Obituaries

  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.

  Marie Ann (Tyo) Taylor peacefully passed away on Dec 27, 2021. Marie was born on March 4, 1947 in Massena, NY.  She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Mary (Doud) Tyo, brother Terrance Tyo, and brother-in-law Wayne Kellogg. 

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Lawrence Taylor, also by her children, Stephen Taylor (Cydne Stevenson,) Mary Ellen (Michael) West, and Lawrence Patrick (Deborah Steger). She leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Michael, Charlene, Victoria, Autumn, Matthew, Lauren, and Sawyer, and two great grandchildren Dean and Wes. Marie is also survived by siblings, Suzanne Hall, Joanne Kellogg, John (Judy) Tyo, Denise (Rene) Neves, Daniel Tyo (Shelly Bowers,) and Angela (Andrew) Ibey. Surviving sisters-in-law include Debra Tyo and Patricia Page. 

Marie was an LPN for many years, working in Syracuse, NY, Batavia, NY, and ending her career in Bradenton, FL. She was very selfless, and enjoyed her career as a healthcare professional. Marie and Larry resided in Henrietta, Alexander, Warsaw, and Palmetto, FL. During their times here, they made life-long friends and memories to fill a lifetime. Marie followed in her mom’s footsteps in many ways, including her love for crocheting.  She made many blankets, dolls and other things through the years.

The family will be doing a Graveside Service in the spring at the Western New York National Cemetery Pembroke, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southeastern Guide Dog Inc, Palmetto, FL. 4210 77th St. E. Palmetto, FL 34221.  To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Batavia - Mary Lou Stetka, 74, of Beaufort, North Carolina, formerly of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Cobble Hill Nursing Home in Brooklyn.

Mrs. Stetka was born May 21, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late George and Wilma (Nutting) Johnson.

She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Batavia and earned a Bachelors in Education from the University of Massachusetts. She worked as an elementary and middle school teacher in California and Massachusetts, and as a substitute teacher in Orchard Park, NY. She and her husband, the late Daniel J. Stetka, co-founded a genetics laboratory, Diagenetics, in the 1990s. She managed the finances there until they closed the business in 2015. She loved historical literature, dogs (especially golden retrievers), antiques, baking, and genealogy. She is remembered lovingly for her generosity and exquisite taste.

Surviving are her son, Bret (Amanda) Stetka, of Garrison, New York; a granddaughter, Nico Stetka; brother, Mike (Sharyn) Johnson; sister, Suzanne (Simon) Prensky.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend Mary Lou's Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on January 10, 2022 at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Cure PSP (psp.org).

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Batavia - Tess Bonczyk, 91 of Batavia, passed away Monday evening (December 27, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

Tess graduated from Catherine McAuley School of Nursing in Batavia. She began her career of nursing as a scrub nurse at St. Jerome Hospital. She also worked at the former Genesee County Nursing Home, and retired from St. Luke’s Manor in Batavia.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Surviving are her sons, Jerome Bonczyk, and Ronald (Debra) Bonczyk, I; a granddaughter, Toni (Brandon) Connolly and their children, Sydney and Keegan; a grandson, Ronald (Shannon) Bonczyk, II and their children, Connor, Corrine, and Reese.

A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. Tess will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.Bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Linda A. Kirsop, 77 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, (December 31, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mrs. Kirsop was born June 28, 1944 in Medina, a daughter of the late Millard and Ellen Thompson.

Linda retired from the Genesee County Nursing Home where she worked as a CNA. She enjoyed playing online games, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. In her younger years she was an avid bowler. Linda was a caregiver at heart and truly enjoyed caring for others.

Surviving are her husband, Timothy P. Kirsop of Batavia; children, Charles (Debbie) Weaver, Scott (Cathy) Weaver, Tina (Rich) Hagen all of Batavia; Todd Weaver of Middleport, and Josh (Stephanie) Kirsop of Henrietta; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bailey Weaver; great-grandson, Landon Taylor; brother, Raymond Thompson; sisters, Lois (late Ben) Starr, Loretta (late Jerry) Martino, Mary (late Al) Smith, and Katie Feldman.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, (January 6, 2022)  from 5 to 7 p.m.  at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia, where Linda 's Funeral Service will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of the donor's choice. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Daniel Julian Plapus. 74, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

He was born July 26, 1947 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Julian Plapus and Sophie Kowalczyk Plapus.

He resided in Batavia, NY, Conesus Lake, NY and Bonita Springs, FL.

He was “invited” as he would say to join the Army in 1969, where he proudly fought for our country and served with the 5th Mechanized Armor Division known as the Red Diamond in the Vietnam War.  He was humbled to be supporting the Marines along the DMZ line. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star. He seldom spoke of his time in Vietnam, but on one rare occasion, he noted one of the proudest moments in his life was that no one under his leadership lost their lives.

He earned a journeyman pipefitter status, working first at Doehler-Jarvis, then joining General Motors Rochester Products, and retiring from General Motors Tonawanda/Buffalo in 2008. 

He was a member of VFW Post 1602 serving as quartermaster for 24 years, American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He volunteered at the St. Joseph’s Church Lawn Fete for several years. He also volunteered at Notre Dame High School, and helped coach his daughter’s soccer team.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Joan Elmore Plapus, his precious daughter, Danielle Plapus (Christopher George) of Buffalo, NY and his beloved granddaughter Roane George. His “girls” were the pride and joy of his life! He was happiest when they were with him, and cherished the time they spent together traveling the world. His last overseas trip was to show his granddaughter his ancestral roots in Poland. 

Other survivors include his sister, Gloria (late Vincent) Gautieri, his brother, David Plapus; brother-in-law, Dennis Elmore (Diane Hale); sisters-in-law, Carol (Glenn) Hilchey, Peggy (Larry) White, and Cindy Elmore; family pets including Linus the Great Dane and Fat Louie the cat, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no calling hours due to COVID. The family will celebrate his life at Mass when conditions permit. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be sent to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Batavia- 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 8, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Horace J. Lazarony Jr., 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (December 28, 2021) at Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born September 26, 1931 in Dunkirk, NY, a son of the late Horace J. Lazarony Sr. and Winifred Doyle Lazarony.

Horace was the owner for over 25 years of the former Kentucky Fried Chicken which was located on East Main St. in Batavia. He was an avid horseback trail rider and enjoyed camping. He loved his family and cherished time spent with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, David (Mary) Lazarony of PA, Jay (Donna) Lazarony of Batavia, Jerry Lazarony of Ohio, Ruth (Joe) Jensen of Avon and James (Diana) Lazarony of Corfu. Sister, Janet Lazarony of Florida. Also survived by 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane Minich Lazarony. Brothers, Joseph Lazarony and John Lazarony.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (January 3rd) from 5-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

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.

 

 

Rose M. Golino, 95 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (December 29, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born June 7, 1926 in Utica, NY, a daughter of the late Francesco and Vincenza Girinei Pensiero.

Rose was retired from Clairol Cosmetic Co. in Connecticut and moved to Batavia, NY to be closer to family about 15 years ago. She was a strong, caring and kind hearted person who loved her family. They were the center of her life and will be missed dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Antonio Golino and brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Cecilia (Frank) Chesnick of Batavia, Antonio (Andrea) Golino III of Byron and Vincenza (Ashraf) Ammar of Batavia. Sisters in-law, Victoria Pensiero and Mary Golino, both of Stamford, CT. Also survived and cherished by 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Darien, CT.

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.