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Obituaries

Kathleen “Kathy” Mary Cornelius

By Lisa Ace


Kathleen “Kathy” Mary Cornelius, Alabama Center, NY, passed on September 9, 2020, after a long illness. Beloved wife of Francis L. Cornelius, Jr.; dearest mother of Stephanie (Timothy) Benson and Douglas Cornelius; loving and devoted grandmother of Chandler, Aiden and Ethan Cornelius, Mary, Timothy and Eleanor Benson; dearly missed sister of Carolyn Naab, Paul (Donna) Schmitz, Joe (Rondina) Schmitz, Christine Reigle and Mary Jane (Christopher) Wojnar; caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.

No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 18 W. Main Street, Corfu, NY 14036.  Arrangements by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Kathy's family, please visit rossakron.com.

Wilfred S. Brooks

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Wilfred S. Brooks , 96  of Oakfield  passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at his home under the care of HomeCare and Hospice.

Mr. Brooks was born October 24, 1923 in Washington, D.C., a son of the late Arthur E. Brooks and Ruth (Steverson) Brooks.

Mr. Brooks was a member of the Oakfield United Methodist Church where he was a Lay Leader.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1197 in Batavia, where he served as Western New York Council President and 7th District Commander.  

Wilfred's list of accomplishments is plentiful.  He was at one time or another the Recording Secretary and Vice President of the Federal Labor Union #22485, Chairman of the Oakfield Republican Party, a member of the Board of Directors of Genesee/LeRoy United Way, Councilman of the Town of Oakfield (6 years), Supervisor of the Town of Oakfield (4 years), District #1 Genesee County Legislator (8 years), Chairman of the Public Service Committee, member of the Ways & Means Committee, Chairman, GLOW Solid Waste Management Committee, Chairman, Genesee Fingerlakes Regional Planning Council, Board of Advisory Directors at Pavilion State Bank, Board of Directors of Greater Rochester United Way, President, Oakfield Alabama Lions Club,  Dean of Annual Retreat with Camp Asbury, Chairman, Genesee Area Men's Prayer Breakfast (2 years), Chairman, DCOM United Methodist Batavia District, and a Cub Master with the Boy Scouts.  

Wilfred is the husband of the late Juanita A. (Thomas) Brooks who passed away September 19, 2019.

Surviving are his children, Craige Brooks of Oakfield, Braad (Dianne) Brooks of Oakfield, Linne (late Gordon) Hopkins of Dansville, and Heather Brooks-Stephens of Oakfield; a sister, Elaine (Mac) Booten of LeRoy. 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by a great-grandson, Anthony Jerome Smith; a brother, Jerome (late Jean) Brooks; and a sister, Oma (late William) Scott.

Family and Friends may call on Friday (September 18, 2020) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street in Oakfield, where Wilfred's Funeral Service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield United Methodist Church.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the church will be restricted to 50% capacity,  Face masks and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bonita “Bonnie” Jean Fergus Crichton, aka Mrs. Crichton

By Lisa Ace


Bonita “Bonnie” Jean Fergus Crichton, aka Mrs. Crichton of Conesus, NY: Born in Angola, Indiana on August 15, 1949, Bonnie grew up in Findley Lake, NY, and relished living the last 35 years on a wooded hillside in Conesus, NY.

Bonnie graduated Valedictorian from Clymer Central School in 1967, and received her master’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in 1971. She spent most of her career teaching English to 7th graders at Pavilion Central School. You can recognize her former students by their impressive ability to diagram sentences.

Bonnie was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Livonia. Beyond the local church, she also found joy teaching, serving in Lay Servant Ministries, and providing leadership for the United Methodist Western NY Conference.

She hated to fly, but loved to be behind the wheel of her car. Vacations, adventures, Emily’s soccer games, even driving across the country twice, enabling her to fulfill her lifelong goal of visiting Alaska. In retirement, she combined her love of the road with her passion for helping others by driving patients to medical appointments for Catholic Charities.

An ardent Buffalo Bills fan, Sunday afternoons were for folding laundry and watching football. She also never turned down a round of Boggle, Bananagrams, or Rummikub, and was always ready to pull together a euchre match.

Bonnie loved her extended family and was a pillar of the Montgomery clan. She was their historian, secretary, and treasurer, and avidly researched her family genealogy.

Thank you to everyone who supported Bonnie during her journey. We recognize we will never know all of the countless ways you helped during her final years.

Bonnie was preceded by her parents Barney and Margie Fergus and her children Joseph, Jacob, James, and Mary Crichton. She is survived by her husband Peter Crichton, daughter Emily (Ross) O’Hara, brother Ben (Sheri) Fergus, Norwegian exchange sister Betzy (Torfinn) Naper, and nieces, nephews, and cherished family and friends she lovingly adopted along the way.

Family and friends may call at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY 14487 for drive-thru visitation on Tuesday, September 15th, from 5-7pm. The family will greet visitors in front of the church. All are welcome to attend and we ask that everyone remain in their vehicles. For public health, the family will hold Bonnie’s funeral privately. The service will be livestreamed Wednesday, September 16th, at 3pm on the church Facebook page: https://facebook.com/UMCLivonia. Burial will be held privately at Grove Hill Cemetery, Oil City, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the United Methodist Church of Livonia at the address above. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:  www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy Perl

By T.J. Woodward

  Dorothy Perl, age 93, of Sheldon, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday September 12, 2020. She was born in Orchard Park, NY on November 19, 1926 a daughter of Edward and Emma (Theil) Benz.

Dorothy and her husband, the late Bernard Perl, were partners in their family farm. She cherished her family and enjoyed every minute spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was well known for her cookies sprinkled with Grandma’s love and a pie for every occasion. Dorothy was an avid volunteer at St. Cecilia’s Church in Sheldon for many years and took great pride in being a regular blood donor for the Red Cross.

She survived by her son; James B. (Cathy) Perl; grandchildren Stacy (Jesse) Schmidt, James G. (Maura) Perl and Tanya (Shaun) Koch. She will be sadly missed by her great-grandchildren; Kierra Perl, Leah and Hanah Rosenbeck; Lilian, Madeline, Allison and Olivia Koch; Asher and Quinn Perl. She is survived by her brother Howard Benz.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband; Bernard Perl; son Gary Perl; brothers Raymond, Clarence, Gerald, Norbert and Lee Benz; sisters Evelyn Benz and Alice Graffeo.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday September 19, 2020 at St. John Neumann Parish (St. Cecilia’s site) 991 Centerline Road Strykersville, NY 14145.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurses Association – GLOW Region 7070 Telephone Rd. Pavilion, NY 14525, or to a charity of your choice. 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.

Mrs. Gloria J. "Tootie" Ferchen

By Joshua Smith

Lockport - Gloria  J.  "Tootie" Ferchen , 70  of Lockport,  passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family under the care of Niagara Hospice.

She was born Monday, July 17, 1950 in Indiana, Pennsylvania a daughter of the late Ronald G. Gibson Sr. and Rebecca Jean Moore Gibson.

Family was the  important thing in her life especially having her grandchildren by her side. The matriarch of her family and "leader" of her siblings, she will be remembered as kind and selfless. She loved giraffes and traveled to the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville. She enjoyed trips to the casino, crocheting doilies and bathrobes for her grandchildren.  Prior to working at Lockport Memorial Hospital, she worked for many years at P.W. Minor in Batavia.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Niagara Hospice especially Melissa, Cheryl and Judy for their kindness and compassionate care they provided.  

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 52 years; Stephen C. Ferchen Sr.; her children; Wendy (Ross) Walker of Batavia, Sandra (James) Morse of Attica and Stephen C. (Fleurette) Ferchen, Jr. of Lockport; ten grandchildren: Jessica and Samantha Walker; Felicia (James) Worthington, Brendon O'Donnell, Chloe Stevens; Ethan, Colby and Masey Ferchen; Averee and Keagan Stevens; three great-grandchildren; Sydney, Belle and Jimmy; her siblings; Ronald G. (Deborah) Gibson, Jr. of Batavia, Michael L. (Patricia) Gibson of Oakfield, Judith (Frank) Mack of Albion, Susan (Richard) Abraham of Akron and Betty (Lynn) Kirchner of Oakfield and several nieces and nephews.

 She is predeceased by her grandchildren; Evan Ferchen and Alexandra Walker.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday.  She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4657 Sunset Drive, Lockport, New York 14094 or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York, 3025 Monroe Avenue, #200, Rochester, New York 14618.  To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle in Tootie's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Marjorie "Pet" Norton German

By Joshua Smith

Marjorie “Pet” Norton German 80, was born on February 9, 1940 to the late Ellsworth and Frances Boldt Norton in Elba NY died Saturday September 12, 2020.  Over the years Marge worked for many different places including Sylvania, Dohler Jarvis, Dunkin Donuts, Big N and finally 20 years at the Batavia Kmart where she retired from in 1997.  Marge’s favorite thing was spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking for her family including making sure her babies “her dogs” over the years got fed. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and going to casino’s.

Marge is survived by her beloved husband David of over 57 years, whom she married July 20, 1963; her sons, Scott D. German of Batavia, Jeffery (Julie Amato) German and her daughter Holleyann Amato of Stafford and Michael C. German of Batavia; her dog Buster and grand dogs Zach, Bailey and Jake.  She is also survived by her siblings Eugene “Jake” Boldt of Elba, Robert (Judy) Norton of Cumming GA, Beverly “Sis” Reamer of Maple Hill NC, Ellsworth “Chubby” (Carol) Norton Jr. of Elba, Joyce “Billie” (Ronald) Sixt of Punta Gorda FL and Linda Richenberg of Brockport, her sisters in law Janet Brinkman of Batavia and Maureen German of TN and many nephews and nieces. 

Marge was predeceased by her brother Charlie Norton, her sister Susan Cole, her sisters in law Ellie Boldt, Josie Gualtieri Boldt, brothers in law David Reamer, John Richenberg, Wayne Cole, James German and Donald Brinkman and her favorite dogs Poochie, Beaver, Teddy and Babe.

Per Marge’s wishes there will be no prior visitation or services at this time. Memorials in her name may be directed to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle in Marge’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Linda Carol Holz

By T.J. Woodward

  Linda Carol (Hawks) Holz, 73, of Silver Lake, NY passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. The oldest of eight children born to the late Burdette and Carol Hawks, Linda grew up in Buffalo. She met firefighter Theodore “Ted” Holz at a lake gathering and they married a year later on Sept. 17, 1965.

Linda was a self-employed hairdresser and former partner in business of Reflections in Design. After retiring, she moved to Silver Lake in 2000 where with her husband she designed their Old Orchard Beach home known for its turret, porch overlooking the lake, and the gardens surrounding the waterfront property. She joined Silver Lake Association to make new friends and learn about the lake community. Through SLA, she represented her tract at the lake and Castile Planning Board. She was the energy behind SLA’s Homeowner of Distinction program that she chaired for ten years and that SLA is renaming after her in tribute. Linda always enjoyed sewing, knitting and quilting. As a teenager, she made her own clothing and later made dresses for granddaughters. Linda loved vacations in Hawaii where she attended workshops of touring artists, learning from them as well as the various sections of Maui. She and Ted treated their grandchildren to ice cream parties and mystery trips to bring the cousins together. The trips included Letchworth, the Erie Canal, Mt. Morris Dam, Mumford Museum, Strong Museum of Play and perhaps their favorite, House of Guitars where the music-loving kids could buy vintage vinyl records. “We always did something they could learn from,” Linda said.

Linda is survived by her husband, Ted; sons Michael Burdette (Beth) Holz of Pennsylvania, Eric of North Carolina and T.J. (Karen) Holz of Hilton; grandchildren: Teddy, Audrey, William, Molly and Rebecca; sisters: Barbara (Richard) Giezentaner of MI, Patricia (Scott) Mathison of TX, Sandra Deleon of TX, Cynthia (Charles) Nicol of MI, Christina (Paul) McBride of FL and MD, Steven (Mary) Hawks of MI and Robert (Marta) Hawks of CA.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Monday September 14th at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St in Perry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday September 15th at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church in Silver Springs. Linda will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Williamsville, New York.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilmont Cancer Center 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642. Or plant a flower in Memory of Linda. 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.

Dr. Richard E. Thoma, DVM

By Ronald Konieczny

Dr. Richard E. Thoma, DVM of Akron, NY, died Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born in Syracuse, NY on May 3, 1941, a son of the late Bernard, Sr. and Carolyn Thoma.

Dr. Thoma was a retired veterinarian, having owned the Town and Country Animal Clinic on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga for many years. Dr. Thoma was involved in cancer research with the late Dr. Thomas Dougherty at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, helping to develop photodynamic therapy (PDT) against various types of cancer. PDT is still being used in the medical field today.

He was a graduate of Cornell University Veterinary School and was involved in various organizations in the veterinary field and a large contributor to Ducks Unlimited.

He is predeceased by a brother, Bernard Thoma, Jr.

Survivors include his sister in-law, Barbara Thoma of Akron, NY. Niece, Christine (Jay) Margeson and great-nephew, Nathan Margeson, all of Sydney, NY.

There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date with burial in St. Teresa’s 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, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Robert E. “Bob” Pike

By Lisa Ace

Robert E. “Bob” Pike, age 92, of Pavilion, NY passed away on Tuesday, September 8,2020 at his home in Pavilion. He was born in LeRoy, NY on April 23, 1928 son of the late Raymond and Marion (Embling) Pike. Robert was a 1946 graduate of Pavilion Central School. He was an accomplished woodworker and a member of the Carpenter’s Union of Rochester for over 50 years. He will be laid to rest in the black walnut casket he made himself. It features an intarsia woodland scene on the inside cover, similar to the one he made for his wife, as well. His love for woodworking was surpassed only by his love for his family and Bible study. After he retired, Bob made over 500 pieces of intarsia, which he gave to his family, friends, and sold at craft shows. Later, he made over 225 internally spiral lamps that he also graciously gave away to many family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 66 years, Pearl (Boutwell) Pike whom he married April 24, 1954. His children, Larry (Cindy) Pike, Brenda Pike, Sandy (late David)Stearns, Brian Pike; grandchildren, Josh (Kelly) Pike, Stacy (Clint) Offhaus, Austin Pike, Kathy Stearns, Kirk (Jenn) Stearns, Kristopher Stearns, Erik Stearns, Tasha (Nate Assanov) Pike, and 7great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Marion (Robert) Taylor, Betty (late Ralph) Frisch, and Kenneth (Lynn VanderBeck) Pike, brother-in-law, Sam Meals, along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his siblings Everett Pike, Dorothy (Gene)Fries, Gretchen Meals, brother-in-law Ralph Frisch, son- in-law David Stearns, and great-grandson Carl Robert Offhaus.

Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, condolences, and fond memories on Friday, September 11th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Cameron Brady & Steuber Funeral Home, 111 Wolcott Street, LeRoy. Funeral Home occupancy will be limited to 33 % capacity for visitation and service. Face masks are required. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12th at 10am at the funeral home. Bob will be laid to rest in Pavilion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Shepherd’s Chapel, P.O. Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736-0416 or to the Pavilion Fire Department, PO Box 156, Pavilion, NY 14525. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit; www.leroyfuneralhome.com 

 

Scott D. "Fletch" Hale

By Joshua Smith

Manville, Rhode Island - Scott  D. "Fletch" Hale, age 47, of Manville, Rhode Island  passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2020 at Niagara Hospice in Lockport.

Scott was born Thursday, May 31, 1973 in Batavia, a son of Darlene J. Easterly Baker of Batavia and the late Gerald F. Hale.

A 1991 graduate of Batavia High School, Scott excelled in soccer, hockey and football. Scott was a 1995 graduate of Brockport State College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Scott was employed for many years by United Rentals in Oxford, Massachusetts. He loved football and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Scott had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, boating and golfing. Scott also enjoyed cooking and reading. He had a "larger than life" personality and will be remembered as being kind hearted. Scott's greatest love in his life was his daughter, Olivia.

Surviving along with his mother are his step-father: Nelson Baker of Batavia; his daughter: Olivia Rose Sarro-Hale of Cranston, Rhode Island; Olivia's mother: Susan Sarro of Cranston, Rhode Island; his sister: Debra (Keith) Lucas of North Tonawanda; his nephew and niece: Cooper and Addison Lucas of North Tonawanda; his best friend: Jim (Melissa) Roach of Bemus Point and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia. Fr. Ivan Trujilio will celebrate his Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, New York 14094.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home and church will be restricted to 33% occupancy.

Face coverings and social distancing will be required.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Robert L. Yunker

By T.J. Woodward

  Robert L. Yunker, age 92, of Perry, NY passed away on Monday September 7, 2020 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Home in Warsaw. He was born in Perry, New York on May 29, 1928, a son to the late Louis H. and Rachel (Williams) Yunker. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son: Dale Robert Yunker, sister: Mildred Winter and brother David Yunker.

Robert was a farmer. Owning and operating the former Yunker Family Farm in Perry. He was an executive director for New York State Chapter of Land Improvements Contractors of America, where he retired in 2007. For many years with his wife did catering jobs and was known for his delicious Chicken BBQ’s. He was a member of LaGrange Baptist Church in LaGrange, where he was a church trustee, active in the Wyoming County Cooperative Extension, Dairlea, Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District and former President of the Resourse Conservation District and former President of the New York State Conservation District Association. He was a 7th degree Grange member through Warsaw Grange, the former Perry Center Grange, New York State Grange and National Grange and was a former 4-H leader for many years, and was a former member of the Office of the Aging advisory council. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan who enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Loralyn (Altoft) Yunker whom he married on May 26, 1950, 3 daughters: Lynda (Thomas) Ryan of Bradenton, Fl., Lorna Fitch of Perry, Cheryl Hayes of Perry, 2 sons: John (Gail) Yunker of Livonia, Richard (Julie) Yunker of Warsaw, brother: Donald Yunker of De., 16 grandchildren: Rebecca (Rob) Rice, Melissa (Michael) Sawulak, Robert Ryan, Erin (Tim) O’Hanlon, Rachel Yunker, Jolynn (Paul) Castillo, Jaclyn (Brian) Chlop, Justin Yunker, Jennifer (Tim) Bramer, Jillian Fitch, James (Jennifer) Fitch, Justine Fitch, Elaine Hayes, Colleen Hayes, Kaitlyn Hayes and Lawrence Robert Hayes, 14 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4-7pm on Friday September 11th, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home LLC 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14053. A 2:00PM Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 12th at the LaGrange Baptist Church 7092 LaGrange Road, Perry, New York 14530.  Robert will be laid to rest in LaGrange Cemetery in LaGrange.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaGrange Baptist Church 7092 LaGrange Road, Perry, New York 14530, Wyoming County Office of the Aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, NY 14569 or to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility (Activities Fund) 400 N. Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

Lois M. Sliker

By T.J. Woodward

  Lois M. Sliker, age 91, of Leicester , NY passed away on Saturday September 5, 2020 at the Conesus Lake Nursing Home in Livonia. She was born in Perry, NY on November 9, 1928 a daughter to the late Leslie H. and Doris E. (Watrous) Wright. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Shelby G. Sliker who passed away in 2017, siblings: Betty Farley, Mary Kohring and James Wright.

She was a 1946 graduate of Perry High School. Lois married Shelby G. Sliker in 1947, they worked side by side on the family farm for 70 years and she also worked for the former Montesano and Lanckton Stores in Perry. She retired in 2007 at the age of 78 from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in Geneseo. She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center where she was a former deaconess, a member of the Women’s Group and Knit Two Together Group which made items that were donated to Roswell Cancer Center and area nursing homes, Order of Eastern Star Chapter #497 in Perry, and the former Red Hatters Society. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, hand quilting, baking wedding and all occasion cakes, driving tractor on the family farm and “loved doing the dishes”.

She is survived by her daughter: Lisa (Walter) Wolinski of Leicester, 3 grandchildren: Melissa (Robb) Yoder, Caryn (Michael) Van Hook and Michael (Tina) Wolinski, 6 great grandchildren: Kyrann and Tegann Yoder, Colin and Dylan Van Hook, Jaxson and Jonathan Wolinski, brother Lawrence (Linda) Wright of New Mexico, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 5-8pm on Thursday Sept 10th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. Funeral Services will be held at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center on Friday September 11th at 11:00am. Lois will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, New York 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.

Ila Elizabeth Comeau

By T.J. Woodward

Ila Elizabeth Comeau October 10, 1924 - September 7, 2020

Our dear mother Ila Elizabeth Comeau passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on September 7, 2020 at the NYS Veterans’s Home in Batavia, New York where she received loving care for the past five years.  Ila was a long-time resident of Elm Street in Rouses Point NY. She was noted for her delicious pies and cookies, and her gardens, sewing and wonderful massages. Ila was everyone’s best friend and neighbor and an adopted mother and grandmother to many– always there to lend a helping hand.  She was transplanted from Garland, North Carolina to Rouses Point by her husband Roland who she met while working in the Army Commissary at Fort Bragg. 

Ila was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years Roland, her brothers George, Harvey, Joseph, Paul, Luke  and John Petty and sister Mary Ross.  She is also survived by one sister-in-law Yvonne Petty and several nieces and nephews.  

Ila is survived by six children and 13 grandchildren, Joseph (Molly) Comeau and their children Rachael Comeau, Vaughn Comeau, Andrew Comeau;  Paul (Victoria) Comeau and their children John Comeau, Kristina Comeau Weismore, and Steven  Comeau; Margaret (Gary) Boyea and children Mike Boyea and Pam Cocozza, Mary (Zepher) Raymond and their children Eric and Jason Raymond, Marian (Bryan) Tetreault and their children Holly Sega and Jill Mayorga and Theresa (Richard) Simpson and their son Michael.  Also surviving are twenty-three great-grandchildren who brought great joy to her in the later years of her life.   

Ila’s life was full.  After her children grew up, she worked for many years and retired from Ayerst Laboratories where coworkers often enjoyed her fresh baked goods.  She also worked previously at Cedar Hedge Nursing Home providing compassionate care to the residents. She was devoted to her faith and involved in numerous activities at St. Patrick’s Church (many of which involved pies which Roland gladly delivered).

Calling hours will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Church in Rouses Point, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and a graveside service. 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 138 Lake Street, Rouses Point, New York 12979.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Edward F. Walbridge

By Joshua Smith
Edward F.  Walbridge, 95, of Stafford, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at the LeRoy Village Nursing Home.
 
Edward was born June 10th, 1925 in Batavia.
 
A veteran, Edward served with the United States Navy.  During World War II, he was a radio operator and an aviator, flying both the PBY4-2 and the privateer.   He was a licensed pilot instructor owning several airplanes.  Edward also taught instructor school at the Bethany Air Park.  Edward was a hobby farmer and also a truck driver for Howard Sober in Buffalo.

Surviving are his daughters, Sara Weylman of Florida and Jan (Reggie) MacDonald of Stafford; a granddaughter, Meghan (Ben) Bernard of Stafford; grandchildren, Noah, Violet, Oliver and Zek Bernard; a step-grandson, Aaron (Felicia) Richenberg of Lima; a sister, Jean Baines of Virginia and nieces and nephews.

Edward is the husband of the late Nellie Walbridge and father of the late Allan Walbridge.

There are no prior calling hours.  Edward's funeral service along with military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Friday at Stafford Rural Cemetery, Transit Road in Stafford.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Edward's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, http://www.vol4animals.org/donate.

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

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

Robert L. Johnson

By Press Release

Robert L. Johnson, 71, of Tonawanda, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday (Sept. 1). He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Tabone) Johnson; devoted father of Jill (Michael, DDS) Piazza and Emily (Fernando) del Valle; cherished grandfather of Dominic, Nicholas and Mina; loving son of the late Robert and June Johnson; dear brother of Deborah (William) Negrych; also survived by loving aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Mr. Johnson was a regular on the Western New York harness racing circuit since 1970 and won the training title twice during that time. He campaigned many horses over the years including Dragoon and Tonto Hanover, but the best horse of his career was the 46-time winner Incredible Looker (1:52.4, $202,559). He was part of the local racing fabric for two generations and he will be missed by his fellow horsemen.  

Relatives and friends may visit the Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel) at 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. (near Eggert/Sheridan Drive) on Sunday (Sept. 13th) from 1-5 p.m. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

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