Obituaries

Richard M. Rudolph, 96 of Akron, went to meet his Savior on Friday (January 7, 2022) at Erie County Medical Center.

He was born March 23, 1925 in Bennington, NY a son of the late Frederick and Mildred Michel Rudolph.

As a young man he worked on his family farm and then served as Town of Pembroke Highway Superintendent for 32 years followed by 18 years as a Genesee County Legislator for districts 3 and 4.  Richard was a strong, loving, generous, caring family man.  At 96 years old he was still an active member of Indian Falls United Methodist church serving on various committees.  He was a member of Lodges IOOF and Masons.  He was a member of Gideons International since 1980 and served his Lord with passion. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Jean Klotzbach Rudolph of Akron. Children, Mona Rudolph, of Akron, Kenneth (Jinner) Rudolph of Cary, NC, Betty (Boots) Hall of Batavia, and Tracy (Laurie) Rudolph of Batavia, 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.  A sister, Myra Phelps of Basom, brother, Donald Rudolph of Bennington, sisters-in-law, Eleanor Kreutter, of Perry, Kathryn (Roger) Thurber of Basom, Ellen (Jim) Carey of Sun City, AZ, and Jeanne Klotzbach of Oakfield.  Also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews

He was the brother of the late Lois Pond.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (January 14^th) from 2-9 pm at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY where a funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00 am.

He will be laid to rest in the Old Buffalo Road Cemetery, Pembroke, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Genesee Camp, PO Box 50, 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

  Tonia Marie Zaremski, 73, of Batavia, NY passed away on January 6, 2022 peacefully at home. She was born September 30, 1948, in Batavia, NY.

After dedicating over 40 years to being an Office Manager, Tonia ended her career when she retired from Godwin Pumps. She graduated from Batavia High School before attending college at University of Miami.

Tonia and Mike enjoyed spending summers at their camp in the Adirondacks and winters at their cottage in Tennessee, where she found great joy in being outdoors. She loved being surrounded by family and friends. Tonia never failed to be selfless and to brighten every room she walked into with her positive energy. 

She is survived by her life partner Mike Zaso, children, Kathleen (Pete) Cecere, Michael (Katherine) Dempski, Jennifer (Billy) Hitchcock, Sheri (Phil) Cofield, Mike (Anne) Zaso Jr, siblings, Ed (Holly) Zaremski, Felicia (Tom) Cecere, Jeremy (MaryAnn) Lang, Deb (John) Konieczny, Jenny (Ike) Behe, Rick (Niki) Lang, Tim (Helen) Lang, 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Tonia is also survived by her many nephews and nieces.

Tonia was preceded in death by her parents Edward Zaremski and Sophie Zaremski Lang, Step-father Gerald Lang, and brother Richard Zaremski. 

There will be no prior calling hours. A 10:00AM Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday January 11, 2022 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org. To share memories or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 

 

Marianne R. Schlenker, 65 of Batavia, passed away in her sleep on Wednesday (January 5, 2022) at her residence.

She was born February 6, 1956 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Alice Koch Schlenker.

Marianne enjoyed painting and making crafts.

Survivors include a sister, Susan (late James) Wierda of Batavia. Brothers, Edward (Terri) Schlenker of Ohio and Mark (Jane) Schlenker of Kansas. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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.

 

 

Larry R. Frens, age 69 of Wass Road Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home, Monday, January 3rd 2022, with his beloved wife at his side. Larry was born in Batavia, October 7, 1952 a son of the late LaMonte S. and Laura J. McCabe Frens. Larry graduated from Batavia High School in 1969 and went on to earn a degree from Genesee Community College. He worked for 32 years at the Oatka Milk Plant, in Batavia, as a machinist before retiring in 2014. Larry was an accomplished vegetable gardener and landscaper. He had volunteered gratefully and compassionately at the Wyoming County Animal Shelter before his illness. He would Winter over waiting for the sun to reappear so he could get back outside and tend to his garden. Larry was a hard dedicated worker, had an unbelievable  sense of humor and wit. He loved animals and was dedicated endlessly to his loving family. Being a Jets fan since the 1960's, he took a lot of mocking but Larry continued to remain true to his team through all of their ups and downs and miserable performances. He also loved his Buffalo Sabres and New York Yankees.

He was preceded in death by his three brothers; Lance, Robert and Norman “Gene” Frens and a sister Lana Mower.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy L. Bishop Frens, whom he married on February 11, 1978. Also surviving is his loving daughter; Rachel (Shawn Blanc) Frens of Warsaw, a loving brother; Lindsay (Carol) Frens of Elba, a loving sister; Pauline Walker of Batavia and numerous loving nieces and nephews who were all so very important to him

A private memorial will be held in Larry's honor at the convenience of the family. Weeks Funeral Home 123 N. Main Street Warsaw has arrangements. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences. Memorial contributions are requested to the Wyoming County SPCA at PO Box 269 Attica, NY 14011.

- Cinnomon Shyneque Shepherd, age 26, was called to Heaven by the Angels on December 22, 2021.

She was born on May 9, 1995 to the proud parents of Nathaniel Shepherd, Jr. and Jacqueline Colleen Shepherd in Batavia.

Cinnomon loved life and enjoyed seeing everyone around her enjoying her life with her. Cinnomon was an awesome mother and when her son Javari came into the room her face automatically light up. Cinnomon loved to sing in the church choir and praise dance. Waging War was her favorite song to praise dance to. Cinnomon’s mom gave her the nickname of "Muffy" and as she grew older she became "Badd Cinnomon" which was her own special logo.

Cinnomon is survived by her son, Javari Shamar Shepherd; mother, Jacqueline C. Shepherd; father, Nathaniel Shepherd, Jr.; brothers, Naquan J. Shepherd, Tyler S. Williams, Camron Shepherd and Shurodd Shepherd, all of Batavia, and Derrick Dunning of Columbia, South Carolina; three sisters, Imahni M. Floyd of Batavia, Shalaya Dunning and Karyanna Bell of Columbia, South Carolina; three nephews, Kaison, KyZimere and Savion and one niece Nova, all of Batavia; her grandmother, Alberta Williams of Bradenton, Florida; her grandfather, Nathaniel Shepherd, Sr., special friends, Sjohnai McCarthy and Porchea Ford of Syracuse and Keyanna Gibson; a special loving aunt, Keitha Shepherd and a host of cousins uncles, aunts and loved ones.

She is predeceased by her great-great grandmother, Lucille Williams, great-grandmother, Margaret Shannon and her mother-in-law, Carolyn Shepherd.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott Street, Batavia.

*PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATE OF SERVICES FOR CINNOMON - SERVICES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022 AT 12:00 PM*

Bergen ~ Ralph L. Robinson, age 76, of Buffalo Road, passed away late Tuesday afternoon (January 4, 2022) at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester.

    

He was born February 5, 1945 in Bergen, N.Y., a son of the late Carl and Helen Sherman Robinson.

     Ralph was a life long Bergen resident.  Being a retired mechanic, Ralph was known for his talented mechanical abilities and his willingness to help anyone that needed it.  He was also devoted to his gardening and always willing to share his “harvest” with family and friends.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Lovell Robinson; his daughter, Deborah (Steve) Niedziela of Corona, CA; his sons, Eric (Christie) Robinson of Rochester, NY, Charles (Elizabeth) Robinson of Orchard Park, NY and Phillip Robinson of Bergen, NY; grandchildren, Andrew and Katherine Niedziela, Ryley, Elijah, Eloise, Annabelle, Isaiah and Levi Robinson-Carrig; daughter, Julie (Joe) Pilarski and her family of Clarence, NY; brothers, Robert (Barbara) Robinson of Churchville, NY, Melvin (Cyndy) Robinson of Eustis, FL and Jim (Laurie) Robinson of Elba, NY; sister-in-law, Shirley Robinson of Bergen, NY, brother-in-law, Bruce (Sue) Lovell of Greece, NY, along with several nieces and nephews and countless friends.

     In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his brothers, Carl and John “Jack” Robinson.

     A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held at a future date, time and place to be announced.

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

     Mr. Robinson and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Elba ~ Catherine L. Hall, age 83, of Bridge Road, passed away late Tuesday afternoon (January 4, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

   

  She was born January 10, 1938 in New Castle, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Tressi Allshouse Smith.

     Catherine will be remembered as a great mom and grandma, who loved her family unconditionally and was always there for them for whatever they needed.  She had a strong work ethic and love for nature and the outdoors.

     She will be sadly missed by her children, Joel (Karen) Hall of Bergen and Dawn (Rick) Calkins of Batavia; grandchildren, Ethan Hall, Scott (Stephanie) Calkins, Daniel (Deanna) Calkins and Meagen (Terrance) Cranston; great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Lucas, Ezra and Elijah; sister, Mabel (Frank) Saunders of Brockport, along with nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Donald Hall Sr.; her sons, Eric and Donald Jr. and her granddaughter, Kara Hall.

     Services will be private at the convenience of her family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Elba Fire Rescue, 4 South Main St., Elba, NY 14058.

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

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

Paul W. Sullivan, 72 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Monday (January 3, 2022) at the Buffalo V.A. Medical Center.

He was born April 22, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late William and Estelle Benbenek Sullivan.

Paul was a proud Veteran having served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and participated in the Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard.. He was employed by Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia prior to his retirement. He was a very generous person and supported many charities. Paul enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Surviving are his brother, William Sullivan Jr. of Buffalo. Daughters, Sonia (Daniel) Lombardo of Buffalo and Clarissa (Alexander) Baez of Raleigh, NC. Grandson, Judah Baez and companion, Alice Kay Sullivan of Alexander.

There will be no prior visitation. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only family and close friends are invited to share in his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday (Jan. 10^th), 11:00am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street, Batavia. He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to Ascension Parish. 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.

 

 

 

  Jeanette C. Mowers, a former 6^th grade math teacher in the Batavia School system, also known as “Mad Ball Mowers” passed away on January 5, 2022.

She is preceded in death by her husband; Lloyd L. Mowers. Jeanette was a lifetime resident of Batavia until October of 2020, when she was moved to Cottage Grove Memory Care, an affiliate of Rochester Presbyterian Home.

Jeanette was born in Batavia in 1932 and was a member of the first women’s professional softball team. She was an avid downhill and water skier and was a Ski Club chaperone for many years at the Middle School.  Jeanette was a substitute teacher until the age of 80 and water skied until the age of 82.

Jeanette loved to travel and was able to tour many European countries and much of the US.

She is survived by her daughter; Marcie Schaeffler (Peter) and son David Mowers (Jo); David’s children Lisa (Mitch), Katie (Phillip) and Dave (Katrina) along with 4 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial which be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2021 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Jeanette will be laid to rest in  St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.  

***Masks will be required at the Funeral Service. *** 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jeanette Mowers to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center c/o Rochester Regional Health Foundations 330 Monroe Ave. Suite 400 Rochester, NY 14607 or Rochester Presbyterian Home 256 Thurston Rd. Rochester, NY 14619. To share memories or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 

Byron – Robert Alan Olmstead, age 69, of Byron, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born on January 23, 1952, in Jamestown, a son of the late Malcolm P. and Clara Alice Lyons Olmstead.

Robert retired from Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester where he worked for 34 years. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Batavia, Bob volunteered at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bishop Storehouse in Palmyra on weekends or any other time he was called upon. He would fill shelves with food and pack and deliver groceries for the needy to Olean, Syracuse, Palmyra, Ithaca, Elmira, Owego, Rome, Batavia, Rochester, Buffalo and anywhere else where there was a need. He was a member of Scout Troop #6031 in Bergen and was known as “The Bug Man” because of his vast knowledge of butterflies, insects and moths. Bob would go to schools, home schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Weblos Woods, churches and other groups to teach them about butterflies, moths and other bugs. He taught them about their life cycles, how they eat and how to catch them. He would also teach these groups about trees. Bob loved basketball and was a fan of Penn State Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills.

Surviving are his wife, Arlene J. Hyer Olmstead; his children, Quentin (Jessica) Olmstead, Aaron Olmstead, Nathan (Allison) Olmstead, Kyle Olmstead and Reed (Shannon) Olmstead; six grandchildren, Connor Olmstead, Olivia Olmstead, Emeralynn Olmstead, Roselynn Olmstead and Wyatt Olmstead; two great-grandchildren, Raelynn and Wesley Olmstead; his brother, Greg Olmstead of Gerry, NY; his sister, Joan (Lowell) Huber of Midway, Utah; four nieces, one nephew; three aunts and fourteen cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, Malcom P. and Clara Alice Olmstead and his granddaughter, Gracie Olmstead.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services were held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Missionary Fund-Batavia Branch, in care of Jared Carleson, 841 East Main Road, LeRoy, New York 14482 or Troop #6031 Boy Scouts of America, in care of Scott Swinter, 24 Richmond Avenue, Bergen, New York 14416. He will be laid to rest in Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Pennsylvania. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Batavia - Terry Jean Shownes, 68 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, (January 1, 2022) at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Shownes was born April 6, 1953 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Alfred Bigelow and Mary (Elwood) Bigelow.

Terry worked at Walmart in Batavia for over 25 years and loved to shop for herself and others. She was a generous and caring person who had a unique personality that will be missed.

Terry was the wife of the late Charles A. Shownes Jr. who passed away December 27, 2021.

Surviving are her daughter, Natalie Bigelow of Amherst; sisters, Dorothy (John) Dorvit of Belfast; Edna (Ray) Schramm of Batavia, and Norma Bigelow of Niagara Falls. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Veronica Bigelow, and Alfreda (late Bill) Sawdey.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, (January 11th, 2022)  from 5:00 to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Terry's Funeral Service will immediately follow visiation at 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in Warsaw Cemetery in Warsaw.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shownes Family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Charles "Chuck" Arnold Shownes, Jr., 64  of Batavia passed away on Monday, (December 27, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Shownes was born November 25, 1957 in Syracuse, a son of the late Charles A. Shownes Sr. and Doris (Cordell) Armstrong.

Chuck had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed treasure hunts. He was non-judgemental and a rock that held the family together.

He was the husband of the late Terry (Bigelow) Shownes who passed away on January 1, 2022.

Surviving are his daughter, Natalie Bigelow of Amherst; sisters, Jeannette (late Joe) Grammatico of Syracuse, and Georgia (Mike) Frey of Central Square. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, (January 11th, 2022)  from 5:00 to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Chuck's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in Warsaw Cemetery in Warsaw.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shownes Family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

   Charles J. Stalnecker Jr, 60, of Batavia passed away on January 3, 2022. He was born on November 22, 1961 in Cherry Hill, NJ to the late Charles and Margaret (Shults) Stalnecker Sr. In addition to his parents, Chuck is predeceased by his son; Thomas Stalnecker.

Chuck was well known for his energetic and charming personality. His genuine kindness and smile would brighten a room. Almost certain to turn a frown upside down, he had a way to make you laugh on your worst day. 

Chuck loved anything adventurous and outdoors-related. Some of his favorite passions were scuba diving, camping with his family and friends, hunting, and cooking. Most important, he always showed a deep love for his family. He was the best brother, father, and friend—one who would give the shirt off his back to anyone he met. He will be deeply missed. 

He is survived by his children; Lindsey (Marc) Lawrence; Kristen (John) Gombos both of LeRoy, Nicholas (Lauren) Stalnecker of Buffalo; sister Missy (Charlie) Schuh of Elma; Louise Ley of Buffalo; grandchildren Noah Neth, Parker, Zachary and Abigail Lawrence, Madilyn and Max Gombos; mother of his children Anne (Jim Gravanda) Canale of LeRoy; niece Maria Schuh and nephew John Schuh. Along with many longtime friends and extended family members. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 13, 2022 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 14, 2022 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. 

***Masks will be required at all services. *** 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lindsey Lawrence. All donations will be given to Chuck’s grandchildren towards their college funds. To share memories or condolences please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 

Elizabeth Ann “ Beth” McGowan, 67, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 2, 2022, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Beth was born on November 5, 1954, in Rochester, New York, a daughter of the late John P. and Mary Elizabeth Dunphy McGowan.

She attended GCC and obtained a degree in social work. She worked for many years at ARC as a social worker. Beth enjoyed spending time with her family and reading.

Beth is survived by her dear son, Robert Bucci of Corfu and her husband Ralph Bucci of Akron. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

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

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Carol Ann Gonyea, 58, of Byron, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at her home under the care of her loving family.

Carol was born January 7, 1963 in Fort Pierce, FL, a daughter of the late John and Ann (McNabb) Frieday.

Carol enjoyed canning, cooking, gardening and vacationing in Canada.  She drove school bus for the Byron-Bergen Central School District.  She will be remembered for her love of animals, especially her cat, Tuxedo.  Above all, Carol's children meant everything to her.

Surviving are her husband, Daniel R. Gonyea of Byron; her children, Emily Gonyea of Byron, Ryan Gonyea of Byron and Craig Hillabush of Rochester; her sister, Kathy (Donald) Johnson of Tennessee; her mother-in-law, Phyllis (late Ronald) Gonyea of Byron and nieces and nephews, Samantha (Jared) Peak, Mickala Johnson, Brittany (Lonnie) Beene and Joshua Frieday.

Preceded in death by her sister, Mary Mullen.

There are no prior calling hours.  Carol's funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 6 at Arbor House Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank Street in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020,  www.geneseecancerassistance.org/donate/.  

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

Arrangements for Carol were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.