Obituaries

Batavia - Melvern L. “Mel” Pashong, 87, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, (June 21, 2014) at his home.

Mr. Pashong was born September 15, 1926 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter and Felmer (Hartman) Pashong.

Mel served honorably during WWII and was a former member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia.  He was also a former member of the American Legion and VFW.

He greatly enjoyed to fish, travel, and spend time at the Pok-A-Dot where he was a mainstay. 

Mr. Pashong will be remembered by those who knew him as a kind, gentle, family man.

He is the husband of Shirley (Kirkpatrick) Pashong.  The two were married in East Pembroke in 1950.

Surviving along with his wife, are his children, Bonnie (Dennis) Dugan and Randy Pashong both of Batavia; grandchildren, Kathrine (Michael) Whitcomb of Fairport, Joshua Pashong and Rachel Pashong both of Batavia; great-grandchidren, Andrew and Zachary Whitcomb of Fairport; a brother, Ronald (June) Pashong of Stafford; a sister, Shirley (late William) Krause of Byron.  Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

Mel is preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Pashong.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where Mel’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 7.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021.  Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

ALFONSO C. "AL" VIGNERI - Age 94, retired muck farmer/owner of A&V Produce, of Batavia, died Tuesday afternoon June 17, 2014 at his home. He was born May 26, 1920 in Rochester, NY to the late Patsy & Lucy (Burgio) Vigneri also preceded in death by his wife, Josephine (Augello), daughter, Rosanne Vigneri; siblings, Phil Vigneri, Frank (late Irene) Vigneri, Charles ( late Pauline) Augello, Rosie Mattioli, Carmen (late Sam) Palermo and infant sister, Josephine.

   Al and his late brother, Charles were the owner/operators of A&V Produce for many years. He was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish, loved the outdoors, enjoyed golfing with his brother and tending to his garden.

   Surviving is his beloved daughter, Carolyn (Eric) Walton of Batavia; his loving brother and sisters, Patsy (late Marie) Vigneri Jr. of Elba, Pauline (late Joseph) Argento of Elba, Rosalie (late Arthur) Pastore of Batavia, Josephine (Anthony) Deni of Batavia, Caroline Vigneri of Elba and Mary Jane (Nick) Pilla of Ogden; sister-in-law, Alice Vigneri of Batavia along with many nieces and nephews.

   Family and friends may visit from 1-3 & 6-8 p.m. Friday June 20, 2014 at the Michael S. Tomaszewki Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30 a.m. Saturday June 21 followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site) 303 East Main Street Batavia. He will be laid to rest with his wife and daughter in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142.           

Please share your memories of Al, with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

Sidney P. Merkle, 77, of Batavia passed away on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.  He was born October 7, 1936 in Attica to the late Elton and Evelyn (Greene) Merkle. Donald is preceded in death by his brother Doug Merkle.  Sidney was a United States Army Veteran and later worked as a Safety Inspector at Mallory Timers.

He is survived by his son Scott (Sandra) Merkle of Batavia, daughter Donna (Richard) Spofford of Rochester, brothers Larry (Marie) Merkle of Gasport; Tom (Alda) Merkle of Hornell; sister Belva (Leon) Miller of Dansville, granddaughter Drea Watson, 2 step granddaughters Mara and Megan Hensel …along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday June 20, 2014 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street, Attica New York 14011, where a Memorial Service will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made the family. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011.

LeRoy ~ James M. "Pat" McGrath, age 88, of  The Greens of LeRoy, passed away Tuesday morning (June 17, 2014) at Hospeace House in Naples, N.Y.

     Mr. McGrath was born October 20, 1925 in Batavia, a son of the late Evangeline Lamendola and stepfather James Lamendola.

     He was a lifelong LeRoyan, loved and excelled at sports and was a member of the LeRoy Country Club for many years.  He was recently inducted into the LeRoy Sports Hall of Fame. He also worked to support Notre Dame High School in Batavia for many years.  He served his country as a Merchant Marine during World War II.

     Mr. McGrath is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marian Crnkovich McGrath; daughter, Kathleen (Terry Donahue) McGrath-Donahue of Penn Yan; son, Thomas (Michele) McGrath of Williamsville; grandchildren, Melanie (Tyler) Drysdale and Michael (Julie Trifilo) McGrath; step-grandchildren, Heather Donahue-Smith and Ryan Donahue; great-grandchildren, Michael McGrath and Parker Drysdale and step-great-grandchildren, Connor Smith and Hannah Smith.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 3 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Joseph's Oratory, 25 Lake Street, LeRoy, with interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ontario-Yates Hospice, 756 PreEmption Road, Geneva, N.Y. 14456.

     Your memories and condolences may be offered to Mr. McGrath's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Gary A. Jurkowski age 69, of Perry passed away peacefully while surrounded by family, at Buffalo General Hospital on Saturday January 25, 2014. He was born on May 31, 1944 in Warsaw, New York to the late John Jurkowski and Helen Szymanski-Jurkowski.

Gary was working as a Patrolman with the Perry Police Department when he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and then completed Advanced Individual Training in Biloxi, Mississippi. Gary became qualified as an Air Traffic Controller and Weather Observer at the Laredo AFB in Texas.

He was a 1962 graduate of Perry High School. Following his service to his country, he returned to Perry in 1970 and went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department as a Patrolman. A year later, he returned to his former job as a Patrolman with the Perry Police Department and worked his way through the ranks to become Sergeant. In 1977 he became the Police Chief. Gary enjoyed working closely with children in the village and instituted the “Officer Bill” program at Perry Central Schools, before the more current D.A.R.E program was established. He was involved with the Bicycle Rodeo in the interest of bicycle safety offering locally sponsored savings bonds and trophies in the 1970’s. During his career in law enforcement, he also worked part-time for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years as Marine Lake Patrol on Silver Lake. He continued to work as the Police Chief of Perry until his retirement in 2000. Gary continued his career in law enforcement and became the municipal court Justice for the Village of Perry until retiring in 2012. 

He was a member of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry, the Constellation Lodge #404 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Perry. A member of the Magistrates Association, Knights of Columbus Council 10983, Perry Firemen Benevolent Organization, lifetime member of the New York Chiefs of Police Organization. Gary was also a member of the McKelton Post #350 American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 193 and past member of the Perry Ambulance Corps. He belonged to the Patriot Guard Association honoring the transporting of the deceased Veteran’s ashes to Bath, NY. Gary was recognized in 2012 for 15 years of service, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Observer where he compiled statistics for the National Weather Service based in Buffalo and hometown papers and news stations in Rochester. Among other activities, he drove a tractor trailer with Diagnostic Cat Scanners and MRI equipment to various hospitals and drove freight runs to Ohio for Kaustine Furnace and Tank. He also enjoyed driving truck for local farms. Gary enjoyed railroading and loved showing his Army 2 ½ ton truck at various local events and parades. He was known for his compassion, respected for his wisdom and insight and a mentor to many.

He is survived by two daughters; Tamara (James) Quilty of Dallas, TX, Kathy Narowski of Pavilion; 2 brothers;  John (Ginni) Jurkowski of Rochester, Edward (John Harris) Jurkowski of Perry, sister Marie (Jack) Beachel of Castile, 3 grandchildren; Konner Narowski, Lexi and Avery Quilty along with many nieces, nephews and long-time friend, Judy Bryant. The family would like to extend much gratitude to Carolyn Grieve for her loving care during his illness.

Gary’s memory will be honored with calling hours on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and a memorial service on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Eaton Watson Funeral Home in Perry.

Burial immediately following will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials in Gary’s name be made to the American Juvenile Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence  please visit  www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

LeRoy ~ Lewis J. Lander, age 77, of North Street, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday evening, June 16, 2014.

    Mr. Lander was born March 27, 1937 in Riga, N.Y., a son of the late Carl and Harriet Amesbury Lander.

     He will be remembered as a loving family man, who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He was also an avid golfer and member of the LeRoy Country Club for many years.

     He is survived by his wife, Frances Ianello Lander; daughter, JoAnn (Tom) Ryan of LeRoy; son, Thomas (Beth) Lander of LeRoy; grandchildren, Thomas (Adrienne) Ryan, Christina Ryan, Karl (Abby) Lander; great-grandchildren, Matthew Ryan and Kayleigh Lander; brother, Dean (Charlotte) Lander; sister, Betty (Bart) Smith and brother in law, Raymond Schnieder. 

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Joan Lander and Doris Schnieder.

     Services and interment will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of any flowers, memorials are suggested to the LeRoy Ambulance Services.

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

     Mr. Lander and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.

Alexander ~ Jeffrey A. Klein, age 17, of Dodgeson Road, passed away at home on Sunday evening, June 15, 2014.

     He was born July 30, 1996 in Batavia, a son of James R. and Bonnie Cone Klein.

     Jeff will be remembered for his passion of music.  He le

arned to play guitar and the drums without any formal lessons.

     In addition to his parents, Jim and Bonnie, he is survived by his brothers, James L. (Jordan Gruendyke) Klein of Alexander and Mathew Klein of Alexander; his paternal grandmother, MaryLou Klein of Batavia; his aunts and uncles, David (Janine) Klein of Rochester, Michael (Heather) Klein of E. Bethany, Danny (Pam) Cone of Stafford and Jackie (Tom) Lowe of Alexander; his cousins, Marissa Klein, Kristen Klein, Hannah Klein, Evan Sidhu, Owen Sidhu, Chad Cone, Chase Cone, Aaron (Leslie George) Hirsch, Jason Lowe and Hailee Lowe.  He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, James A. Klein and his maternal grandparents, Lavern and Ann Cone.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  His Funeral Mass will be Friday at    10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.  Interment will be private in Stafford Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jeff's family in order to establish a music scholarship award at Alexander High School.

     Your memories and condolences may be offered to Jeff's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Loren J. Falker, 80 of Corfu, passed away on Saturday June 14, 2014 at his home. He was born on January 23, 1934 in Alabama, NY to the late Alba (Mary Story) Falker. He is preceded in death by his wife Lois (Finkney) Falker; daughter Katherine Falker; brothers Donald and William Falker; sister Delores Diver.

Mr. Falker was a United States Army Veteran. He loved farming and did it his entire life. Loren was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Loren is survived by his son Kenneth (Mary) Falker of Corfu, 4 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren survive along with many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours.  Friends are invited to an 11:00 AM Funeral Service on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.

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

HARRIET E. OLVERD - Age 87, of Batavia, died Friday afternoon June 13, 2014 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born March 6, 1927 in Perry, NY to the late Theron & Cora (Gregg) Horton also preceded in death by her siblings, Edward, John, Jean, Eleanor, Althea and Helen.

   Harriet was a long time member of the Grace Baptist Church and in her younger years was very active. She worked for the Eastman Kodak Co. and enjoyed traveling. 

   Surviving is her husband of 68 years, Philip of Batavia; sons, Joseph of Batavia, Philip of Pittsburgh; daughters, Phyllis (Jack) Pata of Rochester and Rosalie (late Vincent) Pusateri of Avon; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

   Family and friends may visit from 10-12 Noon Monday June 16, 2014 at the Grace Baptist Church 238 Vine Street Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will follow at noon. She will be laid to rest in Mumford Rural Cemetery and memorials can be made to the church in her memory.           

Please share your memories of Harriet, with her family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF HARRIET E. OLVERD IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120

LeRoy ~ Regina K. Alexyn, age 88, of East Main Road, passed away Thursday afternoon (June 12, 2014) at Crossroads House in Batavia.

     Mrs. Alexyn was born October 20, 1925 in Caledonia, a daughter of the late Richard Grayson and Helen Skelly Pangrazio.

     Mrs. Alexyn, commonly known as "Mima" to her family, will be remembered as a very loving person, who cherished her time that she spent with her family during holidays and special times.  She loved spending time at home where she worked on many different crafts that included sewing and stained glass.

     She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Salvatore) Fili of LeRoy, a sister, Lorraine Maxwell of LeRoy, a brother, Paul (Virginia) Pangrazio of Stafford, grandchildren, Rebecca Fili and Jessica (Joseph Bogue) Fili, great-grandchildren, Ashley, Lukas, Molly, Te'a, Samuel and Sonny, along with many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John and her sister, Audrey Finco.

     Family and friends may call on Monday from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish (St. Peter’s Church), 44 Lake St., LeRoy.    Memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.

     Your memories and condolences may be offered to Mrs. Alexyn’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com

Submitted by Susan Brownell

            Lillian Judith Joy Robinson (Lilly) was birthed into this world on June 10, 2014 at 3:10 p.m. at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia, NY.  Some day prior to her birth, Lilly slipped away and fluttered to heaven, just before her due date. She is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Our Savior did not leave us comfortless, for His Holy Spirit was present as we were surrounded by a host of heavenly staff, family, and friends; along with an incredible, tangible blanket of love and prayer from the host of believers that could not be physically present with us.
            Though we greatly grieve our loss in sorrow and pain, yet we rejoice in the fact that Lilly is with our Savior, the Lord Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:13-14 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
            She leaves behind her parents, Bill and Tina Robinson of Bergen, N.Y., and five brothers and sisters: Joshua, Autumn, Hannah, Elijah, and Daniel. Also, Great-Grandmother Hazel June Newsom, Grandparents Paul and Sandra Harris, Grandfather Arby Robinson, Aunt Susan and Uncle David Brownell with cousins Shauna and Celeste, Aunt Anne Robinson, along with a multitude of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her Grandmother Judith Estelle Robinson, Uncle Kevin Paul Harris, and one special brother or sister we never had the chance to meet.
            Though we know not what the final days or hours were like for Lilly, we can only imagine what her present and future are. How fitting that her name means “pure joy” for that is what she is experiencing. She is our “Lilly” in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and do you know that Jesus is our Lily of the Valley? Christ is the Lily, or the beauty, when we are going through the Valley of Death and our Lilly is the beauty of this time that we are walking through. Christ Jesus is our life, sustaining us through.
            If you want to know more about our hope and faith in Jesus, if you are feeling a longing for something tangible and real; you are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life Service being held at Old Paths Bible Baptist Church, 4782 Hall Road, Holley, NY, on Saturday, June 14th at 10:30 a.m. with a reception following. Do not hesitate to bring your baby.

Condolences can be made at <http://www.newcomerrochester.com>

Harry Jacob Shearman, infant son of Jennifer Merz and James Shearman of Perry, died on Wednesday June 11, 2014 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Harry Merz; maternal great grandparents, Harry Merz and Thelma Gohn; paternal great grandparents,Edna Bauer, Howard L. and Jeanette Kinney.

He is survived by his maternal grandmother Nancy Merz of Perry; paternal grandparents Donna Kinney of Buffalo, Dana Naples of Angola, maternal great grandmother Jean Merz of Beaver, PA., along with many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

A Memorial Service for Jacob Harry Shearman will be held on Saturday June 21st at 2:00 P.M. at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton Watson Funeral Home, LLC 98 North Main Street Perry New York 14530

Mildred “Millie” Schwab, 86, of Batavia passed away on Tuesday June 10, 2014 at LeRoy Village Green. She was born on July 7, 1927 in Sheldon to the late Andrew and Julia (Becker) Almeter. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard M. Schwab and sister Dorothy Downing.

Millie will be remembered for many things by many people; among other things, she was:

Daughter.  Sister.  Wife.  Lover.  Mother.GrammaSheep.  Great Grandmother.  Aunt.  Godmother.Follower of Christ.Leader of Many.  Friend.  Teacher.  Chef.  Church Lady.  Volunteer.  Silver Fox.  Secretary.  Operator.  Coach.  Caregiver.  Nurse.  Mail(wo)man.  Election Worker.  Census Taker.  SnowSkier.  WaterSkier.  Golfer.  Gardener.  Bicyclist.  Farmer.  Hiker.  Thrifty. Raspberry Grower.  Instructor.  Apple Peeler.  4-Her.  Rug Braider.  Plant Grower.  Camper.  Boater.  Writer.  ArrowHead Hunter.  Bread Baker.  Pizza Maker.

Can it, Preserve it, Freeze it.  Pick it, Peel it, Pit it.Pie Maker Extraordinaire.  Humorist.  Fisher(wo)man.Coupon Clipper.  GreenStamp Licker.  Horticulturist. Whitewater Rafter.  Decorator.  Cinnamon Roll Expert.  Birdwatcher.  Crafter.  Financial Planner.  Cookie Monster.  Seamstress. Knit One, Purl Two.  First-Aid Provider.  Frugalist.  Painter.  Wallpaper Hanger. Decorator.  Artist. Lifeguard.  Picnicker.  Button Collector.Kiter.  Upholsterer.  Racer.  TeddyBear Creator.

Millie is survived by her sons Max Schwab of AK,  Kurt (Lisa) Schwab of Batavia, Jason (Patty) Schwab of TN; daughter Suzanne Schwab of WA; brothers Richard (Rose Mary) Almeter of Sheldon, Nelson (Lois) Almeter of Bemus Point, Gerald (Shirley) Almeter of Elma, brother- in-law James Downing of MD; sisters Sharon (David) Daniel of Fairport , Sandra Roemer of East Aurora; grandchildren, Gina and LeeAnna Tallman, Kyle Schwab, Erin and Courtney Schwab, 2 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Millie was a past member of St. Nicholas Church in North Java.

There will be no prior calling hours. There will be a Memorial Mass held at St. Cecilia’s (St. John Neuman) 991 Centerline Rd. Sheldon, NY 14145 on Saturday July 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM with a reception brunch at the Parish Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an organization of the donors choice in Millie’s name.  For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Donald E. Roche, 82 of North Java passed away on Tuesday June 10, 2014 at Wyoming County Community Hospital. He was born on July 20, 1931 in North Java to the late Charles (Alice Schier) Roche. Donald is preceded in death by his brothers Francis, Robert, Vincent Roche; sister Florence Bauer. Mr. Roche was a Councilman for Wyoming County. He was a longtime farmer and member of the North Java Fire Department.

He is survived by his sisters Mary Margaret Borek of FL; Rita Marvin of TN;  Rowena (Norman) Gerhardt of Marilla; Ann (Kenneth) Bush of Rochester; Theresa (Donald) Simons of Strykersville, brother Charles Roche of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday June 13, 2014 from 4 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street, Attica New York 14011.  An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday June 14, 2014 at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church 1468 Route 78 (Main St.) Java Center, NY 14082. He will be laid to rest in St. Nicholas Cemetery, North Java.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to North Java Fire Department 4274 Route 98 North Java, NY 14113.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 591-1212. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011.

Maggie  (Marsha) L. Miller, 65, of Batavia passed away on Sunday June 8, 2014 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 29, 1948 in Batavia to Edward A. Miller of Batavia and the late Hazel May (Kelsey) Miller. She is preceded in death by her brother Russ Miller.

Maggie, a gypsy woman who wore that badge with honor, marching through life to the beat of several different drums. The one with the deepest, truest tone was the one that held her love and pride of family. Starting with her parents that she came home to care for.  The siblings that she admired for who they were, and the many nieces and nephews that she would cheer on, through their accomplishments, even if it was just through her Facebook page. Then there were her girls, that’s what she called us, her girls, no matter what we did. It took a long time to travel back down that road, but her girls were who she loved and admired most. With them came the next generations of love, trust and acceptance. Her love did not end with people, it reached out further and deeper. When you’re a woman of such insight, strength, and knowledge how can it be contained? It showed in her love for animals, especially horses, dogs and cats. Her love of nature and the peace that flowed just by being still, but also in the thunder that rolled when passions flew when she faced down adversity, in defense of a belief or someone she loved. She stood for her convictions and made no apologies for them, always holding true to herself. There will always be coffee ready for you. We love you Mom.

Maggie is survived by her daughters Cerrie (Anthony) LaPlante of VA,  Amy Connolly of East Bethany, S. Michelle (Doug) Connolly-Kelly of VA, Tammy (Kevin) Sandeen of MI; former husband twice over Bruce S. Connolly of LeRoy; best friend for over two decades Walter “Skeeter” Blatt of Batavia; brothers Roger (Judy) Miller of VA, Greg (Ann) Miller of East Bethany, Jeff Miller of FL, Paul (Sherri) Miller of Alexander and sisters Paula (George) Miller-Schaefer of VA, Vicki (Jeff) Wolak of East Bethany,  Belinda (Rick) Miller-Cox of East Bethany; 20 grandchildren, 9 ½ great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial barbeque will be held on July 12, 2014.  Location and time are to be determined at a later date.

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