PHEONIX, NY- Debra L. Blauvelt, 49, of Kaypat Dr. in Pheonix NY, passed away Wednesday morning, July 26, 2017 at the Hospice House of Jefferson County.
Arrangements are incomplete with North Country Cremation Service, a subsidiary of Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.
A full obituary will be forthcoming.
Esther Weatherup Thompson, age 92, died on July 26, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, where she had been a resident for six years.
Esther was born August 11, 1924 in the Town of DeKalb, the daughter of the late Dorr and Shirley (Holland) Weatherup. She graduated from Rensselaer Falls High School in 1941 as valedictorian. She graduated from Canton ATI, with honors, in 1943. Her college major was clothing construction. After graduation, she worked at Randles Manufacturing Co. in clothing design and construction. They manufactured uniforms for industries that produced machines for warfare in World War II.
She married Robert M Thompson on June 10, 1944 at her parents home on Maple Ridge Road in DeKalb. After marriage, she worked in partnership with her husband in the operation of Fineview Farms in Lisbon, a purebred Holstein enterprise that lasted almost 50 years.
Esther is survived by her husband Robert and 10 children; Dr. Robert and Karen Thompson of Washington, DC; Marilyn and Thomas Henderson of Macedon Center, NY; Dr. Marjorie and George Norton of Blacksburg, VA; William and Patricia Thompson of Prescott AZ; Mark and Carole Thompson of Watertown, NY; Ruth and Joe McWilliams of South Colton, NY; David Thompson of Cobleskill, NY; Dr. David Thompson of Pagosa Springs, CO; Stephen and Shelly Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Marcia and Robert Hostetter of Canton. Also surviving are a brother, Clayton Weatherup of Gouverneur; as well as 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Four sisters, Lucy Conklin, Avis O’Connor, Myrna Mason and Eileen Powell all predecease her.
Esther was a 4-H Club leader for many years. Her primary interest was teaching girls sewing techniques. Several of her girls gained state and national recognition for their projects. She was also a Sunday School teacher at the United Church of Christ in Lisbon for several years. Esther had an acute interest in education for young people, her aim was to encourage children to obtain skills that would help them grow to their potential.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Maplewood for all of the care and compassion they offered to Esther during her time at the nursing home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the United Helpers Maplewood Campus at 205 State Street Road; Canton, New York 13617 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St.; Syracuse, New York 13204.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton with Rev. Walter Smith, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campbell Cemetery, Lisbon. Following the graveside committal, the family will receive friends in the dining room at Partridge Knoll, 30 Sullivan Dr; Canton.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com .
Funeral services for George “Buster” W. Sheppard Jr., age 60 of Heuvelton will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday (Aug 1, 2017) at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Lay Speaker Frank Carter officiating. Burial will be private with his family at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Monday (Jul 31, 2017) from 2-4 & 6-8pm at the Funeral Home. Mr. Sheppard passed away on Sunday (July 23, 2017) at the Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Surviving are two sons James Sheppard of Potsdam and Andrew Sheppard & his companion Amber Williams of Heuvelton; a sister Avis (Bernie) Hazelton of Massena; grandchildren Jorja & Abby Williams; an uncle Bud (Carolyn) Sheppard of Heuvelton; nieces, nephews, cousins and his pet dog Duncan.
“Buster” was born on February 28, 1957 in Ogdensburg NY, a son of the late George W. & Betty (Candage) Sheppard. He graduated from Heuvelton Central School and later became a truck driver working for Anchor Freight, MX Fuels, Seaway Motors, TRL, Acco and as a mechanic on Farm equipment throughout his career.
He enjoyed fishing, riding motor cycles, going to Am Vets, attending Boy Scouts and sporting events when his sons were young and teaching them to play chess. “Buster” was also a dedicated member of the Heuvelton Fire Department for 23 years, serving as Assistant Chief and foreman during the years. He was also a member of the US Militia Motor Club.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department 95 N. State Street; Heuvelton, NY 13654. Condolences can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Shirley L. Wallace, 97, of Evans Mills, formerly of Broadview, Ohio, passed away on July 23, 2017 at her home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and her family.
Mrs. Wallace was born November 30, 1919 in Rockford, IL, daughter of Ernest and Isabelle Sharp Sodergrin. In 1938 she graduated from high school in Cleveland, OH. She married Edgar Wallace on September 7, 1938 in Kentucky. Mr. Wallace died in January of 1978.
Mrs. Wallace retired from Marc’s a retail store in 2008. Previously she was employed with Halley’s and Steinmart, all in Ohio. She enjoyed watching old movies, going out for ice cream, spending time with her family and dining out.
Surviving are a son, David (Nancy) Wallace, Evans Mills, NY a daughter, Linda Rodic, Cleveland, OH, three grandchildren, David James Wallace, Mary Ellen(Howard) Robinson and Franklin Milgrim, four great grandchildren, Shauna, David, Lynn, Kelley, several great great grandchildren.
An hour of calling will be held from 1pm-2pm Monday at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. with a funeral service to follow at 2 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Christopher Looby officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.
Esther Weatherup Thompson, age 92, died on July 26, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, where she had been a resident for six years.
Esther was born August 11, 1924 in the Town of DeKalb, the daughter of the late Dorr and Shirley (Holland) Weatherup. She graduated from Rensselaer Falls High School in 1941 as valedictorian. She graduated from Canton ATI, with honors, in 1943. Her college major was clothing construction. After graduation, she worked at Randles Manufacturing Co. in clothing design and construction. They manufactured uniforms for industries that produced machines for warfare in World War II.
She married Robert M Thompson on June 10, 1944 at her parents home on Maple Ridge Road in DeKalb. After marriage, she worked in partnership with her husband in the operation of Fineview Farms in Lisbon, a purebred Holstein enterprise that lasted almost 50 years.
Esther is survived by her husband Robert and 10 children; Dr. Robert and Karen Thompson of Washington, DC; Marilyn and Thomas Henderson of Macedon Center, NY; Dr. Marjorie and George Norton of Blacksburg, VA; William and Patricia Thompson of Prescott AZ; Mark and Carole Thompson of Watertown, NY; Ruth and Joe McWilliams of South Colton, NY; David Thompson of Cobleskill, NY; Dr. Donald Thompson of Pagosa Springs, CO; Stephen and Shelly Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Marcia and Robert Hostetter of Canton. Also surviving are a brother, Clayton Weatherup of Gouverneur; as well as 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Four sisters, Lucy Conklin, Avis O’Connor, Myrna Mason and Eileen Powell all predecease her.
Esther was a 4-H Club leader for many years. Her primary interest was teaching girls sewing techniques. Several of her girls gained state and national recognition for their projects. She was also a Sunday School teacher at the United Church of Christ in Lisbon for several years. Esther had an acute interest in education for young people, her aim was to encourage children to obtain skills that would help them grow to their potential.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Maplewood for all of the care and compassion they offered to Esther during her time at the nursing home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the United Helpers Maplewood Campus at 205 State Street Road; Canton, New York 13617 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St.; Syracuse, New York 13204.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton with Rev. Walter Smith, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campbell Cemetery, Lisbon. Following the graveside committal, the family will receive friends in the dining room at Partridge Knoll, 30 Sullivan Dr; Canton.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com .
The funeral for Robert J. Tessier of 613 County Route 194 Copenhagen, NY will be Friday at noon in the chapel of TLC Funeral Home, Inc. There will be a calling hour prior to the funeral from 11:00 am. til noon. Internment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barnes Corners Mr. Tessier died at the home of his son Robert L. Tessier and family in Sandy Creek.
He was born July 12, 1927 in Scriba, NY the son of Arthur J. and Blanche Laura Stilwell Tessier. He graduated from Evans Mills High School. Mr. Tessier enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 26, 1948 in Binghamton, NY. While in service, Mr. Tessier served in the United State and Germany as an aircraft and engine mechanic as well as a flight engineer with the 1251st Air transport Group. During his tour of duty, his unit was assigned to participate in the Berlin Air Lift where humanity aid and medical supplies were delivered to the injured and dying civilian in Germany. He was awarded the Germany Occupation Medal and the Berlin Air Lift Device in recognition of his service. Mr. Tessier was honorably discharged from Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 26, 1952.
He married Beatrice Lucas on December 24, 1949 in Watertown, New York with Rev. George McClung officiating. Mrs. Tessier passed away on May 29, 2011.
Mr. Tessier worked as a mechanic for V.S. Jerry in Watertown, Dobbins Auto Parts in Adams and United Parcel Service in Syracuse. He was also served a term as the Town of Pinckney Highway Superintendent. Mr. Tessier was a licensed private pilot and had rebuild a J-3 Cub Airplane and also had built an experimental airplane. He enjoyed building and flying radio controlled airplanes.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 723 in Copenhagen, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Eagles Club in Watertown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Lewis County Humane Society, 6388 Pine Grove Rd. Glenfield, NY 13343-1820
Surviving are his five children Robert L. and Dawn Tessier of Sandy Creek, NY, Elaine Tessier of Lacona, NY, Terry Tessier of Cortland, NY, John Tessier of Barnes Corners, NY and Mrs. John (Julie) Parmeter of Watertown, NY, a brother Richard Tessier of Oregon, a sister Betty Ann Tessier of California and 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Also survived are several nieces and nephews.
A brother John A Tessier died before him.
Mr. Tessier is also survived by his beloved dog and companion, Nancy.
Richville- Marjorie A. O’Rourke, 59 of Hayden Road died on Thursday evening July 27, 2017 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown with her family by her side. Arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by the Northridge Cremation Chapel owned and operated by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located on the Town Line Road in Philadelphia. Online condolences can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com
CARTHAGE – John Mothersell, 63, of County Route 42, Carthage, died Wednesday evening, July 26, 2017 at home, under the loving care of his family and Jefferson County Hospice. Services will be held privately. Arrangements are with Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage, NY 13619.
The gentle and loving soul of Jean Arlene Easter Pirie was called to the Lord on Friday, July 21, 2017 while vacationing with family in Maine.
Widow of Lawrence (Buzzy) Pirie, and youngest child of the late Victor and Sadie Brown Easter, Jean was born in Ogdensburg, NY, where she and Buzzy built their lives and raised their family together.
Her greatest joy in life was her family - Robert and Laura Pirie, Jeanmarie and Richard Bromley, Rick and Susan Pirie, David and Jamie Pirie, Mari and Alain St. Pierre. Jean was also survived by 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild due to join the family in October. “Aunt Jean” also filled the special role of second mother to nephew Ted Taylor and nieces Christine Gopalan and Deborah Bell, with her home always open to many more of her nieces and nephews.
In addition to raising her family, Jean was employed with the New York Telephone Company, Diocese of Ogdensburg and Claxton Medical Center, from which she retired. During their retirement, Buzzy and Jean spent time camping, a pastime she still enjoyed, along with gardening and reading.
Jean was predeceased by her siblings Victor Jr., Eugene, Hilda (Robert) Taylor, Barbara (Floyd) Mills and Audrey (Charles) Shipman, as well as her husband’s family, Walter and Henrietta Pirie, and Walter and Mary Pirie.
A service will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, NY, on September 2, 2017 at 10 a.m., with a gathering at the Knights of Columbus to follow.
Should you desire to make a memorial donation in her honor, please consider Catholic Charities, 716 Caroline Street, Ogdensburg, NY, 13669.
Oleta Lynn Soluri Hondusky passed away on July 27, 2017 at 4:30am in her home by her family and friends, and under the comfort and care of Hospice. She was 73 years old.
The funeral service will be 6:00pm Tuesday, August 1st at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Rev. Jeffrey E. Smith officiating. Burial will be held at a date and time yet to be determined. Calling hours will precede the service at the funeral home beginning at 4:00pm.
Oleta was born on July 24, 1944 in Watertown, a daughter to Merwin Cowles and Pearl Woodard. She was educated in Watertown, and called the city home for her entire life.
Oleta was a caregiver to, not only her family, but also anyone whom she came in contact with. Everything about her was beautiful. She will be remembered as a very loving and forgiving person.
She loved Jesus Christ, God, & life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Surviving are 3 children: Randy, Mark, Barbara Jo; 6 grandchildren: Joshua, Brittani, Jordan, Tyler, Jadlyn, Cody; 2 great-grandchildren: Mikeal, Journey; a sister: Darlene Dawson; a brother: Robert Cowles; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, & uncles. Also surviving is her companion, Billy Dillabough.
She is predeceased by 6 siblings: Albert, Ray, Buryl, Jean, Ruth, Betty-Lou; and 2 spouses’: Richard Soluri, John Hondusky.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com
Carthage, NY
Beverly M. Ashcraft, 84, of Carthage, died Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Ellis Farm under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
Beverly was born May 2, 1933 in Binghamton, the daughter of the late Ruth Bush. She married Chester Yarka in Bath, NY on January 25, 1952. Chester died on June 27, 1971. She then married Ronald Ashcraft on December 6, 1973. Ron and Bev moved to Carthage where Beverly worked at the Greenbriar Nursing Home for 10 years and 18 years at the Carthage Central Middle School as the cook’s manager. Ronald died on January 27, 2001.
Bev loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved to share stories (that everyone will miss), reading, drawing, watching soap operas, collecting coins and most of all her angels.
She is survived by three daughters: JoAnn Yarka of Carthage, Donna Ashcraft- Sulliender of Arizona and Brandy Ashcraft of Carthage; four sons: Rick Yarka and Mark and Lynette Yarka of Cameron, Daniel Ashcraft of Bath and Steven and Missy Ashcraft of Carthage; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers: Delos and Marion Bush and Richard Bush, all of Bath and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her two sons, David and Christopher Yarka, her grandson, Michael Yarka, her mother, Ruth Bush, a sister, Kay White, a brother, Jerry Bush, and a daughter-in-law, Theresa Yarka.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 4 at St. James Catholic Church, Carthage with Rev. Donald A. Robinson, Pastor officiating. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601
To leave an online condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
John A. Brett, 73 of Burnsville, MN passed away July 23, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. John was born on October 29, 1943 in Watertown, NY to Attorney Kenneth W. Brett and Mary Tooley Brett. John graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1961. He earned his B.S. from the University of Buffalo in Labor Relations in 1965. John was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. The majority of his career was spent in management with Anchor Hocking Corp. and Plastics, Inc. in New Jersey, Ohio, and Minnesota. John was proud of his volunteer service to Habitat for Humanity, Homework Helpers, and his love for the NY Yankees. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 33 years, children Anne Marie (Jimmy) Long of Henderson, NV, Alexis Brett of Las Vegas, NV, John “Jay” Brett of Pasadena, CA, Step Children Donna (Karin) Zelinsky, Ronald “Butch” Zelinsky of Minneapolis, MN, five grandchildren, siblings Sister Mary Ellen Brett, SSJ of Copenhagen, NY, Jane (John) Scott of Syracuse, NY, and Kenneth (Anna) Brett of Kingston, NY, and two nieces. A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, July 28th at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville, MN followed by internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Donations in John’s memory may be made to Immaculate Heart Central School, Watertown, NY.
Jeanne Marie Johndrow Reff, 89, 31380 Burnt Rock Road, Cape Vincent, passed away suddenly Monday, July 24, 2017, at Samaritan Medical Center surrounded by her family.
She was born November 30, 1927 in Carthage NY, daughter of the late Clarence and Edna Clarke Johndrow. She married Joseph M. Reff on January 6, 1951 at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage, NY with Fr. Dacey officiating. Together they ran the family farm for 25 years. Mrs. Reff worked for New York Telephone Company in Carthage, NY for over 5 years prior to her marriage. She was a waitress at Sunny Banks Restaurant in Cape Vincent, NY for 10 years and retired as a Telephone Operator for the United States Army Information Systems Command at Fort Drum after 20 years.
She was a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rosiere and a member of its Altar and Rosary Society. Jeanne was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 832 and worked for 11 years as a volunteer in the gift shop at the Samaritan Medical Center. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, and she also enjoyed her Tuesday Lunch Bunch with her husband, travelling, and sewing.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Joseph M. Reff; 6 children, Donald Potter, Hilton, NY, Mike (Rose) Reff, Jolene (Jarvis) Radley, all of Cape Vincent, NY, John (Randy Breunig) Reff, Boulder, CO, Bill (Linda) Reff, Peru, IL, and Sue-Ellen (Eric) Thompson, Rush, NY; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, J. Paul Johndrow, Tewksbury, MA, and sister-in-law, Nora Hyde of Pahrump, NV and Three Mile Bay, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was pre-deceased by her sister, Sarah Jane Johndrow, and brother, Thomas James Johndrow, in infancy; daughters-in-law, Marie Potter and Barbara Potter; grandchildren, Donald Potter Jr, Jeremy Radley and Emily Reff, in infancy; brothers, Clarence and Gwendolyn Johndrow Jr, Clarke and Pauline Johndrow; sisters-in-law, Pauline Johndrow, Helen and Leo King; and brother-in-law, Milford Hyde.
A calling hour will be held August 5th at 10am at St. Vincent de Paul’s Church, Rosiere, with a funeral mass to follow at 11am. Burial will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Rosiere. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in her name, to the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, PO Box 609, Cape Vincent, NY 13618. Online condolences to her family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
ANTWERP – Gwendolyn J. VanOrman, 84, of Oxbow, New York, died on at River Hospital, Alexandria Bay, on Friday evening, July 28, 2017. Arrangements are with the Northridge Cremation Chapel, owned and operated by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located on the Town Line Road in Philadelphia. Online condolences can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com
Carthage, NY
Beverly M. Ashcraft, 84, of Carthage, died Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Ellis Farm under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
Beverly was born May 2, 1933 in Binghamton, the daughter of the late Ruth Bush. She married Chester Yarka in Bath, NY on January 25, 1952. Chester died on June 27, 1971. She then married Ronald Ashcraft on December 6, 1973. Ron and Bev moved to Carthage where Beverly worked at the Greenbriar Nursing Home for 10 years and 18 years at the Carthage Central Middle School as the cook’s manager. Ronald died on January 27, 2001.
Bev loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved to share stories (that everyone will miss), reading, drawing, watching soap operas, collecting coins and most of all her angels.
She is survived by three daughters: JoAnn Yarka of Carthage, Donna Ashcraft- Sulliender of Arizona and Brandy Ashcraft of Carthage; four sons: Rick Yarka and Mark and Lynette Yarka of Cameron, Daniel Ashcraft of Bath and Steven and Missy Ashcraft of Carthage; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers: Delos and Marion Bush and Richard Bush, all of Bath and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her two sons, David and Christopher Yarka, her grandson, Michael Yarka, her mother, Ruth Bush, a sister, Kay White, a brother, Jerry Bush, and a daughter-in-law, Theresa Yarka.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 4 at St. James Catholic Church, Carthage with Rev. Donald A. Robinson, Pastor officiating. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601
To leave an online condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
Chateaugay – Lloyd Roscoe, 79, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 29, 2017 at The Alice Center in Malone, with his family by his bedside. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls. Following his wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of his family.
He was born on January 9, 1938 in Dickinson Center, son of the late Lloyd V. and Gladys (Dubuque) Roscoe. He graduated from St. Regis Falls Central School and became a self employed Public Accountant for 35 years. He married Janet Furnia on September 1, 1979 in Chateaugay.
He is survived by his wife, Janet, his brother, Lee and Darleen Roscoe and his sister, Wanda and Irving Provost, all of Dickinson Center, and five nieces and nephews.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Fairview Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 85, Dickinson Center, NY 12930 or the Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department, Dickinson Center, NY 12930.
Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Robert P. Regan, 80, of Potsdam are incomplete at this time and are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton. Mr. Regan died on Thursday while at home with family, under the care of Hospice.
John Toper, 90, of Watertown, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Samaritan Medical Center. Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A complete obituary will follow.
Jason D. Morgan who died June 28th will be buried Wednesday August 2nd at 11:00 AM at North Watertown Cemetery.
Georgina B. Schneckenburger who passed away January 9th will be buried at Dexter Cemetery at 11:00 AM on August 2nd.