Schmieder, Jane (Bruce) Kershenski, Gregory (Kelly) Schmieder, Joseph (Laura) Schmieder, Andrew Schmieder, and Edward (Caroline) Schmieder; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Please consider a memorial to Home Care Hospice, 450 N. Main St., Warsaw, NY 14569 in Betty’s memory.
For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

  Bernice Saddler, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Premier Genesee Center. She was born in Shaw, Mississippi to the late Joe (Lilly) Thomas. She is preceded in death by a daughter Shirley Ann Johnson, brothers P.H., Willie and Lamar Thomas.  

Mrs. Saddler was a devoted and faithful member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia. She was always willing to help anyone in need. Mrs. Saddler was a caring wife, mother, grandmother that loved her husband and family unconditionally.  

Mrs. Saddler is survived by her beloved husband Aaron Saddler of Batavia; children Aaron Saddler Jr. of Batavia; Ella Louise Saddler of Rochester; Jerry Saddler of Batavia; Robert Saddler of Auburn, NY; Bilal Muhammad of Nebraska; siblings Mattie Lawson of Mississippi; Martin Thomas of Mississippi, Ida Barrett of Georgia; 18 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call from 10-11 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow 11:00 AM at the church. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

JOSEPH G. POTWORA, JR. ~ Age 92, of Batavia, died peacefully Wednesday June 12, 2019 at The Grande Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia. Joe was born in Batavia, NY on February 4, 1927 to the late Joseph G. and Stella (Kosiorek) Potwora, Sr. also preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Potwora, Rita Potwora, Dorothy Franasiak, Eleanor Stone and Edward Potwora.

Joe was a member of Resurrection Parish and retired from Xerox, he enjoyed classic cars, Indy and NASCAR racing.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 48 years, Rita (Bermingham) Potwora of Batavia; loving daughter, Tracy (Timothy) Murray of Batavia; cherished granddaughters, Madison and Morgan Murray; sister; Irene (Roland) Capiello of Batavia; sister-in-law, Maxine Potwora of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.
The Potwora family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Monday June 17, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, new York 14020, where prayers will be recited 8:45a.m.Tuesday June 18 followed by a 9:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site). He will be entombed in the Fr. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please share your words of comfort with Joe’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH G. POTWORA, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.    
 

  Craig A. Donahue was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania December 5, 1973 to Ross and Mary Ellen Donahue. He was raised there as a child and the family moved to Houston, Texas in the early 80’s. Craig met his husband Michael Caldwell in Houston in 2005 and were married in Niagara Falls, Canada December 23, 2005. They moved to Medina, New York in 2009 to help take care of his husband’s family. Craig was diagnosed in 2001 with ADEM. He passed peacefully in his sleep from the disease on June 9, 2019 after a 19 year battle under the care of Hospice of Orleans, his loving husband and family. 

Craig made friends fast and has many in Houston and Medina who will remember his wit and sparing conversations and how he could make them laugh! He will be dearly missed by his family and friends! 

Craig is survived by his Husband of 13-1/2 years; Michael Caldwell; his Parents Ross and Mary Ellen Donahue; Sisters Kelly (Darren) Snavely, Jennifer Brown; Mother-in-law Barbara Caldwell; Sister-in-law Teresa Caldwell; Brother-in-law Steven Caldwell; Aunts Cindy (Arman) Miller, Darlene (Mark) Jones; Nieces Jordan (Blake) Pavlock, Kelsey Snavely, Regan Brown, Nephew Ryan Brown and his special buddy “Max” his neighbors English bulldog. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Craig’s interment will be held on June 22, 2019 in Houston, Texas with his family and close friends. 

Craig’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Tomas Holmlund and the staff of The Dent Neurologic Institute for their compassionate care over the last 3 years as Craig declined. The family would also like to give special thanks to Hospice of Orleans for their supportive and compassionate care of Craig during his last 5 months keeping him comfortable with dignity at home. A special shout out to Donna Stevenson, RN and Betsy Higgins, MSW who became part of Craig’s family and showed exceptional service in their care. Thanks to them is not enough to describe their compassion and care through Craig’s final journey. 

Craig and his family request donations in his name be given to the Hospice of Orleans to continue their mission to care for others at the end of life. This place is a true gem in the community! http://www.hospiceoforleans.org/index.php/how-you-can-help/. To make a tax-deductible donation to Hospice of Orleans by check, please mail it to the following address Hospice of Orleans, Inc. - Donations 14080 Route 31 West P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.