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Obituaries

James H. Lewis Jr.

By T.J. Woodward
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James Harold Lewis Jr., 59, of Batavia, NY went home to be with his lord and savior on Monday, September 23, 2024. 

Jim had a passion for music, an immense love for his children and family and also deeply loved the lord.  Jim is a retired member of the Batavia City School district which he served for nearly 30 years.  He found such joy working amongst his many friends and co-workers and enjoyed sharing many smiles and laughs throughout his dedicated tenure.  Jim was a devoted Christian as a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church where he served as the choir director for many years, touching the lives of those who joined together for worship through his gift of song.  Jim was also an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and supported his team every week they played. Jim was also a baritone player with the Batavia Concert Band for many years, and also marched with the Kendall Fireman’s Band. 

Jim is survived by his (step) father, Kevin Greene of Conway, SC., his brother Douglas Lewis of Conway, SC., his sister Cheri Stoddard of Conway, SC., as well as his beloved children, Ethan Geary of North Port, FL., Nicholas Lewis of North Port, FL., and Adrianna Carducci of Painesville, OH.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 12:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. 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

James E. Bernard

By Lisa Ace
James E. Bernard

The Reverend James E. Bernard, age 80, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Born on August 23, 1944, in Batavia, New
York, he was the son of William L. and Florence E. Bernard (nee Dietschler). 

Jim was a graduate of Maryville College and distinguished graduate Louisville Theological Seminary. He dedicated his life to serving the Presbyterian Church, joyfully ministering to congregations in Ludlow, Kentucky, and Amelia, Ohio. Jim was very active in the Cincinnati Presbytery, serving on various boards and committees. Even after his retirement in 2007, he served the Dry Ridge, Kentucky congregation on a part-time basis and cherished the friendships he built within these communities. Passionate about his faith, family, and a variety of interests, Jim was a supporter of the Cincinnati Reds, a devoted fan of Neil Diamond, and enjoyed collecting gadgets. His love for the outdoors was evident through his deer hunting, and he found great joy in riding his Harley and traveling. Above all, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Bernard, and his brothers, Bob and Barry Bernard. James is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Pamela S. Bernard (nee Letsinger); his son, Stephen J. (Heather) Bernard; his daughter, Sandra J. (John) Winkle; his grandchildren, Andrew W. Bernard, John Z. Winkle, and Tyler J. Winkle; his sister, Beverly (Paul) Kern; and his brothers, Jack, Dennis (Maria), Allyn (Linda), and Rick (Maria) Bernard, along with a host of other family members and friends. In his memory, contributions may be made to Bluegrass Hospice or Bluegrass Hospice or Samaritan's Purse.
Services will be private at the family's convenience.

To share a memory of Jim or leave a special message for his family, please visit www.newcomercincinnati.com.

Robert “Gus” Deja

By Lisa Ace
Robert “Gus” Deja passed away on October 8, 2024. He was born in Batavia on March 31, 1953, to John Deja and Helen (O’Neill) Deja.
 
Gus graduated in 1971 from Pembroke High School. He enlisted in the Army in March 1973 and served until June of 1976.

He is survived by daughters, Nicole (Oscar) Serpas and Michelle Deja, son, Ryan Deja; grandchildren, Luca and Mia Serpas, all of Texas; sister, Poppy (Wayne) Konarski, brothers, John and Michael Deja, all of Batavia. 
He was preceded in death by a sister Patricia Meyer and his wife, Cheryl Maxon in August of 2024.
 
There will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu at a later date.
Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.

Mr. Eugene David "Jake" Boldt

By Joshua Smith
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Elba - Eugene David "Jake" Boldt, age 93, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

He was born on July 1, 1931, in Buffalo, a son of the late Ellsworth Norton Sr. and Francis Boldt Norton.

A 1947 graduate of Elba Central School, Jake was a lifelong farmer at Norton Farms in Elba. He was a member of Elba Presbyterian Church, former chief of the Elba Fire Department and former member of the Elba Town Board. He enjoyed gardening, traveling and loved watching football. Jake will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and a great big brother.  Most that knew him will remember him as the guy who could fix anything, if someone needed something all they had to do was "Ask Jake".  He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and the community.

He is predeceased by his wives, Eleanor Boldt in 2002 and Josephine Boldt in 2013.

Surviving are his children, Dennis (Linda) Boldt of Medina, Douglas (close friend Bill Scroger) Boldt of Batavia and Diane (Jim) Snyder of Elba; daughter-in-law, Diane Boldt of Elba; former daughter-in-law, June Boldt of Elba; step-children, Michael (Deborah) Gualtieri of LeRoy, Donna (John) Crowley of Schenectady and John (Jennalyn) Gualtieri of Yakima, Washington; five grandchildren, David (Kathy) Brown of Florida, Hillary (Shawn) Beldue of Rochester, Kimberly (Nate) Hopkins of Rochester, Nicole (Vito Muoio) Boldt of Byron and Zachary Boldt of Elba; five great-grandchildren, Kayla, Autumn and Faith Brown, Lexi and Liza Hopkins and Tanner Beldue; two brothers, Dr. Robert (Judy) Norton of Cummings, Georgia and Ellsworth (Carol) Norton, Jr. of Elba; three sisters, Beverly Reamer of Maple Hill, North Carolina, Joyce (Ronald) Sixt of Punta Gorda, Florida and Linda Richenberg of Brockport; sister-in-law, Florence Pastecki of Batavia; special friend, Joyce Schultz of Elba along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son Gary Boldt, grandson, John Brown, siblings, Marjorie "Pet" (David) German, Charlie Norton and Susan (Wayne) Cole and brothers-in-law, John Richenberg and David Reamer .

To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours or services. He will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Elba Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Elba, New York 14058 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jake's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Joseph M. Konieczny

By Lisa Ace
Joseph M. Konieczny


Joseph M. Konieczny passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2024, at the age of 75. Joseph, known for his kindness and genuine nature, brought love and laughter to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He valued family deeply and had a special bond with animals, especially his beloved dog, Winnie.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl, and his three children, Christopher, Heather, and Michael (Sarah). His warmth and care for others were the foundation of his life, always putting family first and offering support to those around him.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3 to 7 PM on Friday, October 18th, and a service at 11 AM on Saturday, October 19th, both at C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary,  4 - 6 East Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036. Those wishing to show support in Joseph’s memory may donate to Nickel City Canine Rescue.
Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories that will remain in our hearts forever.

Kathy M. Sprague

By T.J. Woodward
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Kathy M. Sprague, 70, of Batavia passed away on Sunday October 13, 2024 at the Leroy Village Green. She was born on July 27, 1954 in Batavia to the late Charles and Katherine (Besaw) Stafford. In addition to her parents, Kathy is predeceased by her husband; Rolland Sprague; brother Charles (Patricia) Stafford; sister Deborah Colopy. 

Kathy was a member of the Topps Club. She loved baking and cooking. She was a very active member at the Calvary Baptist Church and enjoyed bingo and playing cards. 

She is survived by her step-daughter; Rebecca (Gene) Day of Alexander; brother Richard (Diane) Stafford of Batavia; brother in law Craig Colopy of Brockport; nieces and nephews Amy Colopy, Missy (Kris) Fisher, Becky (Aaron) Stack, Jennifer Stafford, Michelle (Ron) Sprague and Kelly Stafford; great-niece Everly Fisher. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday October 27, 2024 from 12:15 – 1:15PM at Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3515 Galloway Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. A 1:15PM Funeral Service will immediately follow at the church. She will be laid to rest in the Church’s cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church. 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.

Wesley Adam Ball

By T.J. Woodward

Wesley Adam Ball, 91, of Batavia, NY, died at United Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, following a brief illness. A Batavia native, he was the son of the late Elmer George Ball and Elizabeth Susan "Betty" Ball, née Yesberger.

 In his younger years, he enjoyed playing chess, attending baseball games at Dwyer Stadium, and visiting his mother's family downstate. He was briefly employed in manufacturing at the former P.W. Minor shoe factory in Batavia.

 In addition to his parents, Wes was predeceased by his sister, Rita Arlene Graham of Rochester, NY. Surviving are two nieces, Margaret Graham-Smith of Lancaster, PA, and Patricia Beal of Bailey, CO., and grand-niece Nora Haskins of King of Prussia, PA.

In keeping with Wesley's wishes, there will be no memorial service. 

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

Philip Taylor Stone

By Kara Richenberg
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Philip Taylor Stone was born August 27, 1942, and passed September 29, 2024, surrounded by love and family. He was born and reared in Syracuse, New York by his predeceased parents Marian Lampman and Theodore Fisher Stone He was truly one of a kind. Phil never met a stranger. He had a joy for life and people that was evident in all he did.

He served as a staff sergeant in the US Army. He was a sports enthusiast, and often said “root for the underdog!” He was a fan of Syracuse University and all their athletics. In his words, he “bled orange.” He dedicated many volunteer hours within the Episcopal church heralding their outreach programs. He spent many hours promoting community activities and specifically, Nottingham High
School. 

He retired from a career in packaging sales. After which he chose to serve others and stay active while driving school buses, coaches, and finally medical transport where he made many friends. His passengers would always leave feeling better than when they had arrived.

He was predeceased by his wife Suzanne LaVere Herbst. Phil had three children with his first wife, Laurie Potter Stone. He was a loving father to: Karen Stone of Henderson, TN, Nathalie Brumback (Rick) of Henderson, TN; Theodore Stone (Rebecca) of Hingham, MA. He adored his grandchildren: Theodore Boylan, Catherine Akin (Steven), Peter Boylan (Kara), Philip Brumback (Raelynn), Edmund Brumback, William Stone, John Stone, and Lauren Stone. He is predeceased by his older brother Peter Stone and brother-in-law Robert Smith. 

He is survived by his sisters, Nathalie Buckley (Jim), Elizabeth Stone, and sister-in-law Sandy Stone. He loved his many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two honorary brothers Thomas Hitchcock (Naomi), and Michael O’Connor (Judy).

Calling Hours will be at Shackelford Funeral Directors, Casey Chapel in Henderson, TN on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm followed by a memorial service.

Memorial services will also be held at Grace Episcopal church in Syracuse, NY, on Friday, November, 22 at 10:30 am to be followed by a reception. He will be interred in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson, NY.

For those who choose, donations may be made in honor of Phil Stone class of 1961 to Nottingham Connection, https://www.nottingham-connection.org/donate/ .

Imogene "Imo" Jones

By Kara Richenberg
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Imogene "Imo" Jones, age 87, passed away on October 9, 2024, at 7:30 am, at the Gate Way Home in Attica, NY. She was born June 24, 1937, in Menifee County, KY, to Clarence N. and Edith (Lawson) Cecil, who preceded her in death. On November 25, 1957, she married Jim L. Jones, who preceded her in death on July 31, 2011.

Imogene had worked at a diner in Wapakoneta in her younger years where she ended up meeting Jim. Later her and Jim moved to Lima. She worked at the Lima Truck Plaza with Jim and later worked at Subway. She enjoyed being outdoors, always working in her flowers and taking daily walks to talk with everyone in the neighborhood. She enjoyed traveling to LasVegas and in her later years to the beach with her grand kids. Her favorite past times were spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards and cooking for her family.

Imogene is survived by her son, Gary Allen (Connie "Jamie" Baptiste) Jones of Attica, NY, daughter in-law, Margery Jones of Beavercreek, OH, 7 grandchildren: Elliot (Heather) Jones of Beavercreek, OH, Evan Jones of Beavercreek, OH, Missi Jones and Matthew Fought both of Lima, OH, Jerry (Whitney) Jones of SC, Larry (Dana) Jones of KS, Harry Jones of MO and Perry Jones of Marion, OH, 13 great grandchildren: Eli and Halle of Beavercreek, OH, Jerry Jr. "Boogy" and Bristol of Lima, OH, Kamden, Isabella, Liliana and Liam of SC, Kartyr, Karlye and Kylar all of KS, Arlo and Jada both of NY, siblings: Clarence (Barbara) Cecil Jr., Arnold Cecil, Eura Mae Stanford, Alene Mathews and Mildred "Midge" (Wayne) Bowlin. She was preceded in death by her son, Randall Jones, a granddaughter, Carrie Anna Jones, a brother, Shelby Cecil and sisters, Mary Ellen Werts and Violet Gay Bair.

There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 am at the CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, EASTSIDE CHAPEL. Officiating the service will be Pastor John Yohe. Burial of cremated remains will be in Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Friends may visit on Friday from 4-7 pm and again from 9-10 am on Saturday at the EASTSIDE CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gate Way Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com. 

Patricia L. Dries

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Patricia Dries, a beloved mother, wife and sister, was born on March 15, 1962, and after a long hard fight with illness, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024. She was 62.

pat dries

     Patricia was the devoted mother of three children: Josh (Denise) Dries, Cassandra (Jay) Bleuer and Melissa (Jeremy) Wannike, along with seven grandchildren; Elizabeth, Archer, Isaac, Lincoln, Ana, Liliana, & Nathaniel. She cherished every moment spent with them, watching them grow and supporting their journeys. Her warmth, kindness and unwavering love were a guiding light in their lives.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Ed, and her brother, Steve Blind.  

     Patricia was known for her love of teaching and volunteering.  She was a pre-school and Sunday school teacher at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Batavia, NY and Hope Lutheran in Rochester, NY.  She loved children, but also had love for the elderly, volunteering at Crossroads House in Batavia, NY.  

     A memorial service will be held at Hope Church, 6601 4th Section Road, Brockport, NY 14420, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 2 PM. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Patricia's memory. (https://act.alz.org/site/Donation

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

Angeline S. Siracuse

By T.J. Woodward
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Angeline S. Siracuse, 92 of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Premier Genesee Center. She was born January 22, 1932 in Batavia, to the late Salvador and Phyllis (Laloggia) Maniace. She is preceded in death by son John (Sandra) Siracuse Jr, siblings, John, Charles, Samuel, Dominic and Franklin Maniace; Josephine DeFazio, Frances Mandlar, Mary (Neil) Jacobs; brothers-in-law, Clarence Dora and John Torres. 

Angeline worked for many years and retired from Kodak in Rochester. She loved playing games on the computer and shopping. Mrs. Siracuse loved time spent with family, going out to lunch or breakfast with her sisters and friends. 

She is survived by her beloved children, Daniel Siracuse, Sherry Siracuse both of Batavia, siblings; Lucile Dora, Rose Marie Torres, Dorothy (Les) Shafer, Linda Maniace all of Batavia, Joe (Joanie) Maniace of E. Bethany, Michael (Bev), Nate, Robert Maniace all of Batavia, Richard (Cathy) Maniace of VA; grandchildren, John, Brandi, Chris and Candice; great-grandchildren, Ian, Mackenzie, Zachary, Orien, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

An 11:00am Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St, 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. 

Judy A. Beechler

By Joshua Smith
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Judy A. Beechler, 77, of Oakfield, passed away on October 7, 2024 at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Judy was born August 16, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Walter and Clara (Quackenbush) Beechler.

Judy enjoyed bingo, puzzles and watching QVC.  She enjoyed outings with family, was always up for a party and loved to be surrounded by family and friends.  Judy retired from General Motors.

Surviving are her nieces, Kimberly (Dominica) Falker and Debra (Ben) Falker; a nephew, Ricky (Kelly) Falker, Sr. and great-nieces and great-nephews, Ricky (Rachel) Falker, Jr., Melinda (Trey) Sanders, Brandon (Shelby) Falker and Dylan Falker.

Preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Falker.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, October 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu, where Judy's Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. also on Monday.  She will be laid to rest in a private service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  

Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org.  

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

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

Frank Spadacino

By Kara Richenberg
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Frank Spadacino was born on July 25, 1954, in Batavia NY, and passed September 27, 2024. He was the son of the late Frank S. Spadacino (2015) and Betty J. Gallo Spadacino (2016).

Frank graduated from Batavia High School with the class of 73. He was able to join the reunion in 2023 where he had the time of his life.

Frank was a lifelong New York Yankee fan.  

He moved to California, lived in Santa Barbara for many years, and then moved to San Diego, when his parents retired to San Diego to be close to their Grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, stepdaughter Rebecca, who he treated as his own, Brother Gary, and wife Candy of Chula Vista. Nephew Garett and wife Rosalind, second nephews Jamison and Walker of Florida. Niece Erika of San Diego. Many friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles are still in the Batavia area.

Marcia L. Weber

By LaVern Falcone

Batavia ~ Marcia L. Weber, age 84, formerly of South Byron, passed away peacefully Saturday evening (October 5, 2024) in the loving presence of her family.   

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  She was born February 3, 1940 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert and Ruby Ruck Liles.

     Marcia will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and dear friend to many.  She was dedicated to her family and was a true “Grandma” to everyone that entered her house.  She enjoyed Sunday dinners and family gatherings.  Christmas was a special time for her to make her cookies and send them home with everyone.  She also loved to work in her flower gardens and work on her crossword puzzles.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Cynthia (late Bruce) Wiseley, Linda (Michael) Henry, Kevin Weber and Darleen Weber; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Liles and Onalee Grower, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, Marcia was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd Weber; sons, Robert and Earl Weber; daughter, Jolynne Weber, brothers, David Liles and William Liles and In-Laws, Gladys (Leo) Hebenstreit, Margaret (Wendell) Meiser, Stanley (Anne) Weber, Carl Weber, Duane (Beverly) Weber, Marvin Weber, Lawrence (Nora) Weber and Shirlee Weber.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, October 11 from 11 AM ~ 12 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where a brief prayer service will be held at 12:00 PM.  Interment will immediately follow at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Marcia’s family.

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

Carol A. Janes

By LaVern Falcone

     Carol A. Janes (Hirsch), 87, of Pavilion, went to her eternal home Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. She was born June 17, 1937 in Batavia, N.Y. to the late Charles E. and Camilla E. (Woeller) Hirsch.

     Carol graduated from Alexander Central School in 1955.  She then went on to nursing school and graduated as an LPN. She worked as a nurse at Genesee Memorial Hospital (now known as UMMC) in the maternity ward until 1979.  She then worked for the old Manor Oak Nursing Home in Warsaw until 1985 when she was injured.   

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  Carol married Henry I. Janes, son of the late Raymond L. and Mary E. Janes, June 28, 1958.  Together they had 3 children.

     Carol was an active member of the Pavilion United Methodist Church.  She served as president of the Pavilion United Methodist Women for many years.  She was active in church dinners and other church activities.  She also played organ in the church for 12 years until due to health issues, she had to give it up.  She also cooked for the after school youth group for several years.

     Carol was an avid knitter, making sweaters, baby blankets, baby outfits, barbie clothes, mittens and hats until she could no longer do so due to macular degeneration.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Henry, who died in 2014, her parents, grandparents, 3 sisters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law, 2 nieces and 5 nephews.

     Survivors include her children, Douglas (Diane) Janes of LeRoy, N.Y., Bruce (Wendi) Janes of Metlakatla, Alaska and Karen (Thomas) Propst of Wyoming, N.Y. Also surviving is a brother, William (Edith) Hirsch of Alexander, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Janet Janes of Nampa, Idaho, along with 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

     A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at a future date to be announced.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Pavilion United Methodist Church, the Pavilion Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

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