Tommy L. McCartha

Tommy L. McCartha, 74, a thirty six year resident of Bloomingburg, NY died peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2023 with his loving  family by his side.

The son of the late Patrick N. and Madeline (McEathron) McCartha, he was born on July 7, 1948 in  Gouverneur, NY. Tom was a graduate of Gouverneur High School and had a long career with New York State where he worked  as an electrician for over 35 years. He retired in 2003 from the Mid-Hudson  Psychiatric Center. On May 12, 1979 in Nyack, NY,  he married his loving wife Diane Milano. Mrs.  McCartha survives at home. Tom was a former member of the S. W. Johnson  Steam Fire Engine Company in Garnerville, NY. He was also a longtime member  of the CSEA and Mountaineers Rod and Gun Club, Inc. in Middletown, NY where  he loved to hunt with his buddies.  Tommy loved his entire family with his whole heart and he will forever be  remembered for his selflessness and his kind and caring ways.  He absolutely  loved, got great pleasure from and made so many memories at his beloved camp on Lake Bonaparte in Harrisville, NY with his entire family and his extended lake family. McCartha’s Point since 1955 will never be the same without him.

He loved to be outside tinkering with different things and always had working hands. He leaves behind nothing but the most beautiful memories of his great smile, his love  and his infectious laugh. His greatest joys above all else were his beloved  grandsons, Nicholas and Alec and the times he spent with them. In addition to his loving wife Diane, Tom is survived by his beloved daughter  Jamie L. Kahn and her husband Eric of Bloomingburg; two adoring grandsons,  Nicholas and Alec Kahn; his cherished sister, Donna J. Craft and her husband  Howard of Dover Plains, NY; his dear sister-in-law Rita Munkelt; many cousins  and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who will miss their  Uncle Tom dearly. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his father-in-law and his mother-in-law, Daniel and Eleanor Milano and his brother-in- law, Rick Munkelt.

Calling hours were on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 1-3pm and 6- 8pm the William. M. Gagan Funeral Home, 1525 Burlingham Road, Pine Bush, NY. A service of remembrance and celebration of Tom’s life will take place at 7:30pm  during visiting hours. Cremation will follow and all other services will be private.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Bonaparte Conservation Club,  P.O. 273, Harrisville, NY 13648 an organization dear to Tom’s heart. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com

Addie Cooper

Carrie Addie Cooper, 91, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown.

A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, February 7th from 12:30 to 3:00 pm at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. A private burial will be held in Pleasant Lake Cemetery in Brasie Corners with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Addie was born in Heuvelton on February 24, 1931, the daughter of Alton and Carrie (Pike) McCrea.

She married William A. “Willie” Cooper on May 20, 1954 at Gouverneur United Methodist Church parsonage with Rev. William Wood officiating.

Willie passed away on March 23, 2020.

While the couple owned and operated farms in Gouverneur and Antwerp, Addie was also a homemaker and took pride in raising her family.

Willie and Addie were very active in the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. She also enjoyed bowling, gardening, and traveling to see her family.

Addie is survived by her children David Wells of Germany, Dennis and Charlene Wells of Georgia, William Cooper of Antwerp, Julie and Larry Zimbal of Antwerp, Jane Oliva of Texas, Jannette and John Heisler of Baldwinsville, Walter and Bonnie Cooper of Antwerp, 12 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, a son Wayne Cooper, her brothers Efton, Walter “Red”, and Terry “Archie” McCrea, sisters Martha Smith and Betty Gutierrez, and her daughter-in-law Rosi Wells.

Memorial donations are encouraged to the Grace Food Pantry or Hospice of Jefferson County.

Sandra L. Edwards

Sandra L. Edwards, 73, of John Street, passed away, Monday morning, February 6, 2023 at Carthage Area Hospital, Carthage, NY.

Born on May 25, 1949 in Gouverneur, NY, she was a daughter of Robert and Madeleine Wilson Bickford and she attended Gouverneur Schools.

Sandra married David G. Edwards on May 18, 1968 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

She was a housewife and her husband worked for Borden’s, Watertown, NY and Penny Curtiss Bakery, Syracuse, NY, for many years.

Sandra enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and scratch-off tickets. She was a very caring person, her favorite color was purple and loved spending time with family and friends, especially her pride and joy, great-grandson, Micah.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, David G., Sr.; a son and daughter-in-law, David, Jr. and Melissa Edwards, Evans Mills, NY; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; a brother and sister-in-law, Kerry and Nancy Bickford, Fine, NY; a sister, Cheryl Bickford, Gouverneur, NY; a sister-in-law, Glenda Bickford, Gouverneur, NY; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents, her mother-in-law, Audrey Bellinger, two brothers, Gary Bickford and Wilson Bickford.

Arrangements are with Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY.

Donations may be made to Friend 4 Pound Paws Rescue, 55 Owl Rd., Gouverneur, NY 13642.

To leave condolences go to www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com and access the obituary. Click on the Tribute Wall located at the top.

Clarence R. Evans Jr. 

Clarence R. Evans Jr. “Randy”, age 69, passed away on January 28, 2023 at home surrounded by his wife and sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 pm at the VFW in Gouverneur with Pastor Jeffrey McIlmath of The Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Clarence, also known as Randy/Opa, was born in Gouverneur NY on 11/25/1953, the son of Clarence and Della (Woods) Evans. In high school, he was a Football player and a great wrestler who represented Gouverneur High School at the State Wrestling Championships in Syracuse NY. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1972.

Shortly after, he enlisted in the US Army. He was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. Thereafter, he was stationed in South Korea, where he met his first wife, and his daughter Dawn was born. Afterwards, he was stationed in Germany where he married Waltraud. He returned to the United States in 1990 and retired from the US Army at Fort Drum in 1992. While he was in the US Army, he was an instructor in auto body, welding as well as a leadership instructor. He was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Marksman Badge, Rifle Kuwait Liberation Medal, The US Army Commendation Medal, and a special tribute to the Military Service to America from Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

After his 20 years of service, he worked locally at Empire Livestock, Save-a-Lot, and Don Peck Auction. He also worked at Seymour Livestock in Dekalb.

Randy was a member of the VFW in Gouverneur.

He enjoyed dancing, especially to Country music. He liked to do jigsaw puzzles and playing cards. He was an avid photographer taking Gouverneur High School sports pictures. You could find Randy/Opa at any of his grandchildren's sporting events with his camera in his hand.

He enjoyed farm life and had a great love for animals. Randy and Traudl loved to travel, bowling, visiting auctions, flea markets, and antique malls. They also spent some of their money gambling in Las Vegas. Randy cherished spending time with his wife and family.

Randy is survived by his wife Waltraud “Traudl”, his daughter Dawn and her husband Randy, his son Stefan and his partner Heather, his son Markus, and his grandchildren Gavin, Mia, Anika, Audrina, and Tristen, his sisters Gayle and her husband Dale, and Denise and her late husband Jeff, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Randy was predeceased by his brother-in-law Jeff Bonner and his infant granddaughter Kinsley.

Memorial donations are encouraged to the Gouverneur VFW or Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642

Beatrice McEathron

Beatrice McEathron, age 95, of Oswegatchie, NY, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Carthage Area Hospital.

There were calling hours for Beatrice on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake. Her funeral service immediately followed at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Frary officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Beatrice McEathron born in Edwards, NY on August 1st 1927. Daughter of Albert & Maude Skeldon. Beatrice was the 1st member of her family to be born in the United States, her parents Albert and Maude immigrated from Ottawa, Canada to Edwards, NY in 1926. At the age of 17 went to N.Y.C. worked for Western Union, then was hired by Ed Wright Ginsberg as a mailroom clerk for 3 years. Returned home then went to work for United Helpers Home in Ogdensburg, NY taking care of 19 boys. Then worked for Crystal Palace in Gouverneur until she married her husband Harold E on April 30th, 1948 lived in Harrisville, NY. Moved to Oswegatchie, NY in 1954 and was a nurse’s aide at Clifton-Fine Hospital, Star Lake, NY retiring after 32 years of service.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years Harold Edward in 2001 and her brothers Lennis, James, Harvey, Edmond, Clarence, Douglas and sisters Grace, Caroline, Celinda and Eleanor and a Great Grandson Joshua. Survived by a brother Allen Skeldon, Leesburg, FL. In Oswegatchie, NY she raised with her husband 6 children whom she is survived by including daughter Dolores (Ray)- Kissimmee FL, Twin sons Harold J (Donna)- Murfreesboro TN, Herbert W (Ida) Millerton NY, daughter Diane (Tom) El Cajon CA, daughter Helen (Chuck) Wasilla AK and Lyle (Amy) Carthage NY along with 14 Grandchildren Denise, Renee, Kelly, Kimberly, Melissa, Natasha, Jennifer, Aprelle, Crystal, Carrie, Desiree, Ariel, Phillip and Andrew, 24 Great Grandchildren Deanna, Michael, Charie, Jessica, Madison, Olivia, Emily, Islay, Bridget, Bradley, Lillyan, Sidney, Kaleb, Katrina, Sydney, Benton, Charlie, Leilani, Keegan, Abigail, James, Mia, Lexi and Lane, 2 Great Great Grandchildren Isabell and Gabriela.

Beatrice was a member of the red hat society, enjoyed putting puzzles together, watching birds at her bird feeder, mowing the grass and using her snow blower even when she was 94. Her favorite spread was Maple Cream made by her favorite nephew Paul (Angie) Skeldon on pancakes, toast and muffins.

Donald B. Nichols

Donald B. Nichols, 92, formerly of Fowler, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 in Buffalo.

There are no funeral services and burial will be private in Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Donald was born in West Virginia on August 30, 1930, the son of Scott and Mary (Young) Nichols.

He worked in the coal mines of West Virginia and eventually settled in northern New York. Don worked at the paper mill in Natural Dam and owned/operated Nichol’s Exxon in Gouverneur. He enjoyed fishing and going camping.

Don married Marlene Hanratty in 2011 and she passed away in 2014. He was previously married to Cora Taylor who also predeceased him.

He is survived by his companion Alta O’Riley children Linda and Fred Johnson, Betty Scott, Dana Nichols, all of Ohio, Vicki and Frank Girardin of Washington, Elizabeth and Charlie Bowman of Iowa, 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his parents, his wives, his son Douglas Nichols, 2 grandchildren, a great grandchild, several brothers and sisters.

Evelyn C. Watson

Evelyn C. Watson, 93, of Vestal, NY passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Roland Watson; brother, Roger Blanchard. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Daniel Purtell; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Debra Watson; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou Pudney; several nieces and nephews.

Evelyn attended Canton Agriculture Technical College. She met Roland while attending college and they married and started their family. Evelyn helped her husband Roland with the family newspaper business, The Tribune Press in Gouverneur, NY. Family recalls stories of her even driving the one-ton truck for the Tribune Press delivering circulars all over the Southern Tier and Northern Counties of New York. Evelyn worked as a certified teacher’s aide from 1969-1989 for the Gouverneur Central School System and as a Certified Diet Workshop Instructor from 1968-1975. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Deputy District Grand Matron in 1990.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY with Pastor Daniel Crane of the South Apalachin Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Potsdam Cemetery, Potsdam, NY. Condolences may be made to Evelyn’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.

Kathryne Jane (Brown) Bigarel

Kathryne Jane (Brown) Bigarel, 77, passed away on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, in St. Elizabeth Campus in Utica, NY.

Kathryne graduated from Gouverneur High School and attended Buffalo College. She was employed at E.J. Noble Hospital in the laboratory for several years and retired to have her children. She returned to employment at St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services as a Social Welfare Examiner for 30 years, where she worked in the Nursing Home Unit for a majority of that time, until she retired in 2001. She was recognized and praised by the families of her elderly and long-term care patients and the Nursing Homes that she serviced.

Kathryne was born on November 19th, 1945, the daughter of Donald Brown and Dorothy Hayden Brown. She was married to Philip Bigarel on November 30th, 1964.

She is predeceased by her parents and sister, Beverly Conklin.

She is survived by her husband, Philip, children; Jason & Jodi Bigarel, and Dawn Farley, sisters Bethany Kirby, Vickey and Terry Newvine, and Karen & Tom Green, her grandchildren, Sundi and Clinton Bigarel, Bryant Farley, Brielle & Rob Meyer, and Brynn Farley, and many nieces and nephews.

She served as the President of the Gouverneur Garden Club for many years and would be seen maintaining the gardens at the park and fairgrounds. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. She also was on the Cambray Housing board.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling, boating, and enjoyed having a glass of wine by her pool with her sisters and friends in the summertime.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 12 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur with Pastor Howard Maxson officiating and burial to follow at Hailesboro Cemetery in Hailesboro, NY. Calling hours were on Friday, January 20, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 21, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. preceding the funeral service. A celebration of life will take place at the Casablanca following the burial.

Memorial donations in honor of Kathy are encouraged to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund or Gouverneur Garden Club.

Howard Eugene Shippee

Howard Eugene Shippee, age 90, became part of the light of heaven on January 17, 2023 where he will have much peace in his heart and joy in his spirit. On October 5, 1932 he was born to the family of Charles and Marion (Fleming) Shippee. He attended a one-room school in Macomb for elementary grades. He was very grateful for this teacher who encouraged him and supported his education. Dad completed various certification programs for plumbing and heating throughout his career. He gained his equivalency diploma in 1953 of which he was very proud.

Dad served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict between 1952-1954. His work history included Rush Moore Paper Mill in Natural Dam. He worked at McCallister Oil Company for 20 years in the feed store and then in the heating department. Dad especially liked going to people’s homes and getting their furnaces going–always helping out his fellow man. His final career move was to the New York State Department of Transportation as an equipment operator until his retirement in 1991. During the winter, we knew Dad would be out all night long getting the roads cleared for the safety of others. He also served as the Town of Fowler Town Hall Custodian for 39 years. He was the voting machine operator for Fowler elections, proud that he helped keep our democracy functioning.

Family and friends were high on Dad’s agenda: making time to see people and help people out. After retirement he was quick to have one of his famous doughnuts, cornmeal cookies, or a piece of pie ready for any gathering- going back to a bit of his army life of working in the mess. We just had to mention we liked a certain pie flavor and it was there at the next gathering.

He was interested in many things and supported his community well. He maintained a lifelong interest in farming, helping on his Uncle and Aunt’s farm (Kenneth and Polly Fleming) as a youth, running a dairy farm for a period of time with Mom, and then raising a variety of animals with his children, supporting their interests. The family had many pets over the years with Ralph, the Golden Retriever, holding a special place in Dad’s heart.

Since 1950, Dad has actively supported and worshiped at the Fowler Baptist Church serving that congregation and the American Baptist Association in a variety of roles. Dad’s faith and acceptance of others brought him much joy and it showed with the people he interacted with. Dad was a Republican committeeman for several years and a member of the Odd Fellows. “Howie” as he was called by his buddies played softball and was in bowling leagues in his young adult years.

Howard’s parents were Charles and Marion (Fleming) Shippee. His beloved step-father was Claude Powers. A brother, Ivan, died as a toddler. Predeceasing him was his sister, Helen Shippee Blance (and her husband, James Blance) and his brother, Leonard (and his wife, Marjorie Love). He held his nieces and nephew and their families in high regard.

On October 10,1951, Dad married Marie Gillett. Howard and “little” Marie were a mighty team in life. This partnership celebrated many adventures demonstrating a strong marriage of fun, friendship and faith. They lovingly took care of each other until Marie’s passing in 2017. Soon afterwards, Dad became a resident at the United Helpers in Canton. Staff helped to make his time there feel like home; country rides and music lifted his spirit.

Dad and Mom shared their love and faith in the family home in Fowler with their four sons: Paul and his wife Sue (Brothers) of Harrisville, Vern of Balmat, David and his wife Ruth (Hargrave) of Fort Edward, and Claude of Granville. He enjoyed being able to participate with his grandchildren’s events and watch them develop into adults: Michael Shippee of Harrisville, Anna Shippee and her husband, Kameron Spaulding of Lenox Dale, MA, Hillary and her husband, Tyler Getty, of Kingsbury, and Abraham Shippee and his wife, Alexis (Willey) of Greenwich. Also surviving Howard are great-grandchildren: Angelina and Aiden Shippee and Rory Getty.

Our Dad was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather using his Christian faith as his guiding light. He felt all things were possible through God. A celebration of Dad’s life will be at his faith home, the Fowler Baptist Church on April 14th at 11:00 am.

In celebration of Dad’s spirit and light and desire to make the world a better place, contributions may be made to the Fowler Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Ronald C. “Joe” Hill

Ronald C. “Joe” Hill, 75, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

A graveside service will be announced and held in Hermon Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Ronald was born in Canton on January 1, 1947, the son of Clours and Winnie (Connor) Hill.

He had worked at Vernon Downs Racetrack but lived most of his life around Canton working at a cheese plant, various farms, and for public works. More recently, Joe lived in the Saranac Lake area.

Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the deer and fish. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and “I Love Lucy” episodes and visiting with family.

Joe is survived by his sisters Jo Anne and Duane Dusharm of Philadelphia, Rosalie and Erwin Enslow of Interlaken, step sisters Anna Henson and Ruth Crowley, both of Missouri, step brother William “Bill” Fredenburg of Rochester, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Donald Hill and Andrew Hill, and a step brother Earl “Butch” Fredenburg.

David Horne

David L. Horne, age 67, of Fullerville, passed away on January 5, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

There will be a graveside service held in Fairview Cemetery in Edwards on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

David was born on September 13, 1955 in Gouverneur to the late Lloyd K. and Mable A. (Clement) Horne. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1973 and served in the United States Navy as a Seabee from 1973 until his honorable discharge in 1976. While in the Navy, David helped built the tent city in Guam for war refugees.

He married Sandra “Sandy” Blackburn on December 5, 1980 in Virginia Beach. David worked as a mill worker for Basin’s and as a construction worker with Tim Fairbanks at Continental Construction until he retired in 2012 due to health issues. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and building hot rods.

David is survived by his wife, Sandra Horne, daughters, Natalie (Matt) Wood and Melissa Horne, grandchildren, Devyn Dowling (Erica Briggs), Xander Dowling, London Wood, Luca Wood, Leo Wood, and Chantel Horne, and a great-granddaughter, Yenna Dowling. He is also survived by two brothers, Barry (Lorraine) Horne and Paul (June) Horne, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Sherwood, Ricky, Nyle and Lyle Horne.

Donations in memory of David may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Herbert A. Haines

Herbert A. Haines, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6, 2023 at his home.

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

Herbert was born on August 20, 1944 in New Jersey, the son of Ray and Pearl (Beavers) Haines.

He married Virginia Crawn in 1960.

Herb is predeceased by his parents, his wife Virginia, his son Leo, grandson Danny, brothers Robert and Dave, sisters Ida, Maybel, and Virginia. He is survived by his sons James and Genice, Herbert, his daughters Donna and Floyd, Cindy and Pat, Heidi and Lonnie “Scotch”, Lisa and David, Melissa and Chuck, Franny, and Betty, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He started farming at a young age, owning and operating farms throughout his life. He also worked for several farmers in the surrounding area or could be found helping out his neighbors. Herb took great enjoyment with his team of horses, going to horse pulls with family and friends, tinkering on his tractors, or heading into the woods to cut wood.

Olive (Webb) Hosmer

Olive (Webb) Hosmer, age 90, passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, December 19, 2022, with her family by her side. She is survived by four children, Kevin (Kathie) Hosmer, Diana Moore (Peter Cicon), Karen (Dan) Kazmark and Bruce (Charlene) Hosmer; daughter-in-law, Chucha Hosmer; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd Hosmer in 2002; infant daughter, Marlene Hosmer in 1955; son, Neal Hosmer in 2019; and 12 siblings.

Olive was born and raised in South Russell, NY and was the daughter of Amos and Elsie (VanAlstine) Webb. She and Floyd were married on October 1, 1949 in Edwards, NY. They moved to Marion, NY in 1966, where they raised their family. Olive worked at Mobil Chemical Co. in Macedon for over 30 years. She and Floyd enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. Olive loved crocheting, knitting, quilting and canning.

Friends may call Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 1-3pm at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Edwards, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.

Kirk Brown

Kirk D. Brown “Brownie”, age 73 of Fowler, passed away on January 8, 2023 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 1:00 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life following the service, held at the Gouverneur VFW.

Kirk was born on April 30, 1949 in Gouverneur to the late Russell Brown. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1968 and served in the United States Navy from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1972.

Kirk married Myrna M. Phillips on July 12, 1980. He and his family built their home in Fowler in 1992, including logs cut from their property. Kirk retired in 2012 from Fort Drum where he had worked as a mechanic and then later in warehouse inventory.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being in the woods. He cut firewood, made maple syrup, collected driftwood, did some woodworking, and rode motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna Brown, four sons, Marty and Erin Gates, Tim Thomas, Jason and Missy Brown, and John and Kourtni Brown, and siblings, John and Mary Kerr, Amy and Terry Barkley, and Karen Subach. He is also survived by 8, grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Kirk is predeceased by a brother, Leon Brown, and a sister, Ruth Parrish.

Donations in memory of Kirk may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka KS, 66675 or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Roger H. Young

Roger H. Young, 78, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Gouverneur Hospital.

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

Roger was born in Gouverneur on February 15, 1944, the son of Stanley and Catherine (House) Young.

Following graduation from Gouverneur High School, Roger served in the United States Army for two years.

He married Linda M. Foote on November 23, 1968 at the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church.

Roger worked at Gouverneur Talc for over 30 years, retiring in 2008.

He had enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Roger is survived by his wife Linda, his children Amy Petrie and her companion Dave Robinson of Lanexa, VA, Christina and Donald McIntosh of Gouverneur, Craig and Myndie Young of New Haven, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Stanley and Jackie Young of Gouverneur, Janet Fuller of Alexandria Bay, nieces and nephews. Roger is predeceased by his son Scott Young, his brother Ralph Young, and his parents.

Georgia Duprey

Georgia Duprey, 66, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 15th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Georgia was born in Ogdensburg on May 14, 1956, the daughter of George and Maureen (Seamon) Duprey.

She was married to Gary Tharrett and the marriage ended in divorce. Georgia lived on Clinton Street with her companion Shawn Fenton.

Georgia enjoyed cooking, lotto tickets, spending time with her friends, family, and her pets. She was a friendly soul.

She is survived by her daughters and their children Angela Tharrett of Gouverneur with grandchildren Chelsea Rae Boprey and Bryant Hamilton, Gwen and Tom Mills of Dexter with grandchildren Richard Lyons, Rachelle Lyons, Jada Mills, and Jazmyn Mills, Crystal Tharrett of Gouverneur with grandchildren Carter Tharrett and Curtis Tharrett. Georgia is also survived by her companion Shawn Fenton, her sisters Darlene Kyle of Colorado, Patty Ross of Indiana, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and her sister Cindy Armstrong.

Memorial donations in memory of Georgia are encouraged to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund.

Jeanne L. Leeson

Jeanne L. Leeson, 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at United Helpers Healthcare in Canton.

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

Jeanne was born on October 1, 1933 in Gouverneur, the daughter of Douglas and Doris (Tait) Carpenter.

She attended schools in Gouverneur and Massena.

Jeanne married John Hobert Leeson on February 12, 1950 in Massena.

She worked in the cafeteria of West Side School in Gouverneur during the late 70’s and early 80’s as a lunch monitor. Later, the couple moved to Arizona where she worked for Tucson Unified School District as a preschool teacher’s assistant until she retired in 1992.

Jeanne had served as an elder and deacon for the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur, donated time to the hospital auxiliary, the election board, the Scouts program, and the March of Dimes. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and camping.

Jeanne is survived by her children Robert and Barbara Leeson of Antwerp, John and Jeanie Leeson of Pulaski, Alan Leeson of Phoenix, AZ, Judith and Mark Buzzell of Gouverneur, Kristine Leeson and her companion David Plowman of Gouverneur, 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband John, and her brother John Carpenter.

Memorial donations in honor of Jeanne are encouraged to the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur.

Dr. William J. Twining

Dr. William J. Twining, 96, of Gouverneur surrounded by family passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022 at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, New York.

Dr. Twining was born in Copenhagen, New York on May 31, 1926, the son of William Ashley and Leda Sage Twining. He attended and graduated from Copenhagen Central High School.

During World War II, at the age of seventeen, Dr. Twining enlisted in the United States Army and was accepted into the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) to become an Army officer. He served from 1944 to 1946. Due to his young age, the Army first sent him to attend officer training/education classes at Virginia Military Institute until he was eligible to assume active duty. He was stationed in Northern Virginia at both Ft. Belvoir and Ft. Myer. During his stint in the army, Dr. Twining guarded the White House during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inauguration and he also participated in Roosevelt’s funeral procession in the color guard marching behind the caisson.

After his time in the Army, Dr. Twining attended Syracuse University and then Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where he earned his degree in veterinary medicine. Dr. Twining became a licensed veterinarian in 1953. He spent his first year of practice in Vergennes, Vermont but soon returned to northern New York on April 25, 1954, to practice in Gouverneur. During his first ten years of practice, he worked with Dr.’s J. Tremlett and E.A. Conklin and then opened his own veterinarian clinic on Bay Road. For 65 years Dr. Twining provided veterinary services to Gouverneur and the surrounding communities retiring in 2018.

Dr. Twining was an avid outdoors person and an accomplished marksman. He participated in pistol shooting competitions in which he won many trophies. His hobbies included shooting, reloading, and hunting. He especially enjoyed going to his hunting camp on Tug Hill in the Town of Montague to deer hunt and ride four wheelers with his family and friends. He also made numerous trips to Canada to hunt moose.

Dr. Twining is survived by sons W. John (Nazan) Twining, Raleigh NC, W. Ashley Twining, Alpharetta, GA, sister Ellen Tyson, Madison, WI, and grandson Ata Twining.

Dr. Twining is preceded in death by his parents Ashley and Leda and wives Madolyn Dunkleburg Twining and Marion Bunch Twining.

Calling hours for Dr. Twining will be on Saturday January 14, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at French Funeral Home Gouverneur, New York. Interment will be in the spring at South Champion cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Jodi Premo Wing

Jodi Premo Wing of Gouverneur died on Sunday, December 18th, 2022 of complications of Influenza A and Pneumonia. She had just turned 57 on Dec. 11th. Jodi was special needs and loved dolls, coloring books, bingo, makeup, jewelry, and her little dog, Rose, who let Jodi dress her in cute little outfits. She loved spending time talking on the phone with her cousins and friends as well. She loved walking around town and shopping whenever she could and said "hi" to just about anyone who crossed her path.

Jodi leaves behind her only daughter, Summer (Wing) Ashley and her husband Mark Ashley, her oldest son Freddy Wing (Jr), and her youngest son Morris Wing, her sisters Lori Yerdon and husband Herbie Yerdon, Roni Fuller and husband Lyndon Fuller Jr, a long line of nieces, nephews, great-nephews/nieces, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Martha and Stephen Premo, her separated husband of several years Fred Wing, and several other loved ones she held dear.

Any donations on Jodi's behalf can be made to the Friends 4 Pound Paws, Inc Rescue. Arrangements for Jodi are being gathered and announced as available. Her family thanks everyone for their kind thoughts and support.