Obituaries

Susan Eileen Brown, 81, of Jupiter, FL  passed away at her home with her son by her side on April 19th, 2024. She was born on March 25th, 1943 in Albion, NY to M. Chandler Brown and Zelma Clapp Brown. Susan was a graduate of the Albion High School Class of 1961 and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University Class of 1965.  She was a lifelong member of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church and a member of the Jupiter First Church. She was a Ladies Auxiliary member of the Barre Fire Department, a District Commissioner in the Boy Scouts and a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Jupiter First Church. . Her first passion was teaching students both in Portland, Oregon and Albion, NY school systems.  She eventually went on to work at the Orleans County NY Child Protective Services where she became the Coordinator for the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit. After retirement from Orleans County, she went onto to work at Hamlin Beach State Park and Lakeside Beach State Park in the contact stations.  Susan enjoyed gardening, crafting, knitting, crocheting, traveling, nature and spending time with her family and friends.  She also loved being a “Marine Mom” as her son who is a US Marines. While in Boy Scouts she earned numerous leadership awards including the Silver Beaver and Wood badge.  In 2015 she was inducted as a Golden Raider at Middle Tennessee State University. Through out her life she was a Mother to all and teacher as well and loved spending time with family and friends from all over the world. Susan is predeceased by her parents M. Chandler Brown and Zelma Clapp Brown of Barre Center, NY.   Susan is survived by her son Craig Brown of Jupiter, FL, her brother David (Donna) Brown of Jupiter, FL, her nephew Marty (Autumn) Brown of Jupiter, her niece Mary Brown (Rob Robbins) of Gainesville, FL her great nephew Chandler Brown of Jupiter, FL and her great niece Cypress Brown of Jupiter FL.  Also, her best friend Penny Wilcox of Limestone, NY as well as several cousins and relatives. Two Memorial services will be held with one on May 25, 2024 at 11:00am at Jupiter First Church Jupiter, FL and the other on June 1, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Barre Center Presbyterian Church Barre Center, NY.  Internment will be at the Mount Albion Cemetery following the church service on June 1.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts maybe made to either the Barre Center Presbyterian Church or to the Jupiter First Church.

Yong Cha “Kim” Hanes, age 77, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion. She was born April 15, 1947 in South Korea. Kim was predeceased by her son, Floyd in 2019. Kim is survived by her husband of 53 years, Carl, son Richard, granddaughter Nadia Hullfish, sisters in law, Doreen Hanes, Chris Tucker, and Bambi Garner. Kim’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Rt. 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Sat., May 4 from 1-3pm. Interment will take place privately at Hillside Cemetery in Holley. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To share a special memory of Kim, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Betsy “Joanie” Palacios age 92, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital Palliative Care on April 23, 2024 following a long illness. She was born June 7, 1931 in Albion, a daughter of the late Earl and Mattie (Parker) Sullivan. She was known as Joanie the Lunch Lady at Albion School District where she worked for 45 years. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, her house on the lake and going to lunch with her friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Jose’ in 2008; sister Ginny Fiorito and her brother Ed Sullivan. She is survived by her three children, Janet Hausner, Jim (Jen) Palacios, Jill (Ken) Burke; grandchildren Justin (Mary) Hausner, Megan (Paul) Guillod, Kaitlyn (Mike) Picard, Staci (Josh) Desmarais and Timothy Burke; great-grandchildren Sam, Logan, Conner, Luke, Madison, Mila, Oliver, Claire; sister-in-law Connie Archbald, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There are no prior calling hours. Her Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Private burial will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Homesteads for Hope-Community Farm for adults with developmental disabilities and autism, 2185 Manitou Rd., Rochester NY 14606 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. To share a memory of Joanie, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Deborah “Debbie” Poprawski, age 72, passed away on April 25, 2024. She was born September 11, 1951 in Medina to the late Ernest and Marion (Williams) West. Debbie loved spending time outdoors, especially camping with her husband John. She always took care of people during her life. She worked for many years for Lifetime Assistance and helped care for her husband. Debbie loved more than anything in the world, being a grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Jackie Kaminski. Debbie is survived by her husband of over 53 years, John Sr., children Melinda (Brian) Bilohlavek, John Poprawski Jr., grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Taylor Poprawski, Noah and Jakob Bilohlavek, great-grandchildren Braydon, Aubrie and Olivia McCarthy, siblings Daniel (Ellen) West, Ernest (Sue) West III, Larry (Gene) West, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Lifetime Assistance  425 Paul Rd. Rochester, NY 14624. Debbie’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley, NY. To share a special memory of Debbie, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Linda Deanne Cracknell Rau (83), of Eustace, TX, passed away April 25th, 2024. Linda was born June 30th, 1940, to Cyril and Anne Cracknell of Buffalo, NY. After Linda graduated from Kenmore Senior High School (1958) she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State University. After graduating in 1962, she worked for 30+ years as a kindergarten and Pre-1st grade teacher in Medina, NY. After retiring in 1996, Russ and Linda moved to Texas to be with their family. In her free time her community involvement included Kiwanis and Library Story time. Her hobbies included Singing with the Sweet Adelines, Touching the lives of children, reading stories to children, evening sunsets on their boat, taking care of her family, entertaining her friends, cruising, and traveling the world with family and friends. Linda was recognized by the Distinguished Women of Cedar Creek Lake honoring her commitment to Community work. Linda met her Beloved Husband Russell at a Sadie Hawkins dance. They have been married for 61 years. Linda and Russell went on to have 2 children. Linda was predeceased by her parents Cyril and Anne Cracknell, granddaughter Jamie Lee Fuller and great grandson Lee Allen Shipp. Linda is survived in death by her Beloved Husband Russell M. Rau, Sister Nancy Clough, Son Donald (Donna) Rau and Daughter Kris (Stephen) Shipp and brother-in-law Robin (Marty) Fletcher. Grandchildren- Scott (Candice) Rau, Marc (Lindsey) Wielgosz, Erica (Don) Thomas, Shannon (Cody) Parker, Joshua Shipp, and Brandon Shipp. Great grandchildren Ava and Lizzy Parker, Kelsy Thomas, Wyatt and Grayson Rau, Nora and Nate Wielgosz, along with cousins, nieces and a nephew. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research, Dementia Research Foundation or book donations made in her honor to your local library. A special thank you to Arcy Hospice, Autumn of Life Caregivers, and Dr. Timothy Beste. Arrangements are under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens, Texas.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Earl Rowley, affectionately known as Jim, of Oakfield, NY, who left us peacefully on Sat., April 27, 2024, at his home. Born on July 5, 1939, in Orangeville, NY, to Earl W. Rowley and Marie E. (Gillmeister) Rowley, he led a life full of passion, purpose, and love. James graduated from Barker Central High School in 1957 and began his career as a draftsman at Lobe Pump in Gasport, NY, and then at Yale and Towne in Batavia, NY. James trained on the job in the field of digital printing and scanning technologies. He worked as an Optical Engineering Technician at the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, retiring in 2002 after twenty-plus years of service. James married the love of his life, Constance M. (Gould) Rowley, on November 26, 1966. Together, they created countless memories and raised two wonderful daughters, Joanne, and Jennifer. A skilled handyman, gardener, and builder, James always had a home improvement project in progress. A skilled marksman, he enjoyed shooting sports, deer hunting, fishing, bird watching, and being out in nature.  A man of faith, James gave his time as a volunteer leader at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina, NY. His life was a testament to his values, and he will be remembered for his legacy of generosity, sense of humor, and dedication to family. James leaves behind his loving spouse, Constance M. (Gould) Rowley, daughter, Joanne E. Caton-Frank (Ken Frank), granddaughters Rachel J. Caton and Emily M. Caton; daughter, Jennifer L. (Joseph Jr.) Ficcaglia, grandsons, Joseph Ficcaglia III and John Ficcalglia; sister, Jeanne (Roger) Meland; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Earl W. Rowley and Marie E. (Gillmeister) Rowley, and sister Barbara A. Rowley. The family invites you to join them in a celebration of James’s life on Sun., May 5, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125. Calling hours begin at 2:00 PM. Burial will be on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1pm at Hartland Central Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HomeCare & Hospice of Batavia, 29 Liberty Avenue, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020 or the American Cancer Society of WNY, 101 John James Audubon Parkway Buffalo, NY 14228. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

Mariellen E. Toman age 70, passed away April 29, 2024 at Medina Memorial Hospital.  She was born October 2, 1953 in Albion a daughter of Joan (Hart) Sands and the late Earl Sands, Sr.Mariellen enjoyed doing crafts, playing bingo and going to the casino. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her brothers Earl Sands, Jr. and Mark Sands. She is survived by her husband David; children Nick (Tanisha) Franzese, Frank (Stacy) Franzese, Christina Franzese; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; mother Joan; brothers Ken Sands, Dennis (Kathy) Sands; sisters Doris Greer, Earline Lee, Donna Kline as well as several nieces and nephews.  There are no prior calling hours or services.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion To share a memory of Mariellen, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Jon Tschetter, 81; died 4/23/24. Jon was a graduate of Albion High School, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a retiree from Eastman Kodak.  He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Lucille, brother Ronald,  sister Joanne Condolucci, and stepson Heriberto Puron. Survived by his wife of 39 years, Zoila. and children: Pedro Puron, Henry Puron, Ileana Nothnagle, Osilia Puron; sister Margaret Tschetter-Molinaro,  nieces, nephews and cousins.   At his request, no services will be held.