Obituaries

Elizabeth “Betty” Baird, age 86, of Webster, New York, passed away on April 14, 2024. She was born on Feb. 12, 1938, in Albion, New York, to Madalyn and Rulison Bigger. She was one of the many sets of twins in Albion that grew up on Erie Street.  Elizabeth was a very positive, upbeat, and caring person who cherished and sacrificed for her family above all else. Her life revolved around family, and she loved to travel, have fun, dance, sing, and live life to the fullest. Elizabeth was a talented writer, known for her poems for children and adults, as well as a book. She began her career as a registered nurse, working in hospitals, nursing homes, and private duty. She attended Genesee Hospital School of Nursing and Albion High School.  She was a wonderful nurse! In the early years, Elizabeth loved belonging to Oak Hill Country Club and playing golf and bowling with friends.  She was also a member of the Eastman Oratorio Society. She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Snowden; son, Thomas Andrew Sugden; son-in-law, Joseph Snowden; daughter-in-law, Lisa Sugden; grandchildren, Shane Sugden, Julia Sugden, Thomas Snowden, and Robert Snowden; and sister, Jane Hail. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Her twin sister Peggy Pieters passed away April 16, 2024, following her sister and now they are together again! Elizabeth’s hobbies included dancing, singing, and writing, cooking, shopping, and walking five miles a day. She worshiped at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Rochester Cremation in West Henrietta, NY, is assisting the family with arrangements. A Memorial Service to celebrate Elizabeth’s life will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made by performing an act of kindness in her honor. If anyone wishes to correspond with the family, please send any and all to 500 Jondor Drive, Webster, NY 14580.

Shirley A. DePalma, of Medina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Medina Memorial Hospital- North Wing Skilled Nursing Facility, a day shy of her 83rd birthday. Born April 18, 1941, in Medina, she was a daughter of the late John E. and Lelia M. (Allport) Brazzell. Shirley graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1959. She went on to earn an associate degree in accounting from Genesee Community College.  Shirley had a long career with Bernzomatic in Medina. She started out as a tow motor operator and then worked in the accounting department, retiring in 2004.  Shirley was an avid reader. She also enjoyed bowling, playing softball and loved to play cards. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Robin (Todd) Houseman of Albion and Teresa (Ryan) Wilkins of Medina; grandchildren, Mercedes (Cody) George, Reagan Wilkins and Lucas Wilkins; great-granddaughter, Madison George; nieces and nephew, Cheryl (Brad) Albone, Fritz (Dawn) Kopitzki and Rhonda (Keith) McKinney. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer. Interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Wing SNF- Activities Dept., 200 Ohio St., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences atwww.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Serina M. Dixon, age 47, passed away unexpectedly on Wed., April 10, 2024. Born Oct. 12, 1976, she was a daughter of the late Kathleen (Dixon) Munn. Survivors include her sons, Dillon (Fiancé Karlee) Winters of Lyndonville, Austin Winters, Zachary Winters (Natilie Leno) of Rochester and Dominic Winters (Mila Molina) of Medina; grandson, Adrian Winters; stepfather, Jack Munn of Medina. Predeceased by her mother, Kathleen Munn in 2019. Funeral services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Neil H Johnson, 85, of Albion, passed away on, April, 14, 2024 at The Martin-Linsin Residence under hospice care. Neil was born to Howard and Emma (Ross) Johnson on July 13, 1938. After graduating from High School, he studied Linguistics and Anthropology at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. After earning his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees, he married Margaret (Joanne) McLaughlin on September 12,1964, in Detroit, Michigan. Together, Neil and Joanne moved to New York State where Neil continued his education, graduating from Cornell University with his Doctorate in Anthropology. Throughout his life, Neil’s professions included being the University Archeologist and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Brockport. He was a founding partner at Clune and Johnson Archeological Consulting Firm and the Village of Albion Historian. Beginning in 1980 as the Albion Village Historian, he wrote a weekly column, “Albion, Oh Albion,” for the Albion Advertiser for 26 years. Neil had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, often spending his spare time researching topics of interest or reading books. Neil shared his passion serving as a member of the Swan, now Hoag, Library Board of Trustees; a long-time member of the Orleans County 4-H Fair board, and an active Board Member for The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum. He wrote books about the history of Swan Library and the Orleans County 4-H Fair. In 1977 Neil and his wife Joanne founded the Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers Club. Neil received the Legacy Award from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension for serving as a 4-H leader for more than 40 years. In 2019, Neil was recognized for his dedication to preserve and protect the history of Orleans County as he was awarded with the Bob Waters Lifetime Achievement Award. Neil was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Joanne, in November of 2023. He is survived by his two children Tom Johnson (Stephanie Sanger) and Sarah Johnson; three Granddaughters, Emma (Caitlin Boker) Sanger-Johnson, Grace Sanger-Johnson, Izzy Sanger-Johnson, and a Great Granddaughter, Maya Boker. There will be no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make contributions to Hospice of Orleans, 14080-NY 31, Albion NY, The Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411, or The Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers 12690 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411. Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes. To share a memory of Neil, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Loretta  “Jean”  Love, age 80, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mount Morris surrounded by her loving family. She was born Monday, November 1st, 1943 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William Shafer and Laura Maxwell Shafer.  She loved her animals, tending to her flower beds, gardening and cheering for the Buffalo Bills, especially for Jim Kelly. Most of all Jean loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her great-grandson Mason play baseball. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Darwin F. Love; her daughters, Cheryl (McQueen) Love of Medina and Laurie (Joseph) Graham of Attica;  three grandchildren, Rita (Sam) Vigiano of Elba, Felicia (Robert) LeRoy of Victor and Holly (Taylor) Ellis of Canton; two great-grandsons, Mason Vigiano of Elba and Liam Ellis of Canton; her brothers, Leslie (Dorothy) Shafer of Batavia and Wayne (Karen) Shafer of Lancaster; her sister, Theresa (Gary) Cervone of Houston, Texas along with several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings, Carol Shafer who passed away as infant, Donald Shafer, Annie Fisk and Timothy (late Carol) Karnafel. Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where memorial services will be held at 11 am Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, New York 14221. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Louis H. McGuire, Jr., age 77, died April 20, 2024 in Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. He was born February 13, 1947 in Albion to Louis and Arlene (Schmackpffer) McGuire and had lived in this area most of his life. Louis enjoyed fishing, taking car rides, watching the boats go in and out of the harbor at Pt. Breeze and loved his coffee!  However, his greatest love was the time he got spend with his grandchildren.  They truly filled his heart.He is survived by his sons: Adam McGuire of Mt. Morris, Michael (Tatiana) McGuire of Albion, his sister: Brenda Cimino of NC, his grandchildren: Leo, Caleb, Peyton, Olivia, Piper, Aspen as well as several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours and his services will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery.  Louis’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion. To share a special memory of Louis, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

David G. Newman, age 70 of Barker, NY passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. David was born on March 23, 1954. He was preceded in death by his mother Stella J Grendisa and father Theodore George Newman. Dave is survived by his wife, Clara Perez-Newman, brother Daniel Newman, children Nicole and Joe and grandchildren Nevaeh, Michael, Angelo, and Riley. David retired from General Motors after 30 years and was a member of the UAW. He is remembered for his love of sports particularly his love of baseball. A ceremony to honor and celebrate David’s life will be held at Hartland Central Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067, on May 18, 2024, at 12 pm. May he rest in peace.

Bruno P. Pacini of Medina, New York, formerly of Middleport, passed peacefully in the early hours of April 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January. Born in North Tonawanda, New York on Jan. 21, 1922, he was the son of the late Guy and Leontine (Bourdon) Pacini. He graduated from North Tonawanda High School and was ready to enter Niagara University on a football scholarship when WWII intervened. He entered the Army in Oct. of 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant until February 1946. Upon leaving the service, he went back to Niagara University to continue his education. He earned his BS degree in Social Science in 1950 and his MA in 1951. His teaching career was spent at Royalton-Hartland in Middleport where he taught Social Studies for 27 years. In addition to his classroom duties, he coached his favorite sport of football and at his retirement in 1977, this respected coach had the football field named in his honor. After his retirement he went on to be elected Royalton Town Justice, a position he would hold for 12 years. He was also a member of the Clute Phillips Post 938 of the American Legion in Middleport and the Knights of Columbus. He was the last surviving member of the original inductees of the Foundation Award Winners of the Niagara Orleans League. He was proud to have been inducted into the North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame, the Niagara University Hall of Fame and the Roy Hart” Proud to be a Ram” Wall of Fame. Beside his parents, Bruno was predeceased by his wife Bertha (Pope) Kilworth Pacini and his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Shirley. He is survived by his step-daughter Gina (Mike) George, step-granddaughters Audrey (Casey)Tuohey and Emily (Michael) McLaren, as well as great grandchildren Brayden, Gavin, Shay and Camryn, two nieces Sandra (Edmond) Hess and Charlene (David) Gwinn He will be missed by many long time friends from his years in Middleport, his friend Jean Chatt of Medina as well as the many young men he coached over the years who long after graduation still kept in touch with their coach. He was deeply touched by the many former students and friends who attended the re-dedication of the football field. There are no prior calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church on Fri., April 26 at 10am. Burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Wed., May 1 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate in his memory to a charity of their own choosing. To share a special memory of Bruno, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Joyce H. Roberts, age 90, passed away with her loving family by her side at the Martin Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion on April 24, 2024. She was born September 27, 1933 in Canandaigua to the late Chester and Thelma (Wallace) Haigh. Joyce was a longtime member of the Albion First Baptist Church, worked as a supervisor at OTB in Albion for over 20 years and along with her late husband ran “Tommy’s Restaurant”. She was a lifetime member of the Carlton Fire Co. ladies auxiliary and very active in the Home Bureau. Joyce and Tom enjoyed square dancing together and spent time travelling all over WNY and the surrounding area. In her spare time, she enjoyed needlework, crafts, reading and working around the farm. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Thomas on July 14, 1994, brother Gary Haigh, son-in-law, Franklin James, and brother-in-law, Weldon Astle. Joyce is survived by her children, Cynthia Roberts, Dawn James, Paul (Linda) Roberts, Mark Roberts, Judy (James) Bennett, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister, Donna Astle, sister-in-law, Rena Haigh, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Wednesday May 8th from 4:00-7:00pm. Her memorial service will be held at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday, May 9th at 10:30am. Interment will be held in Carlton Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Albion First Baptist Church 30 West Park St. Albion, NY 144411 or Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411. To share a special memory of Joyce, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ann Scholl, of Gasport and Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully at age 82. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Grace (Sexton) Scholl.  She was the loving sister of Margaret Scholl, Michael (Jacklyn) Scholl and the late Delores (Leonard) Shimkin.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours or service.  Private interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  Mary Ann’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport. To share a special memory of Mary Ann, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Francis H. “Frank” Slingerland passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thu., April 18, 2024, at the age of 86.  He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Pat, children Patty Keady, Francis “Frank” (Sue) Slingerland Jr., Mary (Joel) Johnson and Denise Slingerland, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, brother Richard “Dick” (Maureen) Slingerland,  and many nieces and nephews. Frank was a great husband and father, who adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was an avid outdoorsman, a Scout Leader and a jokester.  He loved his camp, four wheeling and hunting.  Frank will be dearly missed. A future Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.  Those wishing may contribute to a charity of your choice in Frank’s memory.

Gertrude Szymanski, age 99, died April 19, 2024 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.  She was born August 9, 1924 in Albion to Felix and Beatrice Kryzinski and was a life-long resident of this area. Gertrude was a person who took great pride in being a homemaker.  She tended to her family with love, affection and great care.  Gertrude loved to travel, especially to the Southwest, and enjoyed reading as well.  She liked to go on hikes as well as spend time gardening but, her greatest joy was taking care of her family and the home.  Mrs. Szymanski was predeceased by her husband: Alexander and her siblings: Chester, Edward, and Leonard Kryzinski, and Lucille Gross and Florence Whiting. She is survived by her son: Michael Szymanski as well as several nieces and nephews. The family received friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main Street-Gasport, Mon., April 22 from 4-7pm where her Funeral Service was held Tue. at 11am.  Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT, 84741. To share a special memory of Gertrude, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com