Sheila Van Norton

Sheila Marie Van Norton, age 66, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 27, 2025.

Arrangements are incomplete with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Sheila was born on March 21, 1959 in Gouverneur to Belva (Parker) Church and the late William Church. She attended the Edwards Knox High School and married Thomas Van Norton on December 24, 1974 at the Gouverneur Presbyterian Church.

Sheila worked in the photographic business, developing pictures on an industrial scale for District Photo in Maryland before working for Fuji on Long Island.

Sheila is survived by her mother, Belva Church, daughter, Amber Lynn Van Norton, granddaughter, Zoe Campbell, and her siblings, William and Lynne Church, Larry Church, David and Janet Church, and Helen and Charlie Cole.

She is predeceased by her father, William Church, and a sister that died at birth.

Thomas Van Norton

Thomas Howard Van Norton, age 68, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 27, 2025.

Arrangements are incomplete with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Tom was born on May 16, 1956 in Gouverneur to the late Howard and Helene “Hon” (Curtis) Van Norton. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School and married Sheila Marie Church on December 24, 1974 at the Gouverneur Presbyterian Church.

Tom served in the United States Army from 1974 until his honorable discharge in 1977.

He had worked as an installer for Solar Science Industries in Beltsville, MD and as a tent setter for HDO Productions in Rockville, MD where he got to set up the tent for the Presidential Premier of Superman 3, meeting Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, and George H. Bush. Tom then spent 30 years working for IKEA in Baltimore, Long Island, New Jersey, Utah and retired in New Jersey in 2018.

Tom was an outdoorsman and avid hunter. He loved to read (at least 2 books a week), play golf, and greatly enjoyed the National Parks, especially in Utah. He was actively involved and coached the High School Trap Team, was a member and Secretary of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club, and was a member of the Northern Tier Trap League.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Amber Lynn Van Norton, granddaughter, Zoe Campbell, and brothers-in-law, Richard “Dick” Davis and Greg Poche.

He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Helene “Hon” Van Norton, and his sisters, Judy Davis and Kay Van Norton-Poche.

Marcia Sedgwick Bruce Gazin

Marcia Sedgwick Bruce Gazin, 79, of Gouverneur, New York, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025 with her family at her side, in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a short illness.

Marcia was born on June 1, 1945 to Henry H. Bruce and Marie Sorgenfrei Bruce in Syracuse, New York. After graduating from Ayr High School in 1962, she went on to study at Cornell University. Active in United Helpers, she served as President of the Society of United Helpers, as well as in the local Shakespeare Club and with the Frederic Remington Art Museum. She especially enjoyed participating in the Real Estate supper club with her North Country friends.

Marcia met her husband, Mark Allen Gazin, in Gouverneur and they married on August 20, 1966 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Gouverneur. She loved her family and enjoyed traveling to new destinations, at home and abroad.

She was predeceased by her husband and her sister, Nancy Leader. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Edinger, her son, Eric D. Gazin, and daughter-in-law Ann Gazin, Cincinnati, Ohio, and her grandsons, Jackson Gazin and Eric M. Gazin.

Memorial donations in honor of Marcia are encouraged to Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

Boyd Foster, Sr.

Boyd Foster, Sr., a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the age of 76. A Funeral Mass will be held April 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Church in Morristown, NY, with Rev. Christopher Carrara officiating. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at Fox and Murray Funeral Home from 3:00PM – 6:00PM. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Boyd is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patti; his three children, Jackie (Patrick) Kelly, Boyd Jr. (Tracy), and Patrick (David); his five grandchildren, Laken, Reagan, and Gannon Kelly and Boyd III and Edward Foster.  

Boyd was born in Auburn, New York on July 22, 1948 to Dorothy Hayes and Alfred Townsend Foster.  Boyd was one of ten children.  He was predeceased by his mother and father and his siblings, Ralph, Eleanor, Donald, Stewart, Carl, Beverly and Rodger,  Boyd is survived by two brothers and their spouses, Rodney (Marilyn) and Craig (Debbie) as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Boyd was born to work in the oil industry. His parents owned a small gas service station and after a brief time working in finance and insurance, Boyd moved his family to Ogdensburg to take a job with the Augsbury Corporation. He then worked his way up to various positions in the oil business, including being the President of Augsbury, Griffith Energy, All Energy, and ultimately retiring as the Executive Vice President of Wholesale Marketing, Manufacturing, and Transportation for Sunoco.

Boyd enjoyed spending time on the St. Lawrence River, being with his family and dogs, telling stories, and following the accomplishments of his grandchildren.

Boyd fought a courageous and high-spirited battle against cancer for nearly twenty years. Memorial donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania at Penn Medicine Development, Attn: Thomas White 3535, Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or at www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/giving.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fox&murrayfuneralhome.com.

Rena C. Griebsch

Rena C. Griebsch, age 95, of Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 under the loving care of her family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Monday, March 24th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Rena was born on April 22, 1929 in Gouverneur to the late Joseph and Clara (DeCastro) Pistolesi. She attended Gouverneur Central School and married Ernest H. Griebsch on October 24, 1954 at St. James Church with Rev. Msr. James Lyng officiating. Mr. Griebsch passed away on November 10, 2015.

Rena began working as a young girl for her father at Pistolesi’s Dry Cleaning in Gouverneur before becoming a waitress at the Clearview Restaurant. Her friendly smile and gift of gab made her a valuable asset there. She retired in 1985.

Rena always put family first in her life. She loved time spent with her family and adored her nieces and nephews. Even people she wasn’t related to would call her “Aunt Rena”. She enjoyed socializing with family and friends and loved Gouverneur, having lived there all of her life. The people in her community cherished her. Rena enjoyed spending time at the cottage on Sylvia Lake and was a member of St. James Church, the Elks Lodge and VFW.

Her survivors include her son, Karl Griebsch of Pompano Beach, Fl; daughters, Marisa Griebsch and her husband, Kurt Wells of Gouverneur and Lenore Heitz and her husband, William of Boynton Beach, FL; grandchildren, Shae and Spencer Heitz and a step granddaughter, Whitnee Miner and her children; and her many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, husband and infant daughter Martha, Rena is predeceased by her siblings, Mario Pistolesi, Lesa Rotundo, Eda Sleeman, Mary Curcio and Gilda Calvani.

Donations in memory of Rena may be made to St. James Church or the St. James Catholic School, the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Dept and Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy Adams

Dorothy A. Adams, age 96, of Oswegatchie, passed away on March 23, 2025 at the Clifton-Fine Hospital surrounded by her family.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oswegatchie Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy was born on July 10, 1928 in Geers Corners to the late Edwin and Florence (Manchester) Cole. She graduated from the Edwards High School in 1946 and married Lewis Donald Adams on December 25, 1948 at the Oswegatchie Baptist parsonage officiated by Rev. Frank Kelly. Lewis passed away on July 31, 1976.

Dorothy was a volunteer at the Clifton-Fine Hospital Residents Nursing Home, a member of the Clifton-Fine Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, the Clifton-Fine Senior Citizens Club, and the Oswegatchie Ladies Birthday Club. She was also a former member of the Oswegatchie Home Bureau and the Star Lake Neighborhood Center Advisory Board. For many years Dorothy held garage sales to benefit the Long-Term Care residents at Clifton-Fine Hospital. She also enjoyed going to her family’s many sporting events and always volunteered to drive and offered to take others to games as well.

Dorothy is survived by four children, Marie Wood, Lewis Adams, Donald Adams, and Lawrence Adams, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Lewis, and a grandson, Shannon Adams, who was killed in the World Trade Center Attack on September 11, 2001.

Donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Star Lake Fire and Rescue, PO Box 22, Star Lake NY 13690 or the Oswegatchie Baptist Church, PO Box 131, Star Lake NY 13690.

Kristine Turnbull

Kristine A. Turnbull, age 78, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 22, 2025 in Gouverneur.

Arrangements are private with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Kristine was born on December 16, 1946 in Gouverneur to the late Wesley and Agnes (Radigan) Kingsley. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1965 and from CCBI (Central City Business Institute) of Syracuse with a certificate in accounting.

She married Terrance “Terry” K. Turnbull in 1968 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley Brown officiating. The couple had celebrated 57 years of marriage. Mrs. Turnbull worked as the bookkeeper for International Talc in Fowler and Carbola Mines out of Harrisville.

Kristine enjoyed getting outside and helping maintain the lawn. She also enjoyed traveling, shopping, and the flowers, especially the asters, outside of the house. Most of all, Kristine was proud of the wonderful care her loving husband provided her over the years.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Turnbull, a sister, Karen Barr, a sister-in-law, Carol Turnbull, and her nieces and nephews.

Kristine is predeceased by her parents, brothers, Wesley and David Kingsley, a sister, Nancy Kingsley, sisters-in-law, Judy Laidlaw and Jane Desormeaux and a brother-in-law, Donald Turnbull.

Michael Dusharm

Michael L. (Mike) Dusharm, age 75, of Richville, NY passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Mike was born on June 15, 1949 to the late Melvin E. and Juanita (Newcomb) Dusharm. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1967. He was employed at Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut, Gouverneur Iron Works and CIVES Steel in Gouverneur from March 22, 1971 until his retirement on July 6, 2015.

In 1969 Mike joined the US Marine Corps, taking basic training at Paris Island, SC. He served in Vietnam and on July 26, 1970 he was wounded in his legs. He was honorably discharged as a corporal and had received a Purple Heart Award.

Previous marriages were to Michelle Serviss and Trudi Thompson. He married Janet (Knox) Dusharm on July 2, 2005.

He is survived by three daughters, Trina Dusharm Kuzia, Dodie Killock, and Christie (Dave) Schroer, his step-children, Laura Fuller (D.J. Moore), Edward Dusharm, Lorraine (Billy) Dusharm-Trojnor, and Shawn Thompson, and siblings, Bonnie Dwyer, Janet Gotham, and Charles (Ruth) Dusharm. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Juanita Dusharm, his daughter, Angie, his son, Terry, brother, Gregory, and brothers-in-law, Joseph Dwyer and Richard Gotham.

Mike was a member of the Gouverneur VFW and Gouverneur American Legion. He was an avid bowler and on the nice days you would find him at Emerald Green Golf Club.

There will be calling hours for Mike on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will immediately follow on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow with military honors at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642 or Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Linda Love

Linda H. Love, age 77, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 12, 2025 at the Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a private burial for Linda in the Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com

Linda was born on May 23, 1947 in Syracuse to the late Ernest and Helen (Hart) Carney. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1965 and from the Watertown School of Commerce in 1966.

She married George Love on October 15, 1966 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Stanley Brown. The couple have been together for 58 ½ years. Linda worked as a Secretary for Gouverneur Central School from 1968 until her retirement in 2008.

Linda was a voracious reader who also enjoyed gardening, watching movies and politics. She was the biggest cheerleader for her sons’ many sporting events and loved time spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, George Love, two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Jeri Love and James and Veronica Love, a brother, Robert Carney, a sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Doug Villeneuve, and a step-sister, Nona and Mark Guertin. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Ashly, McKenzie, Abby and Analiese, a great-granddaughter, Adriana, and several nieces and nephews.

Linda is predeceased by her parents; her step mother, Betty Carney; a brother, Thomas Carney, a step-brother, Francis LaQuier, sisters-in-law, Sherry and Patty Carney, and a great-grandson, Marcus Downs.

Donations in memory of Linda may be made to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642; Friends 4 Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Gouverneur Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 29, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Carlton Forsythe, Jr.

Carlton “Junior” W. Forsythe, Jr., age 88, passed away on March 15, 2025 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

His service will be private. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Carlton was born on May 31, 1936 in Gouverneur to the late Carlton W. Forsythe, Sr. and Mary M. (Wood) Forsythe. He attended Gouverneur Central School and Canton ATC where he studied Penal Law and Criminal Justice.

Junior served in the United States Army’s 3rd Armored Division in Germany, the Elite Artillery Unit and bragged that he once knocked out his Lieutenant. He served from May 31, 1955 until his honorable discharge on May 31, 1958.

He married Beverly Jesmer on January 22, 1956 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church. The had 68 years of marriage. Junior worked as a DEC Conservation Officer before becoming a NYS Trooper. He retired in 1988 after 25 years of service. He had previously worked for J&L Steel and the Natural Dam Paper Mill. After retirement he worked for Tar Heel Paving.

Junior was an avid deer and coyote hunter, fisherman, and trapper. He was a hunting guide for Bill Farley’s Sunbeam Club and hunted elk and caribou. Junior was a Firearms Instructor for the NYS Troopers in Albany, was a member of the High-Powered Rifle league, a wildlife photographer, and a true artisan who built several street rods. Junior was a perfectionist who built his own house and for others, raced snowmobiles, and played banjo for the Red Rovers blue grass band.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly, his sons, Jeff and Clover Forsythe, Steven and Dawn Forsythe, David and Karen Forsythe, and Carlton Forsythe, III, a sister-in-law, Karen Forsythe, 7 grandchildren, Adriane, Steven Jr., Zachary, Jake, Alexandra, Olivia, and Josiah, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Junior is predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Roy and Carlene Forsythe.

Donations in his memory may be made to the New Bremen Fish and Game Club, C/o Buckingham Hardware, Attn: Jordon, 9801 Main St, Croghan, NY 13327 or the Clifton-Fine Rifle and Pistol Club, C/o UB’s Mercantile, 3386 State Route 3, Oswegatchie, NY 13670.

Brian L. Burns

Brian Lee Burns, age 51, of Watertown and formerly of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025 unexpectedly.

Brian was born on July 23, 1973 in Watertown to Ted and Sharon (Boclair) Burns. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1992. Brian worked as a correction officer for NYSDOCCS in Gouverneur until his retirement in 2021. He married Autumn Tharrett on October 19, 2019 in Punta Cana.

Brian loved weight lifting, traveling, riding the side by side and spending summers at Sylvia Lake. He was an avid Giants football fan.

Surviving is his wife, Autumn; two sons, Caiden and Owen Burns; his father Ted Burns; two brothers, James and Michael Burns and his nieces and nephews.

Brian is predeceased by his mother, Sharon.

There was a celebration of life for Brian on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Cheryl Bickford

Cheryl Bickford, age 70, of Pine Grove Apartments, Gouverneur, passed away on March 10, 2025 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse following a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements are private with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Cheryl was born on November 12, 1954, the daughter of Robert “Ivan” and Madeleine (Wilson) Bickford of Fowler.

Cheryl had a love of music and pop culture; her favorite band was Heart. She loved all animals and was a supporter of animal rights. She recently lost her beloved dog Athena of 17 years whom was the light of her life. She leaves behind her adored cat, Trout.

Cheryl is survived by her brother, Kerry (Nancy) Bickford; brother-in-law, Dave Edwards; sister-in-law, Glenda Bickford; nieces, Michelle Hall and Amy (Brennan) Ordway; nephew, David (Melissa) Edwards and several great nieces and nephews.

Cheryl is predeceased by her parents; her brothers Gary Bickford and Wilson Bickford; a sister, Sandra Edwards and a niece Melissa Bickford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends for Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

George E. Travis

George E. Travis, age 88, of Gouverneur, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, while under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. As per George’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service, a private graveside service will be held a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, 33 Park Street, Gouverneur.

George was born on February 12, 1937, in Fullerville, the son of the late Julia M. Ashley and Nathanial F. Travis. He attended school in Fullerville and graduated from Gouverneur High School.

On November 14, 1959, he married Dorothy L. Robillard at St. James Catholic Church with Father Lyng officiating.

George worked for the New York Telephone Company before going to work for the Carpenters Local Union until his retirement in 1992. George owned many rental properties in and around Gouverneur.

George was an avid hunter, angler and enjoyed bowling in his younger years. He also enjoyed horse racingand going to the track. He enjoyed walking his beloved dogs Shadow and Buddy.

George is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy, and two sons, George (Georgie) Travis, and Steven Travis, both of Gouverneur. A daughter Karen (Kay), and son-in-law, Mark Smith of Gouverneur, four grandchildren, Justin (Angie) Travis of Massena, Nathan Travis of Gouverneur, Jordan (Taylor) Smith of Queensbury, Jacey (TJ) LeConey of Gouverneur, three great-grandchildren, Aria Smith, Landon LeConey, and Brynlee LeConey. A half brother Richard Ashley of Gouverneur and several neices and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, three brothers, Theodore, Alan, and Mike Travis, two sisters Barbara Ringler, Flora (Pudgy) Abbass, and two half sisters, Kathy Mussaw, and Shirley Johnson.

Memorial donations in George’s memory may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, or Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Online condolences may be shared with George’s family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.

Laura McKenney

Laura R. McKenney, age 71, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a funeral service held at French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Deacon Philip Giardino. Burial in Cranberry Lake Cemetery will be at a later date. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Laura was born on July 9, 1953 in Rochester to the late Philip Reis and Pearl (Ruth) Schaybel. She married Patrick McKenney who passed away in 2013. Mrs. McKenney worked as the Newton Falls Paper Mill, was a bus monitor for Clifton-Fine Central School, and worked in convenience stores in Fine and Oswegatchie.

Laura enjoyed time at the casino, especially at the slot machines, was a sports dabbler; having tried hunting, golfing, fishing, and anything else with her hubby, loved her grandchildren, and was the meeting coordinator for her family get-togethers.

She is survived by her children, David (Susan) Fleming, James (Stephanie) Fleming, and Karrie (Dan) Koerick, her sister, Nanci (James) Holberton, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews.

Laura is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Patrick McKenney, and her brother, John Reis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Laura may be made to Ryan’s Wish Foundation, P.O. Box 326, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Robert James Brown, Jr.

Robert J. Brown Jr., age 57, passed away February 15, 2025 at his residence while under the care of Hospice. Cremation arrangements are under Oasis Cremation and Funeral Care.

Bob was born on March 28, 1967 in the town of Gouverneur, NY. He is the son of Robert James Brown, Sr. and Linda Brown of Richville, NY. He graduated Gouverneur High School in 1985. He also attended BOCES Southwest Tech, Fowler, NY, Cosmetology I and II. He obtained his Cosmetology license in 1985. He learned how to crochet and knit at such a young age, he had knitted a sweater for our mom when he was 9 years old. He enjoyed working as a floral arrangement understudy at the local Floral shop, Festival Florist, Gouverneur, NY.

While in high school, he enjoyed drama productions at the Gouverneur High School. He was in “Play it again Sam” in the role of Bogey in 1985 and “Our Town” for the leading role of “George” in 1984.

He enjoyed hair dressing for local salons, in Gouverneur and Watertown to wedding venues and would also work with local drama productions in Watertown, NY. He had started his hair salon journey with a local shop in Gouverneur, NY, then worked at Golden Image, Watertown, NY. He later opened and owned his own salon, Riah’s, which he had also named by spelling hair backwards. He had opened a second salon Riah’s II in Watertown, NY. He moved to AZ in 2001 and continued his hair dressing trade there for many years. He enjoyed drawing in various art classes in school and throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed costume designing, every Halloween he would design a costume and enter a contest and would win first prize each time. He had designed the “Alien” costume and “Edward Scissorhands”.

Bob was a very talented individual who had passion for everything he did. He was a perfectionist in everything he did and whatever project he had worked on you could see the beauty through his eyes as his projects were done beautifully with every aspect of detail. His work was displayed beautifully, whether it was through arts, hair, landscaping, or costume designing. He was full of laughter, he always knew what to say or how to make a person laugh. He was an amazing son, brother, and Uncle, a friend and had many hair clients.

Bob is survived by his parents, Robert and Linda Brown, sister Charlene and Charles Miner, sister, Darlene and Mike Palmer, brother, Jason and Michelle Brown, and many Friends and Clients, and several nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces and cousins. He had so much creativity and talent, as he would say, “Bob’s Journey, just another chapter in Bob’s Life”. We are all eternally thankful for the time we had with him. He would say the very last chapter is completed.

Robert J. Brown Jr. passed away February 15, 2025 at his home under the care of Hospice. He was born on March 28, 1967 in Gouverneur, NY. His celebration of Life will be held on March 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Elk’s Club at 1419 US-11 Gouverneur, NY 13642. Food will be provided as well as bottled water. There is a bar which you can purchase soft drinks, and alcohol. We will have his favorite foods and desserts which he loved. Come share stories and memories with his family and friends. No Funeral, just a Celebration of Life.

Richard E. Williams

Richard E. Williams, age 86, passed away on February 27, 2025, at home, under the care of his loving family.

There will be a memorial service for Richard on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Macomb Wesleyan Church. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born at home in Gouverneur to the late Roger E. and Leta M. (Bigelow) Williams on October 23, 1938. He attended the local one room school house and then graduated from Gouverneur High School. After high school, he operated the family farm, Wilhome Dairy Farm until his retirement in 2017.

He married Gloria M. Love on April 3, 1959 at the Gouverneur Nazarene Church. They had four children: Richard, Robert, Gina and Roger.

As well as running the family farm, which won the Dairy of Distinction award for many years, Richard was an active member at church. He was the treasurer for the Gouverneur Nazarene Church and the Harrisville Pilgrim Holiness Church. He also was the treasurer and an active member in the Gouverneur Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship.

Richard was a kind, sweet, loving, humorous, and honest man. He loved God and his family and told them so frequently. In the home, he had family devotions every day. He took his family to church three times a week, Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday night too. When the church held special services, Richard and his family were there in attendance. Richard loved music, especially gospel music. He had music playing wherever he was. You could often hear him whistling. As a boy, he fished in a creek. When he had children, he took them fishing after the night chores. Richard loved to go camping. When the haying season was complete for the summer, he would take his family camping. He enjoyed having friends over for dinner after church. He visited family and friends. He stayed connected to them. He loved to travel and see new places. He traveled to the Pacific Ocean three times. He enjoyed attended farm shows from Syracuse, NY to Pennsylvania. Every year in August, he went to Richland Holiness Camp Meeting in Richland, NY. This was a tradition that was begun by his maternal grandmother Jessie Bigelow and his mother Leta who attended from Richville, NY to Richland, NY, an 80-mile journey by horse and carriage. He always tried to make it to the annual Williams’ Family Reunion. He would say that you need to see your cousins.

Richard is survived by his four children and their spouses; Richard (Pamela), Robert (Angela), Gina (Richard) Vaillancourt, and Roger. He also is survived by his 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As well as his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Elbert, Gordon, Merrill and David.

Dorothy Bressette

Dorothy M. Bressette, age 95, of Hailesboro, passed away on February 21, 2025.

There will be a graveside service held in the Hailesboro Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy was born on March 10, 1929 in Gouverneur to the late Tilley and Bessie (Denecia) Perrigo. She attended the Gouverneur Central School and married Stephen E. Bressette, Sr. on April 26, 1947 at the Gouverneur Methodist parsonage. Stephen passed away on February 25, 1993.

Dorothy worked for E.J. Noble Hospital in the dietary department for Kinney Nursing Home. She was a charter member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary, having been a member for over 70 years. She enjoyed dancing and bowling and was involved in the Junior Bowling League and the 4-H Club.

Dorothy is survived by two children, Stephen Bressette, Jr. and Ann Maroun and her husband, Michael. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Meredith Lauderdale and her husband, Shawn, three grandchildren, Sophia, Marin, and Maxwell Sweeney, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents and her daughter-in-law, Karen Bressette.

Roberta Lee “Bertie” Roberts

Roberta Lee “Bertie” Roberts, age 72, of Harrisville passed away on Monday February 24, 2025 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown. A funeral service will be held at 1PM on Saturday March 1, 2025, calling hours will precede the service from 11AM until 1PM. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, 33 Park Street, Gouverneur.

Bertie was born on October 18, 1952 in Rochester, NY to Matthew and Ellen Posadni. Growing up in Rochester, her family took many vacations up North over the years. During one of these vacations is when she met her husband, Lonnie (Bim) Roberts in Rossie. Bertie and Bim married on February 14, 1970 and settled in Gouverneur. Soon after marrying they welcomed their son, Duane and 3 years later a daughter, Darlene. Once her children were grown and started having their own families, Bertie spent a good deal of her time caring for her five grandchildren to whom she adored above all else. The best way to get on Bertie’s “bad side” would be by hurting one of her “grandbabies”, which is what she always referred to all her grandchildren as, no matter how old they were.

Bertie’s favorite things consisted of lunch outings with her Aunt Laurie and close friend Myrna, a good book, the occasional trip to the casino, and the most of all-visits with her cousins from Rochester, whom she loved dearly. She loved to be pampered and waited on, and was not afraid to admit it. She did not have much of a filter, and her family laughed often at her blunt personality, speaking whatever came to her mind. They found humor in her cooking habits (or lack thereof.) She was notorious for making sure every birthday party had vanilla cake- even the birthdays that were not hers, and she could knock back a large ice cream with the best of them. Her least favorite things were any of her grandbabies doing anything she considered “dangerous” and she made sure they got an earful when she didn’t approve. She had more strength and was more brave then she ever gave herself credit for, and fought a long and hard battle to have more time with her family. To know Bertie was to love her, and she was deeply loved by many.

Bertie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Duane and Kathy Roberts, of Gouverneur, a daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Jeff Sixberry, of Harrisville. Her grandbabies, Brooke Lynde, Porky Roberts, Kaitlyn Lynde, Kailee Hadfield, and Lacey Sixberry, and her 11 great grandbabies, Logan, Lola, and Lonnie Lynde, Bennett and Sutton Lynde, Molly, Matthew and Tate Roberts, Laiken, Colt, and Maverick Hadfield. As well as her sisters Linda Rennells and Kathy Witz. She is predeceased by her parents Ellen and Matthew, her husband Bim, her brother Kevin, and her daughter Mary Ellen- who was born sleeping.

Online condolences may be shared with Bertie’s family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.

Ford Reynolds

Ford J. Reynolds, age 96, passed away on February 16, 2025, at home, the place of his birth, under the care of his loving family and some very special caregivers.

Calling hours will be held at North Country Christian Fellowship, 1800 US 11, Gouverneur, NY, on February 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the North Country Christian Fellowship on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Michael Tomford officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville in the spring. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Ford was born at home on the family farm in Richville on November 23, 1928, to the late James A. and Emeline (Johnson) Reynolds. He graduated from Richville High School in 1945 and Canton Agricultural and Technical Institute in 1947. After college, he returned to the family dairy farm, Riverside Farm, which he operated for 50 years, until retiring from farming in 1997. He was ordained into the ministry in 1994 and served as the pastor of the Richville Christian Fellowship Church (now North Country Christian Fellowship), retiring in 2009 at age 80.

He married Sarah E. Washburn on September 29, 1962, at the Macomb Wesleyan Church. They had four children: Laurie, Jamie, Jill and Heidi.

Besides running the family farm, Ford’s early life was marked with playing basketball in the North Country Town League, and being faithful in the Richville United Church, singing in the choir. He became vice president of the Northern Bulk Milk Co-op and president of the Richville Welsh Society. He was well known for singing at many weddings and funerals throughout the North Country. He also was active in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International and founded the local chapter in Gouverneur.

Ford’s life was marked by devotion and service to God and family. He enjoyed spending time with family, including an annual family vacation after haying was completed each summer. He enjoyed playing family games of basketball and ping pong, where he could still beat everyone well into his eighties. In his early forties, Ford had a personal encounter with God that impacted the rest of his life. He served as a church elder at Christian Fellowship Center for many years and took every opportunity to visit the sick and pray for anyone who was in need of healing. Ford’s biography, Faith of a Farmer, was written by Derek Levendusky in 2022.

Ford is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sarah Reynolds, and four children and their spouses; Laurie (Chris) Miller of Ballston Lake, Jamie (Jennifer) Reynolds of Oneonta, Jill (Maurice) Lovell of Newark, and Heidi (Derek) Levendusky of Clarksville, TN. He also is survived by 14 grandchildren; Rachel (Stephen) Lightner, Rebekah and Nathaniel Miller, Hannah and Elizabeth Reynolds, Sarah, Martin and Noah Lovell, and Grace, Joye, Esther, Reese, Audrey and Jackson Levendusky. He is also survived by 3 step grandchildren, John-Austin, Kasey and Andrew Pajerski as well as many nieces and nephews. He is survived by one sister, Doris Putman, and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Reynolds.

In addition to his parents, Ford is predeceased by a brother, David Reynolds, and sisters, Louise Schwellensattl and Laura “Chick” Lenahan.

Donations in memory of Ford may be made to the North Country Christian Fellowship building fund, the Richville Fire Dept. or another charity of your choice.