Obituaries

Douglas J. Maloy, 72 of LeRoy, passed away peacefully on Friday June 14, 2019 at his home. He was born March 30, 1947 in Batavia to the late John (Marcia Miller) Malloy. He is preceded in death by a daughter Barbara Middleton.

Doug worked for many years as a mason. He worked hard and he played hard and he’ll be remembered that way.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kelly (Millsbaugh) Maloy of LeRoy; son John D. (Missy Nobles) Maloy of Attica and two grandchildren.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org. 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.

BATAVIA - Elizabeth Ann Finnin, 49, of Batavia, lost her battle with addiction on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home in Batavia.

Elizabeth was born September 8, 1969, in Walla Walla, Washington, a daughter of the late Homer A. and Zelma (Moffit) Ruble.

She was a very friendly person who enjoyed cooking.

Survivng are her children, Preston Ruble, Ashton Ruble, Taylor (Agin Hasenauer) Finnin, Faith (George Nichols) Finnin, and Grayson Finnin; 7 grandchildren; a brother, Michael; sisters, Mary, Ovila, and Diane.  The father of her children, Frank Finnin also survives.  

She is preceded in death by a son, Bryin Sebastian Ruble and brother, Irvin.

Family and Friends are invited to atted Elizabeth's Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (June 22, 2019) at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia, with Rev. Martin MacDonald officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Mildred H. Davies Kujawski of Batavia passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home. Mildred was born July 11, 1930, in Buffalo, NY.  Daughter of the late Ruth Schattner and Frederick Davies. She is predeceased in death by her devoted husband Joseph Paul Kujawski who died November 19, 2004.  Also predeceased by her brother, Richard Davies.

Millie worked for over 14 years as the Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in Batavia, NY.  She also enjoyed being a teacher’s aid for the Batavia School system for many years. Her joys were singing and sewing. She was a member of the Genesee Chorale, St. Joseph Church choir, Museum Quilt Guild and Genealogy Society. She joined and volunteered for countless local groups.

She is survived by her five children, Nancy Kujawski of Missouri, Paula (Donald) DiLaura of Batavia, LuAnn (Jack) Leonard of Florida, David (Beth) Kujawski of Colorado and Lynn (The Late William) Hastings of Batavia. Six grandchildren, Julie (Chad) Higgins, Andrea (Jeremy) Karas, Donald II (Alexandra) DiLaura, Sean Leonard, Nathan Kujawski, and Katherine (Tommy) Matteson. Along with twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dear brother and sister-in-law Robert and Janice Davies of Florida, Jane Davies Of Florida, Brother-in-law   Henry Kujawski, sister-in-laws,  Florence Kujawski and Marian Malzewski.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday June 22, 2019 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow calling hours 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, the Twenty-five Neediest Children's Fund, Inc, C/O  Nann Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Or Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc.,127 North Street, 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.

Bradley L. Stevenson, 60 of Gainesville, NY passed away on Friday June 14th at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Batavia, NY on September 29, 1958 a son to the late Robert Lewis and Margaret Louise (McAdoo) Stevenson. Brad worked for Brothers Transportation in Wind Gap, PA., previously for M&T Trucking in Pavilion, Quality Trucking and Caledonia Tanklines. Brad was a member of the Gainesville Fire Department. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, classic country music, dancing, and watching wrestling on TV.

He is survived by 2 sisters: Barbara DeWitt of Oakfield, Beverly (Richard) Waite of Warsaw, 2 brothers: Bruce (Elizabeth) Stevenson of Fulton, Brett (Bobbi) Stevenson of Batavia, sister-in-law: Lisa (Brian) Deel of Livonia, his companion: Rhonda Winkstern of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife: Lori (Fuller) Stevenson who passed away in 2010, In-laws: Gerald and Marilyn Fuller.

Family and friends may call from 4:30 – 8:30pm on Friday June 21st at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main in Perry. A fireman’s service will be held on Friday at 8:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday June 22nd at 2:00pm at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Gainesville, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gainesville Fire Department or to the donor’s choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 585-237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

E. Bethany ~ Jean Donna “Umma” Spence, age 69, of E. Bethany-LeRoy Road, passed away early Friday morning (June 14, 2019) at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

   

She was born April 15, 1950 in Johnson City, a daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Gillespie Solian Sr.

     Donna will be remembered as loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who adored her family and was very active in following all her children's and grandchildren's activities.  She was well known for her sense of humor and her inexplicable way of always mixing up her idioms.  She especially enjoyed working alongside her husband whenever he needed a hand.  She was very proud of her certification as a pharmacy technician and was a past member of the ladies auxiliary in Forest Lake, PA.

     She is survived by her children, Edward (Wendy) Spence, Jefry (Susan) Spence Jr. and Jill Spence (Jim Brough); grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Kalmus, Alyssa Franks (Josiah Tetreault), Katie Rose Spence, Eryn Spence and Robert (Jennifer) Morehead; great-grandchildren, Jackson Spence, Dannielle Morehead and Taylor Morehead; siblings, Bobby (late Bonnie) Solian, Johnny Solian, Pauly Solian, David (Jane) Solian, Jimmy Solian, Helen (Nick) Kulik, Matty Solian and Tommy Solian; sisters-in-law, Laurie Solian and Dee Solian, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband, Jefry Spence Sr., brothers, Joseph Solian Jr. and Michael Solian, sister, Joann Solian and grandson, Nathaniel Edward Spence.

     Family and friends are invited to Donna's Celebration of Life Reception to be held on Sunday, June 23^rd between 11am and 3pm at the LeRoy Country Club, 7759 E. Main St, LeRoy, NY 14482.

     Contributions in memory of Donna may be made to Warrior House of WNY, 22 Mill St. Oakfield, NY 14125.

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

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

   

       

    Betty L. Schmieder, 88, of Alexander died peacefully at her home on June 14, 2019. She was born in Batavia, NY to the late Howard and the late Arlene (Gimm) Cochran. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 1994 and her sister, Jeanne in 1983.

Betty enjoyed reading, traveling, and learning.

Betty is survived by her children, Bernard (Jane) Schmieder, Jane (Bruce) Kershenski, Gregory (Kelly) Schmieder, Joseph (Laura) Schmieder, Andrew Schmieder, and Edward (Caroline) Schmieder; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Please consider a memorial to Home Care Hospice, 450 N. Main St., Warsaw, NY 14569 in Betty’s memory.
For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

  Bernice Saddler, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Premier Genesee Center. She was born in Shaw, Mississippi to the late Joe (Lilly) Thomas. She is preceded in death by a daughter Shirley Ann Johnson, brothers P.H., Willie and Lamar Thomas.  

Mrs. Saddler was a devoted and faithful member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia. She was always willing to help anyone in need. Mrs. Saddler was a caring wife, mother, grandmother that loved her husband and family unconditionally.  

Mrs. Saddler is survived by her beloved husband Aaron Saddler of Batavia; children Aaron Saddler Jr. of Batavia; Ella Louise Saddler of Rochester; Jerry Saddler of Batavia; Robert Saddler of Auburn, NY; Bilal Muhammad of Nebraska; siblings Mattie Lawson of Mississippi; Martin Thomas of Mississippi, Ida Barrett of Georgia; 18 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Friends are invited to call from 10-11 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 516 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow 11:00 AM at the church. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. 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.

JOSEPH G. POTWORA, JR. ~ Age 92, of Batavia, died peacefully Wednesday June 12, 2019 at The Grande Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia. Joe was born in Batavia, NY on February 4, 1927 to the late Joseph G. and Stella (Kosiorek) Potwora, Sr. also preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Potwora, Rita Potwora, Dorothy Franasiak, Eleanor Stone and Edward Potwora.

Joe was a member of Resurrection Parish and retired from Xerox, he enjoyed classic cars, Indy and NASCAR racing.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 48 years, Rita (Bermingham) Potwora of Batavia; loving daughter, Tracy (Timothy) Murray of Batavia; cherished granddaughters, Madison and Morgan Murray; sister; Irene (Roland) Capiello of Batavia; sister-in-law, Maxine Potwora of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews.
The Potwora family will be present from 4-8p.m. on Monday June 17, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, new York 14020, where prayers will be recited 8:45a.m.Tuesday June 18 followed by a 9:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site). He will be entombed in the Fr. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH G. POTWORA, JR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.    
 

  Craig A. Donahue was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania December 5, 1973 to Ross and Mary Ellen Donahue. He was raised there as a child and the family moved to Houston, Texas in the early 80’s. Craig met his husband Michael Caldwell in Houston in 2005 and were married in Niagara Falls, Canada December 23, 2005. They moved to Medina, New York in 2009 to help take care of his husband’s family. Craig was diagnosed in 2001 with ADEM. He passed peacefully in his sleep from the disease on June 9, 2019 after a 19 year battle under the care of Hospice of Orleans, his loving husband and family. 

Craig made friends fast and has many in Houston and Medina who will remember his wit and sparing conversations and how he could make them laugh! He will be dearly missed by his family and friends! 

Craig is survived by his Husband of 13-1/2 years; Michael Caldwell; his Parents Ross and Mary Ellen Donahue; Sisters Kelly (Darren) Snavely, Jennifer Brown; Mother-in-law Barbara Caldwell; Sister-in-law Teresa Caldwell; Brother-in-law Steven Caldwell; Aunts Cindy (Arman) Miller, Darlene (Mark) Jones; Nieces Jordan (Blake) Pavlock, Kelsey Snavely, Regan Brown, Nephew Ryan Brown and his special buddy “Max” his neighbors English bulldog. 

There will be no prior calling hours. Craig’s interment will be held on June 22, 2019 in Houston, Texas with his family and close friends. 

Craig’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Tomas Holmlund and the staff of The Dent Neurologic Institute for their compassionate care over the last 3 years as Craig declined. The family would also like to give special thanks to Hospice of Orleans for their supportive and compassionate care of Craig during his last 5 months keeping him comfortable with dignity at home. A special shout out to Donna Stevenson, RN and Betsy Higgins, MSW who became part of Craig’s family and showed exceptional service in their care. Thanks to them is not enough to describe their compassion and care through Craig’s final journey. 

Craig and his family request donations in his name be given to the Hospice of Orleans to continue their mission to care for others at the end of life. This place is a true gem in the community! http://www.hospiceoforleans.org/index.php/how-you-can-help/. To make a tax-deductible donation to Hospice of Orleans by check, please mail it to the following address Hospice of Orleans, Inc. - Donations 14080 Route 31 West P.O. Box 489 Albion, NY 14411. 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.

  Barbara A. Cipra, 74, of Batavia, went home to be with her sweetheart on Wednesday June 12, 2019 while surrounded by her family. She was born May 21, 1945 in Batavia to the late Arthur P. and Bertha (Hale) Downey. She is preceded in death by her loving husband; Leonard Cipra; brother Duane Downey and grandson Christopher Paul Cipra.  

Barb was a stay at home mom who loved drawing and doing needlepoint. She was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children; Paul (Janette) Cipra, Dawn (Gordon) Sprague;  siblings Brenda Prince of Byron, Sandy Becker of Rochester, Jaime Downey of Henrietta, Sharon Whithuhn and Larry Downey; 6 grandchildren Rachel (Matt) Rentz, Anthony (Kaitlyn) Cipra, Dana (Shelby) Cipra, Sage Hopkins, Katie Amthor, Jolene (Joseph) Bauer; 13 grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North Street, or to HomeCare &Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 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.

Maria Holota, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (June 8, 2019) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born October 24, 1922 in Wojanow, Poland, a daughter of the late Frank and Valeria Pusoriek Kensy.

Before emigrating to the United Sates, she was captured by German soldiers in 1939, to work in factories and farms in Germany. Maria was employed by G.T.E. Sylvania prior to her retirement in 1985. She was a parishioner of Ascension Parish, where she was a dedicated member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, dancing, crocheting and spending time with her family.

She was the wife of the late Adam Holota Sr., mother of the late John Holota and sister of the late Josephine, Apolonia, Lottie and John Kensy.

Survivors include her son and daughter in-law, Adam Jr. (Joanne) Holota of Batavia. Grandsons, Dr. Paul (Christina) Holota of Virginia Beach, VA, Matthew (Sarah) Holota of Batavia and David Holota of Pavilion. Great-grandchildren, Mckenzie and Norah Holota.  Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (June 17^th) from 6-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNRAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10am at Ascension Parish, (corner of Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of sympathy may be shared 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.

William R. Durr, 66, of Frederick, MD passed away April 14, 2019.

Bill was born October 3, 1952 in Winchester, VA the son of Herbert Durr and Grace (Leonard) Durr.

He studied Music Education at Roberts Wesleyan College, had a certificate in musical instrument repair from Western Iowa Tech, and a practical nursing license from Erie Community College.  Bill is well known in the area. He taught private music lessons in Batavia for several years and played with several bands as well as his own. He considered his two sons who have their own band in Austin, TX the most satisfying accomplishment of his teaching career.

Bill is predeceased by his mother, Grace Durr.  Surviving are his wife, Tracey Majors Durr; two sons, Neil and Evan Durr; his father Herbert Durr; mother-in-law Elva Majors; brother Bruce Durr; sisters Cindy Rowland and Amy Thompson; sisters-in-law Kimberly Majors and Carrie Lewis. There will be a memorial service Saturday June 15 at 11:00 at the Genesee Country Church, Drake Street Oakfield.

Peter F. Ruzzi, 51, of Batavia passed away on June 4, 2019. He was born on April 18, 1968 in Canada. He is predeceased by his parents; Michael and Rosa (Priolo) Ruzzi.

Pete worked for numerous construction companies. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by many Aunts, cousins and good friends.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place on Wednesday June 19th  at 12:15PM at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia . A Celebration of Pete’s life will take place on Sunday June 23, 2019 at Kelly’s Holland Inn on 25 Evans St. in Batavia.

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.

Robert C. VanLoan, 74 of Batavia, passed away at his home on Monday, June 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 20, 1945 in Buffalo, to the late Robert C. (Ellen Walsh) VanLoan Sr. He is preceded in death by brother William VanLoan and grandson Jason Hartwell.   

Robert worked at Lightning in Rochester. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a very avid computer gamer.   

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara J. (Engert) VanLoan; children Sharon (David) Hartwell; Robert (Tammy) VanLoan; step children Christine (Harold) Ertel; Jeffery (Kristen Merriam) Lonnen; brother David (Marcie) VanLoan; sister-in-law Marilyn (George) Strabel; brothers-in-law William and Thomas Engert; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren along with one niece and one nephew also survive.  

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

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Scott Jacob Bakker, age 28, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Scott was born on July 2nd, 1990, to Han and Paula (Colantonio) Bakker.  He graduated from Alexander High School and Alfred State College with a degree in construction management.  Scott loved the Yankees and going fast, whether it was in his Porsche or on one of his motorcycles. He loved being outdoors, hiking and kayaking.  Scott loved all animals, especially his beloved rescue dog, Cupboard (Cubby) J. Cupboardson-Bakker, his extended family’s dogs, and any dog that had a Facebook fundraiser.  

Scott is survived by his parents, Han and Paula Bakker; brother, John Bakker; sister, Melissa (Brant) Penman; grandmother, Josephine Kozlowski; adored niece, Eva; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Carl Colantonio, and paternal grandparents, Broer and Jannie Bakker.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday June 13th from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Genesee County Animal Shelter http://www.vol4animals.org/ or the ASPCA www.aspca.org. 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.