Nancy Mae Winch

Nancy Mae Winch, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at her home with her loving husband by her side. The family has entrusted arrangements to the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena.

There will be private viewing at the convenience of the family with burial in Calvary Cemetery, Massena in the spring.

Nancy was born in Gouverneur, NY on July 3, 1957 to the late Arthur and Beatrice (Booth) House. She grew up in the town of Macomb with her five brothers and two sisters. She married Arden Winch on March 18, 1993 at the Auburn Church of the Nazarene in Auburn, NY. Nancy was a talented musician who enjoyed singing and playing her keyboard as well as cooking and baking for her family and friends. She loved being a waitress, serving other and being social. Nancy worked in various restaurants during her career and one had the privilege, when she waited on the United States Secret Service while President Clinton was dining at the Veranda Restaurant, in Lake Placid, NY.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband Arden E. Winch, her two daughters; Dianna Petrie and Jennifer Fravor, two grandchildren; Ryan and Emily Spies along with her four brothers; James and Kathy House, Robert House and companion Kathy Rushia, Allen and Karen House, Stephen House and fiancée Polly Adams and a sister Ruth and Larry Pratt. Nancy is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by a son Billy Spies, a brother and sister in-law; David and Susan House, a sister Jean Easton and a sister in-law, Cheryl House.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, photos and online condolences by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com

Gary W. Watson

Gary W. Watson, age 75, of Gouverneur, passed away on at home on February 16, 2021.

Burial in the Hermon Cemetery will be in the spring. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, pictures, and memories may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Gary was born on March 24, 1945 in Gouverneur to the late Robert and Hazel (House) Watson. He attended school in Gouverneur and worked as a butcher for Cappelino’s Slaughter House for years. He married Virginia L. Wells on October 21, 1973 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church. A previous marriage ended in divorce.

Gary loved to BBQ, play the harmonica, work in his garden, go fishing and go to church.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Watson, three children, Tonya Lynn (Bob) Collins, Granger Watson, and Jerry (Tracie) Watson, brothers, Melburn “Joe” and Leland, and a sister, Violet Bush. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Gary is predeceased by his parents, brothers, Wilbert and Clarence Watson, sister, Florence Metcalf, and several half-siblings.

Donations in memory of Gary may be made to the American Heart Association or the Children’s Miracle Network.

Wallace John Cropper

Wallace (Wally) John Cropper, born October 8, 1926 in Manhattan to Annie and LeRoy Cropper passed away February 8, 2021.

He spent his childhood school years there, graduating from Horace Mann High School. He spent his summers at Camp Moosilauke in Orford, N.H., where he was a camper and later a counselor. He arrived by train from the city and had many fond memories of his days there.

After graduating from Brown University he went to the University of Michigan for an MS Degree in Geology. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in between his years at Brown. He was a member of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers and the Society of Economic Geologists. As a mining and exploration geologist he worked and lived in numerous locations for his company, St. Joe Lead Company, later called St. Joe Resources. The family lived in Balmat, N.Y., Petosi, Mo., the Andes Mountains of Argentina, Gouverneur, N.Y., Princeton, N.J., Glenmont, N.Y. and Watertown, N.Y. Over the years they had many fun times at Sylvia Lake in Balmat and at their camp on the St. Lawrence River. After retirement as Chief Geologist for St. Joe Resources, they lived in Maine and Bradenton, Florida. They were avid tennis players and loved being near the ocean and warm weather.

He met his wife Nellie in Gouverneur, N.Y. in 1951 and had 47 wonderful years with her until she died in 1998. They had two children, Robert Cropper and wife Teresa Andrade of Warwick, R.I. and Lorraine Clough and husband Mark of Peacham, Vt., grandson Benjamin Clough of Boston, Mass. He married Gloria Hall who survives him, while living on Anna Maria Island, Fla.

As well as being predeceased by his wife Nellie, his brother Douglas Cropper died in November of 2020.

Memorial donations can be made to The Brown Fund, Division of Advancement, Box 1893, Providence, R.I. 02912.

Stephen Michael Sibley

Stephen Michael “Steve” Sibley, 64, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at University Hospital in Syracuse.

There are no funeral services at this time and a celebration of life will be announced and held at better times in the future. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Stephen was born on January 28, 1957 in Gouverneur, the son of Raymond “Bud” and Rose Refici Woodrow.

He received his diploma, attended college for some courses, and served in the United States Marine Corps.

Steve married Kelly Hoffman on May 29, 1976 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

He worked at various farms in the area and worked many years for tree removal services.

Steve enjoyed collecting slot cars and dvd movies, hunting, fishing, and hosting cookouts at Greenwood Falls. He was very proud of his Native American heritage in the Turtle Clan and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Kelly, their children Jeff and Melissa Sibley, Laura Sibley, Penny and Cody Pike, Kimberly and Charles Sibley, Mary Tebo, Samantha and Michael Sibley, and their 10 grandchildren James, Deric, Sarah, Stephen, Stephanie, Shelby, Jacob, Aiden, Alex, and Riley. Steve is also survived by brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Bud and Rose, brothers and sisters.

Memorials donations in memory of Steve are encouraged to the American Cancer Society.

Tammy Sue Goodale

Tammy Sue Goodale, 57, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at University Hospital in Syracuse.

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

Tammy was born in Gouverneur on October 7, 1963, the daughter of Douglas and Patricia (Dillabaugh) Fairbanks.

She had served as the dietary manager for Heastart and worked many years in the dietary department of E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur.

Tammy married Daniel J. Goodale on September 18, 1982 in Gouverneur.

Tammy was a one of a kind person, helping anyone that she could throughout her life, especially children in need. Tammy’s life was her family, her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Aside of spending time with her family, she loved her flowers and plants, hunting, fishing, gardening, and animals. Tammy enjoyed the girls she worked with and taking trips to the casino. She was a go getter and never sit still, always on the go, cleaning, cooking, and making crafts with her grandchildren.

Tammy is survived by her husband Dan, her children Colby Goodale and Brianna Campbell of Edwards, Beth and Danny Brown of Richville, her grandkids Brayden G., Levi, Brayden R., Rylynn, Tyler, Hannah, and Audrey. She is also survived by her sister Trudy and Greg Bailey of Gouverneur, brother Terry and Lisa Fairbanks of Maine, several nieces and nephews. Tammy is predeceased by her parents and her brother Timothy Fairbanks.

Memorial donations to honor Tammy are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws.

Thomas George Hadfield, Sr.

Thomas George Hadfield, Sr., 77, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at his home in Shippensburg, PA.

There are no funeral services at his time and burial will be in Fullerville Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Thomas was born in Gouverneur on December 27, 1943, the son of Jack and Jean (Brown) Hadfield.

He married Gail McIntyre on March 13, 1960 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

Gail passed away on February 27, 2000.

Tom worked at St. Joe Mineral Company in Balmat for many years, enjoyed hunting and watching NASCAR, rooting on Mark Martin, and spent summers at Pleasant Lake.

He is survived by his children Tammy and Dave Blevins, Vicky Prashaw, Teresa Ashley, Tommy and Diane Hadfield, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his brothers Jack “Platt”, Edwin “Hack”, and Bob “Pood” Hadfield, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, a sister Alice “Chic” Tyler, a brother Abe Hadfield, and his son-in-law Bill Prashaw.

Memorial donations in honor of Tom are encouraged to the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, PO Box 64, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Viola A. Fukes

Viola A. Fukes, age 94, of Mercy Living Center, Tupper Lake, and formerly of Gouverneur, died on February 16, 2021.

She was born on December 19, 1926 in Gouverneur, the daughter of Leo and Edna (Taylor) Rastley. She attended Macomb School and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1944. Viola attended Watertown Business School for one year.

She married Elton (Dick) VanOrnum on August 17, 1946. He died September 26, 1963. She married Matthew Fukes June 6, 1970. He died June 17, 2004. Viola worked as a cashier for PACES at Potsdam State for 27 years, retiring in 2004. Prior to Potsdam college, she worked for several years at Mercer Dairy with Betty Tuttle. Viola was a member of the VFW and Senior Citizens in Gouverneur. She enjoyed reading and traveling.

Among her survivors are two sons, Richard L. (Susan) VanOrnum and Thomas G. (Vickie) VanOrnum, two step-children, Allen (Ellen) Fukes and Donna (Pete) Bishop and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, George Rastley, Leo (Lorna Rastley), and David (Shirley) Rastley and many nieces and nephews.

Viola is predeceased by two sisters, Eleanor Simmons and Jean (Ernest) Howard, and two brothers, John (Vivian) Rastley and Don Rastley.

There will be no funeral or calling hours. Burial will be in East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Adirondack Health Foundation, C/o Memorial-Viola Fukes, PO Box 120, Saranac Lake NY 12983.

Michelle Walrath

Michelle Walrath, 54, passed away on Friday at her home, surrounded by her family.

There are no funeral services at this time and a celebration of life will be announced and held this summer along with her burial in Fullerville Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Michelle was born in Gouverneur on March 21, 1966, the daughter of Theron “Sonny” and Fern “Sally” (McIntosh) Bice.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School and took courses at Mater Dei College.

Michelle married John Walrath Sr. on November 11, 1986.

Michelle was a homemaker, had worked in Alexandria Bay, had provided cleaning and housekeeping services locally.

She enjoyed playing bingo, going to the Mohawk Casino, cooking, gardening and had been a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. Michelle and John had been members of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, volunteered time at the St. James School and Richville Food Pantry.

Michelle is survived by her husband John, her children John Jr., Aaron and Stephanie, Spencer and Kylie, Lyle Jay, and Kristy Walrath, her 3 grandsons Landon, Layton, and Lincoln. She is also survived by her brothers Russell Bice, Nelson and Nancy Bice, sisters-in-law Vicki Bice and Christine Bice, brother-in-law Jim Sanders, several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased bar her parents Sonny and Sally, her brothers Kelvin Bice Sr. and Theron “Buddy” Bice Jr., and her sister Evelyn Sanders.

Mayferd B. Rogers

Mayferd Bell Rogers, 83, from Antwerp, passed away peacefully on Feb 1, 2021 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Mayferd was born on December 14, 1937, the daughter of Walter and Lorraine Tibbles. She grew up in Theresa with her four sisters Ethel, Eleanor, Edith, and Keitha. She married Lyle E Rogers on November 19, 1955 in Gouverneur, NY. They resided in Rossie, NY for many years. Their door was always open and everyone was welcome to stop for a spaghetti dinner and enjoyed eating her homemade rolls and donuts. She was always up for a game of poker around the dining room table, and loved fishing on the riverbanks of Rossie. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, word search puzzle, rolling dice, going for rides in the classic car and stopping for a fish fry dinner.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years Lyle and their seven children. Lyle W. (Patty) Rogers of Antwerp, Dawn (Richard) Chapman of Black Lake, Marty (Valerie) Rogers of Evans Mills, Thomas Rogers of Hammond, Laura (Bill) Bartlett of Redwood, Carly(Brian)VanArnam of Morristown , Garnett Rogers and his companion Peggy Randolph of Morristown , many grandchildren and great grandchildren and her sisters Ethel Macartha, Edith Brassard, and Keitha Forney. She was predeceased by an infant daughter Tammy, her parents Walter and Lorraine and her sister Eleanor. There will be no services at this time. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Mayferd will be missed everyday by her family and friends. Arrangements are with Fredrick Bros Funeral Home, Theresa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the funeral home to help cover family expenses. Go to www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com and access the obituary.

Anthony M. Way

Anthony M. “Antony” “Bubby” Way, 25, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services at this time are private and a celebration of life will be announced and held during better weather and healthier times. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Anthony was born in West Point, NY on February 20, 1995, the son of Edmond Way and Jo-Vickie-Anne Cutrie.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2013 where he participated in sports such as football, track, and basketball and attended Potsdam State.

Anthony had worked for Kinney Drugs as a delivery driver and at Serendipity as a d.j. Besides enjoying music and the outdoors, especially swimming, he enjoyed working out, cooking and eating healthy, spending time with friends and family, especially his buddy Moe, "Big ole butiful brown dog". Anthony also liked playing darts, reading, and was handy solving tech issues.

Anthony is survived by his companion Jessica (Fries) Countryman and her girls Kara and Julia, his mother Jo Cutrie and her companion David Crawford of Norwich, his father Edmond Way of Georgia, his sisters Alisha Way of Arkansas, Taylor Vickers and her fiancé Alissia Larabie of Tupper Lake. He is also survived by his grandparents James Way and Mary Way, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ada Wagner

Ada Fern Hendrick Wagner, age 84, of South Edwards, passed away on February 4, 2021 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

Ada was born on August 4, 1936 in Fowler, NY. Her parents were Donald and Hazel (Bennett) Hendrick.

As a young girl Ada helped on the family farm. She loved horseback riding. She attended Gouverneur schools.

Ada married Ronald Lewis Wagner on August 28, 1954. They had no children. They were married for fifty-four years when Ronnie passed away on May 5, 2008.

Ada was a homemaker for many years. She always had several pets. Her favorite companions were her Yorkies.

Ada is survived by her sister Vicki VanOrnum and her husband, Thomas VanOrnum. She has one niece, Tanya VanOrnum and her husband, Mike Stevens of Richland, NY. Ada loved her sister and niece very much.

At Ada’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral. A memorial service will be held in Fairview Cemetery in Edwards at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Terry L. Nichols

Terry L. Nichols, 66, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 at his home with his family at his side.

There are no funeral services at this time and a celebration of life will be announced during better times. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Terry was born in Gouverneur on November 10, 1954, the son of Leonard and Beatrice (Lashbrooks) Nichols.

He worked a variety of jobs including work as a union carpenter, employment at Mercer’s Dairy, Trimm’s Auto shop, Riverside Iron Works, Seakers/D.J. Walters Chevrolet, and the Mobil service station.

Terry enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or camping out of his RV. He also enjoyed riding his Harley or cruising in his Vette, turning wrenches and auto body on his car projects, spending time with his friends and family, especially his grand kids, and was a member of Half Ass Hunting Club in Croghan.

Terry is survived by his children Nathan and Jessie Nichols, Jamie Nichols and her companion Tommy Bergeron, his grandsons Dylan Burwell, Adam Smithers, Garrytte Nichols, Trent Keith, Gage Nichols, Travus Howe, and Bronson Nichols. He is also survived by his brothers Leonard Jr. and Deborah Nichols, Mike and Judy Nichols, Robin and Wendy Nichols, Mark and Tammy Lashbrooks, nieces and nephews, and several good friends such as Dewey Winters, Jim and Marilyn House, Sage, and Toby. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Dennis Nichols and Stanley Holiday.

Fawn K. Roberts

Fawn K. Roberts, 46, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 16, 2021 while visiting her friends downstate.

There are no funeral services at this time and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Memorial donations in memory of Fawn are encouraged to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Fawn was born in Troy on October 16, 1974, the daughter of Ralph and Lynne (Karal) Purificato, and she married Heath Cushman on July 22, 2004.

She enjoyed shopping, especially for clothes, shoes, pocketbooks, and things with a little bling.

Fawn is survived by her husband Heath, her children Michael and Kate, Heather and Kyle, and Ethan, her parents Ralph and Lynne, her sister Jenn and Jeff, her brother Rich and Sarah, nieces and nephews.

Kenneth Lloyd Hartle

Kenneth Lloyd Hartle, 86, of Gouverneur, New York completed his life journey on January 12th 2021 at his home with family members at his side.

A private graveside service will be held at East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur with the Green Funeral Home. Memorial donations in memory of Ken are encouraged to the Gouverneur Elks Lodge or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Kenneth was born to Lester Wilson and Hilah Jane (Thompson) Hartle on July 2, 1934 in Fowler, New York.

Upon graduating from Gouverneur High School, Ken married Helen Maloy in Rossie on August 1, 1953.

Ken had worked a variety of jobs. As a salesman for multiple farm equipment and fertilizer companies, he traveled to the corners of New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. He and his family ran a dairy farm on the Rock Island Road until building his home on the Spragueville Road where they have lived the past 51 years. Ken worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway project and built silos as a part owner of Madison Silos of Oriskany, NY. He partnered with his son in H&H Construction, remodeled several properties with his friend Don Johnson, had spent time at the zinc mines in Balmat and the paper mill in Natural Dam.

Besides building the family home, he partnered with his brother Robert in building the family cottage at Lake Bonaparte where the couple spent 55 years. Ken helped his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with renovation and construction projects, enjoyed woodworking projects to build doll houses, toy barns, toy boxes and games for his friends and family. The couple liked to travel including Mexico, Spain, Aruba, a family vacation cross country trip to visit relatives reaching as far away as Arizona and Las Vegas. In later years, Ken and Helen annually traveled to spend the harshest winter months in Florida. Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, attending their academic, sporting, and life celebrations of all types.

Ken is survived by his wife Helen, their children Steven and Delinda Hartle, Lorraine Hartle Conklin, Karlene and Joseph Maloney, David and Connie Hartle, and Mark Hartle, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Arthur, Leslie, Harold, Herbert, and Robert Hartle, and his sister Arlene Simmons.

Annabelle Elliott

Annabelle “Annie” L. Elliott, age 78, passed away at her home in Natural Dam on January 10, 2021 with her family by her side and hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Annie was born on July 26, 1942 in Watertown, a daughter of Harold Looker and Betty Hutton. She went to school in Adams. Annie married Glenn Elliott who passed away in 2008. She worked as a cook and waitress for many years at the Circle Inn Diner. Family meant everything to her and she loved spending time with all of them. In her younger years, her and Glenn would be out dancing or playing cards with family and friends. He was her soulmate.

She loved spending time at the river at Mick and Sherry’s camp, riding around on the pontoon boat or going to the hunting camp. You would often see her and Sherry hitting up all the sales, shopping, and their annual girls’ day trip to Warrensburg. She was so kind and sweet and was so funny and didn’t even know it (the best kind of humor). She was just a joy to be around. In her later years she enjoyed her Fridays with the seniors, playing Bingo and having coffee with her friends.

Annie is survived by her two sons, Mickey (Sherry) Donaldson, Ed (Dani) Thompson, two daughters, Sandra (Carrie) Bascom and Vicki LaFrenier, her stepson, Dean (Erin) Elliott, stepdaughters, Lynn (Tim) Matice, Glenna (Rodney) Dashnaw, Tammy (Pete) Petrie, and her sister, Betty Jane Wood. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her little dog, Bella, who was always at her side.

She is predeceased by her parents, three brothers, Leal Looker, Andrew Looker, and Robert Looker, a sister, Mary Gregory, stepdaughter, Vonna Kiesznowski, and her husband, Glenn Elliott.

Eugene L. Denney

Eugene "Gene" L. Denney, age 83, of Rome where he was a resident of the Terrace at Woodland, passed away on January 5, 2021, after complications from COVID-19.

Gene was born in Piercefield, NY on October 29, 1937 to the late Lloyd Denney and Frances Colton. He graduated from Edwards High School. On July 19, 1957, he was united in marriage to the former Lynne Kerr; a blessed union of 56 years until her passing on April 24, 2014.

Gene retired as a lineman from IBEW #1249 and as a civilian worker from the US Government. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association, being a horseman at Vernon Downs and a lifetime member of the Freemasons.

Gene is survived by his four daughters, Kelli (Daniel) Ramer of Syracuse, Leslie (Brian) Hansson of Natural Bridge, NY, Genea (Ed) Meehan of Oneida, and Heidi (Tina Reynolds-Gordon) Denney of Effingham, Ill.; two sons, Timothy (Anne) Denney of Binghamton, NY, and Joel (Valerie) Denney of Cleveland, SC; 12 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two sisters; and two brothers.

A graveside memorial will be in the spring at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards, NY.

Gene had strong work ethic, devotion to his family and love for his horses. Donations may be made to: Stacey Strong Horse Farm, 5717 Germany Road, Verona, NY 13478.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.

Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.

Beverly Mills

Beverly Mills, 90, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

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

Beverly was born in Heuvelton on December 10, 1930, the daughter of George and Ersel (Smith) Van Hyning.

She graduated from Morristown school in 1947 and married Laurence G. Mills on February 5, 1949 in Gouverneur with Rev. Harold Thomas officiating.

Mr. Mills passed away on January 9, 2005.

The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on the Welch Road in Richville until their retirement in 1985. Beverly also worked for Peck's Auction Service and worked as an elections inspector for several years on elections committee.

The couple enjoyed snowmobiling and spending time at their camp on Black Lake.Beverly also enjoyed word books, crocheting, working the auctions, and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by her children Steven Mills of Macomb, Lisa and Ronald Hartle Jr. of Harrisville, her grandchildren Ashley and Tim Webster, Joshua and Page Hartle, Justin Hartle and his companion Hayley Coloney, and Jacob Hartle, great grandchildren Hanna Webster, Alexis Webster, Lettie Jo Hartle, Laurence Hartle, Braiden Neddo, and Hudson Neddo and several nieces and nephews, some of which she was a second mother to. She is predeceased by her parents George and Ersel and her husband Laurence.

Memorial donations in memory of Beverly are encouraged to the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad or Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department.

Brenda Saidel

Brenda L. Saidel, age 69, of Gouverneur, passed away on December 31, 2020 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Visitation was at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. All were requested to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Her graveside service was on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Anshe Zophen Cemetery in Ogdensburg. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in memory of Brenda may be made to Ryan’s Wish Foundation, PO Box 326, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Brenda was born on April 6, 1951 in Ogdensburg to the late James Raymond Smith and Marjorie I. (Elliott) Smith. She was in the Class of 1969 at Knox Memorial High School and married H. Michael Saidel on December 31, 1974.

Mrs. Saidel had worked at Jumbo’s Diner and Penguin Lanes before helping her husband operate several businesses, including Market Lanes in Potsdam, Saidel’s Gas and Grocery in Potsdam, Mike’s Trophies in Potsdam, and Awards North in North Carolina. She had also worked for Micheline Tire in North Carolina and most recently as Deputy Clerk for the Town of Gouverneur.

Brenda loved to read and spend time with her family. She enjoyed her flowers if she could get them to grow and to be by the water as long as it didn’t touch her hair. She and Mike also bowled in younger days. Brenda was the anchor of her family and extended family. She cared deeply about others, even making sure her roommates in the hospital were taken care of.

Her survivors include her husband, H. Michael Saidel and his family, four children, Marta Whiteford and her husband, Frank Lee, Melissa Fone and her husband, Randy, Douglas Whiteford, Jr. and his wife, Mary Kay, Anthony Saidel and his wife, Jeanne, sisters, Rosemary Smith, Cindy Scutt, Penny Stalker, and brothers, Ronald Smith, Kevin Smith, Brian Smith, Tracy Smith. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, Aunts, Rita Chambers, Vivian Day and Ilona Elliott, Uncle Butch Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, brothers, Raymond, James, and Jeffrey Smith, and a grandson, Nicholas Whiteford.

Chester Ford

Chester Ford, 72, passed away on January 1, 2021.

There are no calling hours or funeral services at this time. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Chester was born on April 5, 1948, on the Allendale Plantation in Shelby, Mississippi, and was the son of Harry and Emma (Young) Ford.

Following school, Chester worked several different jobs, eventually settling in Texas, where he worked as a chef. There he met his wife Dianne Calvani, and they married on February 17, 1987. The couple eventually moved to Dianne’s hometown, in Gouverneur, where Chester started working at Zinc Corp. of America as a miner. Chester’s most recent employment was working as a barber for AAFES on Fort Drum. He enjoyed his family and friends, his job as a barber, working in the kitchen, bowling, listening to Motown music, and attending Shacoria’s sporting events.

Chester is survived by his children, Shacoria and her companion Olivia, Carletta, Broderick, and Tammy, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, several brothers, and sisters. Chester is predeceased by his wife Dianne, who passed on February 27, 2017, also his parents, brothers, sisters, and two daughters, Marisa, and Logan Ford.

Memorial donations can be made in the memory of Chester to St. James Catholic church or school.

James Janack

James “Jim” A. Janack, age 75, of Gouverneur, passed away on January 3, 2021 at United Helpers Healthcare in Canton.

Jim was born on June 4, 1945 in Pierrepont, one of 11 children born to the late William and Nora (Enslow) Janack.

He worked for Ken and Marlene Bates on their family farm and was a member of the Bates family for nearly 50 years. Jim was a kind soul and will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arrangements with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur are private. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642.