Randy Kerwin

Randy Kerwin, 62, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

There will be no calling hours or funeral services. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Randy was born in Gouverneur on March 2, 1959, the son of Pete Cutrie and Dorothy (Cyrus) Kerwin.

He attended school in Gouverneur where he lived and worked most of his life. Randy had worked at the zinc mines and in construction as a heavy machine operator, more recently for Bob Cushman. In his younger days, Randy enjoyed his muscle cars, and recently his tours around the north country with his buddy Bob. Most of all, he loved his time spent with his grandkids.

Randy is survived by his daughters Randi Lynn, Mandi, and Kerri, his grandkids Laithyn, Maddix, and Harlow, his siblings Robert “Butch” Kerwin, Kim Kerwin, and Kathleen Harrington, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his sisters Bonnie McEathron, “Punky” Nolle, and JoAnn Woodrow.

Memorial donations in memory of Randy are encouraged to your local meals on wheels or food bank.

Joan Fullington Hunter

Joan Fullington Hunter of Hayes Va. and formerly of Ogdensburg and Gouverneur NY died unexpectedly at her home in Hayes Va., on October 5, 2021. She was born in Gouverneur NY to Harold and Edna Hall Fullington on November 18, 1944. She was 76 years old.

  She graduated from Gouverneur high school in 1962 and Wassaic State nursing school as a Nursing Aide. She married Carl W. Ashley on July 22, 1964; the marriage ending in divorce. She married Kenneth C. Hunter on November 18, 1990.

 Surviving are her sister Jean Gremli and a nephew James Hanratty both of New Port Richey Florida, aunt Evelyn Hall and cousins Kay Richards Alexander, Judy Rice, Dale Johnson, Donna Ellis, Sharon Farrell, Roger Hall, Lorraine Pickhardt, Bruce Woods and Jan Barker. Special friends, Ed and Kay Dana of Ogdensburg and Mike and Patti Hansen of Hayes VA.

 Joan was predeceased by her parents, husband Kenneth C Hunter and sons Bruce and Aaron Ashley formerly of Ogdensburg NY.

 She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Hepburn Hospital and UH intermediate care facility and after moving to Virginia was also employed in medical care facilities. Upon retiring she enjoyed caring for her home and her loving husband Ken, flower gardens, crafts and her many dogs and cats through the years, whom she loved dearly.

 Funeral and interment were private.

Glenda J. Raven

Glenda J. Raven, 71, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at her home.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 20th at 11:00 am at Hailesboro Cemetery with Fr. Jay Seymour, pastor of St. James Catholic Church, officiating. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Glenda was born on August 28, 1950 in Gouverneur, one of the ten children of Harold and Helen (Hughto) Raven. She had been employed as a dispatcher for the Gouverneur Village Police Department up until her retirement and then at Nina’s Hotel for many years. Glenda enjoyed cooking, baking, and most of all, spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy along with her son. She was the glue that held her family together.

Glenda is survived by her son Christopher Raven, her grandchildren Elaina Raven and Christian Raven, her siblings Barbara Kalowski, Leanore Raven, Phillip Raven, and Kathleen Raven-Sloan, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Harold and Helen, her brothers Donnie, Warren, and Timothy Raven, sisters Evelyn Cunningham and Margaret Tyler.

Bonnie L. Gonyeau

Bonnie L. Gonyeau, 88, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a memorial service at 3:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Orville Eacker, pastor of Stepping Stone Ministries officiating and burial to follow in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Bonnie was born on June 20, 1933 in Potsdam, one of fourteen children of Darwin and Maude (Dowe) Whitman.

She graduated from Potsdam High School. Bonnie married Vernon M. Gonyeau on June 30, 1952 in Potsdam.

Vern passed away on October 21, 2019.

Bonnie enjoyed raising her family and being a housewife. She also assisted Vern in operating Mercer's Dairy Plant near Natural Dam and previously provided daycare for children in her home.

She loved to shop, was the queen of garage sales (Loved the thrill of the hunt), was a collector of Americana, Lincoln, eagles, and flags, and had a keen eye for displaying all of her treasures. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting their family functions.

Bonnie was able to express her gratitude while being cared for by saying "Beautiful". There is "beauty" all around us.

Bonnie is survived by her children Jodi and Michael Hatch, Brian and Donna Gonyeau, Gregg and Darlene Gonyeau, her grandchildren Eric and Jen Hatch, Jennifer and Matthew Knight, Alex and Lora Hatch, Lindsay Gonyeau, Brittany Gonyeau, Gaige Gonyeau, Garrison Gonyeau, Melissa and Tony Woodward, her great grandchildren Charlotte, Violet, Miles, Cade, Ella, Teigan, and Myla. She is also survived by her brothers Noel, Ronnie, and Craig Whitman, her sisters Corliss Mittelstaedt, Patti Johnson, Nancy Whitcomb, and Rosie Bartholomew, several nieces and nephews. Bonnie is predeceased by her parents, her husband Vernon, her son Whitney, a great granddaughter Nora Claire, brothers William, Parker, Merrill, and Malcom Whitman, sisters Mary Stover and Sharon Altman.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to Bonnie’s devoted and loving caregiver Chassidy “Cassidy" Newvine.

Memorial donations to honor Bonnie are encouraged to Ryan’s Wish Foundation, PO Box 326, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Barbara J. Raven

Barbara J. Raven (nee Bishop), 86, of Elyria, died September 27, 2021 after a lengthy illness.

She was born June 23, 1935 in Gouverneur, NY and was a 1954 graduate of Gouverneur High School. Barbara was formerly employed for twenty-three years at the cafeteria at Elyria High School. She was a history buff and enjoyed scrap booking, photo albums, crocheting and sewing.

Barbara is survived by daughters, Donna Loudermilk of Jacksonville, FL, Linda Podlich of Amherst and Shirley Shannon of Nashport, OH; fourteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Nichols of Syracuse, NY and a brother, Rick Bishop of Rochester, NY.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold L. Raven in 2007; daughter, Susan Blackwell; son, Daniel Raven; great-grandson, Damian Shannon; great-grand daughter, Kierstyn Fowler; brothers, Donald and David Bishop and sisters, Brenda Farrell and Karen Bishop.

Burial will be Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur, NY. Arrangements were in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria, Ohio. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com

Terry A. Holmes

Terry A. Holmes, 74, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Salem VA Medical Center in Virginia.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 4th from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with pastor Martha Helmer officiating and burial with military honors in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Terry was born in Gouverneur on September 8, 1947, the son of Herbert and Violet (Dennis) Holmes.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970, stationed in Vietnam in the Seabees.

Terry married Judy VanCor on February 15, 1975 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

Judy passed away on September 21, 2001.

Terry had worked at St. Joe Mineral Company in Balmat, worked as a carpenter, drove bus for Gouverneur Central School, and worked several years at White’s Lumber. He had been a member of the NRA, enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting rocks and minerals, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Terry is survived by his son Anthony Holmes and his companion Desiree Black, his daughter Rachel Holmes, his grandchildren Alexander Kelley, Andrew Holmes, Nelson Holmes, Keisha Bellinger, Dee Bellinger, and Elon Bellinger, a brother Ricky Jones, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Judy, brothers Herbert Holmes and William Paul Jones, sister Lona Spearman, and his good friend Joan Shampine.

Stephen D. Kelly

Stephen D. Kelly, age 68. of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Upstate University in Syracuse.

Stephen was born on October 28, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late Charles and Madeline L. (Backus) Kelly. He attended Gouverneur Central School and then entered into the United States Marine Corp in 1971 and served until his honorable discharge in 1980. While in the Marine Corp, he also attended school at Canton ATC. He joined the Army Reserve and in 1984, Stephen got dual status and worked full time at Fort Drum as a diesel mechanic and then a supply clerk at ECS#1 until his retirement in 2010.

Stephen married Debra Moore on January 23, 1985 in Gouverneur. He loved being with his family, drinking coffee, doing yard work and watching football.

Surviving is his wife, Debra; a son, Shawn (Lisa) Kirby; three daughters, Shannon Kelly (Jamie Bonanno), Sonya (Chris) Baker and Heather Kirby (Kalii Correa); two brothers, Robert Kelly and Charles Kelly; a sister, Mavis Pyle; eight grandchildren, Michael, Ethan, Dalton, Kiara, Paige, Chloe, Peyton and Saige and two great grandsons, Caleb and Cian.

Stephen is predeceased by his dad, Charles Kelly; his mother, Madeline Closs; a brother, Leroy Kelly and two step brothers, Ed Closs and Carl Closs.

In keeping with Stephen’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Joyce Shoff

Joyce Shoff, age 85, of Ogdensburg, passed away on September 28, 2021 at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to LaPoint Adult Home, Claxton Hepburn ICU staff and Dr. Manosvi Jaitly.

There will be a private graveside service held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Joyce was born on April 14, 1936 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Elton and Florence (Weaver) Dodds. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1953. After graduation, she started her work career as a telephone operator, and went on to work as a car saleswoman, food service provider at local restaurants and SLU. She worked for McAdam Cheese and Corning Glass. But most notably, she graduated from Reisch College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa in 1970. She went on to be called Joyce Hamilton, the Lady Auctioneer, being the first and only lady auctioneer in the north country at that time. She enjoyed many types of auctions, her favorite being a good antique household auction. She was a collector of antiques and her most prized was her collection of carnival glass.

A first marriage ended in divorce. In 1978, she met and married the love of her life, Eddie I. Shoff. They moved to Marysville, Washington, where she sold real estate. After their retirement they returned to the north country, first living in Gouverneur, then Ogdensburg, NY.

Surviving are her five children, Christine (Newell) Helvie of Castle Rock, CO, Jody Hamilton and his companion Sharlene Wells, Martha (Peter) Burt and Janet Hamilton all of Old Dekalb, NY and Elaine (Harry) Duprey of Keeseville, NY and a step son, Steven Shoff of Vermont. Nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Janice Dodds and many nieces, nephews and cousins, and Boda Shoff her beloved feline companion.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Eddie, her brother Roger Dodds and nephew David Dodds.

Gregory Peck

Gregory M. Peck, age 69, of Gouverneur, passed away on September 30, 2021 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

There will be calling hours held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Greg was born on March 1, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late Kenneth D. and Ruth (Crary) Peck. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1971 and earned his Certificate in Electrical Services from Canton ATC.

Marriages to Susan Moore and Mary Lou Simmons ended in divorce.

Greg worked for several places including Grants, Ames, Bestway Lumber Yard, and for appliance repair shops in Harrisville and Gouverneur. He worked for 18 years as a bus monitor for First Student.

In his free time Greg enjoyed fishing and boating.

His survivors include his girlfriend, Patricia “Patty” Wilson, brother, Gary Peck, daughter, Robin Saveno Nickel, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

Greg is predeceased by his brother, Jerry W. Peck.

Donations in memory of Greg may be made to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund.

David Desormeaux

David Desormeaux, 77, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021 in the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, NY.

David was born in Gouverneur, NY on July 12, 1944, the son of Rene and Alice Fuller Desormeaux.

In 1950, at six years old, David contracted polio. After twenty-eight months of rehabilitation at the Ithaca Reconstruction Home, he returned to work at his father’s dairy farm in Antwerp, NY.

He graduated from Indian River Central School and attended college at Oswego, Canton, and Jefferson Community College.

On September 11, 1971 he married Judith Ann Narrow at what would become their home in Antwerp, NY. Judy was the love of his life. Judy remained in his thoughts and heart after her passing.

David enjoyed adventuring around the north country via various modes of travel. Whether it was a Chrysler Road Runner with a Hemi, a Ski Doo snowmobile, a boat, or a four-wheel drive truck, they all had two things in common. They were all fast and Paul Johnson was there. Uncle Paul was Dave’s best friend for over seventy years. The pair were well known for their hijinks and good-natured fun.

David worked as a draftsman, estimator, purchaser, and project manager at Bagley and Sewell, Cives Steel, and Riverside Iron Works until Sept 2021. He was full-time employed his entire life.

He enjoyed jokes, laughing, and being with friends and family above all. His brother Albert and sisters Marie and Sue Anne were dear to him and always there for each other.

Special thanks to his sweetheart Michelle, his girl Deb, his neighbors Stan and Diane Simmons, Eric and the Riverside Iron team, and all his industry friends he so enjoyed working with.

David was predeceased by his wife Judy and daughters Millette Desormeaux and Trina Holmes.

David is survived by his son Joseph and wife Tara, granddaughters Saree and Reagan Desormeaux, grandson Zachery Holmes, brother Albert Desormeaux, sisters Marie Brownell and Sue Ann Haffke and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held on Sunday, October 3 from 2PM to 4PM at Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur followed by a mass on Monday October 4th, 2021 at 10AM with Father Seymour at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gouverneur Hospital at https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/donate .

Paul W. Corey

Paul W. Corey, 86, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 at his home.

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

Paul was born in Potsdam on May 5, 1935, the son of Samuel and Evangeline (Streeter) Corey.

He spent much of his life working with cattle, working several years at Empire Livestock in Gouverneur. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his nieces, nephew Walter, niece's husband Kris, and great nieces who held a special place in his heart.

Paul married Deborah Christman on August 14, 1982 in Ogdensburg.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, his half brothers Fred, Raymond, Carl, and Robert Ritchie, a half sister Shirley Ritchie, nieces and a nephew. Paul is predeceased by his parents, a brother Walter and Donna Corey, a sister Ruby Kanyon, and a great niece Kristine Hudson.

June Marie McIntyre

June Marie McIntyre of Simpsonville, SC, formerly of Gouverneur, NY, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2021 at the age of 91.

June Marie Parisian was born on June 6, 1930 in Potsdam, NY, the daughter of Bernard and Alice (Dunkelberg) Parisian. She attended school in Potsdam and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from State University Teachers College in Potsdam in 1952. June was co-valedictorian of her class.

June married Richard Lynn McIntyre, her childhood sweetheart, on September 13, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church rectory in Potsdam, NY. June taught music in the rural elementary schools of the Gouverneur school district before starting her family. She taught third grade at East Side Elementary School from 1967 until her retirement in 1987.

During those years she and Dad built a camp (1965) at Trout Lake which is still a special gathering place for her family.

Mom had a great appreciation for the arts, literature, and nature. She was an avid knitter and maker of braided rugs.

She and Dad enjoyed many years of building a collection of antique furniture and clocks in our home.

June is survived by her children Bruce and Sabrina McIntyre, Sarah and Cecil Gaffney, Roberta and Scot Brown, and Maureen and Pete Garner. She took great pride in her ten grandchildren Trevor, Tony, Jim, Leah, Liam, Ceili, Andrew, Emily, Cecily, and Marissa. She was fortunate to have three great grandchildren Remy, Miles, and Macie. June was predeceased by her son Robert (1958) and her husband Richard (2008).

Per Mom’s wishes, there will be no services. The family will gather at a later date for a private graveside service. June’s children are grateful for the care she received over the past year from the kind staff of The Gables Skilled Nursing Home and Interim Healthcare Hospice Care, both of Greenville, SC. In Mom’s memory, please consider a donation to a Hospice care facility.

James B. Jones

James B. “Jimmy” Jones, age 74, of Florida and formerly of Gouverneur, NY, was called home on Friday, September 17, 2021, in Melbourne, Florida, where he had been battling Alzheimer's and passed away peacefully. A private family memorial will be held at a later date in the Gouverneur area. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Jim was born on November 6, 1946, in Gouverneur, New York, the fourth of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents, Earl Byron and Marjorie Jones, his son, Donald Wayne Jones, and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Jones. Jim is survived by his son, James A. Jones and wife, Lisa, beloved granddaughters, Jaimie, Juliana, and Jemma, and his ex-wife, Jane M. Jones, all of Syracuse, New York. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Jones of Gouverneur, New York, William Jones and his wife, Mary Constance, of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jones and his wife, Joy, of Nevada, John Jones and his wife, Judy, of New Hampshire, Jennifer Jones of Georgia, and Liz-Ann Collins and her husband, James, of California; an aunt, Betty Jane Lee of Florida; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim entered the United States Air Force after high school and was honorably discharged in 1970. He worked as a diesel mechanic for many years in both Syracuse, New York and West Palm Beach, Florida before retiring in 2007. Jim was a longtime member of the American Legion, Eagles and Loyal Order of the Moose. He loved to golf, travel with friends to NASCAR and Las Vegas. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a huge heart and was loyal to his family and friends. Jim donated generously to many charities. Jim will be missed terribly by his loving family and all who knew and loved him.

Donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to St. Judes 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.

Richard D. Washburn

Richard D. Washburn, age 79, of Macomb, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center.

There will be a graveside service at the Washburn Family Memorial at 439 Hurst Road, Gouverneur, NY on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Warrington officiating. The family requests that everyone wear a mask. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on January 14, 1942 at the family farm homestead in Macomb to the late Alvin and Bertha (Dane) Washburn. Richard was one of sixteen children. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1960. On December 19, 1981, he married Elizabeth Gates.

Richard started out work setting up mobile homes, then went to work for Harron’s Electric in Gouverneur, the Psychiatric Center, was a janitor at Morristown Central School and then worked for Farley Equipment in Gouverneur. Richard was a member of the Grace Community Church in Theresa, NY. He was an avid trapper since he was 12 years old. He loved hunting and was a beautiful artist of colored pictures and scripture, making picture frames and giving them away. He loved watching his birds, turkeys and wildlife, and even a crow family. He had a favorite car, which was a Ford Mustang. Richard loved cutting wood and was most at home when he was outdoors. He enjoyed picking black caps and long blackberries. He took great interest in flowers, trees and wildlife. He thought the world of his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was a man of few words, but there was a lot of love in his heart for Jesus and his family. He loved animals, especially a little pug named Kobe. He loved country western music and the Grand Ole Opry. His favorite hymn was “Blessed Assurance”. Richard was also an avid reader and was an adult Sunday School teacher.

Surviving is his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Washburn; a step daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Patrick Noone; a granddaughter and her husband, Khylee and Derek Habermas; a great grandson, Finley James Habermas; two brothers, Arthur Washburn and Charles and Donna Washburn; six sisters, Sarah and Ford Reynolds, Ada and Donald Bayne, Mary and Harold Bresett, Anna Washburn, Bettie Rook and Leona “Skipper” Jones. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is predeceased by two brothers, James and Sylvester Washburn and five sisters, Nilah Sias, Joyce Stammer, June LaVack, Joanne Washburn and Eleanor Solar.

Service Notice: Terry L. Nichols

A celebration of life for Terry L. Nichols will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 12:00 noon at the Gouverneur VFW. A burial will be held at 11 a.m. that morning at Hailesboro Cemetery for Terry who passed away on January 22, 2021.

Alexander Robert “Bob” Manson

Alexander Robert "Bob" Manson, 81, died Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Gouverneur Hospital. Mr. Manson is a retired New York State Trooper. He is also a veteran of the Army and the Navy having served four years in each branch of service. He was a 1958 graduate of Hammond Central School. He and his wife, Kay Clemmons were married at the Methodist Church in Gouverneur in 1970.

Survivors include his wife, Kay J. Manson of Gouverneur, daughters Pam Weaver (Mike Hebert) of Gouverneur and Penny Snow (Pete Towles)of Henderson, sons Robbie Manson and Gordon Ayen (Kelly) both of Gouverneur; brothers Arnold (Donna)Conklin, and Joe Seery; sisters Mary Hyde, Yvonne Mattice, and Diane Manson. Mr. Manson also has 9 grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as Poppy and Poppa Wussy because he always called them wussies, and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Helen Cunningham Manson, a brother John Manson, and sisters Hazel Seery, and Ardis Reynolds, his Mother in Law, Jane Bresett, and Son in Law, Shawn Snow.

Bob was an expert handyman who could often be found spending time at the Donut Shop. He was an excellent fisherman, enjoying fishing with his friends Jimmy Card and Joe Seery. He was also an avid fan of car racing.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or Friends 4 Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394 Gouverneur, NY 13648.

Funeral Services will be held at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur, Wednesday, September 15 at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home Tuesday evening, 6:30 until 9:00 PM.

Jeanette Nuffer Erdman

Jeanette Nuffer Erdman died at home from complications of a long difficult battle with Parkinson’s Disease on September 3rd.

She was the youngest of six children born to Roy W. Nuffer and his wife Esther. Born and raised on a dairy farm near Beaver Falls, New York she attended a one-room schoolhouse and other rural schools, graduating in 1946. She went on to continue her education at the State University of New York, Albany, earning both bachelor and master degrees, concentrating in English and French. She began a teaching career in Cherry Valley, NY, then moved to Ellenburg, NY, and eventually to Gouverneur Central Schools, NY. She had a reputation as a solid teacher who ran a well-disciplined class.

While in Gouverneur she went on a blind date arranged by mutual friends and met and married her husband George Erdman. They were married on April 17, 1958 in Upstate New York and honeymooned in Boston. She then left her teaching career to raise the couple’s four children George, Jennie, Sarah (Moser) and Dan. She was a kind, loving, and devoted mother to her family, and she and George also welcomed Geneva Garvin Drakeford into their home, fostering her through her high school and early college years through a church program. George and Jeanette were members of both Gouverneur, NY and Brevard, NC First United Methodist Churches. They moved to Brevard, North Carolina in 1990.

Jeanette enjoyed traveling with her husband, and in later life joined him on the golf course where she experienced the thrill of a hole in one. As a mother, Jeanette made family game nights a regular event, as well as delicious home-cooked meals, hand-made clothes, and many other loving touches. In addition to her family life she loved to garden, play bridge, read, and travel. She was extremely talented as a seamstress and with fine needlework, creating beautiful quilts, pillows, and wall hangings. Hers was a life well-lived and full of love. She will be greatly missed by her loving and fiercely devoted husband George of 63 years, her 4 lucky children, her sister Joan Dando, and her 10 grand-children, who she adored. Special thanks to the staff of Four Seasons Hospice, and her kind and loving caregivers. A service to celebrate Jeanette’s life will take place at Brevard First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 1st at 1pm. A private graveside service will be held in Beaver Falls, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, with information at www.parkinson.org.

Robert F. House, Jr.

Robert F. "Bob" House Jr., 96, formerly of Fowler, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown.

There are no calling hours and a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur with pastor Ruth Helmer officiating. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Robert was born on April 25, 1925 in Clayton, the son of Robert and Leta (Ingerson) House.

He spent many years working as a truck driver, more recently for Anchor Motor Freight Company in Watertown.

Bob married Mary (Jobin) Black in 1986 and the couple lived several years amongst the pines near the Oswegatchie River. Two prior marriages ended in divorce.

Besides enjoying Mary's company, he enjoyed wood working and restoring old tractors.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary, a son James House of LaFargeville, step sons Thomas Black of Gouverneur and Lyle Jobin of St. Augustine, FL, a sister Joan Brown, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and an adopted son Joseph House.

Virginia R. O’Hearn

Virginia R. “Ginny” O’Hearn, age 84, of Gouverneur, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 at the Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a graveside service for Ginny on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Virginia was born on April 10, 1937 in Russell, NY to the late Warren and Madeline (Kleingartner) Davenport. She attended Knox Memorial School in Russell. On June 25, 1955, she married John W. (Jack) O’Hearn at the Gouverneur Methodist Church with Rev. Woods officiating. Jack passed away on August 5, 1990.

Ginny worked in Chaney Hall at SUNY Canton as a food service worker for many years. She loved couponing and going to the grocery store, watching the news and cooking and taking care of her family. Ginny took real pride in taking care of her home and her family.

Surviving are two sons, John O’Hearn of Gouverneur and Timothy O’Hearn of Waverly; a brother, Kenneth Davenport of Gouverneur; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Jacque, Wade, Craig, Amber, Rylie and Connor and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia is predeceased by her husband, John “Jack”; her parents; three brothers, Warren, Charles and Donald Davenport and two sisters, Marion St. Andrews and Ester Hutchenson.

Brian J. Taylor

Brian J. Taylor, 78, passed away on Saturday, May 2021 at McLeod Hospital in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Brian was born on June 2, 1942, son of Kenneth and Laura Taylor. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959 and joined the Marine Corps in 1960. After returning home, he worked at Gouverneur Talc Mine for six years, then joined the Gouverneur Police Department from which he retired and moved to Sunset Beach, N.C. with his wife, Donna Hawn-Hicks, in 1992. He was manager of a ABC Store in Calabash, N.C. and earned another retirement. Brian enjoyed walking on the beach and loved to sketch. He loved telling his puns also.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, son William K. Taylor and wife Mary, granddaughter Shelbie Taylor. A step-son Darin Hicks, a step-daughter Robin Hicks-Liscum, many nieces, and one nephew. A brother Kenneth Brent Taylor predeceased him in 2010.

A celebration of life will be held at the Gouverneur Community Center on September 12, 2021, 1 to 4 p.m.