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Obituaries

James B. Cherry

By T.J. Woodward

  James B. Cherry, 78, of Oakfield passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 14, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 5, 1940 in Batavia to the late Bernard and Dorothy (Gilliat) Cherry. In addition to his parents, James is predeceased by his brother; Thomas Cherry.

James worked for many years as a maintenance man at Batavia Metal Products. He enjoyed rebuilding and driving antique Jeeps. James loved fishing and spending time at the cottage on the lake.

He is survived by his loving wife; Ethel V. “Sue” Cherry; children Kirt (Sue) Cherry of Churchville, Deborah (Mike) Adams of Pavilion, Tamela Hoffman of Liverpool and Pamela Cherry of Jacksonville, FL.; brothers Robert (Sharon) Cherry of Gasport, Daniel Cherry of Mogador; sisters Beverly (Edward) Earle of Lockport, Virginia (Robert) Roth of Mogador and Donna (Rick) Kimber of Middleport; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday May 17, 2019 from 3:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14620. 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.

Rachel Caitlin Lafferty

By T.J. Woodward

Rachel Caitlin Lafferty, age 30, of Perry passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at her home. She was born in Warsaw, NY on April 13, 1989 a daughter to Gloria J. Altoft and Ray M. Lafferty.

Rachel was currently attending Genesee Community College studying to be a vet tech and was a shift leader for Subway Restaurant in Warsaw. She loved animals and spending her time out in the nature.

She is survived by her children: Natalie Burger, Mykel Burger and Noah Dumbleton, companion: Kyle Burger of Perry, mother: Gloria J. Altoft of Perry, father: Ray M. Lafferty of Perry, sister: Greta (Jason) Barnett of Greece, 7 brothers: Nathan (Nikki) Noniewicz of Belmont, David Noniewicz of West Springfield, Ma., Sean Lafferty of Perry, Brian (Toni Ann) Lafferty of Mt. Morris, Craig (Jessica) Lafferty of Pike, Chad Lafferty of Nunda, Paul Lafferty of Nunda, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in LaGrange Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

John P. Cummings Sr.

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Longtime Western New York harness horseman John P. Cummings Sr. passed away on Saturday (May 11) after a lengthy illness. 

Mr. Cummings first got involved in harness racing in 1968 at the age of 22 through his brother-in-law Steve Flanigen. While working full time at both Trico Products and Bethlehem Steel (where he was a tradesman bricklayer) he started jogging and training horses with Flanigen and found what would soon become a lifelong vocation. 

He started out with a couple homebreds named Clippers Classic and Windjammer Munk and soon added overnighters like Don J and Jack Flood to build his stable. Then through his 42-year career he went on to train horse that included Pembroke Primo (1:55.4, $341,026), Mr. Casanova (1:53.2, $274,073), Cambestion (1:52.4, $184,892), Good Evening Smile (1:57.3, $89,219), Solitaire Hanover (1:53.2, $63,953), Pitch The Prez (1:54.4, $89,396) and New York Sire Stake winner Pass Now (1:55.2, $81,918). 

Mr. Cummings most notable horse was Arm And A Leg (1:54, $320,791) who in 2009 won 13 out of 39 starts and $86,000 to be named the Western New York Horse of the Year in a ceremony held at Batavia Downs. 

Over the years Mr. Cummings amassed 3,779 training starts with 731 wins, 574 seconds and 466 thirds and earnings in excess of $1.8 million. 

Although he did also drive, it wasn’t too often. Early on he used Flanigen who had more experience in the bike, and then later he had several more viable options that provided him the luxury of staying solely in the jog cart. You see Mr. Cummings is not only known as a trainer at the track, he also has the distinction of being the patriarch of one of the largest family of drivers in New York State. Four of his five children were boys who were brought up in the business since they could walk. 

John Cummings Jr., Tony Cummings, Todd Cummings and Kevin Cummings were taught the ropes by their father and have all been training and driving since they were old enough to get their licenses. And now Todd’s son Kyle Cummings has made his grandfather proud by breaking out on the racing scene earlier this year with his first driving win.

All told, Mr. Cummings impact on harness racing through himself and his family has been 54,387 starts with 8,272 wins and over $38 million in earnings. That is a family tradition. 

Although his wife, children and horses were his primary passion, when Mr. Cummings had any free time he enjoyed playing cards and was also an avid bowler. He did roll a 300 game and proudly wore the ring he received indicating that milestone everyday. 

"Harry", as he was affectionately known by everyone, had an affable personality and the ability to make people laugh in any situation throughout his entire life and his presence will be sorely missed by all that knew him. 

John Cummings Sr. was the beloved husband of Lallah (nee Flanigen) Cummings; devoted father of John Jr. (Megan Wilson), Anthony (Barbara), Colleen (Tim) Gallagher, Todd (Tammy), and Kevin (Rhonda) Cummings; son of the late Edward and Dorothy (nee Pike) Cummings; loving brother of Edward (late Clara), Frank, late Dorothy "Snookie" and late Peter Cummings; cherished grandfather of 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received on Tuesday (May 14) from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, 4199 Lake Shore Road (corner of Camp Road and Route 5) Hamburg, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday (May 15) at noon at Saint John Paul II Parish 2052 Lakeview Road, Lakeview, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Donations and condolences may be left online at www.lakesidefuneralhome.com.

Miss Margaret F. Gallagher

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Margaret F. Gallagher, age 101, of Batavia, legal secretary for Noonan, Hughes and Mahoney in Batavia, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born November 14, 1917, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Frank and the Mary Canty Gallagher.

A member of St. Joseph's Church, she was a member of St. Joseph's Sodality and Ducks Unlimited. She enjoyed reading and playing cards.

Surviving are her sister, Rita Lynch of Rochester and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She is the sister of the late Mary Gallagher, Joseph Gallagher and Dolores Potter.

There will be no prior visitation. Members of St. Joseph's Sodality will gather at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street to recite the rosary. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. with Fr. Ivan Trujilio celebrating. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, pleaase visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.                                   

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

HENRY ALEXANDER JOSEPH KILANOWSKI

By Michael Tomaszewski

HENRY ALEXANDER JOSEPH KILANOWSKI ~ Age 80, of Batavia, died Wednesday May 8, 2019 at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. Henry was born in Buffalo, NY on May 18, 1938 to the late Alexander and Cecelia (Olejniczak) Kilanowski also preceded in death by a sister, Eve Kilanowski.

Henry was retired from the General Motors Delevan Plant after many years of service and was a true NY sports fan. He enjoyed the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Sabres. He was an avid sports card collector and enthusiast as well as wildlife lover of all creatures big and small. Henry attended the United Pentecostal Church in Batavia which allowed him to find his faith in the Lord later in life along with his public profession of rebirth expressed through baptism in February 2019.

He is survived by his loving children, John Kilanowski of Batavia, Eva (Thomas) Graham of Pavilion and Carol (Jason Joseph) Cauthen of Corfu; beloved grandchildren, Julianna (Daniel) Hatch, Mikhayla Graham, Collin Graham, Adrianna Cauthen & Carissa Graham; great-grandchildren, Asher Henry & Asa Alexander Hatch; brothers, Raymond (Dolores) Kilanowski of Arizona and Arthur (Elizabeth) Kilanowski of Depew; his former wife and dear friend, Lorraine (Sloma) Kilanowski of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.

As per Henry’s wishes a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 Noon, Thursday May 16, 2019 at the United Pentecostal Church, 180 Oak Street in Batavia. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with Henry’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven "Hondo" Dedoszak

By T.J. Woodward

Steven “Hondo” J. Dedoszak, 61, of North Java was called from this Earth on Friday, May 10, 2019. He was born on June 26, 1957, the beloved son of the late John and the late Helen (Beglinger) Dedoszak in Buffalo, NY.  Hondo was preceded in death by his son, Alex M. Dedoszak on December 10, 2017 and his brother, Gerald Dedoszak.
Hondo is survived by his loving wife, Michele (VanCise); daughter, Kayli Dedoszak; sister, Jeanne (Dave Schwenkbeck) Eck; mother-in-law, Patricia VanCise, sister-in-law, Diane (Scott) Koorevich ; sister-in-law, Tami Dedoszak; brother-in-law, Mark (Gail) VanCise; many nieces, nephews, and 4 great nephews.

Hondo received his Master’s degree in Education and retired from the Alexander High School as Vice Principal. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Yankees fan.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Thursday May 16, 2019 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Alexander Fire Department Recreation Hall 10708 Alexander Rd. Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday May 17th at St. Joachim & Anne Parish (St. Joseph’s site) 2311 Attica St. Varysburg, NY 14167.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or the North Java Fire & Rescue Squad 4274 Route 98 N. Java, NY 14113. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Barbara Monacell (1938-2019)

By Joshua Smith

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Barbara Barden Monacell passed away on May 7, 2019, at the age 80. Daughter of Aldwyn and Regina (Saller) Barden, she was born on September 10, 1938 in Petoskey, Mich., and grew up in Boyne City, Mich., with her younger siblings Ed and Carol.

Shortly after graduating from Mercy College of Detroit with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Barbara met her future husband Richard (Dick) Monacell. In 1965, they were married in Boyne City, Mich., and lived in Detroit for a year before moving to Rochester, N.Y. Barbara was a stay-at-home mom while her five children were growing up but resumed her nursing career after her children grew older. As a registered nurse, she worked and retired from Kirkhaven in Rochester, N.Y. Barbara loved to read, sew and spend summers with her family at their cottage on Lake Ontario. She enjoyed being active and was an avid tennis player, skier and a league bowler. She also liked visiting her children and grandchildren and frequently traveled to Michigan for college reunions.

Barbara is survived by her husband Richard Monacell of Brighton, N.Y.; children Jennifer Monacell of Richmond, Va., Jeanne Walton of Batavia, N.Y., Jeff (Olga) Monacell of Irondequoit, N.Y., Jacqueline (Konrad Starke) Monacell of San Jose, Costa Rica, and Joanne Monacell of Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; grandchildren Taylor and Cameron Green, Rylee and Hayden Walton, and Jadi Zottner; brother Ed (Glory) Barden of Boyne City, Mich., sister Carol Huffman of Harbor Springs, Mich., sister-in-law Joanne Taylor, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on May 13 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 15 St. Mary’s Pl., Rochester, NY 14607. Calling hours are at 8:30 a.m., Mass is at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter at 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or online at www.alz.org.

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

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Arnold L. Swable

By Ronald Konieczny

Arnold L. Swable, 86 of Darien Center, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (May 8, 2019) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born August 25, 1932 in Tonawanda, NY, a son of the late Charles and Evelyn Nogle Swable.

Mr. Swable was a carpenter by trade and employed by construction companies over the years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, where he was one of the few survivors of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, bowling, golfing and trips to the casino. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was the loving husband of Joyce (Zetterberg) Swable. Father of Aaron (Carolyn) Swable, Burt (Carol) Swable, late Ann (John) O’Shaughnessy and late Arleen (Doug) Shaw. Devoted grandfather of Eric (Leti) O’Shaughnessy, Collin (Kim) O’Shaughnessy, Kaylee Swable and Tyler Bruning. Great-grandfather of Clair Ann O’Shaughnessy.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUTED TO THE C.B. BEACH & SON MORTUARY, 4-6 MAIN STREET, CORFU, NY 14036.

Loretta Edgerton

By Billie Owens
Loretta Edgerton, 79, of Hernando Beach, Fla., passed away on Monday, April 15, 2019.
 
She was born to Henry and Elsie Dool on Dec. 4, 1939. Loretta will be especially remembered for her love of the Tampa Bay Lightning, her wit and the love she had for her family.
 
Loretta is survived by her mother, Elsie Dool, and two children: son, Jon Edgerton; and daughter, Mary Casselman, and her partner Edward Ide. She is also survived by sister, Linda and Gary Snell and two granddaughters, Sarah (Jim Schooley) and Amanda Casselman.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the American Cancer Society.
 
Services will be held graveside at Stafford Rural Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019. (It is located on Transit Road in the Town of Stafford.)

John Snyder

By Joshua Smith

ALDEN - John Snyder, age 61, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019, at his home.

Mr. Snyder was born November 19, 1957, in Niagara Falls, a son of the late John and Marion (Barrett) Snyder.

He was a Corrections Officer for NYS Dept. of Correction at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden.  He was a member of HOG - Harley Owners Group, National Rifle Association and Blue Knights Motorcycle Club.  He was an avid Harley enthusiast.

Surviving are 2 sons, Mark Snyder of Victor and John E. Snyder of Tonawanda; a daughter, Elizabeth Hall of Sanford NC; a brother, Thomas Snyder of VA; 3 sisters, Kathy Wrona of MD, Teresa Snyder of Clarence and Ellen Osteen of GA and 3 grandchildren. 

Friends may call on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 3 to 4 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia., NY where service will immediately follow at 4 pm.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.                 
 

Ann L. Buckenmeyer

By T.J. Woodward


Ann L. (Meyers) Buckenmeyer, 90, of Alexander, NY, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Alexander, NY to the late John and the late M. Cecilia (Hartrick) Meyers.

Ann grew up on the family farm in Alexander. She remained in Alexander her entire life and was active in many church and community organizations.  Ann enjoyed music and with her brothers and sisters formed a family band that played at local events when she was younger. She worked in Buffalo as a comptometer operator following high school.  But family was her focus: married 67 years with 6 children to raise, she was foremost wife, mother and head of the home, helping out on the farm with chores when needed.   Ann worked as a postal clerk and Officer in Charge at the Alexander and Alden Post Offices once the kids were all in school.  In the community she was busy as a 4-H leader, member of the Grange and Home Bureau and as a volunteer for the March of Dimes. She was a charter member of the Alexander Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York and Rural Letter Carriers Assoc. Auxiliary.  Ann was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society and served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Vincent’s Church.  But she always found the time to support her children and grandchildren in their school endeavors.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Gerard; sons, Brian and Matthew; sisters, Helen Meyers and Rita (Asher) Borton and brothers, Walter and Jack Meyers.

Ann is survived by her children; Andrew (Sue) of Alexander, NY, Philip (Gail), of Liverpool, NY, Colette (Richard) Guarino, of Alexander, NY, Michelle Buckenmeyer of Rochester, NY, and Judy (John) Borner of Deerfield, NY; daughter in law, Laura, of Lake Ridge, VA; 18 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister Joan ( Ralph) Parise.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 from 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St, Attica, NY 14011. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at Ss Joachim & Ann Catholic Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY. Burial will be in St Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Fathers and Brothers Maryknoll Mission at donate.maryknoll.org in honor of Ann. 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 St, Attica, NY 14011

Roger Townsend

By T.J. Woodward

 

   Roger Townsend, 87, of Darien Center, NY passed away on April 24, 2019 in York, NY. He was born in Coxsackie, NY to the late Robert and the late Marion (Waldron) Townsend.  Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Lois (Greenwalt) on December 17, 2005.

Roger served in the US Navy from 1949- 1953 as a Radarman. He loved to fish, hunt, boat, read books, but mostly spend time with his family. He was a mechanic with United Airlines in Buffalo for over 40 years. He volunteered at Pine Hill Airport. Roger’s fondest moments were spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his joy right until the end.

Roger is survived by his children, Alan (Wanda Wolfe) Townsend and Evelyn (Mark) Hilyard; his grandchildren, Christopher, Alexander, Brandon, Samantha, Alan, and Emily; and his great grandchildren, Robin and Emmett.

There will be no prior visitation. A Celebration of Roger’s Life will held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Bruce Hilyard’s home, 60 Buffalo St., Attica, NY 14011. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bennington, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or by phone at 1-800-227-2345. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011.

Glenn Hopkins

By T.J. Woodward

 

Glenn Hopkins, 94, of Attica, NY passed away on May 6, 2019 in Batavia, NY. He was born in  Middlebury, NY on March 9, 1925 to the late Charles and the late Ester Ruth (Kessler) Hopkins. Glenn was preceded in death by sons, Wayne Hopkins and Bruce (Beverly) Hopkins; his siblings, the late Pearl (Rob Roy Griffith) and the late Earl Hopkins.

 Glenn served in the US Navy on the USS Miami during WW II. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 72 years, Helen (Rauch); Daughter, Nancy Hopkins; Grandchildren, Scott Johnson and Cory Buchholz; 4 great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ethan, Miles, and Izabella; brother, Warner (Ruth) Hopkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 PM – 6 PM at the Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bennington Fire Department. 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.

​Susan Fryer

By Lisa Ace


Susan Fryer, 70, of Batavia entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Born March 20, 1949 in Batavia, Susan was a daughter to the late Charles and Sophie (Stuzenski) Will. She graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School and married David A. Fryer on October 29, 1969. Susan loved to spend time with family, hosting Sunday dinners and holiday parties. She also spent a great deal of time in her vegetable garden and also enjoyed going to the casinos.  Susan was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and will be truly missed and will forever be kept in our hearts. 

Survivors include her husband, David Fryer of Batavia; two sisters, Irene Will and MaryAnn Brown; four children, David (Alicia) Fryer, Bill (Jodi) Fryer, Edward (Mel) Fryer and Denise Baker; grandchildren, Korey, Cale, Shelby, Phoebe, Abby, Sophie and Bentley and one great-grandbaby, Payton; also several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her son, John Fryer and brother, Michael Will.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thurs., May 9th at St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecelia’s Church, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Arrangements with Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. Please share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

MAXINE MARY BUTLER

By Michael Tomaszewski

MAXINE MARY BUTLER (nee SCHLEGEL) ~ Age 74, formerly of Batavia, a resident of East Side Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw, NY entered her Heavenly rest on May 2, 2019 after being visited by her loving family and friends as she was peacefully passing on. Maxine was born in Medina, NY on September 28, 1944 to the late Alton and Marian Schlegel, also preceded in death by her husband Arthur in 1997.

Maxine attended Sacred Heart School in Medina (grades 1-8) and graduated from Medina High School in 1961. She then worked as a nurse’s aide at Medina Memorial Hospital for two years. Maxine then graduated from the Catherine McCauley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia, earning her certification in 1964. She worked at St. Jerome’s Hospital in Batavia for ten years as a Practical Nurse. Maxine graduated from Genesee Community College in 1977, making the President’s List with an Associate of Art’s Degree in the Humanities. In 1979 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brockport State College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work. Then Maxine worked as a Probation Officer in the Genesee County Probation Department for 10 years before retiring due to disability.

After her husband’s death Maxine lived alone for many years on College View Drive in Batavia until being a resident of East Side Nursing Home for about seven years until her passing. Maxine was a longtime member of Sacred Heart (Ascension Parish) in Batavia where she was very active. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, taught CCD classes, Pre-Cana leader and Chairperson of the church picnic booth that both she and her husband worked yearly. Maxine was also a member of St. Anthony’s Parish for many years and along with her husband were members of the Notre Dame Prayer Group.

Maxine enjoyed many things in life. She was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan. She loved reading novels and watching several favorite TV programs such as Jeopardy. Maxine loved music (her favorite artist being Elvis) and enjoyed playing piano. Maxine loved the trips she took with her husband especially to Salamanca and Lake George, NY. At East Side Nursing Home, she enjoyed Bingo, crafts, music events, puzzles, games and other activities along with attending the resident’s council.

Maxine will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin and friend. She had a heart of gold and was generous to a fault. Her religion was the cornerstone of her life. Although she suffered many ailments Maxine continued to want to live for her loved ones. She fought a courageous health battle for so many years. A very special thank you to her East Side family for the loving care they provided.

She is survived by her sister, Darlene (Robert) Gerke of Oakfield; nephew and godson, Rob Gerke, Jr. of NJ; godchildren, Matthew and Virginia Lane of Batavia along with many maternal and paternal cousins, several nieces, nephews and family members on her husband’s side. Maxine is also survived by her best friend, Teresa Figlow of Batavia; special friends, Melissa and Aaron Aprile of Buffalo and her East Side family of nurses, staff and residents.

Maxine’s family will be present from 5-7p.m. on Tuesday May 7, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020, where prayers will be recited 10:45a.m. Wednesday May 8 followed by her Mass of Christian Burial 11a.m. at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart). She will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Medina. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in her memory be made to the Activities Department at East Side Nursing and Rehabilitation center at 62 Prospect Street Warsaw, New York 14569.

We were all so fortunate to have this sweet angel in our lives. We know she will be with God now and all her loved ones who went before her. She will no longer suffer, but be in pain free blessed peace which she so richly deserves.

Please share your words of comfort with the Maxine’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

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

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