Site search

  James H. Peters, age 82, of Perry, passed away Sunday December 25, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green where he had been residing. He was born in Franklinville, NY on March 26, 1940 a son to the late Ralph B. and Florence M. (Beach) Peters. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son: Jerry Peters who passed away in 2021

Jim was a bus driver for the Wyoming County Transit where he was known as driver #1. He was a former volunteer for the Pike Fire Department, and former Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed trapping, hunting snowmobiling, crafting, playing cards and board games and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

He survived by his companion of 36 years Andrea L. MacGonegal of LeRoy, 4 daughters: Lisa (Scott) Falkner of LeRoy, Judith (Robert) Wilson of Frenchburg, Kentucky, Ahrena Dean of Florida, Michele Garman of Webster, 2 sons: James B. Peters Sr. of Attica, James R. (Angela) Peters of Warsaw, his beloved pet dog: Toby, brother John Peters of Wisconsin, Grandchildren James B. Peters Jr., Bethany E. Peters, Abigail M. Peters, Joshua M. Peters, Shanna R. (Dave) Nieman, Kevin E. (Ashley) MacGonegal, Courtney L. MacGonegal, Robert (Wendy) Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Walter (Kashen) Wilson along with many other grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday December 30th at the Perry Fireman’s Building located in the Perry Village Park in Perry from 12-4PM.

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.

Ethyl I. Sojda, age 84, of Creek Rd, Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8th, 2022. Ethyl was born in Batavia as the only daughter of the late Vincent N. and Ruth M. Kirch. She was a life-long resident of Alexander, NY.

After graduating from Alexander Central School, she held various jobs until she married her late husband, John F. Sojda, Jr. in 1961 and raised three children. As a dedicated mother she could be seen braving any weather to watch her children’s sporting events. She returned to work in 1977 and held a number of positions with local companies over the following thirty years. In her last role she was a Loose Ends hostess managing the GCC cafeteria where many folks came to enjoy her kind and pleasant personality and her dedicated work ethic.

Though a long-time crocheter, later in life she became a serious quilter and active in the Batavia Museum Quilt Guild. She produced a number of quilts for family and friends that are still enjoyed daily.

For a number of years, she was also a volunteer with All Babies Cherished. It was not uncommon to see her with her knitting material creating baby hats for the regional hospital system. For many years she was an assistant to John Sojda, Jr. in his role as Alexander Town Justice. Part of her charm and grace was how resiliently and quietly she met life’s challenges—both her own and those of others who knew her.

Ethyl is survived by her sons John and Steve (Barb), her daughter Ann, five grandchildren; Lily Whisman, Jacob (Paige), Stephanie (Patrick) Guarino, Michelle (Andrew) James , and Angela (Martin) Pohl, great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Guarino, Emily and Eli James, Alex, and Maria Pohl. She was preceded by her brother Merlin Kirch and has 4 surviving brothers (Ralph, Arnold, Harold, and Myron), and many nieces and nephews.

Mass at St. Mary's in Batavia at 9:30am Saturday June 25th followed by a graveside service at West Bethany Cemetery. Lunch to follow at her home at

9926 Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Rescue Squad PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. 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, NY 14011