Obituaries

   

       

    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.

  Barbara A. Cipra, 74, of Batavia, went home to be with her sweetheart on Wednesday June 12, 2019 while surrounded by her family. She was born May 21, 1945 in Batavia to the late Arthur P. and Bertha (Hale) Downey. She is preceded in death by her loving husband; Leonard Cipra; brother Duane Downey and grandson Christopher Paul Cipra.  

Barb was a stay at home mom who loved drawing and doing needlepoint. She was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children; Paul (Janette) Cipra, Dawn (Gordon) Sprague;  siblings Brenda Prince of Byron, Sandy Becker of Rochester, Jaime Downey of Henrietta, Sharon Whithuhn and Larry Downey; 6 grandchildren Rachel (Matt) Rentz, Anthony (Kaitlyn) Cipra, Dana (Shelby) Cipra, Sage Hopkins, Katie Amthor, Jolene (Joseph) Bauer; 13 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street, or to HomeCare &Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 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.

Maria Holota, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (June 8, 2019) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born October 24, 1922 in Wojanow, Poland, a daughter of the late Frank and Valeria Pusoriek Kensy.

Before emigrating to the United Sates, she was captured by German soldiers in 1939, to work in factories and farms in Germany. Maria was employed by G.T.E. Sylvania prior to her retirement in 1985. She was a parishioner of Ascension Parish, where she was a dedicated member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, dancing, crocheting and spending time with her family.

She was the wife of the late Adam Holota Sr., mother of the late John Holota and sister of the late Josephine, Apolonia, Lottie and John Kensy.

Survivors include her son and daughter in-law, Adam Jr. (Joanne) Holota of Batavia. Grandsons, Dr. Paul (Christina) Holota of Virginia Beach, VA, Matthew (Sarah) Holota of Batavia and David Holota of Pavilion. Great-grandchildren, Mckenzie and Norah Holota.  Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (June 17^th) from 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNRAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10am at Ascension Parish, (corner of Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

William R. Durr, 66, of Frederick, MD passed away April 14, 2019.

Bill was born October 3, 1952 in Winchester, VA the son of Herbert Durr and Grace (Leonard) Durr.

He studied Music Education at Roberts Wesleyan College, had a certificate in musical instrument repair from Western Iowa Tech, and a practical nursing license from Erie Community College.  Bill is well known in the area. He taught private music lessons in Batavia for several years and played with several bands as well as his own. He considered his two sons who have their own band in Austin, TX the most satisfying accomplishment of his teaching career.

Bill is predeceased by his mother, Grace Durr.  Surviving are his wife, Tracey Majors Durr; two sons, Neil and Evan Durr; his father Herbert Durr; mother-in-law Elva Majors; brother Bruce Durr; sisters Cindy Rowland and Amy Thompson; sisters-in-law Kimberly Majors and Carrie Lewis. There will be a memorial service Saturday June 15 at 11:00 at the Genesee Country Church, Drake Street Oakfield.

Peter F. Ruzzi, 51, of Batavia passed away on June 4, 2019. He was born on April 18, 1968 in Canada. He is predeceased by his parents; Michael and Rosa (Priolo) Ruzzi.

Pete worked for numerous construction companies. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by many Aunts, cousins and good friends.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place on Wednesday June 19th  at 12:15PM at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia . A Celebration of Pete’s life will take place on Sunday June 23, 2019 at Kelly’s Holland Inn on 25 Evans St. in Batavia.

For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Robert C. VanLoan, 74 of Batavia, passed away at his home on Monday, June 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 20, 1945 in Buffalo, to the late Robert C. (Ellen Walsh) VanLoan Sr. He is preceded in death by brother William VanLoan and grandson Jason Hartwell.   

Robert worked at Lightning in Rochester. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a very avid computer gamer.   

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara J. (Engert) VanLoan; children Sharon (David) Hartwell; Robert (Tammy) VanLoan; step children Christine (Harold) Ertel; Jeffery (Kristen Merriam) Lonnen; brother David (Marcie) VanLoan; sister-in-law Marilyn (George) Strabel; brothers-in-law William and Thomas Engert; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren along with one niece and one nephew also survive.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Scott Jacob Bakker, age 28, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Scott was born on July 2nd, 1990, to Han and Paula (Colantonio) Bakker.  He graduated from Alexander High School and Alfred State College with a degree in construction management.  Scott loved the Yankees and going fast, whether it was in his Porsche or on one of his motorcycles. He loved being outdoors, hiking and kayaking.  Scott loved all animals, especially his beloved rescue dog, Cupboard (Cubby) J. Cupboardson-Bakker, his extended family’s dogs, and any dog that had a Facebook fundraiser.  

Scott is survived by his parents, Han and Paula Bakker; brother, John Bakker; sister, Melissa (Brant) Penman; grandmother, Josephine Kozlowski; adored niece, Eva; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Carl Colantonio, and paternal grandparents, Broer and Jannie Bakker.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday June 13th from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Genesee County Animal Shelter http://www.vol4animals.org/ or the ASPCA www.aspca.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

OAKFIELD - Mark D. Jackett, 49, of Oakfield, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mark was born May 28, 1970, in Buffalo, the son of Ronald L. and Brenda D. (Plowe) Jackett of Batavia.

He was a Service Manager for Pellegrino Auto Sales in Batavia.  He had worked at Chesleys Auto Service, Midas Muffler, was a caretaker for a housing complex in Lockport and cooked at the former Engine House and Terry Hills.  He was a firefighter at Depew and Stafford Fire Departments and was a fan of Dave Matthews, NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills.  He greatly loved his family and friends.

Surviving, along with his parents, are 4 children, A'lea Jackett of N. Tonawanda, Mark Jackett Jr., Marissa Jackett and Caleb Jackett all of Oakfield; his companion, Lory Tranquill of Oakfield; aunts and uncles, Linda (Terry) Wilkins of Cohocton, Howard James (Kay Morrison) Jackett of TX, Eugene (Josie) Jackett and Allen (Donna) Jackett both of Batavia; and a great-aunt, Doris Ransom of Batavia.       

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia where services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday with Pastor Allen A. Werk officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Family to establish trust funds for Mark's children.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

LAS VEGAS -- JoAnn Passer-Allison (Stevens), age 63, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Thursday June 6, 2019.

JoAnn was born in Batavia July 29, 1955 to the late Frederick and Elinore (Kent) Stevens also preceded in death by her husband Jerry and brother James A. Stevens (Joyce).

JoAnn lost a courageous battle of two years with glioblastoma.

Surviving along with her husband, Anthony Allison, are her daughter Sara, grandson JT, and stepson Tyler Allison. Brother Jack (Lucy), of Nevada, Sisters Jean (John) Ott, of Pittsburgh, Judy (Ed) Zehler, of Batavia, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and her devoted beagle Katie-Kate. 

Services will be held in Las Vegas at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to SNVbeaglerescue@gmail.comor mail to: SNBRF 285 Irvin Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89183.

  Richard E. Hakes, 82, of Alexander passed away on Sunday June 9, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born in Ellicottville, NY on December 31, 1936 to the late William and Eva Graves Hakes. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his wife; Mildred I. Hakes.

Mr. Hakes was a United States Army Veteran. He retired from Attica Prison in 1994, where he was a Correction Officer for 30 years.  He was a man of many hobbies, including cutting fire wood, making maple syrup and bee keeping throughout his life. He took a lot of pride in transporting the Amish.  

He is survived by his sons; William (Barbara) Hakes of Batavia and Thomas (Bobbi) Hakes of Attica; siblings Betty Hackett and Roger Hakes; grandchildren Joshua (Rachael) Hakes of Silver Springs, Justin (Brittany Stewart) Hakes of Attica, Grant (Amanda) Voges of Farmington and Timothy Voges of Ft. Stewart, GA.; great-grandchildren Addie, Kolton, Gavin and Katrina.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday June 13, 2019 from 3:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 14th at the Funeral Home. Richard will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

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.

Bette Jean (McBride) Wolcott, 72 of Perry, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Perry, New York on September 12, 1946 a daughter of the late Milo D. and Florence (VanCise) McBride. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband: John E. Wolcott whom she married on June 22, 1968, son: Gregory J. Wolcott and brother in laws: Ted Potts and George Stone.

She graduated from Perry High School in 1964. She continued her education at SUNY Potsdam where she received her B.A. in Music Education and SUNY Brockport where she earned a M.A in Substance Abuse Counseling. Bette Jean was an Elementary Music Teacher and was a long time Substitute Teacher at Perry Central School. She also taught GED classes before returning to college. She worked at GCASA in Batavia as a Substance Abuse Counselor before joining the staff at Warsaw Central School as a Home School Coordinator, where she made many close friends. Following her retirement from WCS, she was an Adjunct Professor for GCC and a fun-loving grandmother. She was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry, where she played the organ. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, playing piano and all things music, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and grandchildren. Her granddaughters were her greatest joy in life.

She is survived by her daughter: Kellie (Scott) Milhollen of Perry, NY, a sister: Lois Potts of Williamsville, NY, a brother: Robert (Nancy) McBride of Ithaca, NY, brother in laws: Skip (Diane) Wolcott, Wes (Karen) Wolcott, Lyle (Annabelle) Wolcott, Pat (Kathi) Wolcott of Perry, NY and Ed (Nancy) Wolcott of Leicester, NY, sister in laws: Michele Cunningham of Warsaw, NY and Dawn Wolcott of CO., granddaughters: Morgan, Autumn and Noelle Milhollen of Perry, NY, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Friday June 14th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. An 11:00AM Memorial service will be held at the Brick Presbyterian Church corner of N. Main and Church Streets in Perry on Saturday June 15th. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Flight of WNY, 100 Amherst Rd., Buffalo, NY 14225; Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, Brick Presbyterian Church, 6 Church St, Perry, NY 14530; or if you are available and able, roll up your sleeves on July 26th (Greg’s Birthday) and donate a pint of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Perry First United Methodist Church, 35 Covington St., Perry, NY from 12-6 PM. 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.

Maria Caryk, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (June 8, 2019) at The Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born December 18, 1922 in Masevich, Poland, a daughter of the late Stefan and Katherine Grybowicz Wlasowicz.

Mrs. Caryk and her brothers were taken as slaves by the German Nazi prior to her coming to America. She was formerly employed by Kisiel Die Casting and Xerox prior to her retirement. She was a member of Ascension Parish and its Rosary and Altar Society. She enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, knitting and crocheting.

Survivors include her son, Gregory (Christine) Caryk of Batavia. Daughter in-law, Mary Caryk. Grandchildren, Gary Caryk, Sandy English, David Caryk, Patti Koepsell, Daniel Caryk and Rebecca Caryk. Also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Caryk; son, Paul Caryk; brothers and sister, Michael, Anthony, John (twin), Cheslaw, Zofia, Theodore and Stefan.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 12^th) from 8am-9:30am at the J. LEONARD McANDREWFUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will be recited at 9:30am followed by her Mass of Christian Burial, 10am at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the Rosary on Wednesday, 9:15am at the Church.

Expressions of condolence 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.