Obituaries

Batavia, N.Y. 

     Everything about Brian Downing Phillips was larger than life. When he walked into a room, he filled it up. Not because he routinely had to fold his 6’6” frame to fit into spaces, but because everything about Brian was big. He had the biggest and best laugh, deep from his core, infectious and warm, a huge, beautiful smile and a heart – that was greater than all his attributes combined. While he was quick to laugh, he also was quiet and introspective. It makes sense that when he was younger, he loved to write poetry. He was funny and smart, generous and kind. So much so, that Brian will continue to help others with the gift of sight having donated his eyes. After a brief illness, Brian died on August 22. He was 65. 

    Brian loved to wander, to get in his car and drive the open road. He was eternally curious, attentive and interested. He loved basketball, football and baseball —especially The Bills and The Blue Jays. Mostly though, he loved his family, his wife, Bonnie, his best friend and younger sister, Karen, his second Mom, Bev Kuras, his daughter, Dakota, his step-children, Breanne Thornton-Harer (Andrew), Erik Thornton (Danielle), Keyrsten Wilde (Chris) and Austin Oklevitch, his step grandchildren, Allyson, Logan, Lathan and Lanah Thornton-Harer, Imogen and Ellerie Thornton and Milo Wilde-Wilson, his nephew, Daniel Gilbert, his many cousins and countless friends. And of course, his dogs, Charms and Chezlee and his ragdoll cat, Deja, who he loved dearly.

     After graduating Liverpool High School, Brian went on to become a star basketball player at Canisius College. He then held a variety of different jobs; he excelled at them all. He channeled his love of basketball into being a coach at Gloria J. Parks Community Center. He was a bouncer at Park Meadow and a salesperson at Raymour and Flanigan. But the job he loved most, was being the legendary bartender at PJ Bottoms.

     Brian is predeceased by his beloved parents, Marvin and Ida Phillips. 

     In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either his surviving spouse, Bonnie Phillips or to Connect Life, Western New York’s only community blood bank and federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization. 

     A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

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

Larry D. Canale, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in LeRoy, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

Born on Nov. 18, 1932, in Westfield, N.Y., Larry was the youngest of seven children. He studied at Utica College before joining the U.S. Army during the Korean War. 

   Larry was a highly regarded manager in the W.T. Grant retail chain. He began as a stockboy in the mid-1950s and quickly entered the company’s management trainee program. As an assistant manager in Williamsville, N.Y., he met the love of his life, Mildred (Wilcocks) Canale, who would become his wife of 66 years. He went on to manage Grant stores in various locations in New York State, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. 

After leaving Grants, he and Mildred opened a Ben Franklin variety store in LeRoy, operating the family business from 1976 through 1994. He later went to work as a top sales representative at Rochester-based Castle, known for its car-care products. 

Larry was active in community service, spending time as a youth-league baseball and basketball coach and volunteering for fund-raising responsibilities for the LeRoy Ambulance. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church, later renamed Our Lady of Mercy, and was very involved in the fundraising and operations for the church as well as Holy Family School and Notre Dame in Batavia. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Rotary Club of LeRoy. For years, he loved golfing in LeRoy’s senior leagues. But his biggest joy was spending time with his family.

Larry is survived by his wife Mildred (Wilcocks) Canale of LeRoy and their six children, Dawn Canale of Batavia, N.Y., Larry Canale Jr. of Clinton, Mass., Kelly Carlie (George) of Limerock, N.Y., Lori Canale-Powers (Dave) of LeRoy, N.Y., Anne Canale-Gravanda (Jim) of LeRoy, N.Y., and Jeffrey Canale of LeRoy, N.Y. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

His Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church in LeRoy on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. A private burial will follow next week at Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Larry are suggested to either LeRoy Ambulance Service, 1 Tountas Avenue, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482 or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

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

William (Bill) H. Bowen, 87, of Attica, passed away on August 26, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

William was born October 10, 1936 at home in Oakfield. A son of the late Claude and Anna (Dool) Bowen.

Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He loved playing euchre, poker, fishing, fixing things, had his own lawnmower shop, making things with wood, and the Pike Fair. He served in the Army and National Guard, was a member of the American Legion of Leroy, drove a school bus for many years, and was a sergeant at Attica Correctional Facility for 30 years. He was an active member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish of Attica.

Bill married the love of his life, Alice L. (Verba) on June 15, 1963. They were married for 61 years. Also surviving are his children, Jennifer Bowen, Betsy Bowen (David Janes), William (Amy) Bowen; sister, Rita Rivers; brother-in-law, James Royce; sisters-in-law, Sue (Ron) Sloan, Nancy Gamazo and Carol Hapanowich; grandchildren, Jeffery (Chelsea), Alex, Kelsey, Eddie, Kara, Cassidy, Owen, Anna, Jaclyn,and Ryan; great grandchildren, Hunter, Rylan, and Ollie; Goddaughter, Ann Marie Rivers, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be reunited with his brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Christopher (Dick) Bowen; sisters, Claudia Harloff and Donna Royce; brothers-in-law, William Harloff, Stephen Rivers, David Chandler, and Carlos Gamazo; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Bowen and Lillian Bowen, nephew Michael Bowen and in laws John and Theresa Verba.

There are no prior calling hours. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial held at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Avenue, Attica, on Friday, August 30 at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow. Family and Friends are invited to a reception at William & Amy Bowen’s house immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Attica Fire Department,11 Water Street, Attica NY 14011 or Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Avenue, Attica, NY 14011.

Condolences for the Bowen family may be made at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements for William were entrusted to the Marley Funeral Home, Attica, (585) 591-1212.

Oakfield - Eugene F. Beach, 98, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born January 6, 1926 in Albion, a son of the late Herbert Beach, Sr. and Lucy Kaniecka Beach.

A longtime member of Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, he proudly served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. An avid gardener, he enjoyed growing his gladiolas and giving them away to local churches and delivering them to family members, friends and neighbors and anyone who wanted them . Along with his late wife Caroline and their late daughter Sandy they enjoyed traveling and taking extensive vacations.

His wife, Caroline A. Halat Beach, passed away on July 13, 2019. They celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

He is survived by his siblings, Kenneth (Donna) Beach of Albion, Donald Beach of North Carolina, Constance Decker of Webster and Marcia Behnke of Brockport. Longtime family friend of Dan and Anna Pruski of Oakfield and their children, Justina and Derek; sister-in-law, Patricia Beach of Albion, brother-in-law, Fred Budynski of Rochester and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sandy Beach who passed away on May 21, 1993 and his siblings, Arthur Beach, Felicia Budynski, Mary Jane Nenni, Shirley Manzella, Dorothy Beach, Robert Beach and Herbert Beach, Jr.

Friends and family may call on Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Patrick O'Keefe on Friday at 11:30 am at St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. Please consider memorials in his name in the form of Mass Intentions. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Jean T. King, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at her residence while under the loving care of her family.

She was born August 28, 1937 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy LaPiana.

Jean enjoyed crossword puzzles, word search games, Skrippo and playing bingo. Most of all she enjoyed her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter, Donna Shandorf of PA. Sons, Daniel King of Batavia and James King Jr. of Florida. Daughter in-law, Donna Woodworth of Batavia. Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, James King Sr. and her sons, Harold King, David King and Michael King.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday (August 28^th), 2:00pm at St. Francis Cemetery, Exchange Street, LeRoy, NY.

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.

Norma L. Bernard, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (August 23, 2024) at Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

She was born May 6, 1933 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late George and Gladys Norton Donnelly.

Survivors include her husband, William “Jack” Bernard of Batavia. Daughter, Debra Maniace of Batavia. Step-Children, Beth Ann Miller of Ohio and Timothy Bernard of Ohio. Brothers, Donald Donnelly of Bergen and Robert Donnelly of Stafford. Also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Norma was a nurse for the Genesee County Health Department prior to her retirement. She and her husband were longtime members of the Cornerstone Church and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her son, Shawn Bernard, who died in 1996 and also by four sisters, Eileen Muoio, Elsie Buckman, Eleanor Fisher and June Zito.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (August 28^th) from 10am-11am at the Cornerstone Church, 2583 Main St., East Pembroke, NY 14056 A Funeral Service follow the visitation at 11am. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 50, East Pembroke, NY 14056. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcnadrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Jodie Judd, age 51, passed suddenly on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at her home in Pavilion, NY.

She was born on April 7, 1973; Jodie was a beloved daughter of the Late Michael Holmes and Mary (Jonathan) Holmes.

Jodie was a hard-working, strong, independent woman. She was an amazing mom, sister, daughter, auntie (“fruit buddy”), cousin and friend. She loved her pups, as well as being a proud “Goat Mom’ to all of the animals on her farm. She enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies but she was most passionate about her woodworking and her farm. Whether it was sitting around a campfire or on her porch during a rainy evening, Jodie was always enjoying the moment either by herself or with her close friends and family there by her side.

Jodie was a proud graduate of Batavia High School where she excelled in many sports including basketball. She went on to have a successful career as an Inside sales representative for DHL Express Service Point in Rochester, NY. She played football with Empire State Roar, and Rochester Raptors and was the biggest Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Survived by her devoted son, Joshua Dunham; siblings, Burnet (Marlene) Black, David Judd, Laureen Johnson, Karen Soccio, Dorinda (Bill) Foos, and sister-in-law, Laura Murray; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death she is reunited with her father, Michael Holmes, and her brother Dan Bosley. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. A private family celebration of Jodie's life has been held in her honor. 

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jodie-judd-fundraiser-support-expenses 

Jodie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

May she rest in peace.

Rosine Wloch, 83 of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on Thursday (August 22, 2024) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She was born July 7, 1941 in Warsaw, NY, a daughter of the late Frank and Mae Catanese Bonadonna.

Rosine was a teacher at the former St. Anthony’s School for many years. She was a member of Ascension Parish, where she and her husband were very involved with activities, especially the Altar and Rosary Society. She also took part in the Notre Dame prayer group

 Rosine enjoyed cooking and quilting.  She cherished her time spent with her quilting group, sharing stories, laughter and creativity.  Her quilts are a testament to her kindness, patience and boundless creativity.  Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her students, family, friends and in every quilt she made. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Norbert Wloch of East Bethany. Daughter, Lori (Charles) Diamos of Illinois, Brian (Jennifer) Wloch of Virginia and Patrick (Amber) Wloch of South Carolina. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 2^nd, 10:00am at Ascension Parish, South Swan Street, Batavia. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Mt. Morris, NY. at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be offered to St. Luke Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211. 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.

Michelle L. Nichols, 60 of East Bethany, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born May 4, 1964 in Batavia, to the late Ferris and Carole (Penders) Hazlett. She is preceded in death by a son Daniel Nichols II, brother Kenneth Hazlett.

Michelle graduated from GCC and worked for many years as an LPN. She was active in the LeRoy Moose Club and was past Senior Regent. Michelle enjoyed camping, reading, playing cards, spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Daniel J. Nichols of E. Bethany, son Bryan Hargrave of Pavilion, grandson, Daniel Nichols III, siblings, Sheryl Hazlett of Batavia, Ferris (Bonnie) Hazlett of E. Bethany, Grace (Richard) Stewart of Batavia, Lisa (Robert II) Doran of Pavilion, Thomas (Cathi) Hazlett of Batavia, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 2 to 5:30pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 5:30pm Celebration of her Life will immediately follow at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in East Bethany Rural Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Joan G. Mattle, 65 of Bergen, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Crossroads House on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.  She was the best Wife, Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She was always teaching those around her- whether it was little known facts or how to enjoy life no matter what was happening. She had a smile for everyone and always found the good in people. 

Joan was born in Batavia on July 27, 1959 to the late Henry and Estelle (Glomb) Puls. Being the 8th of ten children, she was an Aunt the day she was born. Her childhood playmates were plentiful in siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. She met John, her loving husband of 49 years in Oakfield at the tennis courts when she was just 15 years old. He was her best friend who made her laugh every day. They showed their children and all around them what a loving and fun relationship should be. 

Joan is survived by her husband, John Mattle, her children, Adam Mattle of Batavia, Sarah (Michael) West of Brockport and Paul Mattle (Cherokee Roe) of Bergen, her grandchildren, Sally (Dakota) Reamer, William Mattle, Ethan, Emma and Andrew West, and great-grandchildren, Hudson, Colby and Paisley. She is survived by 6 siblings Mary Louise Peterson Mumford of Oakfield, Anne McKernon of NM., Susan Rouse of Lockport, Tina McCoy of LeRoy, Patricia Gibson of Oakfield and John Puls of Wilson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her brothers; David Puls, Daniel Puls and Stephen Puls.   

Everyone who knew her knew how much she loved her babies! Biological or “adopted”, young or old, she loved them so much. She lived for playing with them and making sure they were getting what they needed in their lives. 

Joan got her COTA degree in her late 30’s and the kids that she worked with were like family to her. She cared for them as fiercely as she cared for her own kids. Although she lived with cancer her last 5 years, she didn’t let that define her. She arranged family time and different activities around her treatments- craft fairs to sell her mittens, garage sales, lunches at the Salvation Army and Sunday Sundaes to name a few.

We will miss Joan every day, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. 

Family and Friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 2 to 4pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Family and Close Friends are invited to a celebration at Mike and Sarah’s house immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020 or The Lipson Cancer Institute at United Memorial Medical Center 127 North St. Batavia. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Bergen - Dennis “Max” J. Sapienza, aged 74, passed away on August 22, surrounded by his loving family at The Palliative Care Clinic at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born in Springville NY, on April 7, 1950, the eldest son of the late Joseph and Jean (Tuohey) Sapienza.

Dennis was a lifelong Bergen Resident, not including his time at St. John Fisher College where he majored in History.  Dennis was a graduate of the Byron-Bergen Class of 1968, where his senior year he was catcher for the sectional winning baseball team at Byron-Bergen School; the one and only baseball title held at B-B to this day.  Dennis later transitioned to softball, where he would meet his life partner, Anne.  In his later years he was a weekly golfer with friends and enjoyed lunches at The Byron Hotel.  If Dennis considered you a friend, you were one of the luckiest people around as he held a true allegiance to friendship.  After his family, friends were the next closest people to him. He was a Cub Scout leader, coached youth soccer and baseball.  Dennis also found Anne could keep him busy with her volunteer work! 

It was here in his hometown where he would accomplish his proudest achievement, when his 1829 T-shaped Greek Revival style farmhouse was designated as a historic home by the Landmark Society of Genesee County. Dennis valued all of his family and took delight in welcoming them to his “crown and glory” home and spending time with them. 

Dennis owned and operated Proline General Contracting, where he would travel and replace phone booths all over the region.  After the landline telephone model dwindled, he then enjoyed working for Dilcher Excavating & Contracting.  In retirement he loved helping grow Sapienza Design, his son Will’s business.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Anne (Muldoon) Sapienza; sons, William Joseph Sapienza (Eliana), Andrew Dennis Muldoon (Chloe); grandson, Luca Alberto Sapienza; siblings Lee (Rachel) Sapienza, Joann (Michael) Starowitz, Karen (Joel) Hall; sisters-in-law Kathleen Sapienza of Buffalo, Kathy Swizdor of North Carolina, Susan Muldoon of Auburn and mother-in-law Joan Muldoon of Auburn; niece Kaitlyn (Paul) Chmielowiec; and nephews Matthew (Amy) Starowitz and Ethan Hall; along with many, many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald, and niece, Kara Hall. 

Friends and family may call on Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Street, Bergen, NY, with a service held at 5 pm and reception to follow.

His family wishes to extend their utmost appreciation to the folks at Genesee Cancer Assistance and the many nurses, doctors and staff in the Emergency and Palliative Care units at Strong for the excellent care they provided.  Flowers happily welcome or in lieu of, memorial contributions may be made to the Palliative Care Program - Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, New York 14627 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

As a lifelong daily reader of the local obituaries, Dennis is now honored to be among the ranks.

Frances M. Driscoll, 99 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024. She was born October 28, 1924 in Batavia, to the late Thomas and Margaret (Francis) Moynihan. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard F. Driscoll in 1996; brothers, Thomas (Mary Jane), John (Dorothy) and Edward (Dorothy) Moynihan, sisters, Julia (George) Gear, Mary (William) Preston, Marguerite (William) Conlon, Marcella Moynihan, brother-in-law Ralph Houseknecht, and son-in-law Gene Warren.

Mrs. Driscoll retired after many years from Dohler Jarvis. She enjoyed playing Bridge, golfing, cheering for the Buffalo Bills and watching sports in general. Mrs. Driscoll was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church and 75 year member of the church choir. She also belonged to Genesee Chorale. 

She is survived by her beloved children, Anne (Charles) O’Geen, Kathryn Warren both of Batavia, Patricia (Jae Eun) Choi of Holly Springs, NC, Margaret (John) Steele of Webster, Richard F. (Jane) Driscoll Jr of Portsmouth, RI, sister Agnes Houseknecht of Stafford, 7 grandchildren, Bailey and Maura Driscoll, Charlie O’Geen, Rachel (Ian) Schult, Matthew (Maggie) and Mark (Jessica) Warren, Erin Choi, 9 great-grandchildren, Lucy, Patrick, Isaac, Penelope, Elliot and Genevieve Warren, Landen, Dominic and Harper Schult, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4 to 6pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Resurrection Parish Choir or to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, 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, NY 14020.

Elizabeth A. Stephens, 85 of Bergen, passed away peacefully at Crossroads House surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 22, 2024. She was born February 3, 1939 in Batavia, to the late Francis and Genevieve (Burns) Christner. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert T. Stephens, brothers and sisters-in-law, Rosalie Christner, Helen Christner, Charles Whaley and Thomas Dimmick. 

Mrs. Stephens retired from NYS Workers Comp in Batavia. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Church, treasurer of St. Jerome’s Guild and volunteered at Town of Batavia Voting. 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Michelle (Jack) Higgins of Bergen, Linda (Charles) Stephens-McLaughlin of Conesus, Nancee Stephens of St. Cloud, FL, Brenda (Michael Schlenker-Stephens) Stephens of Bergen, siblings, Robert of LeRoy, Richard of Perry, Donald (Susan) of FL, William Christner of Rochester, Phyllis Dimmick of FL, Helen Whaley of Pavilion, Deborah (Steven) Fay of Batavia, 4 grandchildren, Mallorie Higgins, Jeremy (Amber) Higgins, Julia and Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, two great-granddaughters, Brynn and Josephine, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial Will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

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

Basom - Myra Elizabeth Phelps, 96 of Basom, passed away on Thursday, (August 22, 2024) at her home under the care of her loving family.

Mrs. Phelps was born October 28, 1927 in Bennington, a daughter of the late Frederick Rudolph and Mildred (Michel) Rudolph Corliss.

Myra was a long time member of the Indian Falls Global Methodist Church and was a graduate of the Concept Therapy Institute of Texas. She was a very active member of the Grange, most recently East Pembroke and formerly Darien. She met her late husband, Wayne, at a Grange Neighbor Night. In 1979 she was chosen by the New York State Master to represent the Grange in Pakistan for five weeks; an experience she was incredibly proud of.

Surviving are her children, Dennis (Joan) Phelps and MaryJo Hinkson both of Basom; daughter-in-law, Dana Phelps of Corfu; sister-in-law, Jean Rudolph of Akron. Nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Phelps in 2018; son, Bryan Phelps in 2011; brothers, Richard Rudolph, and Donald (late Jean) Rudolph; and sister, Lois (late Lawrence) Pond.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, (August 25, 2024) from 2 to 4:00 pm at Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Allegany Road in Indian Falls. Myra 's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 pm.  Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Indian Falls Global Methodist Church, 7908 Allegany Road, Corfu, New York 14036.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Gregory A. Grimes, 67, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on August 22, 2024 in the Palliative Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. 

     Greg was born on June 20, 1957 in Batavia N.Y., a son of Mary Lou (Reigle) Grimes of Batavia, and the late Francis Richard Grimes.   

   He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lois (Phillips), sons, Timothy (Kaitlyn) Grimes of Fort Eustis, VA and Matthew (Molly) Grimes of Alexander, his grandchildren, Mary Mae, Myles, Maura, Millie of Alexander N.Y. and Emmylou of Fort Eustis, VA. He is survived by his sisters, Colleen (David) Ronan of St. Cloud, FL and Kathleen (Christopher Roberts) Goras of Batavia, along with several nieces and nephews. 

     Greg was employed for many years at the US Gypsum Board Plant in Oakfield N.Y. until closing. Greg then worked for many years at Oatka Milk Products in Batavia, N.Y. 

     Greg will be remembered by his love of watching sporting and musical events of his grandchildren and talking to Emmylou on her ride home from school every day. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed when his family was all together. 

     Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc, 8700 Lake St. Rd, LeRoy N.Y., where a brief Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:00 P.M.  A Mass in Greg’s memory will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester or the Wilmot Cancer Institute, 300 East River Rd., P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627-8996

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