Obituaries

 

                                                       Eleanor Frances Lynch, of Attica, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2019 in Batavia.. She was born on August 25^th, 1934 in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York.  Orphaned at birth, she was raised by her Grandparents, Samuel and Mary Calhoun. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband (Thomas Lynch), her daughter in law (Bernadette), and her Grandson (Michael).

Eleanor graduated from St. Brendan’s High School where she played Basketball and was inducted into the National Honor Society.  She met the love of her life, Tom, and they were married on her Birthday in 1956. After subsequent moves to Ohio, New York and New Jersey, Eleanor and Tom chose the house on Attica Gulf Road as their “forever home”.  Eleanor was heavily involved in CCD, Catholic Daughters and Pro-Life activities as a long term parishioner at St. Vincent’s Parish. She had a special place in heart for all living things. Her time and financial resources were directed towards animals, the poor and the preborn.

Eleanor is survived by her son and daughter (Thomas and Mary) of Attica, and Son and Grandson, Patrick and Brendan of West Irondequoit. We will miss her terribly but believe she is celebrating a Christmas reunion in heaven.

Special thanks to the loving hands at both Eastside Nursing Home and United Memorial Hospital.

Flowers gratefully declined. Instead, please consider directing memorials to St. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2019 from 9:30 AM – 11 AM at the Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM, Sts. Joachim & Anne RC Church, 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. 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

 

Leon Van Lieshout, 92 years, of Geneseo, NY, formerly of Albion, NY, died on December 23, 2019 after being diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2019. He was born in the Netherlands, February 1, 1927, the son of Godfrey and Anne Marie van Lieshout. Leon and his wife Hendrika married on September 19, 1956, and immigrated to the United States on September 29, 1956. They first settled in the Baltimore, MD area, where their six children were born. They also lived in Verona, NY, before moving to Albion, NY in 1978. Leon was a life-long dairy farmer, owning his own farms in upstate New York. Two of his sons, Michael and Andrew, continue to build on the farm he started in Albion. Leon served in the choir and was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Albion for over 30 years before moving to St. Matthew Catholic Church in Livonia. Leon also loved ice skating, playing the accordion, and serving in local politics.
 
He is survived by his children, Michael (Cyndy) Van Lieshout of Albion, Martina (Stephen) Moulton of Le Roy, David (Christina) Van Lieshout of Livonia, Lawrence (Barbara) Van Lieshout of Stillwater, MN, Andrew Van Lieshout of Albion, Anne Marie (Chris) Barnwell of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Jenna (Martin) Bruning, Alex (Maggie), Mitchell, and Garrett Van Lieshout; Stephanie (Robert) Rauch, Phillip and Natalie Moulton; Peter, Katelyn (Ian) Ladner, Adam (Katie) and Marissa Van Lieshout; Virginia & Michael Van Lieshout; Amelia and Victor Woods; step-grandchildren Christopher and Jessica Barnwell; and ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Jaantje van den Oever of The Netherlands, Doortje Roefs of the Netherlands, Frances Tillaart of Canada, Lawrence (Mary) VanLieshout of Canada; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Hendrika, his wife of nearly 54 years, one grandchild, and six siblings.

Family and friends may call on Friday, December 27th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10am Saturday, December 28th, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, with a reception to follow.  Burial will be held, following the reception, at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Route 31, Albion, NY. Friends wishing, may make memorial contributions to St. Matthew Catholic Church, PO Box 77, Livonia, NY 14487 or through the website www.stsmaryandmatthew.com. To send condolences or further information, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com

Batavia – Kenneth R. Toal, Jr., 60, of Batavia, died on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at his home

Kenneth was born March 1, 1959 in Batavia to Marjorie Toal Kelsey and the late Kenneth R. Toal, Sr.

He was a plumber for over 26 years and enjoyed his job and the many friends he made.  Ken was an avid NASCAR fan and loved riding his motorcycle.  He was a friend to all and helped anyone in need. 

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Harold and Grace Rogers formerly of Darien and Leslie and Mabel Toal, formerly of Batavia and his step father Daniel Kelsey.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denisse (Wait) Toal, his son, Kasey (Jodee) Toal of Darien; a stepson, Nathan (Ange) Farnsworth of VA, 3 grandsons, Brenton Toal, Lucas Toal and Paxton Farnsworth; a brother, Kevin Toal of Alexander; a step-brother, Thomas (Julie) Kelsey of Attica; a sister-in-law, Betsy (Late David) Kelsey of East Bethany; a sister, Karen (Gordon) Biehl of FL; 2 aunts, Patricia (Robert) Chmielowiec of Byron and Winny (Noel) Smith of KS; 2 uncles, Paul (Ester) Toal of Batavia and Donald (Betty) Toal of NV; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 1 to 2:30 pm with services following at 2:30 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Please consider memorial contributions in Kenneth’s name to Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main St. Rd.,  Batavia, NY 14020. Friends may attend a snack reception at Ken's Charcoal Pits following the service.

  Stephen E. Mapes, 67, of Bergen passed away on Friday December 20, 2019. He was born on May 2, 1952 in Batavia to the late Stephen W. and Olive (Baube) Mapes.

Steve Mapes (aka Big Steve) was a kind hearted, loving man. He was an amazing father and papa and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His love for his family was never ending. Big Steve is finally back on his Harley to ride for eternity…Bad Santa flies forever.

He is survived by his children; Kyle Mapes, Shalyn Mapes and Nicole Mapes all of Batavia; sisters Vicki Moore of AL., Kathy Harting of Batavia; brother Richard (Cynthia) Mapes of Batavia; ex-wife and mother of his children Cindy Mapes; 7 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to call on Thursday December 26, 2019 from 6:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. An 8:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bergen Volunteer Fire Dept. 10 Hunter St. Bergen, NY 14416. 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.

 

 

 

 

  Lance Lee Frens, 71 entered into eternal life on Sunday, December 22, at 10:19 a.m. surrounded by his loving family after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 1, 1948 in Batavia to the late Lamonte (Laura McCabe) Frens. He is preceded in death by siblings Gene Frens, Bob Frens and Lana Mower.

Lance was a Chemical Engineer and worked for Graham Manufacturing since 1967. He was a respected, intelligent and valued professional and loved his Graham family. Lance through his work traveled the world but his favorite place to be was on his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was also an avid golfer known by his golf buddies as one who preferred to carry his clubs and walk the course, refusing to ever ride in a cart. His love for walking contributed to his strong and healthy heart that sustained him through months of suffering, he never complained. Lance had a zest for life, he was honest, trustworthy and decent his entire life.

His greatest joy were his three daughters, Lisa (Greg Brennan) Frens-Harlach; Kimberly (Clifford) Frens-Gibson and Kristen (Thomas) Gomez. Lance’s legacy will live on through them. Until we are reunited daddy, we will hold you close in our hearts. “If only we could see you now….”

Lance is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children Susan Williams, grandsons Nicholas Elmore and Lucas Calarco-Gomez; siblings Pauline Walker, Larry (Kathy) Frens, Lindsay (Carol) Frens. His grand fur babies Zada and Lacey, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

 

 

  Marie Lucy Gilmartin, 100, of Batavia passed away Monday December 23, 2019 at the Grand Nursing Home in Batavia.

Marie was born on December 13, 1919 in Batavia to the late Salvatore and Angeline (Guggino) Marchese. She worked for the Board of Education, Batavia Downs and when her husband Darwin opened Gilmartin Funeral Home in 1955, she became the office manager until their retirement in 1986. She was a lifelong member of Resurrection Parish (ST. Mary’s) and attended daily mass until her 90’s. She enjoyed playing bridge and reading but her greatest joy was her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband; Darwin “Gil” Gilmartin; brothers Joseph (Gina), Dr. Russell, Salvatore (Joyce) and Dr. John Marchese; sisters Rose (Joseph) LaRussa, Florence (Frank) Acitelli and brother in law Angelo Scappa.

Marie is survived by her loving children; Maria (Timothy) Woodward of Batavia, Patrick (Lucinda) Gilmartin of Buffalo, John Gilmartin of Florida and Richard (Nancy) Gilmartin of Batavia; seven beloved grandchildren Colonel Scott (Judy) Woodward of Ft. Irwin, CA., Michelle Woodward of Atlanta, TJ (Megan) Woodward of Batavia, Sarah Gilmartin of Buffalo, Liam (Shawna) Gilmartin of Wyoming, NY., Colleen (Enrique) Cano, Nikki (Hadi) Boumessaoud all of Florida; great-grandchildren Sydney, Savannah, Kate and Cole Woodward, Kinsale and Saoirse Gilmartin, Emma and Daphne Cano and Leo Boumessaoud; her loving and devoted sister Elaine Scappa and sister in law Josephine Marchese of Batavia.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Grand for their loving care for mom during her time there.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday December 26, 2019 from 10:00AM-12:30PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited at 12:30PM followed by a 1:00PM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Marie will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Notre Dame High School 73 Union St. in Batavia or Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.

 

CHARLES F. “CHUCK” “THE GOOM” PUCCIO, III – Age 73, of Batavia, closed his eyes and went home early Friday morning December 20, 2019 at Elderwood at Williamsville – SNF. Chuck was born in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles S. Puccio, II and Celia (Gringer) Puccio of Batavia.

Chuck was a 1965 graduate of Batavia High School and in 1966 entered the US Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War and although that time had a profound effect on him, he was always proud to have served and loved his country. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed golf at Quiet Times Golf Course, a member of VFW Post #1602 and participated in many Memorial Day parades. Chuck will be dearly missed at the Pok-A-Dot where he has been a fixture for so many years having his many cups of coffee. He loved life and everything that it had to offer, he loved his family, adored his Kimmer and was so proud of the “one” who made his world light up, his granddaughter, Marin. Chuck was a gentle soul who left a mark on all who came to know him, with his gentle smirk, a pinch of your cheek, leaning in with a whisper, “Goomba!”

Surviving along with his mother is his beloved daughter, Kimberly (Ryan) Collins of Lake View, NY and his sweet, Marin; siblings, Richard Puccio of Batavia, Gary Puccio of CO and Kathy (John) Curtiss of Wyoming; his former wife, Barbara Ginnetti of Lackawanna along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chuck’s family will receive friends from 12 – 4p.m. on Monday December 23, 2019 at the Northgate Free Methodist Church 8106 Bank Street Road Batavia, New York where a Celebration of Life will begin at 4p.m. followed by Military Honors. Memorials in his memory can be made to any local Hospice organization.

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

THE FAMILY OF CHUCK PUCCIO IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

LENA A. DONOVAN ~ 79, of Batavia, died Saturday December 14, 2019 at Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Lena was born in Warsaw, NY on May 15, 1940, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Rose (Colletti) D’Angelo, also preceded in death by her husband, James Nelson Donovan and siblings, Theresa, Joseph, Thomas, Anthony & Samuel D’Angelo, Josephine Yaquinto, Tina Vernaccini and Rose Carguilo.

Lena was a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, nursing was her passion and it carried through her career at Roswell Cancer Institute and time spent in private care nursing. She enjoyed Bingo, sewing and was always most proud of her Italian heritage.

Lena is survived by her loving sons, David Donovan of Batavia and his children, Tyler & Brittany; James Donovan of N. Tonawanda and his children, Bryce & Ryan along with several nieces and nephews.

Please join the Donovan family 11a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC, 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 for Lena’s Celebration of Life Service. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Warsaw, NY and memorials in her memory may be made to Premier Genesee.

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

THE FAMILY OF LENA A. DONOVAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NY 14020

Kim H. Kisiel, 64 of Batavia passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2019. He was born on October 21, 1955 in Batavia to Henry Kisiel of Batavia and the late Lois (Quartley) Kisiel.  

Kim dedicated himself to the family business Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, for over 40 years as President.  He was well respected for his dedication and commitment to the company’s business relationships.

Kim was an incredibly intelligent man and was known for his great sense of humor. His passion for flying began at an early age and went on to become a skilled pilot.  He was an avid piano player and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and snowmobiling in his free time.  Kim was also an immense NASCAR fan and attended races yearly.  Mr. Kisiel was known for his popular quote of him “getting better looking every day”. Kim was beloved by so many people.

He spent the last 21 years with the love of his life Katy Call. They spent most of their time on Conesus Lake enjoying time with family and friends. They were loved, and respected in the community. They had an open-door policy where all were welcome.  Anyone who stopped in would be greeted with a warm welcome. Kim was a man of few words. However, when he spoke, especially from his heart everyone in his presence would stop and listen.  He was a humble man that surprised people with his intelligence, mathematical, and scientific skills.  Kim would give the shirt off of his back or the last dollar out of his pocket for anyone who needed it.   His absolute pride and joy was his family, especially Katy, his 3 children and 2 grandchildren who lit up his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife; Katy Call of Batavia; daughter Cortney (Benjamin) Lundberg of Phoenix, AZ, sons Michael Kisiel, and Daniel Kisiel both of Rochester; sister Diane (Hiram) Kastenbaum of Batavia; brother Kevin Kisiel of Batavia; 2 grandchildren Kennedy and Bryce Lundberg, along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday December 27, 2019 from 3:00 -7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday December 28, 2019 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.

Eugene A. Esainko, age 59, of Perry, NY passed away on Wednesday December 18, 2019 at his home in surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 19, 1960 a son to the late William and Mary Jane (Markus) Esainko. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a brother: Richard T. Esainko.

Eugene worked for the New York State Department of Transportation in New York City. He had a great love for music and could be considered a shopaholic. He loved his dog Max and especially loved his time spent with his wife and her children.

He is survived by his wife: Sharline A. (Schiffman) Esainko whom he married on October 7, 2017, step children: Christopher “Rambo” Baase of Perry, Jeffrey Hawley Jr. of East Aurora, Samantha Shenk of Angola and Stephanie Shenk of Lakeview, brother: William (Eileen) Esainko of PA., mother-in-law: Linda Schiffman of Elma, 8 grandchildren: Starr, Chanze, Savannah, Tatianna, Adijah, Adin, Colton and Ares, a special niece: Gelena Esainko of Darien Center along with many other nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Eugene’s life will be held on Saturday December 28, 2019 at 1:00pm at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530.  He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry, NY.

Because Eugene had a great love for animals he would like any contributions made to any local SPCA. 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.

Bruno Coccia died Saturday (Dec. 14, 2019) at age 70. 

Mr. Coccia was the owner of Genesee Printers Inc. and Microera Printers Inc. He was also a co-owner of the Rochester Flash Men's Soccer Team and the C.C.O. Harness Racing Stables.

Mr. Coccia owned several horses in western New York from the late 70's to the mid 80’s and raced successfully at that time. Among the horses in his stable was the popular pacer Jeffrey Drummond who was a true win machine. During his career, Jeffrey Drummond won 79 races with 33 seconds and 28 thirds and had multiple double-digit win seasons.  

Mr. Coccia was predeceased by his father and mother, Raffaele and Anna Coccia. He is survived by his fiancée, Sheri Woulard; sons, Raphael (Tasha) Coccia, Agostino (Suzanne) Coccia, Michael Coccia; their mother, Christine Coccia; stepdaughter, Nicole Mazzocchi; seven grandchildren; brother, Agostino (Lucille) Coccia; sister, Tina Musso; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Batavia - Robert R. Ritz, age 90, of Batavia, longtime muck farmer in Elba and United States Navy Veteran, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019 at The Unity Hospital of Rochester.

Mr. Ritz was born August 23, 1929, in Batavia, a son of the late Francis S. Ritz, Sr. and Margaret Roth Ritz.

His wife, Jeanette F. Wisniewski Ritz, passed away on February 14, 2001.

Survivors include his daughters; Rebecca Ritz and Sharon Piscitelli, both of Batavia; his step-daughter; Connie (Chris) Stone of Batavia; grandson; Joshua (Fiancée Kelly Anderson) Piscitelli of Barre; three great-grandchildren; Lukas, Eviana and Paityn Piscitelli and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his step-daughter, Kathleen Sassenbury and his siblings, Francis S. Ritz, Jr. and Shirley Gerrety.

Friends may call from 12 p.m.- 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019  at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 1 p.m.  He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to Arc of Genesee Orleans County, Attn: Community Relations, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Stafford - Nancy Laird Thompson, age 62, passed away Monday, December 16, 2019, at her home.

Nancy was born September 9, 1957, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Charles Douglas and Marguerite (Johnson) Laird.

Survivors include her husband, Dale Thompson of Stafford; brothers, Thomas (Kathy) Laird of Fort Pierce, Florida, Kenneth Laird and Douglas Laird, both of East Bethany; sister, Catherine (William) Plaisted of Clifton Springs; brothers-in-law Rick LaVare of LeRoy and Wayne (Debra) Thompson of Weedsport. Nancy loved her nieces and nephews and made many warm memories with them. Surviving are Jodi and Michael Laird, Scott and Kimberly Laird, Jeffrey (Rosalie) Plaisted, Joseph (Kimberly) LaVare, Kelsey LaVare, Brian Laird, Justin (Amanda) Laird and Katelyn (Michael) Brazeau; great-nieces and great-nephews, Sara Chase, Elise Brazeau, Blake and Bert LaVare, William, Jonathon and Donovan Stubinger and Grace Plaisted.

She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Beth LaVare.

Nancy had a love for all animals and leaves behind her feline family.

Friends may call from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 28th at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1602, Batavia, New York 14021 or to Hunter's Hope Foundation, P.O. Box 463, Orchard Park, New York 14127. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

LeRoy ~ Pauline H. Evans, age 98, formerly of Asbury Road, passed away early Wednesday morning (Dec. 18, 2019) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

She was born December 16, 1921 in Manchester, NH, a daughter of the late Thomas and Abbie Marcy Hume.

     Pauline will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She was a member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church and the Greater Rochester Chapter of Ex-POW's.  She was a past member of the Eastern Star-Ella Chapter in Silver Springs, the American Legion Auxiliary in Silver Springs and the Geneva Friendship Squares.

     She is survived by her children, Paul (Pam) Evans of Gowanda, Bonnie Clare Smith of Buffalo and Deborah (Steven) Greene of LeRoy; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence E. Evans, her son-in-law, Bradley Smith and her sisters, Rebecca Pattridge, Lucille Sitch and Bernice Chaffer.

     There will be no prior visitation.  Services and interment in Elmwood Cemetery, Silver Springs, N.Y. will be announced at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LeRoy United Methodist Church, 10 Trigon Park, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mrs. Evan's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mrs. Evans and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

Joan R. Oderkirk, 80 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and best friend Doreen Johns on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born in Saranac Lake, NY on November 12, 1939 to the late John (Marguerite Buckley) Ryan.

Joan is the youngest of 13 children and also a twin. She worked as an elf at Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole in Wilmington NY. She was proud to be included on the Viewmaster 1956 reel and also on the wall of fame in the North Pole museum.

She Graduated from Ausable forks NY high school in 1958; graduated from college of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ in 1963 with a BS in home economics; Graduated from Newark State College in Union, New Jersey in 1965 obtaining her teaching certificate. She met her husband while teaching at Ausable Forks high school and the two married June 24, 1967 (on her parent’s 50th golden wedding anniversary). She worked for the YWCA After School Adventure program for 23 years as lead teacher (mainly at Jackson school site). All the children knew her as “Mrs. O.” Most kids remember her because she taught card games.

Joan along with her husband were founding members of their church, now known as Corner stone church on Bank St. Joan and her husband held church services out of their home while the planning was underway for their new church. Joan was heavily involved in the church, whether it was Sunday service, bible studies or special prayer requests.

Her greatest accomplishment and pride and joy were her three children and six grandchildren. If there were two words to best describe Joan’s purpose on earth, they would be her unwavering faith and loving family. Joan will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her yet we rejoice with all who are welcoming her in heaven.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Richard Oderkirk Sr. of Batavia; children Richard (Beth) Oderkirk Jr. of Strongsville, OH; James (Heather) Oderkirk of Akron, OH; Mary Thomas of Bergen; 6 grandchildren Jared, Ryan, Aiden, Kyle, Cassandra, Emma, along with many nieces and nephews.    

An 11:00 AM Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Cornerstone Church, 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church or to Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6215 Sheridan Dr. Suite 100, Buffalo, NY 14221. 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, NY 14020.