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Obituaries

Mark D. Jackett

By Joshua Smith

OAKFIELD - Mark D. Jackett, 49, of Oakfield, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019, at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mark was born May 28, 1970, in Buffalo, the son of Ronald L. and Brenda D. (Plowe) Jackett of Batavia.

He was a Service Manager for Pellegrino Auto Sales in Batavia.  He had worked at Chesleys Auto Service, Midas Muffler, was a caretaker for a housing complex in Lockport and cooked at the former Engine House and Terry Hills.  He was a firefighter at Depew and Stafford Fire Departments and was a fan of Dave Matthews, NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills.  He greatly loved his family and friends.

Surviving, along with his parents, are 4 children, A'lea Jackett of N. Tonawanda, Mark Jackett Jr., Marissa Jackett and Caleb Jackett all of Oakfield; his companion, Lory Tranquill of Oakfield; aunts and uncles, Linda (Terry) Wilkins of Cohocton, Howard James (Kay Morrison) Jackett of TX, Eugene (Josie) Jackett and Allen (Donna) Jackett both of Batavia; and a great-aunt, Doris Ransom of Batavia.       

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. in Batavia where services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday with Pastor Allen A. Werk officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Family to establish trust funds for Mark's children.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

JoAnn Passer-Allison (Stevens)

By Billie Owens

LAS VEGAS -- JoAnn Passer-Allison (Stevens), age 63, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Thursday June 6, 2019.

JoAnn was born in Batavia July 29, 1955 to the late Frederick and Elinore (Kent) Stevens also preceded in death by her husband Jerry and brother James A. Stevens (Joyce).

JoAnn lost a courageous battle of two years with glioblastoma.

Surviving along with her husband, Anthony Allison, are her daughter Sara, grandson JT, and stepson Tyler Allison. Brother Jack (Lucy), of Nevada, Sisters Jean (John) Ott, of Pittsburgh, Judy (Ed) Zehler, of Batavia, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and her devoted beagle Katie-Kate. 

Services will be held in Las Vegas at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to SNVbeaglerescue@gmail.comor mail to: SNBRF 285 Irvin Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89183.

Richard E. Hakes

By T.J. Woodward

  Richard E. Hakes, 82, of Alexander passed away on Sunday June 9, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born in Ellicottville, NY on December 31, 1936 to the late William and Eva Graves Hakes. In addition to his parents, Richard is predeceased by his wife; Mildred I. Hakes.

Mr. Hakes was a United States Army Veteran. He retired from Attica Prison in 1994, where he was a Correction Officer for 30 years.  He was a man of many hobbies, including cutting fire wood, making maple syrup and bee keeping throughout his life. He took a lot of pride in transporting the Amish.  

He is survived by his sons; William (Barbara) Hakes of Batavia and Thomas (Bobbi) Hakes of Attica; siblings Betty Hackett and Roger Hakes; grandchildren Joshua (Rachael) Hakes of Silver Springs, Justin (Brittany Stewart) Hakes of Attica, Grant (Amanda) Voges of Farmington and Timothy Voges of Ft. Stewart, GA.; great-grandchildren Addie, Kolton, Gavin and Katrina.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday June 13, 2019 from 3:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 14th at the Funeral Home. Richard will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

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.

Bette Jean (McBride) Wolcott

By T.J. Woodward

Bette Jean (McBride) Wolcott, 72 of Perry, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Perry, New York on September 12, 1946 a daughter of the late Milo D. and Florence (VanCise) McBride. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband: John E. Wolcott whom she married on June 22, 1968, son: Gregory J. Wolcott and brother in laws: Ted Potts and George Stone.

She graduated from Perry High School in 1964. She continued her education at SUNY Potsdam where she received her B.A. in Music Education and SUNY Brockport where she earned a M.A in Substance Abuse Counseling. Bette Jean was an Elementary Music Teacher and was a long time Substitute Teacher at Perry Central School. She also taught GED classes before returning to college. She worked at GCASA in Batavia as a Substance Abuse Counselor before joining the staff at Warsaw Central School as a Home School Coordinator, where she made many close friends. Following her retirement from WCS, she was an Adjunct Professor for GCC and a fun-loving grandmother. She was a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church in Perry, where she played the organ. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, playing piano and all things music, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and grandchildren. Her granddaughters were her greatest joy in life.

She is survived by her daughter: Kellie (Scott) Milhollen of Perry, NY, a sister: Lois Potts of Williamsville, NY, a brother: Robert (Nancy) McBride of Ithaca, NY, brother in laws: Skip (Diane) Wolcott, Wes (Karen) Wolcott, Lyle (Annabelle) Wolcott, Pat (Kathi) Wolcott of Perry, NY and Ed (Nancy) Wolcott of Leicester, NY, sister in laws: Michele Cunningham of Warsaw, NY and Dawn Wolcott of CO., granddaughters: Morgan, Autumn and Noelle Milhollen of Perry, NY, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Friday June 14th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. Perry, NY 14530. An 11:00AM Memorial service will be held at the Brick Presbyterian Church corner of N. Main and Church Streets in Perry on Saturday June 15th. She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Flight of WNY, 100 Amherst Rd., Buffalo, NY 14225; Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, Brick Presbyterian Church, 6 Church St, Perry, NY 14530; or if you are available and able, roll up your sleeves on July 26th (Greg’s Birthday) and donate a pint of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Perry First United Methodist Church, 35 Covington St., Perry, NY from 12-6 PM. 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.

Maria Caryk

By Ronald Konieczny

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

She was born December 18, 1922 in Masevich, Poland, a daughter of the late Stefan and Katherine Grybowicz Wlasowicz.

Mrs. Caryk and her brothers were taken as slaves by the German Nazi prior to her coming to America. She was formerly employed by Kisiel Die Casting and Xerox prior to her retirement. She was a member of Ascension Parish and its Rosary and Altar Society. She enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, knitting and crocheting.

Survivors include her son, Gregory (Christine) Caryk of Batavia. Daughter in-law, Mary Caryk. Grandchildren, Gary Caryk, Sandy English, David Caryk, Patti Koepsell, Daniel Caryk and Rebecca Caryk. Also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Caryk; son, Paul Caryk; brothers and sister, Michael, Anthony, John (twin), Cheslaw, Zofia, Theodore and Stefan.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (June 12th) from 8am-9:30am at the J. LEONARD McANDREWFUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will be recited at 9:30am followed by her Mass of Christian Burial, 10am at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the Rosary on Wednesday, 9:15am at the Church.

Expressions of condolence 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.

Chester J. Roz

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield- Chester J. Roz, age 93, of Oakfield, miner for U.S. Gypsum in Oakfield, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Aaron Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Fairport.

Mr. Roz was born March 19, 1926, in Poland, son of the late Antoine and Anna Roz.

At age 16, he was taken from Poland to Germany in January 1943 during Nazi Occupation as slave labor, forced to work on a German Farm in Nassig. After World War II ended, Chester joined the USA Civilian Guard from June 1945 to October 1949. He came to the United States in October 1949 under the "Displaced Persons Program" through the Catholic Relief Services and became a United States Citizen in 1955. He returned to Poland in 1978 to visit his mother for the first time in 35 years.

A member St. Padre Pio Parish, he loved listening to polish music and enjoyed playing the accordion and harmonica. He continued to play harmonica even while he resided at Aaron Manor. He belonged to a CB Radio club for many years and he enjoyed gardening and mowing his lawn. He had a deep love, compassion and big heart for animals often taking in rescues as pets.

He is predeceased by his wife, Mary B. Latko Roz, who passed away on August 3, 2010.

He is survived by his children, James (Rose) Roz of Oakfield and Anne (Curt DeWolff) Roz of Webster; six granddaughters, Breanna Roz (Matthew Barenburg), Arianna (Devon) Chatt, Lindsey (Chase) Rothrock-Holcomb, Lauren (Corey) Rothrock-Timblin, Vanessa DeWolff and Christie DeWolff; and three great-granddaughters; Ava, Alahna and Aliah Chatt.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Poldick, Fredrick, Melka and Kasha Roz.    

There will be no prior visitation. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecilia's Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Fr. Thaddeus N. Bocianowski will officiate. He will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chester's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

 

Paul J. Malone, D.M.D.

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Paul J. Malone, D.M.D., age 75, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, June 7, surrounded by his family at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home in Batavia.

He was born in Buffalo, New York, the son of the late John J. and Margeurite Heaney Malone. He is survived by wife, Patricia, daughters, Kelly of Buffalo, Suzanne (Peter) Stevens of Batavia and Maureen of Rochester as well as his two grandchildren, Anna Grace Stevens and William Paul Stevens of Batavia.

Paul owned and operated a private dental practice in Batavia for more than 40 years. He was elected as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in 2002 and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists in 2003. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as Captain and Dental Officer in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Committed to his community and public service, Paul joined the Batavia Lions Club in 1979, served as President in 1988, was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1993. He was also a member of the Genesee Baseball Club, Inc. (Batavia Muckdogs), Knights of Columbus, and other local community groups. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Batavia.

Known for his friendliness, humor and gentle demeanor, Paul was an avid skier, sailor and fisherman. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Prayers at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home will be followed by A Mass of Christian Burial will at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Entombment, with military honors will follow at St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Paul's name to the Activities Fund at the New York State Veteran's Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Batavia Lions Club, P.O. Box 456, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Paul's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

ROSELYN SHARP

By Michael Tomaszewski

ROSELYN SHARP ~ Age 94, of Batavia, died Monday June 3, 2019 at United Memorial Medical. Rose was born in Batavia, NY on July 14, 1924 to the late Nicholas and Rose (Syracuse) Martino also preceded in death by her husband, William; son, William, Jr. and siblings, Anthony (Louise) Martino, Grace A. (Frank) Biegas and Claudette (Richard) Biegasiewicz.

Rose was the face of Batavia’s Walmart where she was a greeter for over 20 years retiring at the young age of 92.

Surviving are sons, James (Annette) Sharp and Stanley Sharp all of Rochester; daughter-in-law, Charlene (Peter) Ciavarri of Greece, NY; granddaughters, Danielle (Nathan Ott) Sharp and Gabrielle (Jerry) LaMartina along with her many devoted nieces and nephews.

Please join Rose’s family to celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial 11a.m. Monday June 10 at Ascension Parish corner of Swan & Sumner Sts Batavia. She will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Joseph’s Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia.

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

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

Betty M. Watson

By Billie Owens

ATTICA -- Betty M. Watson, age 92, of Attica, NY passed away on June 5, 2019 at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

She was born November 28, 1926 in Orangeville, NY daughter of the late Albert and Eva Glor Meeder.

Betty was a 1944 graduate of Attica High School. She was employed as a library assistant at the Stevens Memorial Library in Attica and a school bus driver for many years. In earlier years, she served as a cafeteria monitor at the Attica Elementary School.

Betty was a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Attica and she played piano for many years at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Orangeville.

She served as an election volunteer and was an avid horseback rider. Betty was an animal lover and spent countless hours with Tim and Jeaneen’s dog, Annabelle. She enjoyed bird-watching, doing crossword puzzles and was an excellent cook. Betty loved spending time with family, socializing with friends and was dedicated to her community.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Chester Watson who passed away on June 27, 2013. Chet and Betty will always be remembered for the many glass ladybugs they gave to others.  

Surviving are: her sons, Steven (Elaine) Watson, of Batavia, Timothy (Jeaneen) Watson, of Attica; grandchildren, Gregory (Jaimee) Watson, Stephanie (Michael) Anzalone; great-grandchildren, Celia Watson, Jack Watson, Paxton Anzalone, Beckett Anzalone and Trey Anzalone; several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Eleanor (Joseph) Grenier.

There are no calling hours. Betty’s memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 11 Washington St., Attica. Flowers are gratefully declined.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 11 Washington St., Attica, NY 14011.

Betty’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at the Wyoming County Office for the Aging, Meals on Wheels, the staff at The Cloisters and the Wyoming County Nursing Facility for their wonderful care.

Arrangements are being completed by Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, Warsaw. Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com.

Mrs. Edith Scott Holvey

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Edith Scott Holvey, 89, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Mrs. Holvey was born February 12, 1930 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Malcolm and Anna (Davis) Scott.

A graduate of the Presbyterian School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, and was a former member of the Genesee Memorial Hospital League.  Mrs. Holvey was a maternity ward nurse at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker for 17 years. She then resumed her career at R.E. Chapin Manufacturing as an RN health services nurse.While working at Chapin, she was active with their social clubs. An avid gardener, she loved her home on Horseshoe Lake and enjoyed knitting, reading, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, James C.  Holvey, Sr., passed away on December 19, 2002.

Surviving are her children: daughter, Doris (Mark) Albiez of Lockport and their family, Jeffrey (Amanda) Albiez of East Amherst and their son, Oliver Albiez; daughter, Alice Ann (Wayne) Benedict of Batavia and their family, Brian (Annie) Benedict of New York City, Tom (Martina) Benedict of Batavia and their daughters, Margaret K. and Parker Ann Benedict and Emily Benedict of Beverly Hills, California; son, James C. (Katherine) Holvey, Jr. of Batavia and their family, Sarah (Raffi) Haroutunian of Arlington, Virginia and Conor Holvey of Hamburg, Germany; daughter, Marion (Robert) Radley of Batavia and their family, Robert Radley of Batavia and his children, Lucas, Ella and Nolan Radley, Kelly Radley of Rochester and Rebecca (Aaron) Patterson of Batavia; daughter, Nancy (Jay) Okoniewski of Batavia and their family, Daniel (Casey) Okoniewski of Durham, North Carolina,  Jessica Okoniewski of Cheektowaga and Brittney Okoniewski of Batavia; son, Tom (Katie) Holvey of Knoxville, Tennessee and their family, Patrick Holvey of Washington, D.C., Catherine Holvey of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Kristen (Ryan) O'Connor of Atlanta, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Malcolm, William and Lenore Scott.

Friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation. She will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in her name to Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131 or to  Crohn's & Colitis Foundation National Headquarters, TTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510, New York, New York 10017 or to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.  2600 Network Blvd, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bernard W. Thoma, Jr.

By Ronald Konieczny

Bernard W. Thoma, Jr., 80 of Akron, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (June 3, 2019) at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born May 2, 1939 in Syracuse, NY, a son of the late Bernard Sr. and Carolyn Carey Thoma.

Mr. Thoma was employed as a Land Surveyor for Ottney and Miller in Akron for several years prior to his retirement. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church where he served as an usher for 25 years and a member of Knights of Columbus John Cardinal O’Hara Council #13661. He was a member of the Akron Lions Club for over 35 years, where he served as past president and secretary. Mr. Thoma was an avid collector and a fan of the New York Yankees.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Warren) Thoma of Akron. Daughter, Christine (Jay) Margeson of Sidney, NY. Grandson, Nathan William Margeson and brother, Richard E. Thoma, DVM of Akron.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (June 7th) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11am at St. Teresa of Avila R.C. Church, 5771 Buell St., Akron. Interment will follow in St. Teresa’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Thoma’s name to the Akron Fire Company, 1 Main St., Akron, NY 14001. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneraalhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Ethel V. "Sue" Cherry

By T.J. Woodward

  Ethel V. “Sue” Cherry, 76, of Oakfield passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 4, 2019 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on May 19, 1943 in Batavia to the late Glenn and Gladys (Sickles) Coniber. In addition to her parents, Sue is predeceased by her loving husband; James B. Cherry; brothers George and Robert Coniber; sister Martha Raisch and her loving dog, Max.

Sue worked for many years at R.E. Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia. She loved spending time with her family at the cottage. She enjoyed her time on the lake, boating and fishing. Sue will be forever remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. 

She is survived by her children; Kirt (Sue) Cherry of Churchville, Deborah (Mike) Adams of Pavilion, Tamela Hoffman of Liverpool and Pamela Cherry of Jacksonville, FL.; sister Betty (Gary) Ridley of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday June 8, 2019 from 3:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 6:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County SPCA     http://www.vol4animals.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.

Peter Brigzna

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Peter Brigzna, 35, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019, at his home in Batavia.

Peter was born October 1, 1983, in Rochester, a son of Andy and JoAnn (Carpenter) Brigzna of Bergen.

He was a dishwasher for Bob Evans in Batavia.

Surviving along with his parents, Andy and JoAnn, are his sister, Andrea Brigzna of LeRoy; an uncle, Aivars (Sue) Brigzna of Attica and several cousins.             

Peter is a nephew of the late David Carpenter and Ausma Gorny.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Memorials in Peter's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021.

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

Shirley Davis Barnes Blekkenk

By T.J. Woodward

Shirley Davis Barnes Blekkenk – 88 yrs. & 360 days, passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on June 3, 2019. Born June 8, 1930 at the homestead on Groveland Hill, New York. She was the daughter of Charles and Lois Davis. Married to Philip Barnes on March 26, 1950 who predeceased her. Her second marriage to Carl Blekkenk was Nov. 15,1958.

She was employed by Kodak, Craig Colony at Sonya, Monroe Developmental Center in Rochester, Cape Canaveral Hospital, and Groveland & Livingston Corrections Services. Her hearts desire was to be a nurse and to care for those in need. Her second love was to feed people whom she did through a Food Pantry in Cape Canaveral Florida as well as her catering business Butterfly Bistro and anyone who entered her home.

Surviving are her children Raymond Barnes, Steven (Marian) Barnes, Mary Enos, Michael Blekkenk, Daniel (Ingrid) Blekkenk, many adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Regatuso, brothers Richard (Cheryl) Davis, & Bernard (Jane) Davis. As well as many loved ones.

Friends will be received from 11:00AM to 1:00PM Thursday (June 6, 2019) at Eaton Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530. A Funeral Service will immediately follow, at 1:00PM, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery, Groveland, in Livingston County.

To leave a message of condolence please visist www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

Rita L. Graham (nee Stefanski)

By Lisa Ace


Rita L. Graham, age 87, passed away on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at Strong Memorial hospital after a brief illness.  Rita is survived by her loving husband, Robert J. Graham of almost 64 years, along with their six children; Robert (Cher), Donald, (Doreen), Thomas (Eva), James (Lisa Wall), David, Susan (Kristopher) Kautz, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Also surviving are sister Patricia Richmond of NH, two sisters-in-law Jean Johnson and Lynne Graham both of Buffalo, NY along with many nieces and nephews.  Rita was a daughter of the late Stephen and Victoria Stefanski of Buffalo, NY.  She was preceded in death by her siblings; Adeline, Stanley, Raymond, Daniel, Eleanor and Robert.


Rita was an avid gardener and a member of the Attica Garden Club.  She also enjoyed Saturday afternoon euchre at the Warsaw Moose Club.  For many years, the entire family enjoyed camping together in the 1000 Islands.  Holidays were treasured, Halloween was especially fun with everyone anticipating Rita's costume.   Bob and Rita's remarkable bond, based on boundless love and companionship generated so many splendid memories including travel to Hawaii, Alaska, Ireland and family cruises to the Caribbean.  
 
Bob and Rita spent the last 26 years wintering in Palm Springs, Florida,  Going to the ocean, shuffleboard and club activities were favorite pastimes. 
 
Rita's devotion to family inspired all of her children to live nearby.  Community was so important, she dearly loved and took great pride in her small town of Alexander.  A beautiful, classy lady with old fashioned values, Rita maintained an impeccable home and stunning gardens.  Most of all, Rita cherished her time spent with family.  Her sweetness, laughter and smile were contagious and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

The Graham family welcomes you to attend a memorial service at the Alexander United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 at 2 PM.  A celebration of Rita's life will immediately follow at the Attica Golf Club from 3:30 to 7:30. 

Contributions/Donations may be made to the Gateway Hospice Home of Attica NY.

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