Walter O. Zeller

Walter O. Zeller, age 81, of Macomb, NY passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at his home under the loving care of his family and St. Lawrence Valley Hospice.

Walter was born on December 5, 1942 in Gouverneur, NY to the late John and Lorna (Jackson) Zeller. He married Alice Mitchell on February 4, 1962. Walter worked as a farmer and as a roofer, working for WCA in Syracuse and was part of the Roofers Local Union 195. He enjoyed fishing and working with animals on his hobby farm.

Surviving is his wife, Alice; two sons and their spouses, Jason and Leonilo Zeller of Clearwater, FL and Roger and Britney Zeller of Pleasant Lake, NY; three daughters, Cindy Zeller of Macomb, Rose Zeller and her companion Nelson LaBarge of Hammond and Lorna Zeller and her companion Dean Matice of Macomb; a daughter-in-law, Jane Zeller of Fullerville; three sisters, Jackie Almond, Linda House and Janet Davis; 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Walter is predeceased by his parents; a son, Walter O. Zeller Jr. and three grandchildren, Kyle Bell, Derick Kutt and Willa Jane Bogardus.

There will be a celebration of Walter’s life on April 27, 2024 from 12:00-4:00 at the home of Alice Zeller, 824 County Route 8, Hammond, NY 13646. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Nancy S. MacKinnon

Nancy S. MacKinnon, age 77, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

There will be calling hours for Nancy on Saturday, March 23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Orville Eacker officiating. A reception will follow at the Gouverneur Community Center. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Nancy was born on June 18, 1946 to the late William J. and Harriet M. (Weagley) Siebels Sr. She graduated from East Brunswick high school in East Brunswick, NJ and then went on to attend college at Rider College, Trenton Jr. College and then JCC where she received her associates in Applied Science. Nancy married Alex MacKinnon on August 19, 1967 in New Brunswick, NJ.

She worked as a registered nurse at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Mercy Hospital in Watertown and then Sierra Medical in Black River. She also had worked for Hospice of Jefferson County. Nancy was a member of the St. Lawrence County Draft Horse Club. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, camping, fishing and spending time with her family and her two grandsons.

Nancy is survived by her husband Alex; a daughter, Heather MacKinnon; a son and daughter-in-law, Scot and Kimberly MacKinnon; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Tina Siebels Jr.; two grandsons, Connor and Cayden MacKinnon and several nieces and nephews.

Mary E. House

Mary E. House, 101, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 21st at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur with lay pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Arrangements are with Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Mary was born in Burlington, VT on October 13, 1922, the daughter of Simeon and Helen (Fales) Jobin.

Her family moved to Gouverneur in 1927 and she graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1941.

Mary had worked at the paper mill in Natural Dam, Wilson’s Restaurant, ACME Grocery Store, and Yerdon’s Bakery.

She enjoyed the family camp at Pleasant Lake.

Mary was previously married to Tommie Black. She married Robert House in July of 1984.

She is survived by her sons Lyle Jobin of St. Augustine, FL and Tom Black of Gouverneur, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her sisters Lyla Sheen, Laurel Towne, and Ursula Roy, her brothers Lawrence Jobin and Raymond Jobin.

Ruby D. Besaw

Ruby D. Besaw, age 74, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed by her funeral at 5:00 p.m. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Ruby was born on December 25, 1949 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Gerald and Genevieve (McPherson) Hartle. She attended Gouverneur Central School. On September 26, 1973, she married Henry A. “Hank” Besaw Sr. Hank passed away on October 16, 2023, shortly after the couple had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ruby had worked as a waitress for Lynde’s Dairy, the Clearview Restaurant and bartended at the American Legion. She also helped her husband with their farm for many years. Ruby was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed painting ceramics and doing puzzles and she made wedding cakes.

She is survived by four children, Genny and Jeff Hall, Rubijo and George Mandigo, Jr., Henry “Hank” Jr. and Alyssa, and Darlene Besaw, her sisters, Roxy and Sterling Trimm, Loretta Barkley and Jerrilyn and Leonard Jesmer; her brothers, Ronald and Delores Hartle and Jerrilee and Tammy Hartle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jordon Mandigo, Tristen Besaw, Brianna Bush, Joey Bush, Trevor Besaw, and Genecca Potter, step-grandchildren, Kendell Mandigo, Trina Aldridge, Katelyne Dye, Allyson Hall, and Brady Hall, great-grandchildren, Carley House, Ezra Besaw, Kinsley Mandigo, Carson Dye and Chloe Dye, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; a sister, Shirley Simmons and five brothers, Rocky, Richard, Gerald, Percy and Dick Hartle.

Donations in memory of Ruby may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Kenneth Harold (Breezy) Bresett

Kenneth Harold (Breezy) Bresett passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, NY.

Ken/Breezy was born on October 26th, 1941, the son of the late Kenneth B. Bresett and Elizabeth C. Feickert Bresett. He graduated in 1959 from IRCSD, the first graduating class of the newly formed Indian River School District. He went on to attend Albany College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

After graduating Ken began his career as a pharmacist at Kinney Drugs. He was promoted to manager of Kinney Northland Drugs, Gouverneur, NY in 1966. Ken left Kinney Drugs for a few years working for Merck Pharmaceutical Company as a pharmaceutical salesman. He returned to Kinney Drugs in Gouverneur in 1988, retiring in 2010. Ken earned the respect of both colleagues and patients during his time with Kinney Drugs and enjoyed continued relationships with both.

In September 1989, he married Marilyn Strough Borden. She predeceased him in October 2019.

Ken was an active member of the music community. He became a member of the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corp in 1957, playing the French Horn. He worked many years as their manager and put many hours into helping to ensure the “Yanks” were successful, entertaining and well respected.

Ken was one of the founding members of the NNYPMJA in the 1970’s, holding various leadership positions and he was instrumental in putting on clinics and worked closely with parade organizers.

In recent years Ken took on the task of learning to play a new instrument, the steel guitar. The love of the steel guitar and the “old” country music led Ken to bring together several local musicians in the tri-county area to play together at the Antwerp American Legion Post 916. The proceeds of these “Old Time Country Dances” have benefitted the Indian River Ambulance Service. It was Ken’s wish that these dances would continue in his absence and had already scheduled a spring and fall season for 2024.

Ken was also active in his community serving on both village and town boards, as well as the Indian River Board of Education. He was currently serving as a town board member. He was an active member of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He was a life member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, a 41-year member of Sons of the American Legion Post 916 Antwerp, and a member of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.

While residing the winter months in his Summerfield, Florida home from 2012-2018, Ken sang for the Golden Notes Chorus (directed by his sister Ann) and was a regular attendee at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fruitland, FL.

Surviving are sister, Claire Marie (Michael) Brownell, step daughter Leslie (John) Baker Jr., stepson Richard Borden, granddaughter Saige Baker, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gerald Taylor, Mike (Kathy) Strough, John (Julie) Strough, sister-in-law Martha Hartman; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ken was predeceased by his sister, Ann Bresett Taylor in 2018 and brother-in-law Vince Hartman in 2023.

Funeral services will be 4 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY. Family and friends will gather at the Antwerp American Legion, following the service.

Calling hours will be 2-4 pm prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Spring burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Antwerp, NY, next to his wife Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indian River Ambulance service Inc., 6 ½ Sand Street, Philadelphia, NY 13673.

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

Elizabeth “Betsy” Campbell

Elizabeth “Betsy” Campbell passed away on February 12, 2024 at the age of 71.

Betsy was born on July 11, 1952 in Helena, Montana; she was the daughter of George “Bruce” and Carde (Horning) Campbell. She is survived by her sisters Catherine Campbell and Miriam Campbell, her ARC family, including long time friends Stephen and Craig and other extended family members. Betsy is predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ian Campbell and Scott Campbell, and her nephew James Lafleur.

In 1980, Betsy moved into the 415 Deviller street residence. Living in Ogdensburg allowed Betsy the independence that she didn’t have at home with her Dad; she liked walking to the workshop for work, cooking her own meals and going out dancing in the evening. Betsy loved having a boyfriend and had a flair for romance. She moved to the Norwood IRA in 1981 where she resided until her mobility declined. In 2002, Betsy made the 82 Main St IRA in Hermon her home and resided there until her death.

Betsy encountered many people in her lifetime. Often when she was out, Betsy would run into someone she knew and call them by name. Betsy was happy to see military personnel; she loved to speak to soldiers in the Watertown mall. She was fond of board games and would recruit friends to play with her. Betsy took pride in her appearance and always liked to look nice; she would coordinate her clothing, jewelry and hair accessories.

Betsy adored the musical “Annie” and would play the song “the sun will come out tomorrow” on repeat for hours. She looked forward to going to Dodge Pond every summer for camp.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 16th, from 10:00 to 11:00 am with a funeral service at 11:00 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial to follow in Hermon Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of Betsy are encouraged to The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence, 6 Commerce Lane, Canton, NY 13617 Attn: Donations.

Randy Steven Newcombe

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the death of Randy Steven Newcombe born on January 2, 1963 and taken from us too soon on February 6, 2024.

Randy was the proud Father of his beautiful and loving Daughter Ninah Newcombe, Step-Father to Megan (Ryan), Morgan, Brad, Brandon, Dustin, Jordan; Step-Grandfather to Sofie, Max and Luc; beloved Son of Howard and Marion Newcombe; amazing Brother to Scott (Sheila) Newcombe, Cindy Lottie, Rhonda (Ray) Boyles, Amy (Steve) Costa, Tammy (David) Wentzel, Steven (Tobi) Newcombe, Kellie (Mark) Marcellus and loving Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews who looked up to him for guidance, love and mostly ‘fun’; exhibited by a 2023 camping trip with Randy, Steve and the nephews to memorialize many summer camping trips when the boys were young.

To have known Randy was to have loved Randy. He lit up a room with his infectious smile and outgoing personality and his trademark whistling will be missed. Randy worked for many years at Gouverneur Hospital as a Physical Therapist Assistant and loved the comradery he shared with his co-workers. He lived his life to the absolute fullest and took his last breath knowing that he was truly loved.

Randy’s hard fought battle would not have been as peaceful without the selfless acts of Rhonda and Eric. We are beyond grateful for the love and care you gave to Randy and Ninah. Our family would like to thank Dave Lottie, Paul Larock Mike ‘Monk’ Rolland, and Bruce Bigelow for their longstanding friendship and support.

Following his wishes, Randy’s ashes will be released into the forests of camp, his favorite environment, where he could be found every weekend during hunting season wandering the woods (sometimes even without a loaded gun) trying to bag the Big Buck.

Although our hearts are broken they are filled with so many memories of the loving, kind and wonderful man that we were lucky enough to have had in our lives. We will love you forever.

Randy did not want us to mourn but wanted us to have a party to celebrate his life. Date and time will be announced once finalized.

Kimberly A. Sibley

Kimberly A. Sibley, 39, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

A celebration of life will be held later in the year. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Kimberly was born in Gouverneur on March 6, 1984, the daughter of Stephen and Kelly Sibley.

She attended schools in Gouverneur and worked as a store clerk until becoming a stay at home mom.

Kim married her husband Charles Stowell on June 22, 2012 in Watertown.

She enjoyed watching television and movies, fishing and camping, especially at Black Lake and Jacques Cartier, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Kim is survived by her husband Charles, her children James, Deric, Sarah, Stephanie, Jacob, Aiden, and Riley, her mother Kelly, and her mother-in-law Marie Stowell. She is also survived by her siblings Jeff Sibley, Laura Hardy, Penny Pike, Mary Tebo, and Samantha Sibley, several nieces and nephews. Kim is predeceased by her father Stephen.

Memorial donations in honor of Kim are encouraged to Ryan’s Wish Foundation.

Linda Thomas

Linda M. Thomas, age 74, of Gouverneur, passed away on February 7, 2024 in Watertown. There will be no calling hours or funeral. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Linda was born on October 31, 1949 in Gouverneur to the late Raymond and Lula Ann (Kio) Cyrus. She attended school in Gouverneur. She married Michael Thomas on July 4, 1988. Marriages to Mike Travis, Orin “Bub” Durham and Donnie Denton ended in divorce.

Linda enjoyed crocheting, working on crafts, and camping.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Thomas, and his family, six children, Flora Cyrus, David Travis, Orin “Bimbo” Durham, Shannon Way, Christian Denton, and Jonas Denton, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Carolyn Peck, Richard “Dick” Cyrus, Albert Cyrus, Patricia Shoen, Donna Thomas, and Tammy Cyrus.

Linda is predeceased by her parents, a daughter, Elizabeth Durham, a grandson, Skyler Way, and siblings, Donald Cyrus, Raymond “Junior” Cyrus, and Lisa Cyrus.

Because Linda loved her dogs, donations in her memory may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur NY 13642 or your local S.P.C.A.

Landon R. “Lonnie” Weaver

Landon R. “Lonnie” Weaver, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 4, 2022 at Rochester General Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at the Gouverneur Community Center on Monday, February 12th with calling hours from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm and a reception to follow the service. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Landon was born in Watertown on May 14, 1952, the son of Willard “Bill” and Margaret “Mag” (Fuller) Weaver.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and attended Canton ATC.

Lonnie married Holly Rice on August 19, 1972 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Gouverneur with Rev. Edward Caldwell officiating.

He started employment with Perfetto and Whalen at Potsdam State College and following his apprentice program, he became a member of the Carpenters Union Local #278. More recently, Lonnie worked for Northland Associates and Northeast Interior Systems, both of Liverpool, as a carpenter foreman.

Lonnie and Holly had lived in Gouverneur, Richville, Hailesboro, and more recently, Brasher Falls. He had served in the Richville Vol. Fire Department.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and often followed the sporting events of his grandchildren at Gouverneur High School and St. Lawrence Central High School, and now SUNY Potsdam Womens Hockey and Mens Lacrosse. Lonnie also enjoyed walking his dog Jasper, watching the New York Yankees and New York Giants.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Holly, his daughters Angela and Jason Ferrick of Gouverneur, Emily and Thomas Storrin of Brasher Falls, his grandchildren Christian Gillan, Vincenza Gillan, Hunter Storrin and companion Sydney Collins, Landon Storrin and fiancé Chloe Harvey, Tommy Storrin and companion Sara Barrett, and his great grandson Jaylen Thomas Burton. He is also survived by his brother Bradley Weaver and companion Linda Shatraw of Gouverneur, two nieces, a nephew, his mother-in-law Marilyn Knight, and brother-in-law Stephen Rice. Lonnie is predeceased by his parents, his grandson Jake Ferrick, father-in-law Robert Rice, and sister-in-law Nancy Rice.

Memorial donations in honor of Lonnie are encouraged to St. James School, in memory of Jake Ferrick, or Friends 4 Pound Paws.

Sherry Lou VanOrnum Langevin

Sherry Lou VanOrnum Langevin, 71, of Star Lake and Gouverneur passed away unexpectedly at Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Syracuse after an auto accident in September 2023.

A viewing will be held privately for the immediate family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with a time to be announced. Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Canton has been entrusted with Sherry’s care and arrangements.

Sherry was a daughter of the late Andrew M. and June E. (Mandigo) VanOrnum and was born August 10, 1952, in Gouverneur, NY.

She started her education at Brasie Corners and graduated from Gouverneur Central School. She furthered her education at Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg where she received her bachelor’s degree.

Most recently she was a secretary for her daughter and son-in-law at Jenkins Heating & Cooling in Gouverneur. She will also be remembered for her time as a delivery driver for the Snack Shack in Richville.

Surviving are her four children, Jeremy Matice, Lisa Hicks, Michelle Cook, and Brandi Jenkins; and husband, Chuck; her grandchildren, Tyler and Zach Cummings, Morgen, and Emma Hicks, Kyle, Kiarra, Kendra and Kolby Jenkins and Caleb, Claire and Jerrica Matice; five great-grandchildren, with one on the way and two grand kitties. She is also survived by her siblings, Cindy Sibley, Karen (Rick) Shatraw, Linda Matice, Sharon “Inky” Matice, and Gary “Jughead” VanOrnum, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sherry was an avid reader and watched Hallmark movies. She enjoyed talking on the phone with her sisters and spending special moments with her grand and great-grandkids. She loved Elvis, traditional country music especially Conway Twitty, and flannel shirts; most of all she loved her family and enforced them all to behave. Her famous mac and cheese will be missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Condolences may be shared online by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.

Ralph “Bill” Schaap Jr.

Ralph “Bill” Schaap Jr., 84, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at his home under the care of his family.

There are no calling hours and burial will be private in Hailesboro Cemetery with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Ralph was born in Rochester, New York on January 22, 1940, the son of Ralph and Ethel Schaap.

He served in the United States Army Reserves and had worked as a lab technician in Canada and in security at the zinc mines in Balmat.

Ralph enjoyed making swords and woodworking crafts, learning about guns and canons, listened to Scottish music, time with his pets, and liked to go fishing with his family. He also donated time to the local food pantry and Gouverneur Neighborhood Center.

He is survived by his daughter Barbara Finley of Michigan, his grandchildren Rebecca Lashbrooks, Darryl Boshane, Hannah Boshane, Cheyenne Boshane, and Tyler Weir, his great grandchildren Dominic, Rae-Lynn, Jadence, Maelee, Raeanne, Kaston, Kyrah, Kaycee, Briilynn, Ella, and Mckenna. Ralph is predeceased by his life partner Barbara Clement, his son Jeffrey Boshane, grandson Michael Boshane, and great grandson Gaige House.

Melissa Ann Versailles

Melissa Ann Versailles, 57, of Smithfield, VA passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Allen Arthur Aldridge and Vicky Ann McPherson Aldridge. She is survived by her loving and faithful husband of 25 years, Franklin Versailles; daughter, Emily Mae Platt; grandchildren, Kyieesha Leann White and Bradley Alexander Platt; sisters, Tina Gladle (Sonny), Denyell Hance (Ben); and brothers, Allen Aldridge and Richy Aldridge (Michelle Shampine).

She had the biggest heart that anyone could have. She loved children and her dogs. She was a caregiver of a lot of people and children. They may not have been her biological children but they were her family. She loved them all and would do anything for them. She was an amazing loving mother, nana, aunt, daughter in law, sister, and sister-in-law and wife that never can be duplicated. She will be missed by many and never forgotten. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.

Robert H. Rich

Robert H. Rich, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Funeral services will be private and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Robert was born in Vincent, Alabama on January 6, 1932, the son of Robert Henry Stone and Katie Rich.

After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served from 1951 to 1954.

Robert worked for AT&T for many years as an engineer and as a consultant, working all over the world building communications systems.

He enjoyed using his ham radios, bluegrass music, sharing stories of his life with his family, and had been a member of the American Legion.

Robert lived most of life in Alabama when not traveling the world in the service or employment, more recently moving to the north country. He is survived by his son Julian and Ashley (Reynolds) Rich of Richville, his daughters Shelly and Linda, his sisters Glenda and Dale, both of Alabama, grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Lila “Sue” Hale

Lila R. “Sue” Hale, age 81, of Clay, NY passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice.

There will be calling hours for Sue on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home in Edwards. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Father Jay Seymour officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Lila was born on August 9, 1942 in Talcville, NY to the late Vernon J. and Mary Rose (Girard) Lutz Sr. She graduated from Edwards Central School in 1960. She then went on to receive her Associates Degree in Accounting from Columbia College.

Sue married Gary Hale on September 22, 1962 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edwards. She worked as an Accountant and Controller for Condren Reality in Syracuse, NY for many years. Sue enjoyed gardening, traveling to look at different waterfalls and just being with her family.

Surviving is her husband, Gary; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Claudette Hale; a grandson, Devan Hale; a brother, Gary Lutz; three sisters, Donna Barlow, Bonnie Seaman and Jacqueline Prashaw; and several nieces and nephews.

Sue is predeceased by four brothers, William Henry Lutz, Bertrand Lutz, Joseph Lutz and Vernon Lutz Jr. and four sisters, Shirley Sheen, Betty Dwyer, Virginia Mussaw and Marion Twining.

Donations may be made in Sue’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, 441 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204 or to a local Hospice.

Cynthia Sue Sywulski

Cynthia Sue Sywulski, 73, passed away peacefully under the loving care of family and Journey Home on January 19, 2024. Predeceased by parents Clifford and Henrietta (Gore) Hay, survived by husband Jerald (Skip) Sywulski, daughter Janet Denton, stepchildren John (Dawn) Sywulski, Jerald Jr. (Robin) Sywulski, Joann Carbone, Jeffery (Angela) Sywulski, brother Thomas (Karen) Hay, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many family members.

Cindi was born in Gouverneur, NY July 29, 1950, graduated from Gouverneur High School and Canton ATC. She worked as an office manager at several businesses including Flanigans and Park Ridge Hospital. With a strong faith in God, Cindi was active at Bethany Presbyterian Church as a Stephen Minister, head of the Deacons, a bell ringer and other functions. She was also a nineteen year volunteer at Journey Home (Hospice).

Cindi was wonderful to be around as shown by her kind, caring heart, and fun personality, which had her many family and friends seeking her company and conversation.

Calling Hours will be 10 to 11 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM at the Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3000 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY, on February 3, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cindi Sywulski’s honor may be made to the Bethany Presbyterian Church, Journey Home (Rochester) or the Lollipop Farm.

Kathleen Colburn Barkley

On January 12, 2024, Kathleen Colburn Barkley, 85, passed away under the care and at the home of her son Danny Colburn and Donna Lawrence, along with Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley and her wonderful aide Barbara Brown.

Kathy was born the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy (Rodgers) Collins on December 10, 1938 in Watertown NY.

She married the love of her life, George Colburn Sr. on July 3rd, 1954. They had six children together Dorothy Gasset of Clarksville TN, George Jr. (Shelly) of Adams Center, Danny Colburn (Donna Lawrence) Carol Colburn Cowles, Andrew (Jenny) Colburn, all of Gouverneur NY, and Georgia Colburn (deceased).

After the death of her husband George and daughter Georgia from a car accident, she married Herbert Barkley which ended in divorce, and had two children, Clint Barkley (deceased) and Mary Barkley (Mitch Martin) of Gouverneur. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Buckles of Watertown NY, 19 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her son-in-law Donnie Cowles of Hermon NY.

Kathy worked as a waitress and was employed for many years at the St. James Catholic School cafeteria where her children attended school. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary of Gouverneur. Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends especially her best friend Alberta Jenks of Gouverneur. Kathy loved to dance even at the age of 85, wheelchair bound, with her son Danny as he held her up and swayed her to the music. Her favorite place to spend a beautiful summer day was at the camp of her son Danny’s on the Oswegatchie River in Rensselaer Falls and at her oldest grandson Jeff (Dusty) Bowmen’s camp also on the Oswegatchie River in Heuvelton.

She is also predeceased by her five brothers Bill, Frances, John, Tom, and Dick Collins and sisters Joan Hunt and Carolyn Webster.

There will be a graveside burial and a celebration of Kathy’s life in the spring . In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in Kathy’s name to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Donna Aldrich

Donna Lucille Aldrich, age 63, of Gouverneur, passed away on January 11, 2024 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse listening to her pop music.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donna was born on January 24, 1960 in Gouverneur to the late Grant Wesley and Virginia (Paige) Aldrich. She graduated from Indian River Central School in 1979, moved to Gouverneur in 1980 and worked for Ames, Wise Buys, Fashion Craze, and retired from Kinney Drugs in 2023 as a Customer Associate.

Donna loved to listen to music and go out dancing with her Kinney Drugs friends at Serendipity. She collected LP’s and CD’s and her favorite artist was Cher and favorite color was peach. She collected dolphin related items, played lots of board games, spoiling her great nephews and niece, and loved to visit friends and family over a glass of wine.

She is survived by her sisters, Kathie Perrin and Annette (Randy) McEathron, nephew, Casey McEathron, nieces, Cali McEathron and Cara Aldrich, great-nephews, Landon and Aydin Cobb, and a great-niece, Adelynn McEathron. She is predeceased by a sister, Charlene Aldrich, nephews, Brian Perrin and Larry Perrin, Jr., a great nephew, Noah Cobb, and her beloved cat, Teddy.

Donations in memory of Donna may be made to the American Cancer Society.