Obituaries

Elba - Mr. Carl Anthony Barone, 73, of Elba, a Communications Specialist at New York State Police, Troop A in Batavia from 1972 to 1996, died Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Rochester General Hospital. 

Mr. Barone was born November 14, 1938 in Buffalo, the son of the late John C. and Carmella (Fricano) Barone.

He served with the Navy from June 28, 1952 to August 31, 1959.  Shortly after being discharged from the Navy, Mr. Barone worked for Pan-Am/RCA in support of the Eastern Missile Test Range.  He lived overseas at that time and traveled extensively to places such as Ascension, Trinidad and Antigua.  He was a 20 year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, member of the NYS Retired Troopers Association and member of the former St. Nicholas Social Club.  He was an avid Golfer Bowler and Fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Faye A. (Pridmore) Barone whom  he married June 28, 1975; a daughter, Melissa Barone of Elba; a sister, JoAnne (Richard) Cobb of Oceanside, CA; several cousins including, Paula (Steve) Colangelo-Rosendahl of CO; a special family friend, Melanie McLeod of N. Tonawanda; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, at the First Presbyterian Church, 23 N. Main St., Elba.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities.  Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery in Elba.  

Mrs. Janie E. Stokes of Woodstock, GA passed away Tuesday April 10, 2012 at home with her husband Bruce and daughter Heather by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was 61.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 16, 2012 at Timothy Lutheran Church with the Rev. Stephen Constien officiating.  Visitation will be held Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Woodstock Funeral Home.  Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to www.gaovariancancer.org/donate/

Mrs. Stokes was born October 23, 1950 to the late Leon and Cynthia Cutler Martin in Potsdam, New York.  Janie attended Potsdam High School.  She obtained a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in English and Education at the State University of New York at Potsdam and a Gifted Specialist Degree from Berry College in Rome, GA.  Janie and Bruce were married August 19, 1972 in Potsdam, New York and were happily married for 39 years.  She had a lifelong love of children and her childhood ambition was to become an educator.  Mrs. Stokes realized her ambition by teaching for 35 years in New York, Michigan, Cobb and Cherokee Counties where she positively touched the lives of hundreds of young students.  She was honored as the Cherokee County Teacher of the Year in 1988 and the Cobb County Teacher of the year in 1994.

Janie’s other passion was making quilts.  She collected over 140 children’s story books that incorporated quilts in the story.  Her dream of using books and quilts based on the stories as an educational tool has been realized by an organization called “Story Book Quilts-Janie’s Dream”.  Her quilt guild, Chattahoochee Evening Stars, to date, has made quilts to compliment thirty-seven of the storybooks.  The quilts and books are lent to schools and libraries in the metro Atlanta area for their reading programs.

Janie is survived by her husband Bruce G. Stokes, Woodstock, GA.; daughter, Heather Elizabeth Wurst, (Peter),Pennsburg, Pennsylvania; one son, Nathaniel Martin Stokes, Central Square, New York; one granddaughter, Emma Elizabeth Wurst, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania; one sister, Catherine Yack, Huntsville, AL.; two brothers, Leon Martin, Jr., (Paula) Potsdam, New York, and Robert Martin, (Marie) Potsdam, New York;  mother-in-law, Alice Stokes, South Byron, New York; one brother-in-law, Douglas Stokes, Poway, California; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Gillard (Craig), Batavia, New York, and Kathy Cummings (Dan), South Byron, New York.

Online condolences may be made to www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

Age 70, of Punta Gorda, FL and formerly of Buffalo, NY entered into rest Wednesday March 14, 2012. Born November 10, 1941 a son of the late Donald Irene (Leonarczyk) Whalen. Don was a lifelong law enforcement officer, retiring from the Buffalo Police Department after 20 years of service, he then relocated to Florida in 1985 and worked as an investigator for the State Attorneys Office for 23 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wynn (Roundtree) Whalen; loving children, Brian (Shiela); Katie (Joe) Polewski & Kelly (Joe) Zimmer; brother of Jane (Angelo) Pinterpe & Barbara (Dennis) O'Keefe; 12 grandchildren Derrek, Katelyne, Megan, Erin, Justine, Sidney, Shawn, Madison, Joey, Joshua, Faith & Grace; former wife Christine (Nowicki); step-father of Tim (Chanel) Demonbreun & Megan Demonbreun along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a 9:30 AM Memorial Mass on Saturday April 21, 2012 at St. Martin's R.C. Church 1140 Abbott Road Buffalo, New York 14020, Celebrated by Donald's nephew, Father Patrick O'Keefe. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice and burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 92, of California, formerly of Batavia died Tuesday March 6, 2012 at the Hospice Compassionate Care Home in Grass Valley, CA. She was born in Batavia, daughter of the late John & Phyllis Alfieri, also preceded in death by her husbands Ross Gangemi in 1971 and Jim Halliwell in 2000; sisters Anna DeJaneiro, Sarah Scafetta; brothers Sam, Tom & Joe Alfieri. A member of Ascension Parish, she worked for many years at Sylvania in Batavia and later for GTE in Southern California. She loved life and enjoyed spening time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her son Ron (Jan) Gangemi of Grass Valley, CA; grandsons John of Ft. Worth, TX & Ryan of Auburn, CA; granddaughter Natalie (Jake) Van Dusen of Bozeman, MT and great-granddaughter Jessica Gangemi along with numerous nieces and nephews.

There is no prior visitation, Ron & Jan will be present and ask family and friends to join them at 3:00 PM Saturday June 9, 2012 at St. Joseph's Cemetery for Committal Services and then at Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Site) where the 4:00 PM Mass will be Celebrated in her memory. Memorials in her memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

LaVerne C. Gell, 79 of Perry, died April 14, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born September 4, 1932 in Castile, NY to the late Custer (Ruth Dumbleton) Gell. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the U.S. Army. Mr. Gell was an Electrician for many years at Eastman Kodak. He loved camping, woodworking and took great pride in taking care of his yard.

LaVerne is survived by his wife Delores (Monteleone) Gell of Perry; sons Christopher Gell of FL; Kirk (Stacey) Gell of Perry; daughter Brenda (Ronald) Wineland of PA; grandchildren Andrew, Adam Gell; Krista and Sean Wineland; sister Gloria Henry of Perry along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to calling hours from 7 to 9 PM on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530. 1:00 PM Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday April 18, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Elmwood Cemetery Silver Springs, NY.

Memorials are suggested to Noyes Kidney Disease and Dialysis Center 4616 Millenium Drive Geneseo, NY 14454.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Russell C. Hebell, "Butch", 86, of Batavia, formerly of East Bethany, died Saturday (April 14, 2012) at the NYS Veterans Nursing Home in Batavia. 

He was born in Alexander, NY on August 24, 1925, a son of the late Carl F. and Marie Horn Hebell.

Mr. Hebell was a WWII veteran of the US Army from 1944 to 1946 where he served with the 89th Infantry division.  He was retired from Tri-County Ford where he was a salesman and Batavia Downs where he was a State Patrol Judge.  He was a former president of the Genesee County Democratic Party, former Town of Bethany Chairman, charter member of the Bethany Center Vol. Fire Co. and member of the Joseph M. Collins Post VFW in Alexander. He enjoyed gardening, pitching horseshoes, traveling and spening his retirement in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marion Earl Hebell whom he married on January 31, 1944. His children, David (Sylvia) Hebell of Batavia, Linda (Russell) Sutfin of Wayland, NY.  Grandfather of, Milissa Rector, Deanna Virgo, Christina (Michael)Bak, Pamela Adamski and Charles Hebell.  Great grandfather of, Noah Rector, Jenna Jaszko and Olivia Walton.  Step grandchildren, Doug, Rachel, Kelly and Rob.  Step great grandchildren, Joseph, Jake and Anna.  A Brother of Lee (Linda) Hebell of Webster, NY.  A niece and nephew, Lindsey and Lee Hebell.

He is the father of the late Ann Adamski Hurley and grandfather of the late Matthew David Hebell.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE. BATAVIA on Tuesday from 3 - 7 PM. Services will be Wednesday at the funeral home at 10 AM followed by burial with full military honors at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bethany Center Road, Bethany.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Bethany Center Vol. Fire Co. or NYS Veterans Home.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

The family entrusted arrangements of Russell C. "Butch" Hebell to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR

Age 67, of East Bethany, died Thursday April 12, 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born in Rochester, NY on September 14, 1943, a son of the late Patsy & Jennie (Marabella) Guiliano. A member of Resurrection Parish, he worked for many years at Automotive Corp. in Batavia. Simon enjoyed gardening, fishing, his dog "Bruno" and time spent with his grandchildren, especially his great-grandson, Rocco.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Ann (Ange) Guiliano of East Bethany; his sons Jason (Rebekha) Guiliano of Mt. Morris & Tony Guiliano of East Bethany; daughter Dawn Guiliano of LeRoy; sister Florence Guiliano of East Bethany; sister-in-law Anita Iannello of LeRoy; four grandchildren Erica, Jake, Luci & Genevieve; great-grandson Rocco; one niece and three nephews.

There is no prior visitation, Simon's family requests that all join them at 12:00Noon on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary' Site) for his Mass of Christian Burial. Memorials in his memory are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Age 78, of Alexander, died Thursday evening April 12, 2012 at his home. He was born in Alexander on May 25, 1933, a son of the late Max & Regina (Trojanowski) Tomaszewski also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Arthur (Rose) Tomaszewski. Whitey was a member of Batavia High School Class of 1951. As a youth he worked on the family farm in Alexander and the mucklands in Elba. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1955-57; as a City of Batavia Fireman from 1957-62; and in the New York State Department of Correctional Services from 1962-88, from which he retired with the rank of Lieutenant. He was a part time farmer for many years, member of Ascension Parish, the Beachhead VFW Post #6239 in Alexander, and the Disabled American Veterans. He was President of the Polish Falcons of America Nest #493 in Batavia from 1984-94, and was a recipient of the Polish Falcons Silver Legion of Honor Medal. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and talking to people.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Patricia Ann (Barbeau) Tomaszewski, whom he married April 23, 1960 in LeRoy; his son, Paul Tomaszewski of Batavia; two daughters, Peggy Tomaszewski of North Chili and Regina Tomaszewski of Batavia; one brother-in-law, Henry (Margaret) Barbeau of LeRoy; two sisters-in-law, Rosemary (Tom) Whaley of Pearl Creek and Gloria (the late Rev. John) Barbeau of Orlando, FL; two cousins Martin (Anna) Marciniak of Shelby and Thaddeus Konieczka of Elba; four nieces and seven nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 3-7PM on Sunday April 15, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where prayers will be recited 9:30AM Monday April 16 followed by a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Memorials in Whitey's memory are suggested to the Alexander Fire Department, Rt. 98 Alexander, NY 14005 or the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Memorial Program PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

Rose (Cecero) Marchese, 95 just five days away from her 96th birthday, of Batavia, died April 12, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center following a short illness. She was born April 17, 1916 in Batavia to the late Vito (Anna Tenebruso) Cecero. Mrs. Marchese was a member of Ascension Parish, the Altar and Rosary Society, St. Michael’s Society and the St. Joseph’s Table Committee which she helped to establish. She was also a member the St. Jerome Hospital Guild. Prior to her retirement Rose was employed by the NYS Department of Labor – Unemployment Office, Oliver’s Candies, Don’s Dinette and along with her husband they ran Batavia Washing Machine and Appliance Company. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Marchese in 1978, daughter Joanne M. Monachino in 2003, daughter in law Joan Koziel Marchese, brothers Anthony, John, Michael and Dominic Cecero and two sisters Theresa and Mary Cecero.

She is survived by her beloved sons Francis G. Marchese and Victor C. (Fiancée Brenda Scalia) Marchese of Batavia. 2 grandsons Paul (Sandra) Marchese of Batavia, Robert (Melayne) Marchese of Austin Texas, two great grandsons Joseph and Michael Marchese of Batavia. Sisters in law Eleanor Cecero and Joan Marchese of Batavia, brothers in law Steve (Rose) Marchese of CA and Vincent March of Batavia who survive along with several nieces and nephews who loved Rose.

Calling hours will be held on Friday April 13, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited on Saturday April 14, 2012 at 9:30 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in Ascension Parish (St. Anthony’s), 122 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia, NY.

Memorials may be made to United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020 or the Batavia Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box  347, Batavia, NY 14021-0347. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.
 

Zion Charles Ryder, was born and passed on April 6, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center. Mommy and Daddy will always love and miss you.

Yes Jesus loves me
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes Jesus loves me
For the Bible tells me so   
From the Family

Zion is survived by his parents Christopher Charles Say and Jasmine Ryder; brother Nie’ir Ryder, a sister Jamaya Ryder, maternal grandparents Gwendolyn and Roy Beam, paternal grandparents Tina Cook.

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday April 13, 2012 at 1PM at Elmwood Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, Batavia, NY

Memorials may be made to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by GilmartinFuneral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Laura E. Niedermaier, 86, passed away Saturday (April 7th) at the Trevecca Health Care Center in Nashville, TN following a short illness. Born September 12, 1925, she was the youngest daughter of the late Cassius and Edna Julian Cline.  She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Armstrong, in 1973.  She later married Adolph Niedermaier who predeceased her in 2004.  Laura was also predeceased by three brothers Merle, Milton and Shirley and two sisters Eleanor Emo and Gladys Bush.

Laura worked various factory and office work jobs as well as the farm of her second husband, Adolph.  She cherished the years she spent volunteering with the Wyoming County Foster Grandparent Program. Since relocating to Tennessee in 2007 she has spent her time volunteering at the local longevity center, attending bible study and church, visiting with great-grandchildren, reading and listening to Southern Gospel music.

Laura was a committed follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Throughout her life Laura regularly spent time reading her Bible, attending Bible studies, church services and studying the Lord's Word.  She had a strong prayer life and faithfully interceeded for her family and friends needs through prayer.  She strongly believed that Jesus Christ was her savior, that he took her sins on himself at the cross and triumphed over Satan through resurrection.  Her faith was more than a comfort to her, it was cornerstone of how she lived her life.  If you have not put your trust in Christ there no better time than the present.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”   
Romans 10:9-11

Laura is survived by her brother Carl Cline of Silver Springs; daughter Joy Armstrong-Fitch of Silver Springs; step-children Theresa Bowman (Randy) of Texas, Melinda Sherwood (Lynn) of Kentucky, Butch Niedermaier (Kelli) of Andover, Kris Wallace (Bill) of Bolivar, Billy Niedermaier (Jodi) of Andover, Tony Niedermaier (Dawn) of Andover, John Niedermaier (Jenna) of Odessa; grandchildren Karissa (Shaun), Ian and Emilee as well as her great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Friday, April 20th at 11am we invite friends and family to attend the graveside burial service for Laura in Hartsville, NY at the Cline Family Cemetery (also known as the Comfort Cemetery) located at the corner of Purdy Creek Road (County Route 28) and Ashbaugh Hill Road (County Route 64).  Pastor Duff will be officiating.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Laura's name to the Rock Glen Baptist Church:  4311 Route 19, Rock Glen, NY 14550. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Henry B. Mitalski, 81a longtime resident of Livonia, NY and most recently of Pueblo, Colorado where he spent the last year of his retirement living near family members. He passed away on April 7, 2012 in Colorado. Henry was born March 24, 1931. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division having served during the Korean War.  Henry enjoyed playing football in his youth and in 1949 was the captain of the Batavia High School football team.  He had a long and enjoyable career as a power utility lineman and foreman for Niagara Mohawk in western New York. He is predeceased by his brothers Phillip Metz, Tony Mitalski and Casey Mitalski.    

Henry is survived by his brother Ed Mitalski of Newfane,NY, sister Jine Monachino of Wichita,KS, and many nieces and nephews. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM on Thursday April 19, 2012 at Ascension Parish-Sacred Heart Church 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Batavia, NY.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Patricia A. Orlando, 62 of Corfu, died April 9, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born July 1, 1949 in Batavia to the late Vincent (Margaret Noon) McBurney. Mrs. Orlando enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald G. Orlando Sr.

She is survived by her sons Joseph Shockey; Daniel (Valerie White) Orlando both of Batavia; daughter Mary (Rick Johnson) Duckworth of Akron; 4 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday April 11, 2012 from 4 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. 1:00 PM Funeral Services will take place on Thursday April 12, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lake Plains Dialysis 587 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Frederick L. Olszewski, 92, of Akron, died Thursday (April 5, 2012) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on April 10, 1919, a son of the late John and Pearl Biegala Olszewski.

Frederick was a millwright at Buffalo Crushed Stone Company prior to his retirement and was a parishioner of St. Teresa’s Church in Akron.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn (Boldt) Olszewski, whom he married on July 15, 1950. Two daughters and sons in-law, Janice (Carl) Schoenwetter of Akron and Eileen (Christopher) Kruger of Langdon, NH.  Two sons and daughter in-law, Kenneth (Brenda) Olszewski and Ronald Olszewski, all of Akron.  Three grandchildren, Philip Mathews, Teresa Truglio and Robert Olszewski.  A sister, Helen Pruski and brother, William Olsen, both of Elma.  Also survived by six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Jeffrey and Brian Olszewski.

Friends of the family are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family on Tuesday (April 10th) from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10am at St. Teresa of Avila R.C. Church in Akron.   Please assemble at church.

Interment will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined.

Expressions of condolence may be made 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 & Proprietor. 

Batavia- Florence E. Bernard, 94, of Batavia, passed away Friday, (April 6, 2012)at the New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia, following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Bernard was born February 11, 1918 in Batavia, a daughter of the late John E. and Olive (Boyce) Dietschler.

She was the longest surviving member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, having joined in 1932.   Florence was the site manager of the former Batavia Senior Center for more than 20 years; and was the Mission Chairperson for the Presbyterian Women of Batavia.  She was also President of the 20/30 Club.  She enjoyed volunteering her time with the American Red Cross. 

Mrs. Bernard was a devoted mother and grandmother.  She especially enjoyed having tea parties with the numerous children in the family.  

She was the wife of the late William Bernard, who passed away in 1997.  They were married September 30, 1938, in Batavia.

Florence is survived by her children, Beverly (Paul) Kern, Jack (Norma) Bernard both of Batavia, Rev. James (Pamela) Bernard of KY, Dennis (Maria) Bernard of Miami, FL, Allyn (Linda) Bernard of Oakfield, Richard (Maria) Bernard of NC, and Barry Bernard of CA; Daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Bernard of Las Vegas, NV.  20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren survive along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Mrs. Bernard is preceded in death by a son, Robert Bernard; and a grandson, Shawn Bernard. 

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, where Florence’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.  Flowers gratefully declined.  Memorials may be made to the family for distribution to Florence's favorite charities.  Burial will take place privately and at the convenience of the family in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.  Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia, (585) 343-8868.