Obituaries

(Rochester, NY) Bill passed away February 11, 2021 unexpectedly. He was born in Batavia on April 13, 1949 to Robert K and Genevieve McBride (predeceased). He is survived by his loving wife, Linda McBride of 52 years. He is also survived by his three children: Christine (Robert) Hill of Rochester, AF Master Sergeant William (Joelle) McBride of Montgomery, AL and Aubrey (Kasie) Way of Rochester. Bill has seven beautiful grandchildren: Alexis and Aiden Hill, Alex, Cooper and Jackson McBride and Liam and Everly Way.

Bill graduated from Batavia High School and attended GCC. He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1972. He settled down in Batavia and started his career in manufacturing at the family business, McBride Steel. He retired in 2014 from GM (Lockport). His work ethic was one to be admired and set a perfect example for his children.  

Bill’s family was his greatest joy and best accomplishment. He paved the way for his children’s success and was incredibly proud of their many accomplishments. He was a devoted family man and active in his children and grandchildren’s lives. There wasn’t anything he would not do for his family. He coached hockey and was a travel hockey Dad. When he couldn’t be at a game, he was watching remotely. He was the greatest fan. Bill and Linda recently moved to Rochester to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being on the water boating and sailing. He played bass guitar in a few classic rock bands and was the ultimate do it your selfer. His craftmanship was impeccable.

Calling hours are from 5p-7p on February 18^th at H.E. Turner Funeral Home 403 East Main St, Batavia. A private family service will be held on February 19^th.

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

Pavilion / The Villages, FL - Passed away peacefully on February 7^th, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.

    

Stewart had a tireless work ethic and a perpetual determination to succeed.  This manner of living was present throughout his life. He graduated with honors from RIT in 1973, had a successful career as a Chemist at Eastman Kodak for 26 years; all the while owning and operating a cash crop farm in Pavilion, NY.

     Not quite ready to retire, Stewart  began an antique and furniture restoration project which he named “Linwood Chairs”.

     If you met him on the street, he’d want to know all about you because that’s the type of man he was;  he took genuine interest in people and his community.  He was a great athlete and had a special place in his heart for animals.

     Stewart will be most fondly remembered for his ability to make his friends and family smile & laugh.  

     Stewart is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley; son, Steven, daughter, Wendy (Jodi); grandchildren, Julia and Spencer; sister, Jean (Jim) Vokes, brother and sister in-laws, Bob (Karen) Milligan, Caroline Milligan, Darryl Swede, Sharon Swede (Gary), Dave (Jo) Milligan and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Robyn, brothers, Douglas and Richard, brother in-law, Don Milligan and sister-in-law, Diane Swede.

     Inurnment will take place at the Pavilion Cemetery at the convenience of the family and a Celebration of Stewart's Life is being planned for June.

     Memorials may be made in his memory to the Pavilion Food Bank & the Pavilion Fire Department.

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

     Mr. Whitney and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Florida.

Stafford ~ John W. Hackett, age 78, of East Main Street Road, passed away Wednesday morning (Feb. 10, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital due to complications of Silicosis. 

     He was born September 23, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late John W. and Gladys Sherman Hackett.

     John was a lifelong resident of Stafford.  After high school, John worked for the Jello factory and then Lapp Insulator, from which he eventually retired after 42 years of service.  During his time off from working, John enjoyed mowing 11 acres of lawn and trails on his John Deere.

     In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Lois (Robert) Pilc, Janet Savoy Elliott and James A. Hackett.

     He is survived by his best friend and life partner of 43 years, Cheryl Ebzery White Hackett; daughters, Christine L. (Brian) Sage of Oakfield and their children, Brian (Karla) Sage and Danielle (Jason) Kirkum; Terri L. (James) Lawson of Batavia and Traci L. (Pat) Wester of Batavia and their children, Nick Woods, Zack Wester and Hailee Wester; sons, John W. Hackett Jr. and Steven R. Hackett, both of Stafford; and bonus children, Aaron M. (Karen) White of FL and their children, Fiona, Noraa and William and Braden G. (Jennifer) White of FL; sisters, Beverly (late Edward) Englerth of LeRoy and Sharon (Thomas) Gates of Pavilion, along with many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and dear friends.

     A small memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 from 11 am to noon at the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY, with a brief luncheon to follow. A collection of family and friends to share stories and celebrate John’s life is hoped for post-COVID-19 when gathering is again permitted.

     Interment will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a recipient of the donor’s choice.  

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

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

  “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell

Rita Mary Pietrovito, 93, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021 at home in Huntersville, NC. She was the wife of the late Anthony C. Pietrovito.

Born in Batavia, NY on June 29, 1927, and raised in LeRoy, Mom was the thirteenth of sixteen children and the seventh of eight daughters, born to the late Frank C. and Rose ( Eanne ) Panepento of LeRoy, NY. Her beloved youngest sister, Ann of Florida is her only remaining sibling. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law Elsie, Marie and Brooke. Other survivors Include her son, James Anthony, wife Janet; daughter, Ann-Marie, husband George; grandchildren: James A. Jr., wife Kate; Daniel, wife Ashley; Erin, husband Larry; great-grandchildren: Anthony J., Acelia R. and Abigail. Rita has predeceased an extensive number of nieces, nephews and cousins from both the Panepento and VanDetta family trees.

Her husband, Anthony C. Pietrovito who predeceased her in 2000, was the love of her life. Together they were a striking couple with colorful personalities; sharing 53 years of marriage together. They raised their two children with love and devotion providing them excellent examples. Rita was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She attributed her good looks and longevity to getting a good night’s sleep and taking care of oneself, (with the exception of wearing open-toed sandals in the dead of winter).

Rita readily shared her wisdom and opinions with her offspring whenever she thought they needed to be set straight. (Sometimes all it took was “The Look—” for her message to be clear). Here are a few of her favorites:

Value family before all else, Cleanliness is next to Godliness. ( while living on North Lyon Street, she would wash the driveway, sometimes twice per week), Respect your elders, You can never have too many placemats or lace doilies, Make room for knick-knacks— especially angels, Food isn’t just nourishment, it is life. And. . . there’s always room for dessert.

No matter how trivial or important an occasion, Mom took joy dressing with great care and style. An outfit could never be accessorized with too much bling, color coordinated shoes, purse, elaborate jewelry, and glittering nail polish. She was a delight to behold. Anyone who knew our mom will always remember her as a wonderful cook and an exceptional baker. She loved to entertain both family and friends— and friends of friends. She relished grocery shopping as much as scouring a department store for treasures. In her later years, “Judge Judy,” “As the World Turns,” “Jeopardy,” and “Wheel of Fortune” were the day’s highlights. Yet there was nothing Mom enjoyed more than playing the card game, “Shove It.” Rita delighted in outsmarting her opponents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in her name to local food banks of one’s choice. She would be pleased to know that she was still feeding people

In deference to the pandemic, a future celebration of her life will be planned by the family. In the meantime, she will once again be at Dad’s side at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia. There will be no calling hours.

Our mom lived a long and valued life. For those of us who love her, she is gone but not forgotten.

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.

  Elizabeth “Liz” McCurdy, 76, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021.  She was born July 6, 1944 to the late Adelbert and Katherine Merry.  She is preceded in death by her husband David L. McCurdy, whom she married September 20, 1969.

Liz was a lifelong Batavia resident and graduate of Notre Dame High School and Rochester Institute of Technology. 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Thomas Willette, son and daughter-in-law, John and Laura McCurdy, sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Harold Fitzpatrick, grandchildren Clare, Emma, Ian, Audrey, and Aren, along with many nieces and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family on Saturday February 13^th which will be streamed on the www.resurrectionbatavia.com Facebook page at 9:30AM. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association through alz.org/wny or sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6215 Sheridan Drive #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, New York 14020.

Batavia - Lawrence Bordonaro, 84 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (February 10, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Larry was born April 27, 1936 in Batavia, a son of the late Frank and Dorothy (Balazinac) Bordonaro.

Larry was a long time car salesman at several local dealerships. He was a member of Resurrection Parish, a past member of the Automobile Association, Coin & Stamp Club and Batavia Area Jaycees all in Batavia, both the Batavia and Oakfield Historical Societies.

He earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from Purdue University, was an avid Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees fan. Larry enjoyed bowling, hunting, antiques, coins, and flea markets. He loved tending to his garden.

Lawrence is the husband of Arlene (Heier) Bordonaro of Batavia. The two were married January 31, 1959.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Christina (Greg) Johnson of Caledonia, Alyce (Mark) Clark, and Steen Bordonaro both of Batavia; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Hoye, Dustin, Dylan, Bryce, and Chase Bordonaro; a great-granddaughter, Rowan Bordonaro; a brother, James (Sandra) Bordonaro of Niagara Falls; a sister JoAnn (late Larry) Morse of Framingham, Mass. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Larry is preceded in death by a son, Frank Bordonaro; and a sister, Carol Bordonaro.

There will be no visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Resurrection Parish. Larry will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Bordonaro Family.

Arrangements for Larry were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Roger V. Rogers, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 9th with his loving wife Angeline, of 63 years, and his family by his side.

Roger was born December 16th in Jamestown, New York to Merrill and Margaret Rogers.  He grew up in LeRoy, NY, along with his brother Edward “Knock Out” and his sister June.  He graduated from LeRoy High School in 1957 where he played football, basketball and excelled in baseball where he and his friend “Satch” were a “winning combination” (Pitcher and Catcher).  It was during these years at LHS that Roger and Angie “courted” and started their life together.  They were married, September 6th, 1958 and were later blessed with their beautiful daughter Ann Marie.

Roger was always a hardworking man who “drove truck” for LeRoy Machine Co. for over 40 years.  On his routes he met many people from many places and developed the ability to easily talk with anyone.

As a devout Catholic, Roger was a practicing member of Resurrection Parish.  You would always find him at 4:30pm Mass on Saturdays, ushering people to their seats and taking up the collection.  Roger was always supporting his loving wife and because of this he was an honorary member of the St. Joseph’s Sodality and helped them with all of their events whether it was washing dishes or prepping for the Thanksgiving Pie Sale.

Although he may be remembered as the sweetest, most patient, listener you ever knew, Roger was a colorful character who lit up any room he walked into.  He was always ready with a joke, a smile and a piece of candy or a cookie in his pocket that he was willing to share.  He was also a jack of all trades and could fix anything you could think of with a little bit of duct tape.  He loved to stay active with many hobbies; reading suspense thrillers, bowling leagues, watching the NY Giants or Syracuse Basketball, day trips with “the guys”, playing cards with friends, going to shows and parties, working bingo at Notre Dame, but his biggest love was for the game of golf.  Roger’s second home was LeRoy Country Club where he was a loyal member starting at a very young age.  He was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Donald Woodward Memorial Golf League for many years.  He loved everything about the game and took any opportunity to play or watch, either in person or on television.

Roger was unconditionally loved by his granddaughters, Andrea and Allison, and the feeling was completely mutual.  He rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital or special moment the girls participated in.  He was the apple of their eye and always offered love, support and guidance in anything they pursued.  This continued on with his great- grandchildren, Addisyn and Everett who will always have fun, fond memories of their “Poppy”, with summer days spent by the pool and special toys at Christmas that danced and played silly music.

Roger is survived by his wife Angeline (Vinci) Rogers, daughter Ann Marie (Richard “Sootie”) Suttell, granddaughters Andrea (Bob) Schaefer and Allison Suttell, sister June (Ronald) Kanaley and many nieces and nephews.  He is pre-deceased by his parents, Merrill and Margaret Rogers and brother Edward “Knock Out” (Mary Alice) Rogers.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, an organization Roger volunteered for and held very dear to his heart (P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021). To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Roger’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

  Charlene M. Glor, 51, passed away on February 3, 2021. She was born on April 27, 1969 in Batavia, the daughter of Mary Bryant and Roger Glor. Charlene is predeceased by her grandparents; Fred and Arlene Healy, Freda Glor; uncle Mike Healy and cousin Shawn Embt.

Charlene graduated from Attica High School in 1987 where she was active in sports. She was employed for many years at Ashton Potter where she was a Group Leader. Char lived her life the way she wanted. She loved taking care of her dogs and cat “Honey” and helping with her sister’s horses.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister; Lee Ann Glor; special aunt Patty (Tom) Embt; cousin Shelly (Brennan) Burdette, and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no visitation hours and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Attica Fire Department 11 Water St. 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 Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Shirley A. Kern, 85, of Corfu, entered into heaven into the arms of the Lord on Monday, February 1, 2021, from heart and lung complications from COVID-19 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia.

Shirley was born on October 16, 1935 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Dorothy Bialoblocki Feitshans Pollard and Paul Feitshans. She was the beloved wife of Richard H. Kern, who passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021. She is predeceased by her brothers, Jim and Gene Feitshans; sisters, Joyce Ceisner and Helen Stalica.

Shirley worked for 22 years as a clerk/carrier for the United States Post Office in Corfu. She was a longtime Town of Pembroke Historian along with Lois Brockway. An avid bowler in her younger days, she enjoyed working in her yard and knew all the Latin names for all her flowers. Her gardens were a sanctuary of beauty and peace. The queen of couponing ~ a skill she passed down to her daughters. Shirley was the girl scout leader for her daughters which formed lifelong friendships. 

Loving wife, awesome mother and fun grandma! These are all words to describe Shirley…….A kind and beautiful soul with a smile for all who entered her home.

Shirley is survived by her brothers; Bill (Bev) Feitshans and Kenneth (Sue) Feitshans; her daughters, Carol Kern, Brenda Caudle, Debbie Kern and Patti Kern; grandchildren, Stephen (Kathy) Messa, Jessica Messa, Jacob R. Kern-Mireles, Jana (Ben) Glatt, Jami Saladin and Lucas Saladin; two great grandchildren, Xavier and Avi Messa and soon to arrive Theodore Glatt; sister-in-law Betty Lou Feitshans; brother-in-laws, Doug Ceisner and Victor Stalica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Thursday, February 11, 2021 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, February 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the mortuary. Masks and social distancing are mandatory. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brick House Corners Fair.

Thank you for all the angels that lovingly cared for Mom this past year. You know who you are! We are eternally grateful!

Richard H. Kern, 84, of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 7, 2021, from complications from COVID-19 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. It was 1 day before his 85th birthday.

Dick was born on February 8, 1936 in Batavia, son of the late Harold and Alice Bartholf Kern. He was the beloved husband of Shirley A. Kern, who passed away Monday, February 1, 2021. 

Dick worked for 39 years at William’s Poultry Farms. He was active in the Pioneer Men’s Club, enjoyed snowmobiling but most of all riding on his John Deere tractor mowing his lawn. His 14 acre lawn looked like a park!

A kind and generous man who loved to tell a story! His charm and wit was infectious. But most of all he was a loving husband and amazing dad and Grandpa!

Dick is survived by his daughters, Carol Kern, Brenda Caudle, Debbie Kern and Patti Kern; grandchildren, Stephen (Kathy) Messa, Jessica Messa, Jacob R. Kern-Mireles, Jana (Ben) Glatt, Jami Saladin and Lucas Saladin; two great grandchildren, Xavier and Avi Messa and soon to arrive Theodore Glatt.

Family and friends may call Thursday, February 11, 2021 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, February 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the mortuary. Masks and social distancing are mandatory. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dollars for Scholars at Pembroke High School.

Richard M. Givens, age 85 of Perry, passed away on Sunday February 7, 2021at the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia where he had been residing. He was born on August 4, 1935 in Cortland, New York a son to the late John D. and Ilma W. (Wood) Givens. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife: Rosemary who passed away on September 22, 2020

Dick was a 1954 graduate of Owego Free Academy where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. During his senior year he was named to the New York State All Star basketball team. Dick was also active in Scouting and finished his Scouting career with a rank of Eagle Scout. After high school Dick joined the US Coast Guard. After basic training he was sent to the South Pacific for the next three years. Upon completion of his Coast Guard duty Dick took a position with International Harvester Company, working his way up to Sales Manager of the Northeast region of the US. In 1970 Dick joined Walkley Farm Equipment in Perry, and became owner and President in 1984. On December 11, 1971 Dick married the love of his life Rosemary Beschen. Dick and Rosemary owned and operated Sears Catalog Store and Berry’s Variety Store in Perry for several years in the late 1980s. He was a Member of St. Immaculate Conception in Pavilion, member and Past President of the Perry Rotary Club, Perry Library Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Silver Lake Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by 4 sons: Steven (Margaret) Givens of St. Cloud, Fl., David (Megan) Givens of Owego, John (Jessica) Givens of Phelps, Mark (Bridget) Givens of Perry, 8 grandchildren: Kaitlin Banfield, Nicole, Carol-Leigh, Sierra, Mary, Matthew, Kara and Claire Givens, 2 great grandchildren: David Jay and Noah Richard.

An 11:30AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 13, 2021 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry. Dick will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry with full honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, New York 14530.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St. Perry, N.Y. 14530.

Josephine M. Garofalo, 78 of Batavia, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2021 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born on October 22, 1942 in Cuylerville, to the late Leonard (Angelina Zanghi) Celentano. She is preceded in death by a brother Michael Mead.  

Josephine worked alongside her husband for many years at Garofalo Construction and West Main Enterprises. She enjoyed cooking, baking and working outside. Family was her life and her love, from grandchildren, children and her husband who she adored.  

Josephine is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Domenico Garofalo Sr, children, Antoinette Platek, Domenic (Jennifer) Garofalo, Michael (Amy) Garofalo, sister Rose McDonald, grandsons Joseph, Jacob, sister-in-law Pierina (Tony) Buccini, niece Rosanna (Tim) Klassen, special friends and caretakers, Mary Ellen Wilber and Michelle Gaylord, along with several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many relatives through Western New York.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, February 15, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.   

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 please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

It is with deep sadness that we share with family and friends the passing of our dearest mother Evelyn (Carpenter) Gorny. Mom was lifted into Heaven by Angels on January 29, 2021 at the age of 89 at East Side Nursing Facility where she had been a resident for several years.

Mom was born on April 7, 1931 in Attica; a daughter of the late Everett and Julia (Barney) Carpenter.

She was the beloved wife of Arthur Gorny Sr., her one and only love (her Honey) who passed away on August 2, 1994. She was also predeceased by her sons Arthur Gorny Jr.; Steven Gorny and her brothers; Everett Carpenter and James Dunn; also a special granddaughter Sassy.

Surviving is her sister Catherine Kubala; her children, Paul (Marcia) Gorny, Gale (Ron) Walters, Teresa (Mark) Smith, Linda Feeley, Richard (Sharon) Gorny, Mark Gorny, Philip (Tina) Gorny, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She loved her children and only wished the best for each of them.

Mom was an amazing cook. Anything from cookies to a pot roast was mouthwatering. As a mother of 9 children anything that could be canned or processed certainly was. Her embroidery skills were amazing; from table linens to pillow cases. She enjoyed playing Bingo with the residents at East Side Nursing Home and was overjoyed when a prize was won. The activities employees are truly caring and kind. Mom could listen to “Elvis” for hours. Her favorite song was “Love Me Tender”. “Oh” he’s so handsome were words often spoken by mom. She so loved all flowers and vary much appreciated the many bouquets that she received during her time at East Side. Mom anxiously awaited the arrival of the Humming Birds each spring and admired their beauty. One luxury she gave herself was to visit her hairstylist weekly.

What do you say to a mother who is largely responsible for who you are as a person? We say thank you Dear Mother. Thank you for being our support when it was needed. Thank you for teaching us good moral values. Thank you for allowing us to know you as the kind hearted person that you are. We are so grateful to have had you as our mother and cherish the times we had together. So please Guardian Angels, take our thank you’s and gently deliver them to our Dearest Mother and may she always know how deeply she loved and how very much she will be missed.

As I was leaving the Nursing Facility not knowing that it will be my final visit with my mother a very caring individual spoke these caring words to me. “There are no wasted tears if they are tears for your mother.” I lovingly agree. Thank you Mel.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. She will be laid to rest in Varysburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to East Side Nursing Home Activities Department, 62 Prospect Street, Warsaw, NY 14569 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Batavia - LaVerne  C.  Cooley, Jr., age 92,  of Batavia,  passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Cooley was born Saturday, March 10, 1928 in Batavia, a son of the late LaVerne C. Cooley Sr. and Florence E. Butler Cooley. He is also predeceased by his step-mother, Mayme Tober Cooley, his brother, Duane S. Cooley and a dear friend, Ruth E. Gear.

LaVerne worked at the Batavia Times Publishing Co., Inc. as a printer and was a graduate of Batavia High School. He furthered his education at the Fredonia School of Music, was an accomplished organist and served many area churches.  A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia he served as the church organist for 42 years. Prior to St. Paul's, he was the organist for the First Presbyterian Church of Attica and the Church of Christ in Attica. He was a lifelong member of the American Guild of Organists in Buffalo.  He enjoyed small scale model trains and the vacations he took through the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon by train.

Surviving are two nieces Diane Cooley Sharp and Joanne Cooley Goodwin, both of Virginia, along with other nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 12th, 2021  from 10:00 am  to 11:00 am  at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia where LaVerne 's Funeral Service will follow visitation immediately at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Church capacity will be limited to 50% - Face coverings and social distancing will be required for attendance. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Oakfield - Suzanne B. Dickens, 71 of Oakfield,  passed away peacefully on Thursday, (February 4, 2021) at her son's home in Rochester following a brief illness.

Mrs. Dickens was born, February 7, 1949 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Richard and Shirley (Sumeriski) Manning.

Suzanne is the wife of C. Curtis Dickens who passed away in 2006 and half-sister of the late Ann Johnson.

She is survived by her sons, Christopher Dickens of Rochester, and Dan (Kate) Dickens of Batavia; sisters, Linda (Joseph) Higley of Alexander, and Terry (Kevin) Weber of East Bethany. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held in St. Cecelia's Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Betterment Committee, PO Box 2, Oakfield, New York 14125.

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