Louis J. “Jack” Christensen

Louis J. “Jack” Christensen, 90, of Camillus, NY for the past eight years, passed away on March 31, 2020.

Jack was born on October 16, 1929 in Watertown, NY to Aura (Johnston) and Louis A. Christensen. After graduating from Gouverneur High School in 1948, he went on to receive his Physical Education degree at Brockport State in 1952.

He entered into the U. S. Army in1952 and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1954.

Jack married Rosalie Girard on January 17, 1953 at St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur.

After his discharge from the Army, he received his Masters Degree in Education from Springfield College.

Jack then proceeded to have a thirty-three year career as a much admired teacher and coach in the Rochester City School District.

Throughout his career, he coached high school football, basketball, and lacrosse. He was also the Asst. Baseball Coach at Monroe Community College from 1972 to 1994.

He was the recipient of numerous awards throughout his very successful career.

He was Director for the children’s summer baseball program at Kodak for 15 years during the summer months.

In his retirement, Jack and Rosalie enjoyed spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Fla and summers back in their hometown of Gouverneur, NY. He loved his Boston RedSox, golfing, umpiring and playing softball, and having season tickets to Syracuse University football and basketball.

Besides being an avid sports enthusiast, he also had a deep love of music. He played the trumpet for many years.

It has been stated that Coach Chris was a true “gentleman” coach. To this day, he had remained very close to some of his past players as if they were family.

Jack is predeceased in 2011 by the love of his life, Rosalie “Rollie” Girard Christensen.

He is survived by two daughters, Zoe Ann (Gary) Gonza of Camillus, NY and Daria Jan Christensen of Norwood, MA; and son Louis “Chris” (Gina) Christensen of Pittsford, NY; and two granddaughters, Stephanie (Jacquie) Christensen of Rochester, NY and Shelby Christensen of Chicago, IL.

Private services due to the pandemic were held on Friday, April 3, 2020 at French Funeral Home followed by a Mass at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Lynch officiating. Burial will occur at St. James Cemetery in Gouverneur at a later date.

A memorial service to celebrate his legacy will be held at a future date to be announced. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Camillus or In Christ New Hope Ministry, Inc., Henrietta, NY. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Kelly Lynn Marasco

Kelly Lynn Marasco, 55, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at University Hospital in Syracuse.

There are no funeral services and she will be laid to rest in East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur.

Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Kelly was born in Gouverneur on February 20, 1965, the daughter of Felix and Connie (Hall) Marasco.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1983 and attended nursing school to receive certification as a licensed practical Nurse. Kelly worked at the Kinney Nursing Home until transferring over to E.J. Noble Hospital which transitioned into Gouverneur Hospital.

Kelly had great love for animals, especially cats. She dreamt of being a marine biologist when she was younger. She loved any pictures of kittens, watched countless videos of cats, and never missed an opportunity to snuggle and love a cat. One of her favorite pastimes was watching YouTube videos and engaging on Facebook, often to the dismay of others who she playfully argued with. She had a great love for murder and crime shows, often able to speak verbatim of crime scenarios. Kelly was a Sprite connoisseur. There was nothing better than an ice cold can of Sprite and a delicious meal. She often spoke for her love of cannoli and encouraged others to love it as well. She loved t-shirts, shopping at Kinney Drugs and Stewarts, and playing games on her tablet.

She loved music. While working as a nurse you could often hear her belt out any number of songs while shimmying and shaking down the hall with her medication cart. Residents, patients, and family members alike were entertained by Kelly and enjoyed her playful and humorous demeanor. Kelly lived loud and unabashedly. She was an individual and marched to her beat, self-assured that she was who she was and was proud of that fact. Though she died young, she regaled her coworkers with many a story about the life she lived, the fun she had, and did so with no regrets. She left this world on her own terms and leaves behind a legacy of caring. She was always doling out advice, even when it was hard to hear, and she was the first to help anyone that asked.

Kelly is survived by her 2 sons Nicholas Marasco and Joey Marasco, her companion Daniel Backus, her father Felix Marasco, her aunts, uncle, and cousins. She is predeceased by her mother Connie Brown, stepfather John Brown, and stepmother Elizabeth Marasco.

Besides her immediate family and many friends, Kelly leaves behind a nursing family; work daughters Alexis Rowe, Kayli Dusharm, Samantha Rusin, Amanda House., Amanda Clement, Michalla Wainwright, Erin Hughes, Denise Murray, Katelynne Kulp, Denise Recore, Jenelle Fuller, and Erica Fishel; work sisters Sallie Emrich, Reen Woods, and Dawn Bango; mentors Julie Henry and Deb Bates;  work mother Linda Soto; a sister in shenanigans Kim Harmer; and her work husband, Jason Matice.  Kelly not only provided comedic relief to her workers and patients; but she boosted staff morale as well. She was the matriarch of her nursing family and will be missed immensely.

Memorial donations in Kelly’s memory are suggested to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Shirley A. Grange

Shirley A. Grange, 56, of New Mexico, formerly from Gouverneur, New York, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Shirley was born November 27, 1963. She wed Thomas Grange on July 26, 1996. She loved to travel and take photos of all the beautiful places she got to see. She loved to draw and bake. She was talented in many ways. She had a big heart and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her husband Thomas “Tom” Grange, mother Karen Barr, daughter Jamie Walton, daughter Jennifer Walton, grandchildren Karter, Andrew and Janeisa, Brother Jeff and family, Sister Cindy and family, sister Kathy and family, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by father Stanley Barr, sister Bonnie Hayden, grandparents, niece Amber Mote, and great-nephew Odin Mote.

A Memorial / Celebration of Life will take place at a later time.

Linda Ann (Miles) Gardner

Linda Ann (Miles) Gardner of Rossie, New York, passed away on March 26, 2020 at Gouverneur Hospital. She spent her last days making new friends and accepting visits from lifelong friends and family.

Born on October 29, 1947 to Everett J. Miles and Helen (King) Miles in Gouverneur and raised in Hailesboro, New York, Linda graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1965.

A registered nurse, having graduated from the Saint Lawrence Hospital School of Nursing in 1969, Linda worked at Community General Hospital in Syracuse while advancing her training. She became a coronary care nurse and moved back to the North Country in 1970.

Charles A. Gardner and Linda were married on July 10th, 1971 at the St. James Roman Catholic Church in Gouverneur. Linda and Charlie moved where his studies took them, affording Linda the opportunity to work at Mercy Hospital in Watertown, Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg, and St. Peters Hospital in Albany.

Linda had her first child, a son, Nicholas F. in January of 1976 and her daughter, Elizabeth A. in March of 1977.

Linda continued her career as a nurse including two years with St. Lawrence County Public Health until 1984 when she enrolled at SUNY Potsdam with the dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. While at SUNY Potsdam, Linda was very active in student life holding leadership positions in several student organizations. She graduated from SUNY Potsdam in May of 1987 and embarked on a 20-year career as an educator with the Hammond Central School District.

Linda spent most of her years at Hammond, teaching 3rd grade. She was also the yearbook advisor for many years. Whenever a student or coworker needed a word of encouragement or sympathetic ear, they knew they could find it in Linda’s classroom. She was always at school early and stayed late, devoting her life to her students and fellow teachers. Linda retired from Hammond Central School at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Linda spent her retirement with the people she held dearest. Linda continued to work per diem at the Kinney Nursing home in Gouverneur and as a substitute school nurse at Hammond and Hermon Dekalb Central Schools. She loved to read, cook, and simply sit and visit for hours on end.

Linda was predeceased by her father, mother, step father Elmer Peck, older brother William "Bill" Miles and sister-in-law Louise (Salzer) Miles.

Linda is survived by her husband Charlie, son Nick and his wife Jennifer (Hadlock) Gardner and their children Kennon E (16), Nolan F (14), Jensen N (8), and Vivian F (6) of Rossie, daughter Elizabeth of Fulton New York, nephew Christopher Miles, niece Michelle Sanger, and close cousin Henry and wife Christine Laquier of Rensselaer Falls, New York.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Rossie with interment to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Rossie. A memorial mass and time for fellowship will be announced and held this summer.

Memorial donations can be made to the organizations that Linda held dear to her heart, The Hammond Central School Music Fund, 51 South Main Street Hammond, New York 13646, Gouverneur Hospital, 77 West Barney Street, Gouverneur, New York 13642, and Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, 5 Lyon Place, Ogdensburg, New York 13669.

Margaret E. Cole

Margaret Eloise Cole, age 91, of Chase Mills, went to be with her Lord on March 25, 2010.

Margaret was born on March 22, 1929 in the Town of Edwards to the late Ivan M. and Eva F. (Law) Davis. She went to school at the Pleasant Valley School House in Edwards.

After high school, she attended Cornell University for two years and then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Empire State College. She had a strong love for learning and that trait carried all the way through her life.

She married Kenneth D. Cole on January 3, 1948 at the Hermon Methodist Parsonage with Rev. Roy Flint officiating. Together, she and Kenneth owned and operated Cole Family Farm. Ken passed away on January 3, 1992.

Margaret also worked at the New York State Hospital at the Northwood Manor in Ogdensburg. She was very active in the Relay for Life, taking part in the “Terminator Team”. She was a former member of the 4-H and the Grange. She owned Blue Heron Patchwork and was very talented. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafting, wood working and wood finishing and ceramics. She also loved country music, was an avid reader, really had a love for books and was very well read.

Surviving are two sons, Daniel and Jerrilyn Cole of Dekalb Jct. and Kenneth Cole “Andy” of Ontario, NY; a foster son, Frederick Davis of Chase Mills; a sister-in-law Marjorie Davis of Edwards; 11 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Margaret is predeceased by her husband; parents; a daughter, Lucy Allen and a brother, Eugene Davis.

There will be visitation and a memorial service for Margaret at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in her memory may be made to SUNY Potsdam Relay for Life, Team Hopeful Heroes, c/o Denise Furnace, 49 Marie St., Massena, NY 13662 or to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Wendell VanDuzee

Wendell VanDuzee, 75, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Massena Memorial Hospital.

There will be no funeral services and burial will be private in Fairview Cemetery in Edwards.

Wendell was born in Gouverneur on June 18, 1944, the son of Claude and Cora (Spicer) VanDuzee.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1963 and was employed in the printing industry for over 40 years. Wendell enjoyed reading, was interested in the railroad, and collected steel pedal carts. He lived at Cambray Terrace until recently moving to Massena.

Wendell married Annett Arnold on March 7, 1977, and she predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his parents, a brother Douglas VanDuzee, and 5 sisters Shirley Souve, Agnes Snyder, Cora Snyder, Ruth McAdam, Wanda VanDuzee, and Eleanor Merritt. Wendell is survived by his sister Connie Watson of North Carolina, several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in memory of Wendell are suggested to your local Boy Scouts of America.

William A. “Willie” Cooper

William A. “Willie” Cooper, 87, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.

Funeral services are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial will be in Pleasant Lake Cemetery, Brasie Corners. Public services honoring Willie will be scheduled and announced later in the spring.

William was born in Gouverneur on February 1, 1933, the son of Paul and Alma Freeman Cooper.

He grew up in Macomb where he attended school and worked on the family farms. Willie married Carrie Addie McCrea on May 20, 1954 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church parsonage with Rev. William Wood officiating.

The couple owned and operated farms on the Lashure Road in Macomb and on the Carpenter Road in Antwerp. Willie also was employed at the Borden Milk Plant until 1969 and then General Crushed Stone of Watertown until retiring in 1996.

Willie was a member of the Dads of the VFW, accepted the Good Citizenship Award at the VFW, and was a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge since 1963 where he received numerous awards and held several offices. He served as Exalted Ruler, was Elk of the Year, and was given the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Awards among other accolades. For many, Willie was simply known as Santa. Before the nursing home was added to E.J. Noble Hospital, he began playing the role of Santa Claus to people of all ages. He wore the outfit for the hospital, the nursing home, Elks Lodge functions, the Kiwanis Club, firemen

parades, and at the local post office to name just a few.

Besides spending time with the family, the couple enjoyed giving back to their community, traveling, gardening, and bowling.

Willie is survived by his wife Addie, his children David and Rosi Wells of Germany, Dennis and Charlene Wells of Georgia, William Cooper of Antwerp, Julia and Larry Zimbal of Antwerp, Jane Oliva of Texas, Jannette and John Heisler of Baldwinsville, Walter and Bonnie Cooper of Antwerp, 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a son Wayne Cooper, 2 sisters Julia Cooper, and Norma Cooper.

In honor of Willie’s memory, memorial donations are suggested to Grace Food Pantry, 52 Church Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Richard Crawn Sr.

Richard “Dick” S. Crawn, Sr., age 92, of Gouverneur, passed away at home on March 12, 2020.

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

Dick was born on March 27, 1927 in Branchville, NJ to the late Elmer and Vernie (Lawson) Crawn. He was the last survivor of 15 children.

He married Ellen Spangenburg in New Jersey. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on the McAllister Road in Gouverneur for about 50 years. Ellen passed away on December 23, 2011.

Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time at his camp on the Perch River.

His survivors include three children, Patricia and Calvin Walrath of Gouverneur, Jeffrey Allan Crawn of Gouverneur, and Vernie Arquitt of Hermon. He is also survived by 11grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dick is predeceased by his wife, Ellen, his son, Richard “Farmer” Crawn Jr., all of his siblings, and a grandson, Thomas Crawn.

Harlow R. Wood

Harlow R. Wood, 81, of Antwerp, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.

Funeral services will be scheduled later in the spring and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Harlow was born in Watertown on March 6, 1939, the son of Curtis and Mertice (Shaw) Wood and attended school in the Evans Mills area.

He married Frances Marcellus on November 23, 1957 at Antwerp Episcopal Church.

The couple were involved with dairy farming since 1957 and have been on the Teall Road since 1967. Harlow also worked several years at Deferiet paper mill and then Rushmore paper mill in Natural Dam.

Harlow enjoyed the outdoors, hunting on the farm, tending to the cattle, or riding his four wheeler. He also enjoyed spending time with family, especially visits from his sister Sharon and niece Melissa Woods Edwards, and he was a life member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

Harlow is survived by his daughter Catherine and Marvin French of Alexandria Bay, his son David Wood and his companion Sherri Jo Petrie of Antwerp, his two grandchildren Eric and his wife Chrystal, Alyse and her companion Antwan, four great grandchildren Jada, Harrison, Tiana, and Trevon.

He is also survived by his sisters Sharon and Kevin Hall, Beverly Roux, Madeline Sepko, several nieces and nephews. Harlow is predeceased by his wife Frances, two sons Vincent Wood and infant son Curtis Wood, a sister Helen Collet, 2 brothers Harley and Hollis Wood, and a niece Mandy.

Steven Carl Weldon

Mr. Steven Carl Weldon, age 67, of Dallas, Georgia passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital (Marietta, Georgia).

Mr. Weldon was born on August 9, 1952 in Gouverneur, New York to Mr. Douglas Weldon and Mrs. Alice (Youngs) Weldon.

He was married to Mrs. Jane (Morrill) Weldon for 44 years. Prior to his passing, he worked as a talc mill worker for Gouverneur Talc Company.

Mr. Weldon is survived by loving wife, Mrs. Jane Weldon; his children, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua (Lindsay) Weldon, Mr. and Mrs. Luke (Courtney) Weldon and Hillary Weldon; his grandchildren, Ayden Weldon, Chandler Weldon, Mattis Weldon, Lily Kate Weldon, Elijah Curington, Finnegan Weldon, Elizabeth Curington, Holland Weldon and Thomas Curington; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas (Alice) Weldon; his brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Lisa) Weldon and Mr. and Mrs. Danny (Gina) Weldon; his sisters, Diane Weldon Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Scott (Teresa) Gillen; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Mr. Weldon was held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. at Benson Funeral Home. He was cremated following the visitation.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society in Mr. Weldon's memory.

John Ambrose Ayen

John Ambrose Ayen, 72, passed away on March 2, 2020, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

John was born in Alexandria Bay, N.Y. on September 29, 1948, the son of Ambrose and Pearl (Tibbles) Ayen.

He married Sharon Rumble on April 15, 1967, in Gouverneur.

He served in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery radar technician.

While in the military he did three tours in Germany, El Paso, Texas and Key West, Florida. He was awarded the Army Commendation, Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals, the NCO Professional Development and Overseas Service ribbons and the Marksman Badge.

While in the military, John enjoyed building and racing cars (along with Sharon). He was a member of the German/American Race Club. His hobbies included woodworking in his workshop aka "Pa's Workshop", tinkering on his grandsons' snowmobiles and 4-wheelers, so they were all ready and running for their weekend visits and he could Ayenize anything.

He was employed by Lockheed Martin working at the Moscow Radar Site in Moscow, Maine before transferring to Lockheed Martin in Ocala, Florida, where he worked for thirteen years until his retirement. John and Sharon returned to Maine in 2011.

He was a member of the Disabled America Veteran's Association and the Albion Lion's Club.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, John D. Ayen; and daughter, Amanda Ayen Atwood and her husband, Ben Atwood; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Sheila Finley of Florida and Jean Merritt of California.

He is predeceased by his parents and six brothers and sisters.

There will be a graveside service scheduled at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

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.