Christopher Honsky

Christopher Mark Honsky, 64, of Dannemora, New York passed away on June 1, 2019 in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Chris was born January 22, 1955 at E.J. Noble Hospital in Governeur to John Kuzma Honsky and Elizabeth Spaulding Honsky. He attended Fowler, Balmat and Edwards Elementary schools; he graduated from Edwards Central High School in 1973. Following high school, he went to work in the mines as a blaster for St. Joe Minerals. He later worked around the country in the oil fields of Wyoming and constructing subway tunnels in Baltimore. He then became a career correctional officer for New York State retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 2015. He enjoyed fishing throughout his life; beginning at the pump house at Sylvia Lake, the Oswegatchie, Raquette, Lake Champlain and various lakes in Clinton County and the Adirondack Region, St. Lawrence Rivers, as well as Montana, Lake Okeechobee, the Louisiana Delta, Belize and at the end, catching his limit of Halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska.

He is survived by Veronique Brown, his life partner, his three grandchildren, Victor, Bazzy, and Nadiya, his sister, Mary Beth and brother John (Susan) of Missoula, Montana and family in NY and across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Elizabeth Honsky. He was a long-time member of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club.

Cremation and transportation were managed by the Ketchikan Mortuary with final arraignments by French Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the French Funeral Home in Edwards, NY, Friday, June 14 from 2 to 5 PM with burial to follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Edwards with the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Quick of the Gouverneur United Methodist Church officiating. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Ricky A. Gushlaw

Ricky A. Gushlaw passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019.

Ricky A. Gushlaw was born December 12, 1960, the son of Alton J. Gushlaw and Shirley M. Cox Gushlaw.

He is survived by his companion, Karen Peck of Gouverneur, three brothers, Joseph E. Gushlaw and wife Tina, Danny and his companion Susan Brown, and Chris M. Gushlaw, all of Clayton, and a sister Margie M. Decteur of Redwood. He is also survived by several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

He is predeceased by his father (September 20, 2014) and his mother (February 5, 2019). Also, a brother Jeff Gushlaw.

Susan B. Knight

Susan B. Knight left us at approximately 10:05 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Flowers Hospital for her eternal home in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She fought a brave battle with liver failure over the past few years. She was 69.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2019 at Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise with Reverend John McCrummen officiating. The family received friends at the funeral home Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continued until time of service.

Mrs. Knight was born November 15, 1949 to the late Kenneth and Iva Porter. Susan was a loving wife, mother and friend. She loved knitting and crocheting, enjoyed crafting, had a very creative mind when it came to house renovations and building and was an avid camper.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her beloved husband, James Knight of Daleville, AL; sons: Michael Hoover (Jennifer) of Syracuse, NY, Jonathan Hoover (Kiesha) of Watertown, NY and Jeffry Knight (Sherri) of Gouverneur, NY; daughter, Holly Register (Bennie D.) of Enterprise, AL; sister, Barbara Porter Currier of Gouverneur, NY; eight grandchildren: Carlyn Hoover, Courtney Hoover, Braelynn Hoover, Jarret Knight, Tanner Knight, Samantha Mullin, Daniel Mullin and Chloe Register; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Enterprise, (334) 347-9598, is in charge of arrangements. To sign a guest register, please visit www.sorrellsfuneralhomeenterprise.com.

Eileen N. McNeil

Eileen N. McNeil, 80, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

There will be no funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Eileen was born on May 10, 1939 in Gouverneur, the daughter of Joseph and Otto Tharrett.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1957 and married Roland "Manny" McNeil on June 30, 1957.

Eileen had worked at Foeppel's Meat Market, was a housekeeper in Alexandria Bay, worked for Sears and Roebuck in Syracuse, and helped Manny run farms in Theresa and Rossie. She enjoyed scratch off tickets, playing bingo, and spending time outdoors, especially in her flower gardens.

Eileen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Manny, her son Robert and Joanne McNeil of Antwerp, 2 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, brothers, and sisters.

Martin “Corky” Hogue

Martin “Corky” Hogue passed away December 28, 2018 in Inverness, Florida. There will be a Memorial Service at the First United Methodist Church 34 Grove Street, Gouverneur with Rev. Elizabeth Quick officiating on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service friends and family are invited to the American Legion Post #65 from 12:00-3:00 to continue at share memories of Corky. 

Corky grew up in Balmat, son of Charles and Wilma Hogue. After graduating from Gouverneur High School he joined the Navy. He came home on leave in December of 1960 and married Diane Edwards on December 23rd. They were married 57 years until Diane passed away April 12, 2018. Their children Natalie Kelley, Denise Kingsley and Jon Hogue look forward to seeing family and friends to help “Celebrate” the Life of Corky. He was a very dedicated man to his family, his work at Corning Glass, Canton NY, and the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department. He spent many days on Panther Mountain, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

Barton E. "Bart" Bishop

Barton E. "Bart" Bishop, 55, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at his home.

   Funeral services are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

   Bart was born on December 30, 1963, the son of Eugene and Connie Reed Bishop.

   He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1982 and worked for P&C Supermarket for 27 years, the majority of the time on the night crew.

   Bart married Carla Bowhall on December 10, 1994 at the Fowler Baptist Church.

   He enjoyed bowling, playing golf, watching sports on television, especially football and golf, and time spent with friends, family, and his dog Daisey.

   Bart is survived by his wife Carla, his two children Cody Bishop and his girlfriend Kassie Whiteford of Fowler, Kortnee and Mike Lucidi of Gouverneur, and was looking forward to his soon to be born first grandson, Greyson. He is also survived by his parents Eugene and Connie, his brothers Lynn Bishop, Lyle and Lisa Bishop, a sister Nicole and John Suits, all of Fowler, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

   Memorial donations in Bart's memory are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Service notice: Myrissa Lauren Murray

Myrissa Lauren Murray, age 27, of Carthage, but formerly of Fine, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019 in Upstate Medical University. There will be a visitation held at her parents’ home on the Finley Road in Fine on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 12 – 1 p.m. with her memorial service following at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Star Lake. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Louis M. Mandigo

Louis M. Mandigo, 55, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019, at his home.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Louis was born on March 30, 1964 in Madrid, Spain, the son of William Mandigo and Maria Pascual.

He worked for St. Lawrence NYSARC and enjoyed fishing, drawing, cranking up his music, and most of all, spending time with his dog Sky, friends, and family.

Louis is survived by his mother Maria Pascual of Gouverneur, 3 daughters Heather LaRock and her companion Timothy Getman of Fowler, Crystina Mandigo and her companion Raul Byrd of Gouverneur, Justice Mandigo of Watertown, his 6 grandchildren Hailey LaRock, Logan LaRock, Keegan Getman, Kyleigh Byrd, Bentley Mandigo, and Kolin Mandigo, a brother William Mandigo Jr. and his companion Barbara Woodrow, a nephew Montgomery Mandigo and his companion Lindsey Conklin, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, 2 sons Brian Mandigo and Wyatt Caskinett, and a granddaughter Serenity Getman.

William P. Tuohy

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of William P. Tuohy, 79, on May 2nd, 2019 at Advent Health, Sebring, FL.

Bill was born November 20, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. He spent his youth there with his mother, Mary Jane, father, Patrick, and two sisters, Eileen and Maureen.

Bill entered the seminary at the age of 14 and continued his education there until 25, when he changed careers. He entered the Army and served at Walter Reed and in Vietnam. He came to Gouverneur and spent the rest of his career in Personnel at St. Joseph Lead Co., then ZCA.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne, of 38 years, his daughter, Deborah (Jim) Stewart, his son, Tom Hurley (Robin), and his son, Michael (Ashley) Tuohy. He has six grandchildren; Liam, Nolan and Morgan Stewart; Logan and Quinn Hurley and Teagan Grace Tuohy. He loved his family deeply and was dedicated to his faith. Bill will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.

A memorial will be held in Gouverneur, NY at a later date.

Dorothy C. Hill

Dorothy C. Hill, 79, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully on April 25, 2019 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Dorothy was born on October 2, 1939 in Beaver Falls, NY the daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Tolhurst) Gavigan.

Dorothy married her husband Walter on June 13, 1959 and shared over 50 years of marriage and Together they nurtured and raised three children, John, Laura, and Lisa. For many years they made their home in Gouverneur, NY and moved to Maine in 1998-they then moved back to New York in 2008. Dorothy returned to Maine in 2017.

They enjoyed traveling around the beautiful New England states and residing in North Myrtle Beach, NC during the winters. Both Dorothy and Walter loved going to the beach and sightseeing for dolphins and whales.

Dorothy was a homemaker who raised her children and then raised the children of family friends. She loved coffee and conversation with neighbors and friends. Dorothy enjoyed music and was a member of the community band where she played the flute and also played piano. She was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club.

Dorothy was a talented and skilled seamstress; she made clothes for her children and grandchildren. She was well versed in the kitchen and loved to have her family together for the holidays. First and foremost was Dorothy’s love of her family and grandchildren. Family reunions were a great treat for her.

For the past few years, Dorothy has faced illnesses and declining health. Through it all, she has been surrounded in love with her family by her side. Her memory and life lessons will be honored and shared with a family service later in June. She will be dearly missed by her children and grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by her children, John Hill and wife Kathy Maronski of Downingtown PA; Laura Hill and husband Joseph Romano of Limington, ME; and Lisa Mason and husband Chris Mason of Fort Saskatchewan, AB Canada; her six grandchildren, Eric and Lauren Hill of Pennsylvania; Amanda Tanner of New York; Kevin Mason of Virginia; and Megan and Jacob Romano of Maine; her two brothers, James and Leon Gavigan and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Hill and by her brother, Fred Gavigan.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com

The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.

Franklin E. Versailles

Franklin E. Versailles, 73, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, surrounded by his loving family.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 9th from 10:00 to 12:00 noon with a funeral service to follow at noon at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. James Warrington, pastor of the Macomb Community Wesleyan Church officiating and burial in Oxbow Cemetery. A gathering will follow at the Oxbow Fire Department.

Franklin was born on June 18, 1945 in Felts Mills, the son of Joseph and Violet (Kellison) Versailles.

He attended Indian River School in Antwerp and worked as a mechanic, laborer, carpenter, and retired from the New York State D.O.T. in 2008.

Frank married Julia Ann Marcellus on February 20, 1965 at the Oxbow Church.

He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, bowling, gardening, and spending time with his family.

He was an exempt member of the Oxbow Vol. Fire Department which he belonged to for 30+ years and had served as a member of the fire police for many years.

Frank is survived by his wife of 54 years Julia, his children Debbie and Don Hicks, Joanne Norsworthy and Billy Law, Jackie and Jim Hartle, Tammy and Rusty Richardson, Frankie and Missy Versailles, Jennifer Brown and Cricket Mandigo, 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Bonnie and Bob Hull, Pat Burns and Randy Fleming, Cecilia and Allen McCall, several nieces and nephews. Frank is predeceased by his parents, brothers Joseph Versailles Jr., William Fuller, Donald Fuller, his sisters Joan Mack, Shirley Burns, and Jeanette Wylie.

Memorial donations in Frank's memory are encouraged to the American Heart Association.

Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria Jean Smith, 77, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Carthage Center Nursing Home, surrounded by her devoted family.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 8th at 1:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Fr. Donald J. Manford officiating followed by burial in Hailesboro Cemetery. Calling hours are on Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Gloria was born in Gouverneur on July 19, 1941, the daughter of Glen and Monibel Brown Cole.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed keeping her house tidy, gardening in the yard, spending time with friends and family on day trips or hosting parties and picnics, especially for her children and grandchildren. Gloria also enjoyed taking trips with her husband Gary and their friends to various states as well as canoe trips and outings to various local lakes. She was known to be an animal lover.

Gloria married Gary V. Smith on March 30, 1964 at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur with Msg. McCarthy officiating.

Gloria is survived by her husband Gary, her daughter Jamie H. and Kevin Wood, her son Glenn V. and Susan Smith, all of Harrisville, and her four grandchildren Cody Wood, Nathan Wood, Lauryn Smith, and Helen Smith. She is also survived by her sister Delores and Ronald Hartle of Fowler, brother Scott and Sharon Cole of Syracuse, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and two brothers Lawrence and Richard Cole.

Memorial donations in honor of Gloria are suggested to the Harrisville Vol. Fire Department.

Jessie MacTurk Young

Jessie MacTurk Young, 96, of Manlius passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2019 with her daughter and son-in-law. She was born in Hailesboro, NY and graduated from Gouverneur High School. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 60 years. She was a longtime member of the Cazenovia Golf Club where she enjoyed golf into her early 90’s.

She is predeceased by her husband, John “Jack” Young; sons, Timothy and James; son-in-law, Jack Pickard; and her daughter, Nancy Oliver.

She is survived by her children, John (Donna Kestner) Young of Fulton, Robert (Jeanne) Young of Fayetteville, Judith (John) Forsythe of Manlius, Kay Pickard of Cicero and Pamela (Robert) Smith of Cicero; son-in-law, Timothy Oliver of Central Square; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 18th at the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, 34 Grove St., Gouverneur, NY.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or Kelberman Center, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.

For guest book, please visit: www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com

Mildred V. Hamilton

Funeral services for Mildred V. Hamilton, 94, of Heuvelton, will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 11:00am at Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Law and Rev. Rob Schirmer officiating. Calling hours will be held Monday, May 6, 2019 from 3:00 to 7:00pm at Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Heuvelton. Mildred passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at United Helpers Maplewood in Canton, NY.

She is survived by daughters Sharon (Alvin) Stiles of Gouverneur and Lamona (Richard) Crawford of Heuvelton, brothers Harry of Jasper, Alabama and Robert Gladle of South Hammond, grandchildren Kevin Stiles, Shawn Stiles, Joshua Crawford, Dylan Crawford, step grandchildren Joseph Crawford and Kathrine Crawford, great grandchildren Kevin, Courtney, Carley, Megan, Alexis, a great-great grandchild Liam Stiles, plus several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Hamilton was predeceased by husband Emmett Hamilton, a son William Hamilton, a sister Ida Gladle, brothers David and Horace Gladle, and great granddaughter Cassidy Stiles.

Mildred was born on May 24, 1924, a daughter of the late William and Mary (Bogart) Gladle in Macomb, NY and attended Macomb rural and Gouverneur Central School. She married Emmett Hamilton on December 25, 1949 at the Gouverneur Presbyterian Parsonage and worked at various local farms. In 1964 Mildred started working at Diamond International in production until the company’s closure. She worked at United Helpers Nursing Home as a dietary aide then upon retiring she cared for the sons of Corrine and Randy Bice, and then also cared for her youngest grandsons and fondly telling people “I RAISED THOSE BOYS”!

Mrs. Hamilton was a current member of the VFW Auxiliary in Gouverneur, Macomb Grange and Presbyterian Stone Church. She enjoyed babysitting, collecting cookbooks, being an avid Lisbon sports fan by following her grandchildren’s sporting events, reading Danielle Steel novels, and many shopping trips with her friend Corleen. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Heuvelton Fire Department; 95 N State Street; Heuvelton, NY 13654 and the Lisbon Fire Department; 7002 County Road 10; Lisbon, NY 13658. Condolences and fond memories can be expressed at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.

Deborah K. Prashaw

Deborah “Debbie” K. Prashaw, 65, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown, surrounded by her family.

Debbie was born in Gouverneur, New York on March 30, 1954 to Francis L. and Virginia (Raymo) Prashaw.

Debbie attended Gouverneur Central School. She grew up in Richville, NY before moving to Fowler. Later in life, Debbie moved to the Watertown area to be closer to her sisters.

She worked for many years at the Casablanca Restaurant, Roma Restaurant, and Gouverneur Hospital before becoming disabled and retired.

Debbie enjoyed many things in life such as doing puzzles, working on crafts, and playing on her phone/tablet. Her true pleasure, though, was doing for others and her love for her cats. She loved her cats Fluffy & Sadie very much and they were her kids.

She is survived by two sisters, Karen Bishop of Evans Mills and Betsy Dufresne of Watertown; three nephews, Brooke “Chip” (Crystal) Bishop of Norwood; James Dufresne of Watertown; and Michael (Alicia) Dufresne of Watertown; two great-nieces, Cheyanne and Isabel; two great-nephews, Jacob and Ayden; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Debbie is predeceased by her parents, Francis L. and Virginia Prashaw; two brothers-in-law, Charles “Red” Bishop and Quinton “Scott” Dufresne; her maternal and paternal grandparents; a great-nephew, Brian Alguire; and several aunts and uncles.

Per Debbie’s request, she will be cremated and a private family burial will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date. No calling hours or funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested that donations be made to the Jefferson County SPCA at 25056 Water St, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA at P.O. Box 594, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

Arrangements are entrusted to Northridge Cremation Chapel, 31291 Town Line Rd., Philadelphia.

Condolences may be made online at www.northridgecremationchapel.com.

Trudy Tripp

Trudy Tripp, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Syracuse.

There will be no funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Trudy was born in Gouverneur on October 21, 1956, the daughter of Glen and Olive Mashaw Boshane.

She lived in the Gouverneur area most of her life where she worked as a waitress many years and enjoyed watching soap operas, collecting Buddhas, angels, playing bingo, visiting the casino, and spending time with her family.

Trudy was married to Robert Tripp Jr. with whom she raised three sons.

She is survived by her sons Robert Tripp III of Gouverneur, Glen Tripp and Ronald Hulgan of Syracuse, Jamie Tripp of Fowler, 3 granddaughters Kayla Lynn Tripp and mother Gina Richards, Alyssa Lynn Tripp, and Lauryn Elizabeth Tripp. She is also survived by her 4 sisters Patricia Olmstead of Chase Mills, Alice Allen of Gouverneur, Pamela Allen of Alexandria Bay, Glennis Dashner of Fowler, several nieces and nephews and her precious cat Shadow. Trudy is predeceased by her parents, 2 brothers Jerry Boshane and Arthur Boshane, 2 sisters Sharla Miller and Marilyn McIntosh.

Death Notice: Betty Fleming

Betty Fleming, age 83, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on January 11, 2019 in Raleigh, NC.

She is the wife of the late Guy Fleming, mother to Alan Fleming of Raleigh, NC and Carl Fleming of Gouverneur and Janet Campbell of Raleigh, NC and sister to Walter Payne and Donald and Memory Payne of Gouverneur.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the Hailesboro Cemetery with Rev. Richard Mayforth officiating. Local arrangements are with French Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Service notices: Anna M. Reilly

A funeral mass for Anna M. Reilly will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 11 am at St. James Church, Gouverneur with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial to follow in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Anna, 95, passed away on Dec. 2, 2018.

Gouverneur - Calling hours for Brent S. Smith will be on Saturday, May 18 from 2-4 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with burial to follow with military honors in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. A dinner to share memories will follow at 5 pm at the Gouverneur Masonic Lodge. Brent, 77, passed away on February 23 in Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Church, 164 E. Main St., Gouverneur, NY 13642 or American Legion Post 15, PO Box 743, Lindale, TX 75771.

Ginny Stowell

Madelyn Virginia “Ginny” Brooks Stowell, 94, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Riverledge Nursing Home in Ogdensburg.

Ginny was born in Morristown on June 12, 1924, the daughter of John and Edith (Lowery) Brooks of Brier Hill.

She married her husband Herbert Stowell on April 20, 1946 in Gouverneur with Rev. Crawford officiating and Herb’s brother Charles Stowell standing up with them along with Ginny’s best friend Alma Markwick Rumble. They were married for 71 years, living in Gouverneur from 1946 until 2017 when they moved together to Riverledge Nursing Home. Herb passed away on September 12, 2017.

Ginny graduated from a one room schoolhouse in Brier Hill in 1941 and from St. Lawrence State Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. During her nursing school internship, she worked one year at Belview Hospital of Nursing in NYC and Vanderbilt School of Nursing in Nashville, TN, specializing in psychology. In her third year of nursing, she joined the army nursing corps, as they needed nurses for WW II but she had to graduate first. The war ended before she graduated, and she did not have to go to Europe.

Ginny became charge nurse of the medical floor at Van Duzee Hospital in Gouverneur and when E.J. Noble Hospital opened up in1951, she was named the floor charge nurse there. In 1952, when the first epidemic of polio struck, Ginny was the only nurse who knew how to operate the Iron Lung. She had positions as charge nurse for the OB floor and surgical floor. Ginny worked private duty nursing, and had worked at the private practices of Dr. Ernest Adler for 26 years and Dr. Abdul Jalalzai. She served as East Side School nurse before retiring at age 65.

Ginny was to meet Herb, when he was discharged home from WW II, at a lunch with his mother, Marion Stowell, who was a cook at the Van Duzee Hospital, but Herb skipped out. However, the next night, Ginny and her friend Alma, saw him at the Park View Hotel in Gouverneur and she introduced herself. Herb always said, “he never stood a chance”, and they married 2 weeks later.

The couple have 2 children, Bonnie Simmons, Thomas and Sandy Stowell, all of Gouverneur, 4 grandchildren Jason Simmons, Kris, Adam, and Tyler Stowell, 9 great grandchildren,1 great, great grandchild, nieces and nephews. Ginny is predeceased by her husband Herb, her parents, and her brothers John R. and Robert Brooks.

Lifetime members of the Gouverneur First Baptist Church and Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, they spent their lifetimes in service to their church and the church family. They spent many years “doing all things as a family” or they didn’t do it at all. They enjoyed years of racing cars, boats, and go-karts, traveling on motorcycles, owned camps at Pleasant Lake and Hickory Lake, and enjoyed it all with their friends and families in work and play while being of help to anyone who needed it.

There will be no funeral services per their wishes and private burial will be in Hailesboro Cemetery with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Memorial donations in their memory may be made to the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department, Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, or Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church.

Helena McCrea

Helena C. McCrea, age 94, of Gouverneur, passed away on April 30, 2019 at Carthage Center.

Her service will be private. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Donations in memory of Helena may be made to the Gouverneur Hospital or the Gouverneur Rescue Squad. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Helena was born on November 13, 1924 in Gouverneur, a daughter of the late Olin and Edith (Reynolds) Clark. She attended the little red schoolhouse in North Gouverneur and graduated from the Gouverneur High School.

Helena married Efton R. McCrea on May 19, 1956 in the Spragueville Methodist Church with Rev. Daisey Harvey officiating. The couple operated their dairy farm on the Kearney Road in Gouverneur for many years. Efton passed away on June 20, 2008.

Mrs. McCrea loved animals. She and her husband enjoyed going to horse shows and she was very active in the 4-H where she served as a 4-H leader for many years. Helena was an active grandmother, babysitting and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her vegetable garden and had played volleyball in high school and locally into her 70’s.

Her survivors include a daughter, Ola F. McCrea; three sons, Efton Jr. and Paige, Joel and Helen, and James, all of Gouverneur; and two sisters, Marybelle Needle and Doris Plant. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Keshia McCrea, Elizabeth and Patrick Cornell, Gary Johnson, Kristopher and Gina Johnson, Ethan and Ellen McCrea, Cody and Morgan McCrea; 6 great-grandchildren, Kelsee, Sarina, Jordyn, Kaiden, Benjamin and Abigail; and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband; a brother, John Clark; and two sisters, Ola Clark and Beryl Russell.