Obituaries

Thomas P. Tiefel, 85, of Bergen, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, at Crossroads House in Batavia after a long illness. Born on June 27, 1938 in Rochester NY. to the late Lucille and Harrison (Bud) Tiefel.

Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend was a United States Navy veteran, serving in “Operation Hard Tack” in 1958 during the Atomic Testing Age in the South Pacific. After his service, he was employed at Xerox Corp, a career that spanned 44 years. He had a passion for building and racing Triumph motorcycles in the 1960’s, earning the nickname “Tommy 2 Motor” after his twin-engine Triumph drag motorcycle. After his racing career, he found another passion in hunting and the development of hunting/archery equipment. Thomas was also a member of the United States Trotting Association, owning standardbred racehorses that competed at Batavia Downs in the mid 1980’s-1990’s . His later years were spent riding his motorcycle, spending time on the family farm in North Bergen, NY., enjoying hunting, the outdoors, spending time with his grandson, Noah, and helping with producing hay in the summertime. He will probably be most remembered for his “to-the-point” personality, his quick wit, and always had a good joke or funny commentary on the ready.

He was predeceased by his wife Linda A. Tiefel and his sister, Mary Joan Tiefel-VanSlooten of Greece, NY.

Thomas is survived by his son, Historian-Thomas M. Tiefel (Connie) of North Bergen, grandson, Noah Foster of North Bergen, niece, Debbie LaMendola (Patrick) of Penfield, NY, nephew, Charles VanSlooten of North Chili, NY, cousins, family members, lifelong friends, the late Bob Anselm, David DelVechio (Peggy) of Victor, NY and Frank Lucisano (Cathrine) of Rochester, NY.

Friends may call on Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, where services will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm. He will be laid to rest, with military honors, in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. Following graveside services, all are invited to a celebration of his life at Sage Pavilion (in Hartland Park), 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Betty J. Currier, 82, of Elba passed away on December 25, 2023 at the United Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. Betty was born on March 4, 1941 to the late Edward and Mearl Base. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister; Virginia Mooney. 

Betty’s joys in life were her family, sewing, bingo, cards and winters in Florida. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years; Donald E. Currier Sr.; sister Marlene Arnold; very dear friend; Barbara Warner; children Daniel Currier of Syracuse, Lynette (Peter) Brade of NC., Donald E. (Lori) Currier Jr. of Oakfield, Susan (Mark) Norton of Bethany; her grandchildren Eric Currier, Emily Currier, Bruce (Gabby) Brade, Ben (Alissa Cramer) Brade, Samuel (Rene) Brade, Jason (Melissa) Currier, Jeff (Sarah) Currier, Amanda (Donald) Fonda, Andrew (Ashley) Norton, Kayla (Eric) Zagmester, Robert Stabler, Alyssa (Aaron) Lathrop, along with her 25 great-grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday January 3, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 7:00PM Memorial Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Paula Alker, 73 of Batavia passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York.

Paula was born Friday, December 8th, 1950 in Waterloo, Iowa a daughter of the late James and Marilyn (Wisner) Higley.

She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church. Paula was a true "Parrot Head" she loved everything about Jimmy Buffett, especially the song "Bubbles Up" Paula enjoyed everything about the beach life from the warm sun overhead to collecting shells on the beach. The only thing she enjoyed more than sunny beaches was spending time with her loved ones.

Paula graduated from Alexander High School in 1969 and furthered her education by obtaining her Associated degree at Indian River Community College. On September 15, 2002 She married Robert Clever. Paula was a dedicated bookkeeper working for the St. Andrews church in Florida and retiring from St. James Episcopal church, after moving back to Batavia to be closer to family.

Paula will be remembered by her husband, Robert "Bob" Clever of Batavia; daughter, Suzanne “Suzie” (Jarett) Alker Lang of Fort Pierce, FL; brothers, James (Lynda) Higley of Denver, Co and Joseph "Joe"  (Linda) Higley of Alexander, NY; nephews, Shaun Higley and Robert Helmig; niece, Katherine Lawton and everyone who has had the pleasure of being a part of Paula's life.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. At a future time there will be a celebration of life at St. James Episcopal Church. Batavia, NY and a celebration of life at St. Andrew's Episcopal church in Fort Pierce FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate/donate-by-mail-or-phone.html or a local animal shelter of your choice.

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

John "Jack" A. Chmielowiec, 79 of Batavia, passed away peacefully at his residence in the loving care of his family and hospice.

He was born July 16, 1944 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Adolph “Jack” and Irene Maier Chmielowiec.

Jack worked, co-owned and retired from his family business Chmielowiec Painting after nearly 50 years. He had a love for fly fishing and hunting, enjoying trips to do both when he could. Jack enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and liked his weekly poker game. He was a member of the Polish Falcons, Garbutt Fly Fishing Club, Godfrey’s Pond and Ascension Parish. Jack was also a New York State bow instructor for 25 years. Most of all he was a wonderful family man and person to know and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Luperino Chmielowiec of Batavia. Son, Jack Jr. (Amy) Chmielowiec of Batavia. Daughter, Tracey (Greg) Phillips of Batavia. Grandchildren, Sam Chmielowiec and Gracie Phillips. Sister, Patricia Merton of West Virginia. Brothers, Robert (Patricia) Chmielowiec of Byron, Ronald (Cathy) Chmielowiec of Batavia and Donald (Cheryl) Chmielowiec of Batavia. Sister in-law, Ann (Don) Sikorski of Batavia. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday (December 30^th) 10:00am at Ascension Parish (South Swan Street). 

Memorial contributions may be offered in lieu of flowers to Homecare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020. 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.

Bergen - Stanley E. Truax, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

He was born on January 16, 1963 in Wellsville.

He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his grandchildren are the real light of his life.

Surviving are his wife, Vicky Beedham Truax of Bergen; his children, Joelle (Raja Palepu) Truax of Rochester, Aimee (Jeff) Rose of Geneseo, Kenleigh (David) Garnish of Bergen, Taylor (Shavaughn) Stefaniak of Bergen, Connor Stefaniak of Bergen and Whitley (Luke Martinic) Stefaniak of Buffalo; seven grandchildren, Harvey and Jensen Palepu, Noah and Celia Rose, Cameron Garnish and Banks and Haven Stefaniak; his siblings, Christopher Truax of Texas and Melissa (Chuck) Truax of Texas; his father, Milford Truax of Byron; his mother-in-law, Nancy (late Richard) Beedham of Bergen; brother-in-law, David (Terri) Beedham of Stafford; sisters-in-law, Pam (Ed) Shepard of Texas, Kimberly (late David) Scriber of Churchville and Becky Beedham of Bergen along with nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sons, Luke Truax who passed away in 2007 and Steele Truax who passed away in 2019 and his step-mother Pam Truax.

There are no prior visiting hours. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, New York 14422. He will be laid to rest in Mount Rest Cemetery, Bergen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the Bergen Fire Department, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 or First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 6293 West Main Street, Byron, New York 14422. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.

LeRoy ~ Beverly A. Mowry, age 88, of Harris Road, passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of her family early Monday morning (December 25, 2023).

     She was born May 26, 1935 in Gardner, MA, a daughter of the late Ralph and Hazel Crabtree Stickney.  

   Bev was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Lewis Mowry III; her sister, Barbara and her brother, Robert.  She is survived by her four children, Lewis IV (Lorrie), William (Ann), both of LeRoy, Timothy (Kristan) of Fairbanks, Alaska and Elizabeth (Jake) Fletcher of Salem, VA; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon; brother, Dale (Brenda); sisters-in-law, Sandra Mowry and Barbara Stickney, along with many nieces and nephews.

     She will be remembered as a special mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was known for her crafts (sewing & knitting), as well as her exceptional cookies. She was very active in the First Baptist Church, playing the piano and organ for all occasions and especially enjoyed playing the piano for the kindergarten Christmas concert at school for 25 years.

     Bev’s family would like to especially thank her caregivers Peg, Audrey, Val, Bev, Connie and Rosa.

     There will be no prior calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 12:00 P.M. at the LeRoy First Baptist Church, 5 East Main Street, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the First Baptist Church of LeRoy, the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Disease Research.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Bev’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Gene Couillard aka "Dick" aka "DC" of Batavia NY.

An avid huntsman, he was the scourge of woodchucks everywhere and never met a deer he didn’t want to eat. Ever adventurous, DC rafted the rivers of NY, snowmobiled the fields of the county, fished the lakes of Eastern Canada, and camped as much as possible. It was not unusual for the sound of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” to echo through a campground at 5am followed by DC’s laughter as he startled fellow campers awake.

Employed by the Batavia City School District for over 30 years, he said he would have been a comedian if he wasn’t a custodian. Pranks, jokes, stories, and laughter played into his motto, “The more I pick on you, the more I love you.” And he loved fiercely, with unparalleled loyalty.

Known for his green thumb, especially with roses, it was common to find him delivering blooms to the ladies of the library, his bank, the doctor’s offices, etc though he only had eyes for the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Bernice (Sprague) Couillard.

When not in his garden chugging Cool Blue Gatorade, sipping Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi while eating a Nick Tahou’s cheeseburger, or taking a Sunday drive through Amish country, he could be found feeding animals of all kinds, feral cats above all, sitting quietly with them until he coaxed them to eat from his hands.

No matter what man or beast, he was a friend to all (except those pesky woodchucks). Always ready to help a friend, family, or neighbor, he had a hug, a smile, and a nickname for everyone.

Happy to voice his opinion loud and clear, DC lived life on his terms and often got his way, often through charm, occasionally through stubbornness, mostly with both in equal measure.

Survived by those he loved most in the world- his wife Bernice, 3 Daughters: Paula Logsdon (Fla), Debra Crossett (NY), and Lynne Couillard-Blance (NY), sons-in-law: Jeff Logsdon, Ryan Crossett, Mark Blance, 6 Grandchildren and their spouses: Gregory Appleton, Timothy Logsdon, Amanda Grigsby, Carrissa (Crossett) and Amanda Novitske, Nicole (Crossett) and Micah Brill, and Noah Couillard, 9 Great-Grandchildren: Serenity Logsdon, Harmony Grigsby, Phynn Appleton, Everly Appleton, Isaiah Novitske, Elias Novitske, Jordin Brill, Leo Brill, and Salem Couillard, 1 Great-Great-Grandchild: Malakai Logsdon, and DC’s Brother-from-another-mother: Russell Joy.

Per DC’s request, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his name to his favorite charities, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020, The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Drive, #320, Buffalo, New York 14221 or Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Finally, we would like to leave you with his favorite bit of advice, always delivered with a right shoulder shrug and a tilt of his head, “It is what it is.”

North Java - Ann M. Schuessler, 87 of North Java, passed away on Sunday, (December 24, 2023) at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo in Buffalo.

Mrs.  Schuessler was born December 28, 1935 in Sheldon, a daughter of the late Sylvester and Gertrude (Fontaine) Becker.

A retired registered nurse, she was the Night Supervisor at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. Ann was a member of the American Nurses Association and the Women of the Moose, Warsaw Lodge 680. She drove bus for William G. Becker & Sons., for many years.

Ann is the wife of the late Donald Schuessler, Sr. who died on December 26, 2012.

She is survived by four sons, Richard (Debra) of Elma, Mark (Kathleen) and Michael (Mary) all of Bennington, and Donald Jr. (Laura) of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Marie Schuessler of Charleston, South Carolina, a sister-in-law, Alice Becker of North Java; and lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert; brothers, Paul, Carl, Bernard, Raymond, William, and Richard.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 North Main Street in Warsaw. Ann's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 991 Centerline Road in Strykersville with Rev. John Arogyasami celebrating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Nicholas Cemetery in North Java.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Java Rescue Squad, 4274 NY-98, North Java, New York 14113. Arrangements for Ann were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home in Attica. Please leave a message of condolence at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Oakfield- Michael Holmes of Oakfield, NY. Michael Holmes passed quietly in his sleep on Friday, December 22nd.

He was born on March, 25, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Lucille and Thomas Holmes.

He is predeceased by his parents, Lucille and Thomas; his stepson Daniel Bosley; and grandson Darrell Black.

Michael is survived by his wife Mary (Jonathan); his sisters, Marcia Tolman (Holmes), Mary Sue, and brother, Mark; his stepchildren Burnet (Marlene) Black, Laureen Johnson, Karen Soccio, Dorinda (Bill) Foos, Jodie Judd and daughter-in-law, Laura Murray; his nephews Matthew (Anne) and Terence Tolman; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins and good friends.

Upon graduation from high school, Michael served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in September of 1975 from a naval base in Newfoundland, Canada.  Michael worked several places over his lifetime including farm work, truck driving, and spent several years at AC Delco in Rochester, NY from which he retired. Upon retirement he worked part-time at Home Depot and Walmart. Michael enjoyed camping, fishing, Sunday football and spending time with his family.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, December 29, 2023 at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 401 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Funeral services for Michael will be from 11:30 pm to 12:30 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at H.E. Turner Funeral Home, 401 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020, with a funeral procession will follow to the Western NY National Cemetery at 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in honor of Michael Holmes to his daughter-in-law’s family due to the hardship placed on them from Daniel Bosley’s recent passing to: https://www.gofundme.com/93gs24-michael-holmes

Pasquale Fenello, 82, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Grand in Batavia. He was born December 2, 1941 in Batavia to the late Frank and Antoinette Fenello. He is preceded in death by siblings, Filomena Marshall, Vito and Frank Fenello Jr, brothers-in-law, Frank Olivieri and Robert Marshall, sister-in-law, Helen Fenello.

Mr. Fenello worked at Denny’s in Geneseo, after he retired he moved back to Batavia. He lived at Washington Towers before going to the Grand.

He is survived by his sister, Lucille Olivieri of Batavia, along with nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.   

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of his Life will be held privately for the family only. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Activities Fund, 257 State Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Attica - Bonnie J. Stockholm, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and dedicated volunteer passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023 at the age of 83.

Bonnie was born on August 31, 1940, in Batavia and attended Attica Central School.  She spent the majority of her career at Metropolitan Life where she and retired as Branch Manager. 
Bonnie became an avid traveler at a young age; independently adventuring to foreign countries around the globe.  She developed a second family of fellow travelers and together, they made their way around the world exploring cultures and history.  While Germany was her love, she made her way through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  At home, her family relived these moments through photos, stories, and cultural apparel of the nations visited that she always returned with for her nieces and nephews.  

Bonnie was known for her love of Hummels and was a lifelong collector.  She explored the history of Hummels, the artist Sister Berta Hummel, and the history of how WW II impacted the convent and her beloved figurines.  This love took Bonnie to Germany nearly every year to visit the Hummel factory.  She would attend her favorite Christmas Markets and the once a decade Oberammergau Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany.  

While always a volunteer, later in life Bonnie became an unstoppable force that dedicated herself to many causes.  She volunteered for many organizations for over 60 years and considered herself blessed to have the ability to help others. If anyone in her community needed help, whether it be a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or errands to run, she made herself available. Bonnie started volunteering shortly after high school because she always thought it was the right thing to do. She watched both of her parents give to the community, and it sparked her journey.

Bonnie was the Attica Representative to the Wyoming Co. Office for the Aging Advisory Council, and the Treasurer of the Attica Senior Club where she focused much of her time planning trips for the Senior Citizens in her community. Her biggest volunteer endeavor was her work with the Trinity United Methodist Church in Attica, holding many positions within the church and participating on numerous committees. She was a trustee and served on the Finance Committee, spent many hours working on fundraisers within the church to benefit not only the church community, but the town of Attica as a whole.

Bonnie had no children of her own but has taken many kids under her wing and considers herself a grandma by default.  Bonnie was predeceased by her parents Jack and Dorothy (Wayman) Stockholm, sister Sally Stockholm Cowan, and grandnephew Johnny Miller. Bonnie is survived by her brother John Stockholm and his wife Mary Stockholm of Lehigh Acres, Florida; niece Bonnie (Cowan) Butz of Nazareth Pennsylvania; Susan (Cowan) Saulnier and husband John of Billerica, MA; Lisa (Stockholm) Harrison and husband Aaron of Roanoke, Texas; Jay Stockholm and wife Lyn of Attica NY; Stacy Stockholm of Lehigh Acres, Florida; grandnieces and nephews Ryan O’Connor, Carey Schmidt Tanzola, Katie O’Connor Smith, Tracy Schmidt, Meghan O’Connor, Harley Butz, Aidan Lynn, and Charlie Miller; as well as great-great nephews and niece, Bennett Smith, Keegan O’Connor, and Charlotte Tanzola.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the staff at Wyoming Community Health Systems Skilled Nursing Facility.  Your care and support for Bonnie was monumental for both her and our family.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street in Attica, where Bonnie's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Attica Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the Stevens Memorial Library, 146 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Arrangements were entrusted to Marley Funeral Home in Attica. Please leave a message of condolence at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Mary J. (Richley) Kocol, age 88, died peacefully on December 20, 2023, with family present. She was the daughter of Henry & Christine Richley. Mary was a passionate gardener, and enjoyed sewing, bird feeding & viewing, reading, puzzles, and family camping trips. She especially enjoyed time with family and hosted several reunions.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Adam of 53 years, sisters Betty Hofmaster, and Barbara (David) Hennig.
Survivors include, children Teresa Pickett, Thomas (Barbara) Kocol, and Ann Marie (Steve) Rodland. Siblings June (David) Pann, Ronald (Priscilla) Richley, Sandy McMullen, and Darrell (Linda) Richley. Grandchildren Jason (Kate Boylan) Pickett, Alanna Snodgrass, Lindsay (Brandon) Comstock, Brandon (Georgia Ann Tretyak) Kocol, Adam (Rachel) Kokot, and Justin Rodland.  9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews also survive.

Family will receive family and friends Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be at 11a.m. on Thursday, December 28th at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Crittenden, NY.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Pembroke Fire District, PO Box 632 Corfu, NY 14036;  Corfu United Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Attica - Fern M. Schmidt, 90 of Attica, passed away on Wednesday, (December 20, 2023) at her home surrounded by her family under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mrs. Schmidt was born May 20, 1933 in Attica, a daughter of the late Herman E. and Fannie (Nelson) Whitcomb.

Fern was a retiree of Attica Correctional Facility and a life long member of the Attica First Baptist Church where she was a Deaconess and organist. She was a member of the Women's Christian Club and enjoyed caring for her family.

Along with her parents, Fern is reunited in death with her husband, George R. Schmidt, Sr.; son, George R. Schmidt, Jr.; and brother, Allen "Rev." Whitcomb.

Surviving are her daughters, Brenda Rosenthal of Edgewater, Florida, and Judy King of Attica; grandchildren, Rachel (Sebastian) Rizza, Gary Hancock, Daniel (Christa) Hancock, Shauna (Brian) Marsceill, and Hunter King. Six great-grandchildren and a cousin, Arnold Sprague of Attica also survive.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held in the spring and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020 or Attica First Baptist Church, 3 Prospect Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Arrangements for Fern were entrusted to the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Please leave a message of condolence at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Mildred I. Graff, 95 of Lyndonville and formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully on Friday (December 15, 2023) at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, NY. 

She was born March 11, 1928 in the Town of Newstead, a daughter of the late Daniel and Susan Miller Mast. 

 Mildred grew up and lived in Akron with her late husband Carlton where they raised their four children. She was a full-time homemaker which enabled her to care for her children at home, which she loved so much. Upon Carlton's retirement they relocated to Lyndonville where they would live out the remainder of their lives. She was a longtime member of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Akron and then St. Johns Lutheran Church of Lyndonville. She enjoyed travelling, sewing and crocheting. Millie also enjoyed taking care of her flowers and gardens around her home. 

She was predeceased by her husband Carlton Graff who passed away October 24, 1992 and her sisters, Alice Hendry and Ruth Crane. 

Survivors include her children, Craig (Judy) Graff of Tennessee, Linda (Lawrence) Randall of Medina, Duane Graff of Akron and Keith Graff (Deanna Borden) of Akron. Grandchildren, Karrie, Adam, Coty, Katie, Alex, Erin and Taylor. Sisters, Arlene Wolak of Attica, Mary Penninger of North Carolina, Carol Webster of Akron and Doris Brand of Ohio. Brother, Paul (Candice) Mast of South Carolina. Also survived by several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at a future date to be announced. 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.