NORWOOD — Arrangements for 75-year-old Gail McKenty, a resident of Port Orange, Fla., and formerly of Norwood, are incomplete at this time with the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood. Mrs. McKenty passed away Saturday at the Halifax Health Hospice Center in Port Orange, Fla. A complete obituary will be available when finalized. The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Gail McKenty.

Franklin G. Roberts, 67, passed away at his residence Saturday, March 24th where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County. A complete obituary will follow. Arrangements are incomplete with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.

Theodore E. “Ted” Delaney Jr., 57, of 16341 Ives St. Road Ext., Watertown, passed away March 22, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family and many dear friends.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7pm Tuesday, March 27th at Hart and Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey St., Watertown. A Prayer Service will be held at 10am Wednesday, March 28th at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Donald Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in the spring.

Ted was born on November 5th, 1960 in Watertown. He was the son of Theodore E. Sr. and Theresa (Giordanelli) Delaney.

Ted graduated from Watertown High School in 1978. He continued his education for 2 years and received his plumbing and heating certificate from Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Vocational School. He also attended night classes for electrical technology.

Ted worked for Burkhard’s Plumbing and Heating in Watertown, Pratt Plumbing and Heating in Rensselaer Falls, NY and was involved from start to finish during construction of the Huntington Street Apartments. For most of his career, Ted worked as a maintenance technician at Watertown Correctional Facility. He retired after becoming disabled.

Ted married Theresa D. Derrigo on September 25, 1982 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Gaffney officiating. Theresa has owned and operated the Plaza Salon in the Washington St. Plaza since 1985. It was Ted who discovered a “booth for rent” sign in the window and convinced Theresa to take this journey. The rest is history.

Ted was a member of the Italian American Club and Sons of the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, music and NASCAR. He was known for his Italian cooking. People raved about his “Top Deck” parties. Ted was a die-hard fan of both the New York Giants and New York Mets. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile. Ted bravely fought a rare blood disease called Amyloidosis for the last 5 years.

Among his survivors are his beloved wife, Theresa D. Delaney, his son, Tyler John Delaney and Tyler’s girlfriend, Meghan Brower, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Derrigo Jr. and Mary Jane Derrigo, two brothers-in-law, John Derrigo III, Stephen “Bubba” Derrigo and his wife, Marie. He’s also survived by his nieces and nephews, 3 grand-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ted is predeceased by his loving parents.

Special thanks to his good friends, Gerard Pacifici, Dave Morrison and Joe Caronia for always being by his side and to Dr. Joseph Wetterhahn for his care, friendship and kindness.

Donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, 850 Arsenal St., Watertown NY 13601, SPCA of Jefferson County, 25056 Water St. , Watertown NY 13601 or the Watertown City School District Backpack Program through United Way of Northern New York, 200 Washington St., Suite 402A, Watertown NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

EVANS MILLS — Shirley J. Ashley, 82, of Gardnerville Road, died peacefully at home on Friday, March 23, 2018 under the loving care of her family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Shirley was born on December 12, 1935 in Chaumont, New York, a daughter of the late Glenn and Mabel (Barber) Brown. She graduated from Lyme Central School as Valedictorian of her class in 1954. In 1955, she married Robert Ashley in Chaumont, New York. Shirley was employed as a Lab Manager for local area hospitals including Mercy Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital.

She enjoyed doing ceramics, gardening, crocheting, and writing poetry.

She is survived, by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert; a daughter, Dorothy and her husband Michael Schneider of Florida; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son, Robert Ashley, who died in 2016.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Northridge Cremation Chapel, 31291 Town Line Road, Philadelphia; owned and operated by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.

Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Jefferson County SPCA, 25056 Water St., Watertown, NY 13601; or Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Condolences can be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

Madrid: Robert F. Wilson, 73, of County Route 14, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Phillips Memorial Home in Madrid.

Gouverneur — Cathy Mussaw, 57, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Strong Hospital, Rochester.

There are no calling hours or funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Cathy was born on February 15, 1961, the daughter of Nathaniel Travis and Joyce Halford.

She worked for Mater Dei College at their satellite office in Gouverneur and then was employed for 20 years at E.J. Noble Hospital until she became ill.

Cathy married Kenneth Lee Mussaw Sr. on January 26, 1980 at Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed reading, watching dirt track racing, and going camping, especially at Jacques Cartier Park.

Cathy is survived by her husband Ken, her son Kenny and Cara Mussaw of Otego, her daughter Tina Mussaw and her fiance Sonie Rider of Antwerp, her six grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Vickie and Gerard Kipp. Cathy also has several brothers and sisters Lynnett, Tina, Marcia, Barbara, and Flora “Pudgy”, George, Ted, Mike, Dick, Allen, and Harvey, many nieces and nephews.

Massena: John W. Larue, age 94 of Bishop Avenue, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena. Friends and Family may be received on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Massena. Burial will take place in the spring at Calvary Cemetery, Massena.

John was born on April 24, 1923 in Massena, the son of Franklin H. and Mary (Carville) Larue.

John proudly served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944 until 1946 in Luzon, Philippines. He was in the 130 Infantry, 33rd Infantry Division “B”, Japan Occupational Force, earning the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Battle Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, Philippines Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. John was honorably discharged as Sergeant and Bugler for Company “B”. Following his discharge from the Army he hauled milk for ten years and later was an operating engineer during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway Power Project. John was later appointed Highway Superintendent for the Town of Massena from 1959 until 1988, a position he was truly dedicated to.

John married Patricia Hammill on May 1, 1947 at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Massena with the Rev Michael Jurecki presiding. Mrs. Larue predeceased him on January 24, 2013.

John was often the “life of the party” telling stories, reciting his poems and singing songs that were only known to him. While attending school, John learned to play the violin taught by the late Mr. Charles Rob. His expertise with the instrument exempted him from continuing further instruction. At social gatherings, he entertained his audience by playing a repertoire of songs on his harmonica always featuring the “Orange Blossom Special.”

John was a member of the American Legion Post #79, VFW Post #1143, B.P .O.E. Massena Elks Lodge, #1702 and a Communicant of St Mary’s Church. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed reading, history and his little dog Tippy.

John is survived by his two daughters, Mary Emily (Rod) Lauzon of Westville, NY and Nancy Ann Larue of Massena, NY; two step-grandsons, Aric and Heather Lauzon, Nick Lauzon and Melissa Rizzo; five great grandchildren, Samantha, Rebekah, Trent, Anthony and Mia; a sister in law, Theresa Larue and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

He was predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth, Charles, Philip and Paul Larue; three sisters, Ilene Sutton, Betty Steffen and Helen Mullarney; two nephews, Richard Larue and Jim Steffen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Massena Meals on Wheels or Sisters of St. Joseph, Watertown, NY. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.PhillipsMemorial.com.

MASSENA – Mrs. Sharon L. Meldrum, 76, a longtime resident of Chase Street and Liberty Ave, peacefully passed away Saturday morning, March 24, 2018 at Massena Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She had recently been under the loving care of the Highland Nursing Home.

Sharon was born September 27, 1941 in Potsdam, the daughter of the late Carlton W. and Helen (LaVigne) Christy and was a 1959 graduate of Potsdam Central School. On May 7, 1960, she married Harold E. Meldrum at Trinity Episcopal Church in Potsdam with Cannon James Pennock officiating. He predeceased her on March 31, 2007.

Sharon worked for the General Adjustment Bureau in Potsdam as a receptionist and clerk. After raising her children, she went to work at the Robert Moses State Park, where she was the secretary to the Manager. She retired in 2002 after 20 years of service. She was a former member of the Massena Senior Citizens and the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens. She enjoyed bowling and belonged to many leagues when she was younger. She had a great passion for flower gardening and cherished the time she was able to spend at the family camp on Frazier’s Point, where she and her husband would go boating and fishing.

Sharon is survived by children and their spouses, Mark and Cynthia Meldrum of Massena; Elaine and David Wheeler of Hogansburg; Laura Meldrum and Daniel Deshane; her grandchildren, Kayla and her husband, Chris, Andrew, Connor, Chelsea, and Tyler; a step great granddaughter, Quinn; her sister, Mary Weaver of Norwood; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Carl G. Christy in January 1979.

Friends may call Tuesday 4-7:00 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday 11:00 AM with Rev. Mike Schulenberg, officiating. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Highland Nursing Home Activities Fund.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com.

Jackie LesPerance

82 years old

Brasher Falls, NY

3/11/2018

Peacefully passed away in the Potsdam hospital.

Survived by her daughter Lenora Hinman, son-in-law Steve Hinman. Her son Randall LesPerance, daughter-in-law Shannon LesPerance. Her son Lance LesPerance. Her grandchildren William Clark, David Clark, Allie LesPerance, Bailey LesPerance, and Hunter Phelix.

Predeceased by her husband William LesPerance (58).

Katherine A. Ives, 63, of Adams, died early Sunday morning at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown. Calling hours will be 6:00 - 8:00pm Wednesday at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams. A memorial service will be 11:00 am Thursday at the Adams Village Baptist Church, Adams, with Rev. Debbie Kelsey officiating.

Born March 6, 1955 in Ogdensburg, NY, daughter of Lloyd L. and Lillian (Clary) Peterson, she school in Hammond and following the family moving to Ellisburg in 1968, she attended Union Academy in Belleville. She worked locally cleaning houses and was a caregiver to her parents.

For 26 years, Kathy was a bartender and bar manager at the American Legion Don Rounds Post 586, Adams, retiring in 2016 due to her health.

She married Chris D. Ives on April 29, 1994 by Town Justice William Besaw. The couple lived in Smithville, later moving to Adams in 2009.

Kathy is survived by her husband Chris; one stepdaughter Miranda Ives, Watertown; three step grandchildren, Zander Roach, Riley Kelly, Patrick Kelly; two brothers William (Sue) Peterson, Smithville, Lloyd Peterson, two sisters Sherry (Rick) Worthington, Henderson, Jenny (David) LaGray, Watertown; brother and sister in law Art (Sue) Ives, Cicero, mother in law Rose Robarge, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, a brother Ernie Peterson and one sister Karen Lehman.

Kathy enjoyed arts and crafts.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Adams Village Baptist Church, 24 E. Church St., Adams, NY 13605 or the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Adams, NY 13605

Condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth H. Hartz. 91, of Watertown, NY, passed away March 25, 2018 at Samaritan Medical Center. Calling hours will be Monday, April 2, 2018 at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A complete obituary will follow.

Mr. David H. Williams, age 72 of Potsdam, NY passed away on March 25th at the Massena Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. There will be a gathering on Saturday, April 7th at Sergi’s Italian Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Potsdam from 1-4 pm. Condolences online can be shared at www.garnerfh.com. A full obituary will appear soon.

Judy Anne Carter, age 65, of Gravette, Arkansas passed from this life March 23, 2018 in Gravette. She was born June 10, 1952 in Carthage, New York to Joe and Helen (Kline) Redmond. Judy is preceded in death by her father.

She was a 1970 graduate of Carthage Central High School. She married Bobby Carter on September 16, 1983 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She enjoyed camping and canoeing.

Judy is survived by her husband, Bobby Carter; her mother, Helen Redmond; her daughter, Carmen Heaten; six sisters, Mary-Lou Peebles of Carthage, New York, Gloria Barritt of Watertown, New York, Edith Leeder of Harrisville, New York, Marsha McBride of Carthage, New York, her twin sister, June Drake of Black River, New York; two brothers, James Redmond of Carthage, New York, and Patrick Redmond of Waterford, Michigan; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Please visit Judy’s memorial page at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

Everett D. Chatterton, son of David K. and Jennifer L. (Mentry) Chatterton II of Adams Center, passed away unexpectedly at Samaritan Medical Center on Friday, March 23, 2018.

On his maternal side, he is survived by grandfather, Edward M. Mentry, Watertown; grandmother, Colleen Mallan Mentry, Watertown; and great grandparents, Luke B. and Lorraine A. Mallan, Watertown. On his paternal side, he is survived by grandparents, David K. and Donna L. Chatterton I, Adams Center; and great grandmother, Phyllis Sauer, Adams Center. Everett is also survived by many loving aunts and uncles.

Private services will be at the convenience of his family and arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

Mrs. Alice A. Clarke, 93, of Canton passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 25, 2018 while in residence at the United Helpers RiverLedge Nursing Home.

Alice was born December 8, 1924 in Lemieux, Ontario, Canada; the daughter of the late Emile and Ida (Brousseau) Dore`. She was one of 16 children. On September 27, 1952, Alice was married to John N. Clarke, whom predeceased her on March 23, 1963. She was also predeceased by her eldest son Marcel Clarke on December 6, 2014. Alice was a devoted mother and a very strong woman raising four children on her own after the death of John, working for 40+ years as a waitress at the Cascade Inn, Canton.

Alice loved bingo, gardening and going to the beach with her children. She also enjoyed visiting family on both sides of the border.

Alice is survived by a son, Michael Clarke of Canton; two daughters, Mary (Dave) Bassett of Waxahachie, TX and Marcia (Ronnie) White of Russell, four grandchildren, Matthew Bassett, John Dafoe, Rebecca Robert Alyssa Clarke, 6 great-grandchildren and a sister, Claire Amacio of Brooklyn, NY.

A private graveside service for Alice will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Highway 11; Potsdam, New York 13676 or to St. Mary’s School, 2 Powers Street; Canton, New York 13617.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Mrs. Alice A. Clarke are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

Beloved husband, father and son Edward Fischer passed away peacefully at the age of 86 following a short illness on March 15, 2018. He is survived by his son Steven J. Fischer, daughter-in-law, Pamela Fischer and granddaughter Anna. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Minnie Buys Fischer and his wife Virginia Flight Fischer.

Ed lived a life of service to his country and to his community. He was a career military officer, retiring from the Army in 1969 after twenty years of active duty. A decorated veteran, he received the Good Conduct Medal with two knots, the National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam campaign ribbon, and the Meritorious Unit Citation. In 1969, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, which is reserved for members of the armed services who commit acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. He met his late wife Virginia Fischer while serving at Ft. Drum (then Camp Drum) and after marriage lived in France and Germany before returning to DeKalb Junction. Married for 56 years, Ed and Virginia will be forever remembered for their contributions to DeKalb, most notably the creation of senior citizen housing, the historical museum and chairing the Herman-DeKalb alumni association for decades.

Upon retirement from the army, he served as a Deputy Sheriff for St. Lawrence County for 15 years where he was known for his kindness to all, including people who were processed under his care. His commitment to service didn’t end with retirement and he spent the next 30 years as an active volunteer in his community. Having volunteered for the Radio Emergency Citizens Action Teams (REACT) while in the military he continued providing emergency service in DeKalb as a volunteer fireman. He served as chaplain of the DeKalb Senior Citizens association, holding membership for more than ten years. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, assisting at the nutrition center and advocated on several occasions for its continued service to the community. One of his proudest moments was being recognized as St. Lawrence County’s New York State Senior Citizen’s of the year in 2015. He also enjoyed the fellowship of the church community as a member of the DeKalb Methodist church.

Ed loved fishing, following navy ships on his Ham radio, playing flight simulator video games and keeping up with community affairs. He moved to Washington state in December 2016 to be with his son’s family where he enjoyed sampling the many ethnic foods in the area as well as the local breweries. He recently visited elementary schools, in full uniform, to describe his experiences as a veteran. Ed will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Visiting hours will be from noon-2 pm on Saturday, March 31st, at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home in Dekalb Junction. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association or the Hermon Rescue Squad. Online condolences can be made at www.allendeneshafuneralhome.com.

CARTHAGE – Richard (Dickie) Howland, 68, of 24525 Staie Road, died on March 24, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on October 11, 1949 in Carthage, a son of the late Edmond (Sonny) Howland and Marie Arnold Howland. He was a Carthage Central High School graduate. He worked for the railroad, Carthage Machine Shop and was a construction worker.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to shop for antiques, go to rummage sales and flea markets.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Butler Howland, their son Richard Howland Jr. and wife, Susan Howland, their daughter Jennika West and husband Leon West. Four grandchildren, Richard Howland III (RJ); Cierah Howland; Adelia West and Alacia West. Mother-in-law Emily Frezza; brother Louis Howland; sisters Keitha Howland and Sidonia Abdulghani; and many nieces and nephews. Richard is predeceased by his two brothers Edmond (Tink) Howland and Martin Howland.

There will be a private service held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Arrangements are being handled by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.

NORWOOD—A Mass of Christian Burial for 75 year old Gail A. McKenty, a resident of New Smyrna Beach FL, and formerly of Norwood, NY will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 12 Noon at St. Andrew’s Church in Norwood with Rev. Msgr. John Murphy presiding. Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery, Norwood in the springtime. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Mrs. McKenty passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Halifax Health Hospice Care Center, Port Orange, Florida.

Gail is survived by her son Michael & Donna McKenty of Tolland, CT her two daughters, Denise and Kelly Kroutter of Beaumount, Texas; Diana and Shawn Fairbrother, Middletown, Connecticut; her four beloved grandchildren Jessica & Christopher McKenty and Kayli & Paige Kroutter; her brother Mark & Elaine Tessier of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania as well as her nieces and nephews. Gail was pre-deceased by her husband John on September 13, 2000 and son Darren McKenty in June 12, 2014 and her brother, Lee Tessier.

Born in Massena, NY on November 28, 1942 to the late Pierre and Evelyn Noreau Tessier, Gail graduated from Norwood High School and attended Nursing School. She married John McKenty on August 17, 1963. Gail was a homemaker and communicant of St. Andrew’s Church. In her spare time, Gail enjoyed cruising with family and friends and working with stained glass as well as watching her favorite TV show, M.A.S.H. Memorial Donations in Gail’s memory can be made to Halifax Health Hospice Care Center Port Orange, FL and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com .

Robert A. Miller, 90, 231 Franklin Street, died peacefully at home on March 23, 2018. Bob was born in New Jersey, son of Alban and Lillian Miller. A marriage to Beatrice Lewis Richardson in 1955 ended in amicable divorce after three children. In 1973, he married Hilda Wright and they enjoyed many happy years and travels together before he was widowed by her death in 2009.

Bob is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Buehler, NJ, a daughter, Jacqueline, and son-in-law Bradford Stemler, Chaumont, and a son, Sean, Watertown. Bob also suffered the loss of his son, William, and daughter-in-law, Margaret, step-son Bruce Wright and daughter-in-law Charmaine, and brother-in-law Charles Buehler, all of whom predeceased him. Bob cherished time spent with his many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was proud of their various accomplishments. Bob graduated from Union Hill High School, Union City, NJ and played football there before attending Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, NJ. Bob served in the U.S. Marines prior to completing Officer Training at Fort Benning, GA. He served in the Army in Korea, and received a purple heart. He then held management positions at Revlon, American Process, and Foster Wheeler. Bob was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles, and Elks. In recent years, he found a second home and many friends at the Crystal Restaurant.

Bob lived a good life, enjoyed a good Manhattan, and always had his belt buckle and dress shoes highly polished. A farewell for Bob will be held beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 31, at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. for those who mourn him and anyone willing to share a memory of Bob is encouraged to do so. In accordance with his wishes and without further ado (that’s not exactly how he put it) his ashes will be interred next to his beloved wife Hilda in Brookside Cemetery after the snow melts. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Chapin Living Waters/Bucket Kits right here in Watertown, Wounded Warriors, or any good cause. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

Ada Elizabeth Pearce, Cape Vincent, died peacefully on March 24 in Corning, New York, at 94 years of age with both of her surviving children at her bedside. Born February 4,1924 in Thendara NY, the fifth of eight children of Inez and Moses Leonard, she was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters, her husband of fifty-three years, William Pearce, and her eldest daughter, Inez (Peter) Platenius. She is survived by sisters, Inez Rudd of Booneville and Betty Harwood of Old Forge, NY; son Braddock Pearce, Hammondsport, and daughter Susan (Steven) Pearce-Kelling, Berkshire, NY; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ada was born at home in Thendara, NY, at a time when there was no electricity, running water nor central heating in many Adirondack homes, including her own. After the death of her mother when she was four, and during a severe illness of her father, Ada was raised in the Masonic Home for Children in Utica, along with four of her siblings. In 1939, she returned to living with her father in Raquette Lake, and graduated from Raquette Lake High School in 1942. During World War II, Ada trained as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica, graduating in 1945. While there she was introduced to her future husband, Bill, by her supervising nurse, Bill’s sister Annice, while Bill served in the Marines in the Pacific. They fell in love by mail and were married on March 30, 1946 in Raquette Lake. Ada would smile as she reflected on her life of communicating…”From Vmail to email”,-- VMail being “Victory Mail”, the form of correspondence with soldiers stationed abroad during the war, and email being a technology she fully embraced in her 8th and 9th decades of life.

Ada and Bill spent 1947 - 1950 in Watkins Glen and in Ithaca while Bill attended Cornell University. She worked for various local doctors as an RN during this time, while they began to raise their family. Upon Bill’s graduation they moved to Watertown where she worked for many years as an RN at the House of the Good Samaritan Hospital while Bill worked with the NY State Conservation Department. In 1968 they moved to Saratoga Springs, then returned to the North Country to spend the rest of their days in Cape Vincent. While in Cape Vincent, Ada was active as a nurse, wife, mother, sister, friend and volunteer. She was a member and supporter of many village organizations, including the Cape Vincent Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, the Improvement League, the Order of the Eastern Star and the United Church. With a lifelong love of books and learning, Ada was an avid patron of the Cape Vincent Community Library. She was particularly fond of poetry and she was a talented poet herself. Those fortunate enough to be close to her might have been graced with one of her eulogies, such as the following, “For Edie”, that she penned for Bill’s eldest sister who introduced her to what would become her lifelong joy of gardening—nothing could describe our sentiments for Ada better than her own words:

For Edie -

Rest in peace, our friend

Your human chores are done

You walk in other gardens now

Beneath a brighter sun.

You’ve pulled the weeds of mortal life

And sown the seeds of worth

And left behind the beauty

Of your soul upon this earth.

Now when we hear the warbler’s song

Or watch a flower grow,

We’ll feel a gentle presence

And you’ll be there, I know.

Ada

Much like her perennial garden whose plants she happily shared with others, Ada leaves us with memories of her beautiful grace and strength. She requested there be no funeral or services, but her family will hold a celebration of her life during the coming Summer. Donations may be made to the Cape Vincent Community Library, PO Box 283, Cape Vincent NY 13618 or the charity of your choice.