Laura L. Crawley

Laura Lee Crawley, age 54, of Gouverneur, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 9, 2020 at her home.

There will be calling hours for Laura on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Laura was born on March 6, 1966 in Watertown, NY to the late Michael and Juanita (Savage) Griffin. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1984 and then entered into the United States Navy and served until her honorable discharge in 1989.

Laura worked as a Direct Support Professional for ARC for both St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties. She had previously worked as a CNA at Samaritan Keep Home. Laura was a very independent person, but a natural caretaker. She made sure everyone who came into her home was well-fed. She enjoyed reading, gardening and fishing.

Surviving is her long-time companion, Richard Clement Jr. and his daughters, Megan Clement and Melinda and Jeffrey Bender; her three daughters, Crystal and Kyle Clancy, Heather Crawley and Amanda Green; five grandchildren, Rhyslyn, Grace, Kaden, Bryce and Lukas.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Brenda Griffin and her companion Lee, Linda and Tod Hilts, Michelle LeJeune, Patrick Griffin, Gina Griffin, Kathy and John Worthen, Lenora Dick and her companion Pat and Micky and Jason Fulton; and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in Laura’s memory to the ARC St. Lawrence & Jefferson County Foundation.

Lucretia “Sis” Vondilee Besaw

Lucretia “Sis” Vondilee Besaw, age 65, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 10, 2020 at her home.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, March 15, 2020 starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Sis was born on April 25, 1954 in Gouverneur to the late Paul and Vivian (Fields) Matice. She attended Gouverneur Central School and was previously married to Harry Besaw Jr. Sis had previously worked at McDonalds, Jumbo’s Diner and Fort Drum. She also had co-owned Harry’s Quick Lube for a while, but she mostly was a homemaker.

She enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, playing cards, fishing, going on car rides, looking for deer. She also loved going to hunting camp, going to the river camp and going for boat rides. She had a big family and loved spending time with all of them.

She is survived by a daughter, Sherry and Mickey Donaldson; three sons, John and Karen Besaw, Darren and Raeann Cooper and Joshua Cooper; eight brothers, Gene and Beth Matice, Merton Matice, Donald and Mary Matice, Timothy “Tike” and Lynn Matice, Mitchell “Frog” and Carol Matice, David Matice, Michael “Buck” Matice and Lawrence “Jack” and Pamela Matice; six grandchildren, Trei, Lane and Kaymin Besaw, Hunter and Jake Donaldson and Aubrey Cooper.

Sis is predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Terry and Wayne Matice Sr. and a sister, who died in infancy.

In making a donation in Sis’s memory, the family asks that you bring a non-perishable food item to her celebration of life and they family will be donating it to a local food pantry in her memory.

William C. “Bill” Davis

William C. “Bill” Davis, 72, a resident of Brownville, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020.

A celebration of life will be held for Bill on Saturday, May 2nd from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Rotary Pavillion at Thompson Park in Watertown. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

William was born in Gouverneur on August 28, 1947, the son of Raymond and Marion (Stacy) Davis.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and worked construction much of his life. Bill was employed at Kenneth Graham Construction and retired from St. Joe Mineral Company.

He married Rita (Reich) Fleming on June 29, 1984.

Bill lived most of his life in the north country and recently moved back north after living in North Carolina. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping.

Bill is survived by his wife Rita, 2 stepdaughters Laurie Fleming of Brownville, Emily French Cash of North Carolina, and his step grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Barbara and Randy Besaw, Robert and Peggy Davis, Victor and Lorraine Davis, Charles and Vergie Davis, Lawrence Davis and Ida Leigh. Bill is predeceased by his parents and a stepson Michael Fleming, Jr.

Gary Alan Mott

Gary Alan Mott, 80, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital after a battle with A.L.S.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 2nd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur with Rev. Gregory Bailey, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will take place in the spring with military honors.

Gary was born in Massena on October 25, 1939, the son of Robert and Sarah “Sadie” Mott.

He attended school and then served in the United States Air Force for 4 years.

Upon honorable discharge from the service, Gary married Ellen Peck on March 3, 1962.

He worked many years for Lockheed-Martin before moving to Gouverneur where he retired from E.J. Noble Hospital.

Gary was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Gouverneur, the Gouverneur American Legion, and the Moose Lodge in Massena.

Known by his buddies as “the Finisher”, Gary was an avid fisherman and deer hunter, who enjoyed the Adirondacks, especially near Tupper Lake. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends including his extended family at the Casablanca.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years Ellen, his children Jason and Tami of Cicero, Joseph of Atlanta, GA, Kimberly and her companion Randy of Gouverneur, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Lawrence and Donald, both of Oneida, Reginald of Massena, his sisters Betty Billingsley of California, Faye Yakely of Albany, Barbara Anable of Connecticut, many nieces and nephews. Gary is predeceased by his parents, a brother Robert, sisters Sharlene Bruce, Rowena Allen, and Beulah Pierce.

Memorial donations in Gary’s memory are encouraged to the A.L.S. Foundation.

Gordon A. LaFaver

Gordon A. LaFaver, age 81, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with burial to take place at a later date at Hermon Cemetery.

Gordon was born in Russell on October 22, 1938, the son of George and Arloine (Eggleston) LaFaver.

He attended Canton School and was drafted into the United States Army where he served for 3 years.

Gordon worked at Diamond International Paper Company in Ogdensburg and began dairy farming in 1958 which he did until retiring in 1992. He then drove school bus for Gouverneur Central Schools, drove tractor trailer for Anderson Trucking Service, and drove bus for St. Lawrence NYSARC.

He married Diane Louise Fowler on October 9, 1965, and the marriage ended in divorce.

Gordon is survived by his children Steven LaFaver of Wisconsin, Susan and Vern Braunschweig of Kansas, Scott LaFaver and Stacey Downing of Richville, his grandchildren Alexandreia, Alyssa, Alana, Elijah, and Garcia LaFaver, Jordan Simpson and Abigael LaFaver, Olivia and Charles Braunschweig, and great grandchildren Giovanna, and Nova. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Robinson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Genevieve Carver, and Gertude LaFaver.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Lawrence NYSARC, 6 Commerce Lane, Canton, NY 13617.

Keith Earl Frawley, Sr.

Keith Earl Frawley, Sr., 83, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020 in Utica where he passed on from complications of a surgery.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, January 28th from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 12:30 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial with military honors following in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Keith was born on November 20, 1936, the son of Anna A. Frawley.

He served 10 years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis and toured on the USS Intrepid, Independence, and Kitty Hawk.

Keith had been employed at New York Air Brake and enjoyed riding motorcycles and the companionship of his dogs.

Keith is survived by his two sons, Keith Earl Frawley Jr. of Ashland City, TN and Kent A. Frawley of Adams Center, N.Y., his four grandchildren- Justin, Evan, Michael, and Morgan, and his three great grandchildren Lyla, Leo, and Julia.

He is predeceased by his mother Anna.

Michael L. Bartgis

Michael L. Bartgis, 57, formerly of Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at his home in Gouverneur, NY.

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

Michael was born on September 10, 1962 in Frederick, MD, the son of Charles and Sarah (Kent) Bartgis.

He lived most of his life in Maryland where he graduated from high school, met and married his wife, and started a family.

Michael worked on a farm in Maryland before he and his family purchased and operated their own farm near Gouverneur almost a dozen years ago. He enjoyed his time working the land, the animals, and working with his family.

Michael married June Droneburg on August 4, 1984.

Michael is survived by his wife June and their two sons James Bartgis and Jonathan Bartgis. He is also survived by his siblings David Bartgis, Jenny Himes, and Debbie Bartgis, his mother-in-law Alice Droneburg, sister-in-law Donna Rice, all of Maryland, nieces and nephews.

Patricia A. Anderson

Patricia A. Anderson, age 78, of Cape Coral, FL, Parishville, N.Y. and formerly of Gouverneur, died January 21, 2020 at the Hope Hospice Facility, Cape Coral, after a brief illness. The illness was later identified as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

Born February 3, 1941 in Glens Falls, N.Y., the daughter of Albert and Agnes Feisthamel, she graduated in 1958 from Gouverneur High School. She went on to attend Cortland State and graduated from Potsdam State with a bachelor’s degree in teaching.

She married Robert E. Anderson July 16th, 1960 at the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur. She was a substitute teacher in the Gouverneur School District for many years.

In 1986 the couple moved to Allen Falls Flow in Parishville. She was a substitute teacher at PHCS and later became the full-time library assistant until retirement in 2006.

She spent her later years wintering in Cape Coral. Pat absolutely loved Florida, zipping around in her Mazda Miata, and visiting various beaches.

Pat was a very active and social person. She was an avid and accomplished bridge player, playing up to twice a week. She loved to read and to spend her days in the sunshine. She had an active group of life-long friends who were with her until the end. She also enjoyed swimming and kayaking on the flow.

Survived by her husband Bob of nearly 60 years, five sons; Robert Ben Anderson (Janette) of Sylvia Lake, Mark (Cindy) of Gouverneur, Kris (Gretchen) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Patrick Andy (Marybeth) of St. Johnsbury VT, Sean (Jennifer) of Corning, N.Y., nine grandchildren: Tess, Kayla, Ryan, Annika, Troy, Maggie, Owen, Charlotte, and Cecilia; and sister-in-law Sally Anderson Viele. She was predeceased by her infant daughter of three months Britt Lane, her parents, and a brother John Feisthamel.

Pat will be mostly remembered for her fun-loving spirit, kindness and ability to hold a conversation. She loved nothing more than being around “her boys” and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The burial will be at the New Catholic Cemetery, Gouverneur, in the spring.

Donations can be made in her name to Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL or the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department.

Sally Lou Swarthout

Sally Lou Swarthout went home on January 16, 2020 to live in the mansion that Jesus has prepared for her in heaven.

Sally was born April 27, 1932 in Gouverneur, daughter of Charles and Rena Tuttle Orford.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in June 1950.

She was a follower of Jesus Christ and enjoyed being in His presence and telling others about God’s love for them. She enjoyed being outdoors- hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, kayaking and gardening. After her husband retired in 1990, they traveled extensively, camping in a tent.

She married Anthony (Andy) Swarthout on June 30, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church chapel in Watertown.

Surviving are: one daughter, Amy Lou Bach, Ithaca; two sons, Jay Anthony Swarthout, Amherst, N.Y. and Brent Alan Swarthout, Chantilly, VA and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Stanley Orford and two sisters, Vivian Tessmer and Dorothy Orford, all of Gouverneur.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers, Emerson (Doc) Orford and Vern Orford and one sister, Bethany Orford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First Baptist Church, 118 Church Street, PO Box 208, Hermon, NY 13652 or Chosen Farm (Mission in Zambia), PO Box 28302, Spokane, WA 99228.

Sally will be dearly missed by her family and all that had the blessing of meeting her. There will be a family graveside service in the spring.

Andrew Porter

Andrew “Andy” L. Porter, age 12, of Fowler, passed away on January 14, 2020 at home.

There will be a memorial service held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be near his father in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Clare. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Andy was born on December 17, 2007 in Springfield, MA to Cynthia L. (Warriner) Porter and the late Wesley Roland Porter. He was educated through the ADA program through BOCES in Potsdam.

Andy was a kid who loved everybody and was very friendly and cheerful. He enjoyed watching videos and snuggling. Andy is survived by his mother, Cynthia Porter, sister, Elisabeth A. Porter, and his grandfather, C. Lee Warriner. He is predeceased by his father, Wesley R. Porter, uncle Todd R. Warriner, and grandmother, Sharon I. Warriner.

Donations in memory of Andy may be made to the National Autism Awareness Society at https://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/.

Sharon T. Durham

Sharon T. Durham, 69, of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Calling hours were held on Saturday, January 11 from 10 to 11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Keith Taylor, brother of Sharon, officiating and burial in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Sharon was born in Binghamton on August 12, 1950, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Mann) Taylor.

She graduated from Massena High School in 1969 and married Ronald E. "Huck" Durham on December 23, 1972 at Hermon Baptist Church with her father and brother officiating.

Sharon worked as a home health care aide and a nurse’s aide at Highland Nursing Home and Kinney Nursing Home. Sharon, Huck, and their children also operated a food trailer business as R&S Family Concession.

Sharon enjoyed going to church, reading from the bible, watching the birds, camping, especially at Coles Creek, and spending time with family, often watching her grandkids playing sports.

Sharon is survived by her husband Ron, her children Marilyn J. Durham of Gouverneur and grandchildren Stallone, Savannah, and Willow, Becki Jo Durham and Jon Lalone of Mannsville and grandchildren Alana, Jalynne, Cain, and Rayden, Ronald J. "RJ" Durham and Danielle Mitchell of Heuvelton, and grandchildren Rylee and Lanie.

She is also survived by her siblings Robert and Tedi Taylor, Keith and Kathy Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, Priscilla and Jim Jenne, Phillip and Mary Taylor, Paul and Laura Taylor, John and Kari Taylor, Bethany and Doug Main, many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Sharon's memory are encouraged to the Hermon Baptist Church.

Paula Towne

On Sunday December 29, Paula Towne passed away at her home in Gouverneur surrounded by loved ones. Over the past three months, the outpouring of support from the community helped give her strength as she battled cancer. Born in Rochester on July 18th, 1948, Paula is survived by her four children and their partners, Jessie Bishop and Bart Bishop (Gouverneur), Mason Wolak and Melissa Perreria and their daughter Avery (Alexandria, VA), Clinton Langevin and Amy Norris and their son Jasper (Toronto, ON), and Daniel and Jessalyn Langevin (Denver, CO).

For over forty-five years she called the North Country home and embodied the independent spirit of the area, with a consummate work ethic as an artist and creative soul. Paula’s home gallery, Trinkets, showcased her diverse artistic talents that included acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, pen and ink drawing, portraiture, logo/typesetting, woodburning, and rug making. She drew inspiration from the beauty of upstate New York, winning multiple awards at area art shows for her nature-based woodburnings. Over a twenty-year period, Paula completed portraits of every member of each senior class at Gouverneur High School. In addition to her numerous artistic achievements, Paula was also an active teacher, giving independent art lessons to hundreds of students in the area.

She was born the fourth child of five to Kay and Charlie Rysewyk (Rochester). Her surviving siblings are brothers Jim and Doug Rysewyk, and sisters Carol Lynch and Barb Thompson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paula’s name to either the Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org or the St. Lawrence Arts Council at slcartscouncil.org.

Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 3 – 5 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. Her family hosted a get-together at her home following the service. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Harry Salisbury

Harry R. Salisbury, age 76, of Gouverneur, passed away on December 29, 2019 at Van Duyn Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse.

His funeral and burial will be private with Elder Richard Youngs, his long- time friend officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Harry was born on July 4, 1943 in Gouverneur to the late Donald and Jacqueline (Vert) Salisbury. He attended the Gouverneur High School and married Mary Alice Rotundo on January 16, 1971 at the Gouverneur Baptist parsonage officiated by Rev. Perry.

Harry started working right out of high school as a mechanic for the Central Garage in Gouverneur. He also worked for Rotundo Chrysler-Plymouth before opening up his own business, Harry’s Auto Repair. Harry operated his own business for 13 ½ years before becoming an underground mechanic for ZCA where he worked until it closed. Always enjoying mechanical work, Harry loved going to work.

Harry loved racing and playing golf. He watched NASCAR, was a Dale Earnhardt fan, and even owned his own race car. Harry was also a longtime member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

His survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Salisbury; two daughters, Wendy and Penny and their families; several nieces and nephews; and also, his precious cat, Rufus.

Harry is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dean Salisbury and his in-laws, Henry and Doreen Rotundo.

Donations in memory of Harry may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Phillip John McKinney

Phillip John McKinney, age 36, formerly of Gouverneur, died on December 27, 2019.

There was a visitation held at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 on Monday, December 30, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. There was no funeral service. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Phillip was born on December 27, 1983 in Gouverneur to Michael McKinney and Karen (June) McKinney. He attended Gouverneur Central School and Jefferson Community College.

Phillip married Phyl Barbara on August 6, 2005. The couple have three girls who were their father’s world. Phillip was a fantastic father who was fiercely loyal and patient with everyone.

Phillip started working as an autobody repairman at the age of 16 for Mike Parker of S&M auto and has worked the trade for 20 years ending his career at Hamilton’s Body Shop in Adams Center. He was a hard worker and was very good at his job and loved helping his family when he could. He played guitar and had a beautiful voice. He loved his girls. He loved 4-wheelers and mud pits. He was the glue that held his family together.

He is survived by his wife, Phyl McKinney, his daughters, Kyara Concha, Alyson McKinney, Toryann McKinney, his mother, Karen McKinney, his father, Michael McKinney, brothers, Tony McKinney and his fiancé Kelly Edwards, Jeremy McKinney and his wife, Nicole, and his mother-in-law, Michelle Bridge.

Donations in memory of Phillip may be made at https://www.facebook.com/1024160409/posts/10218128218690002/?d=n.

His family wants to be sure everyone knows the phone number for Suicide Prevention. Call 1-800-273-8255. Available 24 hours every day.

Desiree' “Jaymie” Bales

Desiree' “Jaymie” Bales, 53, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at her home in Clay Center, Nebraska, with her husband by her side.

At her request, there will be no calling hours or services.

Desiree was born on July 23, 1967 in Gouverneur, New York, the daughter of Howard “Jim” Smith and Connie Rice. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1979, and later married Harold Crowner. The marriage ended in divorce.

She moved to Syracuse to work. She met Chris Bales and in 2007, they were married. She traveled around the country with him, wherever his work took him. He is a heavy equipment and crane operator for Commercial Construction. In 2012, they bought a small farm in Nebraska.

Jaymie is a member of the First Methodist Church of Gouverneur, and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary 6338 of Gouverneur, N.Y.

She enjoyed the outdoors and loved her animals. She has two cats and three dogs. Jaymie has worked with rescued, abused horses and was in the processes of getting two of her own. She was also a great football fan of the Nebraska Huskers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Desiree' “Jaymie” is survived by her husband, Chris Bales, daughter Samantha Rennie and husband, her son Jonathon Crowner, two step-children, Mason and Cassidy Bales of Utah, her adopted sister, Michelle Gotart of Hastings, Nebraska, granddaughter Dudley Rennie, as well as her mother, Connie Rice. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Desiree' is predeceased by her father, a brother, Douglas, and sister-in-law, Pricilla Smith, maternal grandparents, Blanche Ingram and Robert Rice, Sr.

Memorial Donations may be made to your own charity or to the American Cancer Society.

Barbara Appleby

Barbara Appleby, 92, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 in Watertown.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring for East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Barbara was born in Chateaugay on May 23, 1927, the daughter of Henry and Laura Copps Barnes.

She married Robert M. Appleby on October 16, 1954 in Chateaugay and the couple moved to Antwerp, then to Gouverneur. Barbara worked at Kinney Drugs, and later at the Gouverneur Savings and Loan from which she retired in 1987.

The couple resided in the north country much of their lives. Upon retiring, they moved to Maine and later returned to Fowler, Black Lake and most recently to Adams.

Barbara enjoyed baking, crocheting, embroidery, reading, and spending time with her family, especially her great grandchildren.

Mr. Appleby, a retired banker, passed away on January 1, 2018.

Barbara is survived by her son Brian and wife, Jean Appleby of Adams, her daughter Bonnie and husband, Ted Drummond of Unity, Maine, and daughter in law Donna Barnes of Chateaugay and 7 grandchildren Kelly Barnes of Arizona, Nicky Bogart of Albany, Jenna Drummond of Portsmouth, RI, Cassie Drummond of Manchester, NH, Jonathan Appleby of Binghamton, Mark Appleby of Watertown, and Megan Abbott of Adams, 7 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Robert, son Barry Barnes of Chateaugay and her parents.

Memorial donations in Barbara's memory are encouraged to the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, 22 Church Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

John G. “Mike” Reilly

John G. "Mike" Reilly, 94, of Gouverneur passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Gouverneur Hospital.

A funeral mass was held on Monday, December 9, at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, Gouverneur, with Fr. Shane Lynch officiating; a spring burial will be held in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours were on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Mike was born on December 2, 1925, in Pachuca, Mexico, the son of John and Ursula Reilly.

Mike attended the Culver Military Academy of Indiana, graduating in 1943. He served our nation during World War II in the United States Marine Corps. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining and Metallurgy from the University of Missouri School of Mines at Rolla.

After college, he was employed with the St. Joe Lead/Mineral Co. in Bonne Terre, Missouri, where he met Anna Marie Seitz. Mike and Anna were married on January 8, 1950.

In 1953, they moved to Edwards and eventually to Balmat, and the family grew steadily. Mike worked with St. Joe and Fluor until his retirement in 1986. The family moved to their current residence just outside Gouverneur in 1966.

Mike provided for his family of seven children and was a faithful member of St. James Catholic Church. He served as Cub Scout leader, Pee Wee baseball coach and director at the Gouverneur Country Club, where he played golf for over 60 years. He also enjoyed geology, stamp collecting, and, on his retirement, bowling at the Gouverneur Bowl, where he earned the moniker “Strikin’ Mike” for rolling a 287, 12-strike game at the age of 87.

Mike and Anna were avid members of the McDonald's “coffee club.”

Mike was always finding ways to help people. He was generous in his financial support of St. James School and Church, Gouverneur Library, the Gouverneur Foundation, Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Culver, American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Association, and many other organizations.

Mike is survived by his children, Gay Reilly of West Virginia, John Reilly of Georgia, Mary Reilly of Saratoga Springs, Peter Reilly of Newfield, Joe and Annie Reilly of Canton, Cindy Gadbaw of Canton, Tom and Danta Reilly of Virginia; his grandchildren Patrick Reilly, Michael Reilly, Katie Gadbaw and Alex, Ian Gadbaw, Frank Reilly, and Danny Reilly; and great-grandchildren Anna and Lily. He is also survived by a brother, Philip Reilly of Florida, a sister, Miriam Jupp of California, nieces and nephews. Mike is predeceased by his wife Anna, his parents, and his son-in-law Randy Gadbaw.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made to the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Lauren Buys Shuman

Lauren Buys Shuman, age 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2019 at home in Ocala, Florida. She was surrounded by family and the love of friends near and far.

Laurie was born in Canton, New York on February 28, 1946 to Doris (Fonda) and John Buys. She grew up in Canton where she graduated from Hugh C. Williams High School, earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Syracuse University in 1968 and an M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Potsdam in 1976. Laurie continued her education, earning an M.S. in Special Education Administration from the College of Saint Rose in 1988 and certification as a school superintendent in 2002 through St. Lawrence University. She spent her entire career in education, teaching both elementary and special education students, and eventually serving for over ten years as Principal of West Side Elementary School in Gouverneur – where she was loved by students and teachers alike for her warm, fun, and welcoming personality. Following retirement from that position, she supervised student teachers for St. Lawrence University and served as an interim school administrator in Morristown CSD and Edwards-Knox CSD. When not in the schools, Laurie spent years teaching English to refugees from war-torn countries, including a Cambodian family that lived with her own family for a time.

Laurie was deeply spiritual. Together with her husband James Shuman, she was ordained as an Interfaith Minister through the New Seminary in New York City in 2000. She and Jim officiated many weddings (including several of their own children’s) and other ceremonies. Through a lifetime of spiritual growth, Laurie touched many lives not only in her native Canton but across the US in her church activities, fellowships, retreats, and ceremonies.

Laurie is survived by her beloved husband of 23 years, James Shuman, her children John Holena, Daniel Holena, and Elizabeth Holena (Richard Holena); her stepsons Ryan Shuman and Corey Shuman; and her beloved nieces and nephews Richard Buys, Robert Buys, Barbara Buys, Kathy Buys, Andrea (Stauble) Speare, Candi (Capozzi) Jones, Kathy Agee, Lindy Agee, Debbie (Agee) Hardin, and Tammy Agee-Acosta. Also graced with the memory of their grandmother are her many loving grandchildren: Agnes, Jasper, Elliot, and Eloise (John); Henry and William (Daniel); Eva and Wolfgang (Elizabeth); Sylvie and Shea (Ryan). Preceding Laurie in passing were her beloved parents, as well as her brother Norman Buys and sisters Janice (Buys) Capozzi, and Marilyn (Buys) Agee.

Those who were blessed with knowing Laurie will remember her beautiful smile, her sparkling blue eyes, and her fun and colorful hair. They will recall the patience and love she poured into making beautiful quilts and knitting projects for family and friends. They will remember her deep connection to family, especially her grandchildren and of course, her cats. And all will carry within them her kind and gentle spirit.

Plans are being made for a celebration of Laurie’s life for spring/summer of 2020 in Canton, NY. Please visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurieshuman for updates. Memorial contributions in Laurie’s name can made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley (www.hospiceslv.org) or to the One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York City (www.1spirit.org).

John T. Kitchin

John T. Kitchin, 52, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

A funeral mass was held on Tuesday, December 10 at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur and burial in the spring in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours were held on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

John was born in Ogdensburg on June 9, 1967, the son of Donald and Dawn (Yager) Kitchin.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and had worked at the St. Lawrence NYSARC workshop in Hermon until it's closing.

John is survived by his sisters Beth Johnson of Gouverneur, Susan and Jeff Koehn of Canandaigua, Jacqueline and Kurt Koepf of Mt. Dora, FL, Mary Kitchin and David Shoen of Jamestown, many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his 82 Main Street, Hermon family as well as his caregivers of St. Lawrence NYSARC whom he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of John are encouraged to St. James School or St. James Church, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Lacey L. Jones

Lacey L. Jones, age 88, of Gouverneur, passed away on October 30, 2019 at the Gouverneur Hospital with his wife by his side.

Lacey L. Jones was born in Vestal, N.Y. on October 4, 1931. He was the son of Leland L. Jones and Estella T. Harrington Jones. He graduated from Vestal Central High School in 1949, where he was the first wrestling section winner from Vestal. He then attended Springfield College in Springfield Massachusetts, receiving a scholarship honors in 1954 with physical education major and a minor in biology. Then he went to Penn State University in 1955 on a graduate fellowship, receiving his Master’s in education.

From 1955-56 he worked at Ogdensburg Free Academy, teaching general science and health. There he was the assistant varsity football coach and started the wrestling program.

In 1957, he moved to Gouverneur and became the assistant varsity football coach, varsity wrestling coach and physical education teacher.

Over the years, Lacey also coached track, cross country, golf and his passion, wrestling, from 1957-1975 and again from 1979-1981, compiling an overall record of 253-41-5.

During his three-year hiatus from Gouverneur, he was assistant wrestling coach at St. Lawrence University. He was inducted into the New York High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 2000 and the Gouverneur High School Wall of fame in 2011.

Lacey instructed in wrestling summer clinics in New England and in New York for 22 years.

He retired from teaching and coaching in 1992, after 37 years.

The Watertown Daily Times referred to him as “Dean of North Country Wrestling Coaches”.

In 2013 Lacey was honored at the North Country Wrestling Tournament in Gouverneur that he started in 1970.

Family time was spent accompanying him at the summer wrestling clinics, camping in the Adirondacks and then 41 years at their cottages at Lake Clear and then Kiwassa Lake.

After retirement, Lacey and his wife Shirley moved to Kiwassa Lake summers and spent the winter months in Lake Placid. He volunteered with the rescue boat for the 90 Miler Canoe Race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake for nine years. Their greatest joy was sharing their Adirondack Homes with family and friends. The couple returned to Gouverneur in 2005.

Lacey married his high school sweetheart, Shirley R. Burgess in August of 1953. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with their children and their families in 2003 in the Adirondacks.

Lacey is survived by a daughter, Chris (David) Middlemore of Baldwinsville, NY; Granddaughter Lacey (William) Pickett, great granddaughters Teagan and identical twins Harper and Henley of Rural Retreat, VA; Grandson Charles (Violeta) Duggan and great grandson Nolan of Roanoke, VA; Granddaughter Jennifer (Michael) Wells and great granddaughter Aubrey and Emma of Baldwinsville, NY; Grandson David Middlemore (Tara Pickard) of Fulton, NY; Son, Leland Jones (Dena King) and granddaughter Murilla King of Taos, NM; Son, Scott Jones (George Pinney) of Pittsfield, MA; sisters Sandra Roth of Vestal, NY and Louellen Jones of Sauquoit, NY and several nieces and nephews and their families. Sisters-in-law, Elaine Johnson of Endicott, NY and Ila Jean Popple of Gainsville, FL.

Lacey is predeceased by his parents, Estella and Leland Jones, sisters. Katherine Loveless, Rheba Andrews, Doris Bidwell and Gayle Goodwin and brothers, Bruce and Keith Jones.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service at the request of Lacey. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your local Hospice. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Cards are encouraged to be sent to Shirley at 56 Valley Drive, Gouverneur NY 13642.