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Obituaries

Lurline E. Hope

By T.J. Woodward

Lurline E. Hope, 95, of Batavia, formally of Hamburg, NY passed away on Wed. July 6, 2016 at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia. She was born on July 15, 1920 in New York City to the late Stanley and Louise (Dreyer) Gilbert. She is predeceased by her husband William Hope; a son William Hope Jr. and sisters Alice Dumond and Dorothy Best.

Lurline was known for her love of sports, especially golf and her beloved Buffalo Bills. She is survived by two sons; Stephen (Susan) Hope of Le Roy and Robert (Katherine) Hope of Oak Park, IL; a daughter in law Sandra Hope of Orchard Park; grandchildren, Gretchen Cummings, Christina (Hendrick Roux) Hope, Michael (Crystal) Hope and William Hope, along with 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be announced for a later date. She will be laid to rest in Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY http://www.alz.org/wny/. 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 Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Ward Mead

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Ward Mead, 88, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mr. Mead was born October 5, 1927 in Adams, a son of the late Carl and Ethel Mead.

Ward was the caretaker at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia for many years. He enjoyed mowing lawns and working on cars. Ward will be remembered by his family as someone who was always willing to help those in need.

His is predeceased by his wife, Irene Larmon Mead.

He is survived by his nieces Linda (late Ralph, Sr.) Royse of Batavia and Mabel (Bob) VanNess of Rochester; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters including Don Mead.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, where Ward’s services will follow at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Ward’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Virginia Rivera

By Ronald Konieczny

Virginia Rivera, 74 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (July 4, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

She was born May 18, 1942 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, a daughter of the late Pedro and Felicita Camacho Rivera.

Virginia was a former teacher aide for Estados Libre Asociado in Puerto Rico prior to her retirement. She loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Luis (Janice) Cotto of Batavia and Eddie (Jasmarie) Calderon of Batavia. Brothers, Jesus Rivera of Boston, MA and Negrin Rivera of Puerto Rico. Also surviving are four grandchildren.

There will be no prior visitation. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Expressions of condolence may be shared with 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.

 

 

 

 

Geraldine Moyles Casey

By Lisa Ace

Geraldine Moyles Casey, former resident of Batavia, passed away in her home in McKinney, Texas on April 8, 2016, at the age of 87. Geraldine A. Moyles was born in Batavia on June 28, 1928, the daughter of Austin P. Moyles and Ruth O. Lewis Moyles. She was preceded in death by her father in 1938 and her mother in 1986. She was also preceded in death by older siblings, Jean Moyles (Ramsay), Marilyn Irene Moyles (McGuire), and Donald A. Moyles.

Geraldine was graduated from Batavia High School on her seventeenth birthday in 1945. In March 1947 she and a high school friend, Frances DeSalvo, moved to the Washington D.C. area, each taking a secretarial position with the government. There, Geraldine met Jimmie D. Casey, a Technical Sergeant assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. The two were married at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Batavia on July 7, 1950. Geraldine and Jimmie enjoyed many assignments in the US and overseas during his long career in the Air Force. They relocated to McAlester, Oklahoma in 1973, where she resumed her government service with a position with the Federal Aviation Administration. The couple retired to the Lake Eufaula area in Oklahoma in 1994 and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and volunteering for veterans and senior citizens groups in the area. Geraldine’s husband Jimmie passed in February 2000. 
She is survived by four sons and their spouses – James B. Casey (Pam) of McKinney, TX, John M. Casey (Jean) of Carrollton, TX, Wesley G. Casey (Betty) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Paul M. Casey (Lida) of Lake Dallas, Texas. She remained close to and was survived by her eleven grandchildren ­­ Brad, Alyson, Caroline, Lindsey, Connor, Amelia, Stuart, Anna, Mary, Hannah and Dylan.
 
Her sweet, loving and gentle spirit brought immeasurable joy to family and friends. She was released with graveside committal service on April 12, 2016, by Father Leonard Higgins of Saint John the Evangelist Church of McAlester, Oklahoma, before burial in Savanna, Oklahoma cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Chaney-­Harkins Funeral Home of McAlester, Oklahoma. Full obituary and opportunity to share remembrance is available at http://www.chaneyharkinsfuneralhome.com 

Kate Elizabeth Anderson Spring

By Howard B. Owens

Attica - Kate Elizabeth Anderson Spring, 49, passed away peacefully at Faun Lake, her second home, on Sunday(July 3, 2016).

Kate was born September 29, 1966, in Batavia, a daughter of Barbara Schmidt Anderson and the late Ed Anderson. She was the step-mother of the late Crystal Spring; daughter-in-law of the late Dolores Spring; sister-in-law of the Brian Spring and niece of the late Karen Cheek.

Kate loved camping and her greatest joy was attending concerts and movies with her daughter. For many years, she was very active and involved with the Corfu United Presbyterian Church food pantry and Christmas basket project. Kate will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are her husband, Bruce; daughter, Samantha; her mother, Barbara Anderson; sister, Georgia (Adam) Anna; brother, Eric (Shara) Anderson; sister-in-laws, Linda Jackett, Denise (Joseph) Welter, Peggy (Doug) Heywood, Cindy (George) Flint, Lisa (Jeff) Leach, Sheri (Paul) Miller, Alethia (Allen) Keiper, Angelique (Tim) Zielinski; father-in-law, Wesley (Joan) Spring; aunt, Anne Lyons; uncles, Ken Little and Charles Cheek. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Thursday, July 7 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 8 at 11 a.m. at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu, NY. Memorials may be made to the family. 

Charles L. Whaley

By LaVern Falcone

Pavilion ~ Charles L. Whaley, age 78, of Wyoming Road, passed away Sunday evening (July 3, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

    

 Mr. Whaley was born December 2, 1937 in Warsaw, a son of the late Willis and Lillian Pierce Whaley.

     Having grown up on a farm, Charles developed a love for farm life and the outdoors.  He took great pride in his home and loved gardening.  He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, who was a history buff and loved reading.  He also enjoyed playing cards and other games with his family and friends.  Charles also served 4 years with the U.S. Air Force and retired from the Rochester Telephone Company after 34 years of service.

     He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen Christner Whaley; his children, Deanne (Bradley) Moore and Brian (Beth) Whaley; his grandsons, Justin, Jarod, Sam and Andrew; his siblings, Patricia Barrett and Robert Whaley, his sister-in-law, Joanne Whaley and brother-in-law, James McIlroy, along with several nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Richard Whaley, Phyllis Weidman and Brenda McIlroy.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 12 ~ 3 and 6 ~ 8 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM.  Family interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Pavilion.

     Memorials are suggested to either Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

     Mr. Whaley and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Sandra Graces (Rhines) Seeber

By T.J. Woodward

  Sandra Graces (Rhines) Seeber, age 81, of Geneseo formerly of Perry passed away on July 2, 2016 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. Sandra was born in Emporium, PA. on March 10, 1935 a daughter of the late Gerald Boyd and Edith Pansy (Baily) Rhines. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years: Douglas W. Seeber Sr. who died on May 10, 2015, and a brother: Ronald Rhines.

Sandra worked for the former Bells Market in Perry for over 25 years where she was head cashier retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Perry Center 1st Congregational Church and the Perry Chapter of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by a daughter; Melodie H. Rookey of Perry, 2 sons; Douglas W. (Carmen) Seeber Jr. of Leicester and Lance E. (Donna) Seeber of Penfield, 1 brother; Jacob (Margaret) Rhines of Bradenton, FL., 4 grandchildren; Richard (Dawn) Rookey of Black Mountain, NC, Benjamin Rookey of Perry, Ryan (Gabrielle) Seeber of Shortsville and Stephanie Seeber of Webster, 6 great grandchildren; Devon Sweazey, Wesley Rookey, Arriana, Elijah, Isaiah and Josiah Seeber, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 10:00-11:00AM on Friday July 15, 2106 at Eaton- Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00AM at the Funeral Home.  She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Teresa House 21 Highland Rd. Geneseo, New York 14454. 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.

Betty Jane (Green) Ross

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Betty Jane (Green) Ross, 87, of Oakfield, passed away on Friday (July 1, 2016) at her home in Oakfield under the care of her family and HomeCare & Hospice.

Betty was born June 5, 1929 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Earl and Iva (Bell) Green.

She enjoyed gardening, baking, bowling, latch hook and ceramics.  Betty was a branch manager at Bee Line Fashions.

Survivors include a step-daughter, Beverly (Ken) Becker of Dozier, AL; son, A. Gary Riso of Tempe, AZ; two daughters, Paulette (Craig) Randall of Tempe, AZ and Barbara Gardiner of Oakfield; her grandchildren, Jordan (Val) Hirsch, Jeremy (Tammy) Gaffney of Tempe, AZ, Jacob (KatieLee) Crandall, James (Molly) Crandall, Joliene (Chris) Pritchard, Paige Riso of Tempe, AZ and Joshua (Samantha Anastasia) Crandall; step-grandchildren, Kimberly McCann of California, Crystal Bonham of California and Melissa Pancheshan of Michigan and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Betty is predeceased by her husband, Albert J. Ross, who died May 28, 1989; a son, James G. Ross and a step-granddaughter, Julia Brown of Texas.  

Calling hours are Tuesday (July 5) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield.  Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday (July 6) at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street, Oakfield.  Burial will be in Cary Cemetery, Oakfield.  

Memorials may be made to Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street, Oakfield, NY 14125, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 or to the family.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethel L. Yuhas

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Ethel L. Yuhas, 93, of Batavia, a Director Of Reading And Compensatory Programs and Teacher for 34 years at Grand Island School District prior to her retirement in 1979, died Thursday, June 30, 2016 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, in LeRoy.

Mrs. Yuhas was born December 12, 1922 in South Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late James and Freda (Lortz) Woof.

She was a 30 year member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where she served as a Deacon, Clerk and Director of Christian Education, was a volunteer with Litteracy Volunteer of Genesee County for 20 years where tutored immigrants who wanted to become American citizens.

Her husband, William L. Yuhas, died December 28, 2002.  

Survivors include several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She was the sister of the late Howard W. Woof, Glenn Woof, James Goldwin Woof, Edna Woof, Ruby Woof, Mary Davis, Mabel Hottois, Margaret Hover and Florence D’Angelo.  

Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Emmanual Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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

Dorothy H. Pickell

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Dorothy H. Pickell, age 94, passed away Wednesday afternoon (June 29, 2016) at United Memorial Medical Center.

    

 Mrs. Pickell was born February 22, 1922 in Riga, a daughter of the late Everett and Louise Leathersich Johnson.

     She was a devoted matriarch and a dedicated farm wife to her late husband, Elliott, for over 62 years.  Her family came first and she cherished the opportunity to cook for and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also loved her time with Elliott when they travelled to Florida.

     She is survived by her children, Donald Pickell (Candy Lapp) of Batavia, Ann (Robert) Duyssen of Stafford and Jane (Richard) Simpson of Gates ; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her husband, Elliott (2003), she was predeceased by a brother, Charles Johnson and a sister, Mary (Sheldon) Tygart.

     Services and interment will be private at the family's convenience.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Genesee ARC, 64 Walnut St., Batavia, NY 14020 ; Alzheimer's Association, 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.

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

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

Karen Zawisza

By T.J. Woodward

Karen (Judd) Zawisza, age 77, of Perry, died on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. Karen was born in Tyler, Texas on August 18, 1938, a daughter of the late Clyde and Pauline (Hamrick) Judd. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Beth Ann Zawisza.

Karen served with the US Air Force where she met her husband to be, Norman J. Zawisza. They were married on October 15, 1960 and honorably discharged shortly thereafter. They remained happily married until her husband's death on September 24, 2015. Karen held various jobs after she had enough of stay-at-home child rearing, including a number of years at Champion Products in Perry, New York and a happy stint at the former Video Fantasy where she would over feed her grandchildren ice cream. She enjoyed word puzzles, yelling at her family ('I don't do perky'), cream sherry, her quiet time in the morning, reading books and loved to watch movies. She was happy that 'Downton Abbey' had finally concluded and the fact that she would not have to choose between Hillary and The Donald. Although she was a very private person, she will be sorely missed.

She is survived by a daughter; Connie (Zawisza) Wray of Hilton; a son Norman S. Zawisza of St. Albans, VT, and 4 grandchildren: Zachary, Ethan, Jed and Beau
Zawisza.

There will be no prior calling hours and Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Perry Public Library,70 Main St N. Perry, New York 14530. Arrangements completed by the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com

Mary E. Hannan

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Mary E. Hannan, age 64, of Perry Road, passed away on Sunday afternoon (June 26, 2016) at Crossroads House surrounded by her loving family.

    

Mrs. Hannan was born June 9, 1952 in Washington, MO, a daughter of the late Raymond and Adata Jett Beesley.

     She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed bingo, music and reading.

     She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 44 years, Larry; her children, Rebecca (Daryl) Dziekan of Pavilion, Richard (Kristen) Hannan of Pavilion and Krystal (Douglas) Forsyth of Batavia; grandchildren, Justin and Zachary Hannan, Dylan and Colton Dziekan, Addison and Benjamin Forsyth; brothers, Raymond (Yvonne) Beesley and Terry (Terese) Beesley; sisters, Marie Richardson, Shelba (Bill) Schaeferkoeter, Judy (Gordy) Seivert, Marilyn (Dale) Marriott and Debbie Sink, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her brothers, David and James.

     Mary's parting wish was honored and her brain was donated to Harvard University for research into Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), where her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 PM.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.

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

Joan K. Sheron

By T.J. Woodward

Joan K. Sheron, 88 of Batavia passed away peacefully at her home on Monday June 27, 2016. She was born April 27, 1928 in Niagara Falls, NY to the late Samuel Tyree and Marie (Dooley) Edwards. Mrs. Sheron is preceded in death by her beloved husband William A. Sheron; a son Keith Sheron; siblings Dolores Wolfley, Bette Reagan, Joseph Tyree, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Joseph, June, George and Lawrence Edwards.

Mrs. Sheron worked for Notre Dame High School, Graham Corporation, and Genesee County Clerk’s Office. She was a devote Catholic and member of the St. Joseph’s Sodality. Her family and her faith were everything to her.

She is survived by her children Mona (Richard) Logar of Medford, NJ; Molly (Ray Tortorice) Sheron; William (Shari) Sheron, Jr.; daughter-in-law Marilyn Sheron all of Batavia; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday June 30, 2016 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.Entombment will take place in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Mausoleum Perpetual Care Fund 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. 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 Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Marianne M. Houseknecht

By Lisa Ace

Houseknecht-Marianne M., Of Darien Center, NY. June 24, 2016. Wife of the late William K. Houseknecht; dear mother of Stephen, Sarah (Charles) Eisenmann and Paul (Diane) Houseknecht; also survived by three grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sister of the late Rev. Michael P. McNicholls and Patricia (Lawrence) Huber. Mass of Christian Burial from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Darien Center, NY Tuesday at 10:00 AM. (Assemble at Church) Family present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home 13228 Broadway Alden, NY. Monday 4-8 PM. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Strykersville, NY. Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

Richard S. Seely

By Joshua Smith

Bergen - Richard S. Seely, 87, of Bergen, a master mechanic at George & Swede Sales and Service in Pavilion, died Saturday, June 25, 2016 at New Roc Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Rochester.

Mr. Seely was born June 15, 1929 in Bergen, the son of the late Herbert L. and Anna (Steedman) Seely.

He was a member of Stone Church Presbyterian Church. Dick graduated from Bergen High School, previously worked for Potter Dewitt in Pavilion and ran Seely Farms, his farm in Bergen.

His wife, Dorothy E. (Bennett) Seely, died November 13, 2011.

Survivors include a daughter, Blaire (Frederick) Giancursio of Churchville, 2 grandchildren, Kristina Giancursio and Joseph Giancursio, both of Churchville; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and 3 cousins.

He was the father of the late Grant R. Seely and grandfather of the late Grant T. Giancursio.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., 51 S. Lake St., Bergen, NY where services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Mt. Rest Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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