Doris Emond

Doris Dorilla (Pigeon) Emond, age 77, passed away on January 5, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family while under the care of hospice.

Calling hours was held at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes Street, Gouverneur NY, on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Her funeral service was at the end of the afternoon visitation at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in the spring in the New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Doris was born on March 19, 1941 in Colchester, VT, the youngest of 12 children born to the late Emile and Dorilla (Stanislas) Pigeon. Doris graduated from the Holy Angels High School in Saint Albans, VT in 1957.

She married Albert L. Emond on October 10, 1970 in Essex Junction, VT. Doris retired from Gordon’s Window Décor in Essex, VT and had previously worked for General Electric and for the LaVallee and Ide Factory.

In her free time Doris enjoyed restoring furniture, home decorating and gardening. She was very involved in her grandchildren’s activities and loved being their “Mé Mé”.

Doris is survived by her husband, Albert; son, Shawn Emond of St. Albans, VT; daughter, Tonya (George) Wells of Gouverneur; step-son, Jody Emond of Gouverneur; step-daughters, Cindy (Dave) Rich of Colchester, VT and Tammy (James) O’Donnell of Statesville, NC; brothers, Raymond (Claudette) Pigeon of Swanton, VT and George Pigeon of Florida; sister-in-law, Grace Rieder of Pennsylvania; brothers-in-law, Ken (Sandy) Emond and Dave (Linda) Emond, both of Florida.

She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Jasmine, Katrina, Kolby, Kaden, Chance, Autumn, Melissa, Dustin, Joshua, James, Jesse and Amber; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Emond is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Mary Belval, Cora Brosseau, Annette Boutin, Ida Laroche, Alice Laferriere, and Marie Pigeon; and brothers, Roland, Paul and Morris Pigeon.

Donations in memory of Doris may be made to Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, 5 Lyon Place, Ogdensburg NY 13669. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Carol A. McConnell

Carol A. McConnell, 78, formerly of the Antwerp-Gouverneur area, died Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Home, Ogdensburg, NY.

Born on August 13, 1940 in Watertown, NY, she was the daughter of Burl G. and Catherine Dindl Hendrickson and attended Antwerp High School.

A marriage to George R. LaLone ended in divorce. She then married James L. White, Sr., on June 8, 1985 and he passed away September 11, 1985. A third marriage to Roger McConnell ended in divorce.

Carol was employed with Gould Electric, Watertown, NY and she provided child care for local families.

She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, fishing, cooking and most importantly spending time with her family and friends

Survivors include a son, Michael “Bobby” LaLone, Watertown, NY; a daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Mark House, Ogdensburg, NY; six grandchildren, Cassandra and husband Richard McCrossan, Angela and husband James Tebeaus, Brian Hendrickson, Zachary House, Katherine House and Morgan House; six great-grandchildren.

Her parents and a brother, Burl R. Hendrickson died previously.

Memorial Services will be 2 pm Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY.

Calling hours will be 12-2 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

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

Hilliard Graves Seaker

Hilliard Graves Seaker, 98, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2018 at Gouverneur Hospital with his family at his side.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 29th at 11:30 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Richard Mayforth, pastor of the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church officiating and burial with military honors to follow in Hermon Cemetery. Calling hours were held on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Hilliard was born in Gouverneur on October 18, 1920, the son of Raymond Graves and Alta Hill Seaker.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1938 with a Regents diploma. In 1939, he graduated from the Manlius Military School and in 1942, from Colgate University with honors in psychology. He was prominent in track and wrestling, having been team captain in both high school and college.

Hilliard married Emily Janet Green of Hermon on August 29, 1943 at the home of her parents with Edson R. Miles, a member of the theological studies Department of St. Lawrence University, officiating.

He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in August 1942 and was a member of the 398th Bombardment Group (H), B17s, seeing action in the European Theater of Operations.

After being discharged as a staff sergeant in October 1945, he became affiliated with Seaker-Graves Motor Company as a mechanic, salesman, manager, and dealer. In 1971, having purchased the business, it became known as Seaker Chevrolet, Inc. Hilliard retired and sold the business in December 1990.

He was involved with many organizations. Hilliard was a third generation member of the Gouverneur Luncheon Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge, Gouverneur Elks Lodge, past director of the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Bank of Gouverneur, chairman of the advisory board of the St. Lawrence National Bank, and the Community Bank NA. He also belonged to the Gouverneur American Legion, the Gouverneur VFW, and Sigma Nu fraternity.

An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of the Black Lake Fish & Game Assoc., a past director of the Gouverneur Rod & Gun Club, a lifetime member, past officer and director of Spruce Mountain Hunting Club, honorary member of the Cranberry Lake Hunting & Fishing Assoc. The couple enjoyed spending time at their camps on Black Lake and Cook's Pond, and snowmobiling.

Hilliard is survived by his daughter Billie Jean Snyder of Ogdensburg, a son-in-law Kenneth Snyder of Fowler, his son Frank G. Seaker of Gouverneur, 4 grandchildren Erik Hilliard and Julie Snyder, William Christopher and Tonya Snyder, Jane Elizabeth and Brian Fico, Hilary Joette Snyder and her fiance Jeffrey J. Hertel, 6 great grandchildren Matthew Christopher, Jennifer Lynn, Erika Paige, Nicholas Lee, Anthony Joseph, and Nina Isabella, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Emily who passed away on April 12, 2003, a daughter Jane Elizabeth Seaker who passed away in 1952, and a sister Norinne Dickson.

Memorial donations in Hilliard's memory are suggested to the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, Gouverneur Cemetery Association, or Hermon Cemetery.

Eleanor F. Griffith

Eleanor F. Griffith, 101, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her family.

A graveside service will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur in the spring with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Eleanor was born on March 1, 1917 in Gouverneur, the daughter of John and Iva Dashnaw Stammer.

She married John R. Griffith on July 9, 1937 in Watertown.

Upon graduation from high school, Eleanor received nurses training in Watertown and New York City and is an alumni of the House of the Good Samaritan. She worked many years as a registered nurse at Kinney Nursing Home and provided home health care in the Gouverneur area. Eleanor also kept busy assisting John on the family farm in Elmdale and raising her family.

Eleanor was a member of the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, E.J. Noble Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and was an avid Yankees fan. She enjoyed playing solitaire on her iPad, crossword puzzles, reading, keeping a daily diary since she was in high school, and traveling abroad with family members and to Florida during the winter with her cousin until just a few years ago. Eleanor also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, feeding the birds, and spending time with her family.

Eleanor is survived by her two sons George Griffith and his companion Barb Laidlaw of Elmdale, John Griffith and his wife Ginger of Florida, a daughter-in-law Lillith Griffith of Fowler, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her 2 sisters-in-law Shirley Stammer of Toledo, Ohio, Elsie Griffith of Elmdale, several nieces and nephews, and her special neighbor and care provider Connie LaBow who took great care of her. Eleanor is predeceased by her husband John who passed away in November 1984, her parents, 2 sons James Griffith and Tom Griffith, her daughter-in-law Nancy Griffith, and her brother John Stammer.

Memorial donations in Eleanor’s memory are encouraged to Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church.

Crystal Jean Mcwain

Crystal Jean Mcwain, went to be with the Lord our Savior on, December 24, 2018. She was surrounded by her loving family, in the comfort of her home. Her seven year battle with cancer has ended. She was 63.

Crystal was born, on September 21,1955, in Gouverneur, to Ilene Louise Moore Hosmer and William Harvey Hosmer both from this area. When the marriage ended in divorce, Crystal went to live with her father and his wife Leona in the Fort Edwards area.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dorian, whom she had married on February 6,1982, and altogether they had seven wonderful children and nine grandchildren: Sheila and her husband Mark, Jennifer and her husband Jeremy and their three children, Addison, Marley and Sadie. Angela Christine, Jenny and her husband Richard, and their two children, Nicholas and Sunny. Dorian II and his partner, Martin, David and his wife Catherine, and their two children, Riley and Claire, and Sarah and her husband Matt, and their daughter Autumn Rose, and soon to be born baby Epperly.

Crystal, also left behind four sisters and three brothers and their spouses, Connie (Hosmer-Haynes) and her husband Robert, Margaret (Moore-Mashaw) Darlene (Hosmer-Storie), her husband Bob, Lisa Lynn (Backus) and brother Billy Hosmer and his wife Kelly, Timothy Ellis and his wife Holly, and brother Michael Ellis.

She also left behind several nieces and nephews.

Crystal always, said that her children were indeed her greatest accomplishments. Crystal’s favorite things to do beside making her family happy, were warm and lazy, windy days.

Crystal enjoyed watching movies, and eating her favorite comfort foods. With her, favorite holiday being Christmas, she would often “go over the top decorating.” Crystal had also shared she had gotten great joy and comfort, from the pets she had loved throughout her lifetime.

Crystal was a wonderful woman who will be dearly missed and cherished always.

Anna Marie Reilly

Anna Marie Reilly, 95, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2018, in Potsdam.

Calling hours were held on Saturday, December 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur; burial will be held in the spring in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Anna was born in Farmington, Missouri, on April 6, 1923, the daughter of Frank and Augusta Seitz. She married John G. “Mike” Reilly, Jr. on January 8, 1950 in Bonne Terre, Mo., where the couple began their life together and their family. In 1953, they moved to Edwards, then to Balmat, where Mike worked for many years at St. Joe Mineral Co. In 1966 the family moved to just outside Gouverneur, which has been their home since.

Anna was a devoted homemaker and mother of seven. She was a faithful member of St. James Catholic Church, enjoyed bowling, going for walks with her friends in the neighborhood, and watching her children and grandchildren grow up.

Anna is survived by her husband Mike, her children Gay Reilly of West Virginia, John Reilly of Georgia, Mary Reilly of Saratoga Springs, Peter Reilly of Newfield, Joe Reilly and his wife Annie of Canton, Cindy Gadbaw and her husband Randy of Canton, Tom Reilly and his wife Danta of Virginia; grandchildren Kate Gadbaw, Ian Gadbaw, Patrick Reilly, Michael Reilly, Frank Reilly and Dan Reilly, and great-granddaughter Anna.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made to St. James Church, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Shirley S. Maloy

Shirley S. Maloy, 86, passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, NY with her family by her side.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 12th at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur, NY. Fr. Shane Lynch will officiate with burial to follow at East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur, NY. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Shirley was born in Ellisburg, NY on October 6, 1932, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Hedger) Spring. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1950 and attended St. Joe’s School of Nursing in Syracuse.

Shirley married William J. Maloy on March 1, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Church in Rossie, NY. She was a dedicated wife and mother to her 7 children. The couple operated their dairy farm in Rossie, NY, before retiring to their home in Spragueville. Shirley was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Throughout her life, Shirley worked in the cafeteria at Gouverneur High School, volunteered for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, and served as the Town of Rossie property assessor.

Shirley loved her hats, puzzle books, golf, bowling, board games, scrabble and getting lost in a good book. She was a member of the local PTA (Brasie Corners) and the Red Hat Society. She will be most remembered for her witty sense of humor and contagious laughter.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Mary (Bob) Roberts of Carefree, AZ, Patty (Al) Pitts of Rochester, NY, Barbara Kane (Ken Khanzadian) of Cicero, NY, Kelly Maloy of Dexter, NY, her sons David (Sandy) Maloy of Rossie, NY, John (Lisa) Maloy of Antwerp, NY, Billy (Tammy) Maloy of Oxbow, NY, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Charles Bates of Watertown, NY, Danny Williams of Pensacola, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, her husband William who passed away July 4, 2010, and a brother Richard Spring.

Memorial donations in Shirley’s memory are encouraged to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 U.S. Hwy. 11, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or St. James Church, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Vanita C. Pierce

Vanita C. Pierce, 72, passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

A celebration of life honoring Vanita will be held on Sunday, January 20th, 2019 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Vanita was born in Russell on June 10, 1946, the daughter of Raymond A. and Evelyn Waldo Taylor.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1965 and attended classes at BOCES.

Vanita married Gordon F. Pierce on June 27, 1965 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley E. Brown officiating.

Gordon, a retired employee of James River Paper Company, passed away on July 14, 2006.

She worked many years at Camp Drum in food services and at the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Vanita also operated Vanita’s Cake Shop in the Gouverneur Mini-Mall and was a volunteer driver for St. Lawrence County social services. Besides baking, she enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, camping, gardening, collecting angel memorabilia, and spending time with family, especially her grandkids. Vanita attended the Fullerville and Richville Churches, was a member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and had served as a Girl Scout leader.

Vanita is survived by her children Evelyn R and Derek B Utter of Richville, William E and Katie Pierce of Fowler, Anna M and Tim Tracy of South Glens Falls, grandchildren James W Pierce of Wisconsin, Rebekah M Pierce of Albany, William E Pierce II of Plattsburgh, Sierra M Frederick and Katelyn R Pierce of Albany, Alexander J Frederick of South Glens Falls, Timothy M Pierce of Plattsburgh, Alexis R Utter of Richville, Megan Tracy of South Glens Falls, and great grandson Michael F Pierce of Wisconsin.  She is also survived by her siblings Ronald A Taylor of Fowler, Norma J Soloff of Florida, Mary L Simmons of Missouri, Raymond A Taylor Jr of Michigan, Arthur L Taylor of Gouverneur, Janet M Facey of Edwards, Elva M Taylor of Washington, Gladys Reese of California, Marty Reese Sr of Edwards, many nieces and nephews including Linda Seymour and her family who took such great care of her in her final days. Vanita is predeceased by her husband Gordon, her parents, siblings Raymond A, Evelyn M, Paul E, Baby Girl, and April E Taylor, Rosie Prashaw, Theron "Sonny" Bice, Leslie E, Wayne J,  Leland F, and Arnold  R Taylor.

Memorial donations in Vanita’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Dorothy Louise Hardy

Dorothy Louise Hardy, 100, of Gouverneur, NY, passed away on November 22, 2018, at Canton’s Maplewood Nursing Home. She was born in Newark, NJ, on June 16, 1918, daughter of John P. Hardy and Irene Johnson Hardy. Louise is survived by 5 nieces and their families: Linda Hardy Ainsworth, Jennifer Hardy Munn, Garnet Hardy Hubbard, Virginia Danfelt Martin, and Barbara Danfelt Carey, and many cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Blanche Danfelt and her husband Douglas Danfelt, brother John W. Hardy and his wife Jean D Hardy, and nephew Edward Danfelt.

Louise had been an active member of Gouverneur Methodist Church since age 14. She attended St. Lawrence University, Potsdam Normal School, and Watertown School of Commerce. She was a typist for the Draft Board in WWII, and later assisted with her father’s Hearing Aid business in the Gouverneur area. She was a Companion Housekeeper for 29 different clients over the years, and volunteered at Kinney Nursing Home for 10 years, and the Gouverneur Museum. She enjoyed many Bus Tours, Bowling League, Modern Square Dancing, and playing the piano. Louise wrote a weekly column for the Gouverneur Tribune Press for four years called, “Out and About with Louise,” in which she said, “In this life, the biggest thing is the people along the way.”

D. Louise Hardy has quietly contributed to the care of others in her community by volunteering many hours of hard work while exhibiting an example of honesty and integrity. We have all benefited from her presence and pause to honor her.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held for family and friends at Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville, NY. (Date and Time to be determined). Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Online condolences may be expressed at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Gouverneur Methodist Church, PO Box 157, 34 Grove St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Shawn Sawyer

Shawn “Beefcake” W. Sawyer, age 48, passed away on November 13, 2018 at the University Hospital in Syracuse.

There will be a Celebration of Life planned at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Shawn was born on October 8, 1970 in Gouverneur to James and Sharon (Pernice) Sawyer. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School in 1989 and married Nicole “Nutsy” A. Charlton on June 3, 1995.

Beefcake had worked for the Natural Dam Paper Mill for 28 years, having been the Mill’s Maintenance Planner. He was a talented musician, playing bass in many jam sessions. He loved fixing things, riding motorcycles, and hunting with his Aunt Lottie and relatives. Always up for a good time, he and his buddy, Robbie, ran Suds-N-Buds, detailing cars and drinking beer. Most of all, Beefcake loved his family and spending time with his “garage friends” over the weekends and on Thirsty Thursdays.

His survivors include his parents, James and Sharon Sawyer of Richville; his wife, Nicole “Nutsy” Sawyer; his children, Kayla Sawyer and Patrick Sawyer; and sisters, Jennifer and Danyelle Sawyer, all of Gouverneur.

Donations in memory of Shawn may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/ or 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.

Joan Todd Jeneault

Joan Todd Jeneault, 85, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 in Ogdensburg at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

A funeral mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:00 am with Fr. Shane Lynch officiating. A committal at Foxwood Memorial Park, Ogdensburg will follow. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Joan was born in Ogdensburg on September 8, 1933, the daughter of George and Retha Rivers Ladouceur. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Ogdensburg. She married Lawrence E. Todd on August 7, 1954 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg. They resided in Canton until moving to Gouverneur in 1961 where they owned and operated Parker Motel and Western Union. Joan also worked as a merchandiser for American Greetings for 10 years. Lawrence passed away on November 3, 2010. Joan married Albert Ernest Jeneault on September 7, 2013. He passed away in March of 2018.

Joan enjoyed bowling, square dancing, playing cards, and was an avid fan of the Syracuse Orange and New York Yankees. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

Joan is survived by her children Julie and Roy Griffin of Edgewood, MD, Cathy and Benton Leslie, Sheila and Dale Johnson, Diane and David Wood, and Randy Todd and his companion Barb Langevin, all of Gouverneur, Robert Todd of Dania Beach, FL, a sister Patricia Ladouceur of Ogdensburg, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to St. James Church, 164 E. Main St., Gouverneur, NY 13642 or the Alzheimer's Association of Central NY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204.

Diane Storie

Diane B. Storie, age 59, of Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center.

Calling hours for Diane will be on Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Lay Pastor Tom Nichols officiating. Burial will be in Oxbow Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Diane was born on June 21, 1959 in Ogdensburg, NY to the late Charles and Helen (Bromling) Bloodough. She attended Morristown Central School. She married Kennedy Storie on December 13, 1975. She was a dairy farmer her entire life and as an adult, she and her husband took care of three of their family farms. Kennedy passed away on May 3, 2009.

Diane loved hockey and especially loved watching the St. Lawrence Hockey team. She also enjoyed line dancing and was a huge animal lover, especially to horses and her cat Oscar.

Surviving is her companion, Bruce Lewis of Gouverneur; a daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Kyle Chartrand of Gouverneur; two sons and their companions, David Storie and Allison of Gouverneur and James Storie and Jamie of Star Lake; a daughter-in-law, Jamie Storie of Gouverneur; two brothers, Charles “Chuck” and Timothy Bloodough; three sisters, Sue Earl, Pam Rumrill and Wendy Baldwin; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Diane is predeceased by her husband Kennedy; a son, Kenny Storie and a granddaughter, Aubrielle Storie.

Donations may be made in Diane’s memory to E.I Moses Walk/Run for Life Inc., P.O. Box 87, Colton, NY 13625.

Daniel Hawkins

Daniel Hawkins, 38, passed away at his Toronto, Ont. home on October 22nd, 2018.

Daniel was born on November 7, 1979 to Debra Thornton who was from Edwards, NY where her parents Robert and Helen Thornton reside.

Daniel is survived by his mother, Debra Thornton, sister Jennifer and Bshen Clarke and their on Jaxson. Also his father Kenneth Hawkins, and many cousins, aunts and uncles from around Edwards and New York State. Also a half-brother Cole and extended family and friends in Canada.

Arrangements were with Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, Ont. Visitations were held on Oct. 25-26.

Jane A. Murdie

Jane A. Murdie, 86, left this planet Earth on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Gouverneur Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 25th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Orville Eacker and Rev. Howard Maxson officiating and burial to follow in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Jane was born in Fowler on January 8, 1932, the daughter of Frank and Grace Powers Walrath.

She attended Gouverneur schools and received her general equivalency diploma later in life in 1983.

Jane had worked in the cafeteria of E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur and as a home health care aide for the Community Development Program.

Jane married Clarence Murdie on January 16, 1950 in Canton.

She enjoyed gardening, camping, reading, collecting teddy bears, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Jane was a member of the Fowler Baptist Church, Red Hat Society, Promenaders Square Dance Club, and was involved with the literacy program of the Gouverneur Library.

Jane is survived by her 3 sons Larry and Katherine Murdie of Mississippi, John and JoAnne Murdie of Fowler, Mark Murdie and his companion Terry Layboult of Fowler, 4 daughters Grace and Otis Woods of Russell, Susan and Richard LaBow of Richville, Bertha and David Morrow of Fowler, Claressa “CJ” and Joseph Fitzgerald of Balmat, her granddaughter that she raised Mary Bates of Fowler, one sister, Betty Stevens of Emeryville, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild.

She is predeceased by her parents, a son Clarence “Jerry” Murdie, 4 brothers Ward, Glen, Robert, and Keith Walrath, 3 sisters Hilda Woodard Doyle, Ella Mae Paro, and Leona Hurlbut.

Memorial donations in Jane’s memory are suggested to the Literacy of Northern NY, 200 Washington Street, Suite 303, Watertown, NY 13601 or Gouverneur Reading Room Association, 60 Church Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Robbie Joseph Fitzgerald

Robbie was born on July 19, 1970, to William and Nancy Fitzgerald, and passed away at his home on October 11, 2018. He attended Gouverneur Central Schools and graduated in 1988. He made a life in Gainesville, Virginia, moving there in 1990. Robbie worked as an estimator and salesman for True Team Builders for over 20 years.

Robbie was an extraordinary friend with a sense of humor that could cause anyone to be happy in his presence. He was the type of person who kept in touch with his friends since childhood and had a deep loyalty to anyone in his life.

He is predeceased by his parents, William and Nancy. Also, a sister Kathy Fitzgerald. He is survived by his brothers, Zach and Jeff (Florida), Carl and John (Texas) and Barry (North Carolina). Also several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

There is no calling hours of funeral planned at this time. Condolences can be sent to the family in care of Jeff Fitzgerald, 3128 Deer Run Drive Northeast, Palm Bay, Florida, 32905.

Robbie was the kind of buddy that every guy would love to have in his life. Our buddy will be deeply missed. In this case, time will never heal the pain of his passing. Please if you knew him, take a moment to say a prayer for our friend, our buddy, Heavy Rob.

Gary Lee Ellis

Gary Lee Ellis from Gouverneur, NY peacefully passed away on Oct. 10, 2018 in Madison, Alabama after losing his battle with cancer.

Gary was born on June 14, 1946, one of seven children born to Merild and Hazel Ellis. He graduated with the Class of 1964 from Gouverneur High School and spent the majority of his life in the Gouverneur area.

Gary loved to travel and enjoyed classic cards, motorcycles, gardening, playing cards, and most recently woodburning. He was an avid bicyclist and greatly enjoyed music, singing an playing guitar. Most of all he loved spending with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, Celia.

He is survived by his daughters Katherine (Dean) McAtee and April (Eric) Weekes, his siblings Janet (Charles)) Coons, Ernie Ellis, Larry Ellis and his companion Sylvia Fuller, and Tom (Donna) Ellis. He is predeceased by his parents, and older brother Norris Ellis, and younger sister Jean (Ron) Gardner. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephew.

There was no funeral per his request. A private celebration of life was held at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. He is buried near his sister Jean at East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur.

Elsie A. Laidlaw

Elsie A. Laidlaw, age 88, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on October 17, 2018 at the Carthage Center.

There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Community Center in Gouverneur. There will be a burial in the spring of 2019. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be share online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Elsie was born on October 17, 1930 in Gouverneur to the late Lawrence J. and Martha Mae (Rice) Laidlaw. She grew up on Rock Island Road until moving to the village as a teenager. She attended school in Gouverneur.

At the age of fifteen, Elsie began working for J.J. Newberry’s. She then worked in the kitchen of E.J. Noble Hospital, was head cashier and bookkeeper for the A & P Grocery store until it closed in 1975, and worked as a cashier for the Great American. Elsie retired in 1997 from New York Air Brake in Watertown as a machinist in the Dynapower and Stratapower division.

Her survivors include her daughter, GiGi Y. Hayden and her partner, Michael Kerr of Oswegatchie; her sister, Genevieve “Jenny” Patton of Florida; and her grandchildren, Brandon M. Hayden and his fiancé, Elizabeth Scott, and Brady E. Hayden and his wife, Sarah.

Above all else, Elsie loved to take care of other people. She was the ideal “neighborhood mom”. She helped to take care of her niece, Leslie D. Miller, after her mother passed away. Her niece Kathleen Facey and her nephews, Joe and Steve Patton, and Darrell Miller, were always surrounded by her love.

Elsie also fondly thought of her friend, Myrtle Belmore’s sons as her own. Wayne, Warren, Weldon, Wendell, and William Belmore were a huge part of Elsie’s life.

Elsie is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Helena L. Cross Miller.

Donation in memory of Elsie may be made to the Gouverneur Police Department or the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department. Both addresses are: 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.

John Rubar

James "John" Rubar II, 71, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse with his family at his side.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur with Fr. Shane Lynch officiating and burial in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours are on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

John was born in Gouverneur on March 29, 1947, the son of James and Margaret Bullard Rubar.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and served in the U.S. National Guard.

John was a member of U.A. Local Pipefitters Union 73 and worked for B & S Industrial for over 30 years as a welder, pipefitter, and steamfitter. He was highly instrumental in maintaining the papermills, cogeneration plants, mines, and nuclear plants of the area. John was revered as one of the best in the industry.

He was a member of Pine Tree Hunting Club, Oswegatchie Hunting Club, and his family camp in Croghan. An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed fishing, hunting, feeding wildlife, and trapping, especially coyotes. He also played fastpitch softball in his youth and more recently, enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up, loved playing cards and working foodplots.

John had 4 children from a previous marriage.

John is survived by his companion of 30 years Cora Jeanne McCarthy, his children Shannon Cook and fiance Ken Hurlbut of Massena, John M. and Bridget Rubar of Constantia, Heather and Chad Soper of Fowler, Barbara and Eric Cadwell of Watertown, Stacey and Sean Devlin of Gouverneur, Amanda and Bill Pickering of Madrid, Shannon and Mark Tilbe of Brookfield, a brother William Rubar of South Carolina, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and a sister Kathleen DeLorme.

Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 268, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or the American Lung Association.

Dustin Smith

Gouverneur - Dustin Ryan “Bug” Smith, 30, a native of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at his IRA home in Morristown.

Dustin was born in Gouverneur on June 15, 1988, the son of Tracy and Yvonne Parody Smith.

He graduated from O.F.A. in 2007 and resided the last several years in Morristown.

Dustin enjoyed going fishing, watching television, especially NASCAR, football, and wrestling. He also enjoyed spending time on the internet and playing video games. Dustin had worked at the bottle redemption center in Ogdensburg and more recently, provided Meals-On-Wheels in the Morristown area.

He is survived by his parents Tracy and Yvonne of Gouverneur, his sisters Leslie-Ann and Wayne Robinson of Massena, Kellie Smith of Gouverneur, Marina Smith of Gouverneur, his grandmother Helen Parody and her companion Mike Turner of Antwerp, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dustin is predeceased by a brother Tracy Smith Jr. who passed away at birth and his grandparents.

A celebration of life in his honor was held at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements were with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Carlton D. Brown

Carlton D. Brown died October 11, 2018 at 5:30 a.m. at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born April 6, 1927, son of Earl and Ethel (Laidlaw) Brown, near Gouverneur, New York. He attended grade school at the neighborhood school on the Johnstown Road and then on to Gouverneur High School.

Carlton married Martha E. McCrea on May 23, 1947 at Richville, New York.

He was a dairy farmer most of his life, owning farms near Antwerp and finally near Philadelphia, New York.

He and Martha had 3 children, Gloria, Richard, and Earl. They took in foster babies and eventually adopted two – David and Patti – to complete their family.

In 1977 Carlton moved his family to Palm Beach County, Florida, living at North Palm Beach and then Jupiter, Florida where he lived up to five years ago.

He and Martha divorced in 1984.

Carlton worked as a groundsman at the North Palm Beach Country Club, starting at the age of 72. He always enjoyed working outdoors and meeting people.

He is survived by his children, Gloria Jenkins, Philadelphia, New York, Earl, West Palm Beach, Florida, David, Jupiter, Florida, and Patti, address unknown. Also by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, stepfather, son Richard, daughter-in-law Joan, brother Emerson.

He had resided at the Isles of View Beach, Florida, the past 4 years after suffering a fall at his home in Jupiter. He moved to be closer to his daughter, Gloria, who lived in Vero Beach at that time.

A memorial service will be at the cemetery next year at the convenience of the family in Gouverneur, New York.