Published 07/23/02

Bena, Va. — Althea Higgins Leach, 83, died at the home of her daughter and son-in-law on July 12, 2002.

Althea retired from the Finance Department of Clinton Correctional Center, Dannemora, N.Y.

She was of the Methodist faith and had made her home in Gloucester for the past ten years.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Martin Higgins as well as her second husband, John Leach; and a son, William Higgins.

Besides her daughter Carol, with whom she lived and son-in-law Lou Patnode, she is survived by two additional daughters, Jacquelyn Ramos of Magalria, Calif., and Eleanor Pires of Fairhaven, Mass.; a son, J. David Leach of Hydepark, Mass.; a brother, Paul Smith of Newhartford, N.Y.; a sister, Anna Darrah of Chittenango, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Marie Higgins of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews; and special companions Angel and Buttercup.

Graveside services will be held Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, in Brainardsville Cemetery, Brainardsville, N.Y.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Box 247, Gloucester Point, VA 23062.

Because of her great faith, the closing passage of her life is best described in 2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful.

Hopkinton, Mass. — C. Adelaide Husted Taylor, 91, of Marshall Avenue, died Friday, July 19, 2002, in the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge.

She was the wife of the late Frank B. Husted, who died in 1981 and the late Marcus S. Taylor, who died in 2001.

Mrs. Taylor was a realtor for A.P. Husted Realty which she owned and operated in Hopkinton for 14 years, retiring in 1972. In her early years, she had been an abridger/editor for the Readers Digest in New York.

Mrs. Taylor was born May 5, 1911, in New York City, the daughter of the late Harry and Catherine (Park) Goldman. She moved to Hopkinton in 1956 and later moved to Plattsburgh, N.Y., in 1989, returning to Hopkinton in 2001.

Mrs. Taylor was a graduate of Pleasantville High School, Pleasantville, N.Y., and a graduate of a junior college in New York.

She was a former member of the Middlesex County Board of Realtors and active in the Hopkinton Couples Club. Mrs. Taylor was a former member of the Hopkinton Scholarship Committee.

Mrs. Taylor is survived by two sons, William E. Husted of Sutton and Frank Tom Husted of Hopkinton; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one nephew.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Taylor’s memory may be made to the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, c/o Resident Activity Fund, 85 Beaumont Drive, Northbridge, MA 01534.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Buma Funeral Home, 480 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 01588.

Keeseville — Katherine L. LaFountain, 84, of Hill Street in Keeseville, died Monday, July 22, 2002, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, with her family by her side.

She was born in Keeseville on Sept. 9, 1917, the daughter of David and Katherine (Heath) Boisseau.

Mrs. LaFountain was employed at Prescott's Mill and at the Keeseville Elementary School.

Katy, as she was known by her family and friends, was a lifelong member of St. John's Church in Keeseville. She enjoyed bingo and gardening.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Marjorie and Tom Nelson of Keeseville and Mary and Joe Correa of Watkins Glen; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Jane LaFountain of Derry, N.H., and David and Melody LaFountain of Keeseville; one son-in-law, Francis Fountain of Keeseville; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Harold Busha of Keeseville, Lawrence and Olga Busha of Connecticut and Richard and Clara Busha of Keeseville; one sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Franklin Burrell of Keeseville; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Walter LaFountain on Dec. 3, 1974; a daughter, Joyce Fountain on Nov. 1, 2001; sisters Blanche Soulia, Louise Busha and Gladys Benware; and brothers Clifford Busha, Willard Busha, Leo Busha, Walter (Jockey) Busha and Donald Busha.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Church in Keeseville with Monsignor Leeward Poissant, pastor, celebrating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Keeseville Rescue Squad.

Keeseville — Jean C. Lessard, 82, of Keeseville. died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, on Sept. 16, 1919, the son of Isaac and Laura (Compo) Lessard.

Mr. Lessard was a World War II veteran, having served as a B-17 gunner in England and France and in Germany as a sergeant.

He was a member of the Painters Union in Plattsburgh and a member of the Dousers Society. Jean was a lifelong collector of clocks and antiques.

Survivors include two brothers and four sisters-in-law, George and Virginia Lessard of AuSable Chasm, Leo and Edna Lessard of Florida, Ida Lessard of Wellsville and Edith Lessard of Glens Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Vivian Lessard; two brothers, Larry Lessard and Wilfred Lessard; and two sisters, Loretta Lessard and Cecile Fanton.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at noon at the funeral home chapel with Monsignor Leeward Poissant, pastor of the Catholic Community of Keeseville, officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery in Keeseville.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Keeseville Rescue Squad.

Peru — Elizabeth C. "Betty" O'Neil, 85, of the Hallock Hill Road in Peru, died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at the Evergreen Valley Nursing Home in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Warrensburg on Nov. 23, 1916, the daughter of John K. and Leah (Marcellus) Gillingham.

Betty married Alfred E. O'Neil on Oct. 16, 1954, in Malta.

She was employed as a therapist at Harlem Valley in Wingdale. She enjoyed reading and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband, Alfred E. O’Neil of Peru; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dennis Santor of Plattsburgh; a grandson, Thomas Mullen of Plattsburgh; one sister, Judy DeMasi of Amsterdam; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Rosemary O'Neil.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home chapel, with Rev. William Edwards, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Dannemora, officiating. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to the United Cerebral Palsy Association.

Crown Point, N.Y. — Harold Rice, 98, passed away early Sunday morning, July 21, 2002, at Porter Memorial Hospital, Middlebury, Vt. He had been in good health and sound mind until a fall on Tuesday, July 16th, when he broke his hip.

Harold was born in Long Lake, N.Y., on June 13, 1904, the son of John and Hila (Lang) Rice. The family moved to Crown Point around 1918, where Harold had made his home ever since.

He is survived by a son, H. Lynn Rice and his wife Dolores of Athol, Idaho; and a daughter, Sandra Toohey and her husband John of E. Vassalboro, Maine; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Mary Harper of Oakfield, N.Y., and Evelyn Smith of Ganesvoort, N.Y.; and a brother, Victor, of Crown Point.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Pitt Rice; a daughter, Barbara; brothers Garvin, Stanley, Clyde, Elmer, Marvin and Stewart; sisters Effie and Dorothy; and also a grandson, Shawn.

In 1987, Harold married Frances Blaise and he became "Grandpa Harold" to her grandchildren and great - grandchildren. Frances died in 1998. Surviving from that marriage are daughters Janice Barre, Helen Curran and a son, Frank Blaise.

Harold worked as a logger for many years, as a scaler for International Paper Company and as a carpenter. He made beautiful clocks, gun cabinets and hope chests. There are many kitchens in the area that have oak, butternut or cherry cupboards made by him.

Calling hours will be at the Harland Funeral Home in Port Henry on Wednesday, July 24, 2002, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be at the Crown Point Methodist Church on Thursday, July 25, 2002, at 1 p.m., with Rev. George Richards officiating. Burial will be in the Forestdale Cemetery, Crown Point.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Crown Point Ambulance Squad, Crown Point, N.Y.

Mooers Forks — Lyonette "Lee" M. LaBarge, 91, of Mooers Forks, died Friday, July 19, 2002, at her residence.

She was born in St Antoine Abbey, Quebec, on April 19, 1911, the daughter of Homer and Lisa (Supreneault) Hebert.

She was a communicant of St. Ann's Church in Mooers Forks.

She is survived by a son, Harold LaBarge of Mooers; two daughters, Rita Cody of Mooers and Connie Shnob of Mooers Forks; a sister, Veronica Delaney of Chazy; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Leo LaBarge, died in 1984.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the E.F. Drown Funeral Service in Mooers. Members of Mooers Knights of Columbus Council 6136 are asked to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home for services. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday from St. Ann's Church in Mooers Forks, with her grandson, Rev. Alan Schnob, celebrating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Ann's Parish Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Ann's Church.

Plattsburgh — Geraldine Carron Kimball, 85, of Waterhouse Street and formerly of Lyon Mountain, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2002, at the home of her son on West Park Avenue.

She was born in Saranac on April 30, 1917, daughter of Frederick and Minnie (LaPointe) Gonyea. Geraldine was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church in Plattsburgh. She had been employed at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Plattsburgh.

Geraldine is survived by her husband, Leland Kimball of Plattsburgh; five sons and three daughters-in-law, James Carron of St. Petersburg, Fla., William and Carol Carron of St. Petersburg, Fla., Robert and Winifred Carron of Plattsburgh, Fred Carron of Plattsburgh and Joseph and Faith Carron of North Bangor; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Dennis Giddings of Peru and Theresa and Richard Costello of Brockton, Mass.; 21 grandchildren; 30 great - grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Geraldine was predeceased by her first husband, James R. Carron; four brothers, Fred, Wilbur, Wilfred and Edward; and five sisters, Dora, Frances, Sarah, Irena and Lena.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 24, 2002, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. from Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. from Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

Donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or Hospice of the North Country.

Merrill — Norman " Tiny" Gilmore, 78, of the Blanch Road in Merrill, died July 21, 2002, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y., after being stricken in his home.

He was born in Rutland, Vt., on Sept. 16, 1923, the son of Oscar and Mildred (Soucia) Gilmore.

He was married to Mary Shutts on May 5, 1951, in St. Bernard's Church, Lyon Mountain.

Mr. Gilmore is survived by his wife of 51 years; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Bruce and Diane Shutts of Merrill, N.Y., Paul and Amanda Gilmore of Merrill, N.Y., and Roger Gilmore of Merrill, N.Y.; five daughters and two sons-in-law, Cecilia and Larry Garrow of Peru, N.Y., Mary Rita Gilmore of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Linda Gilmore of Merrill, N.Y., Cynthia Gilmore of Lyon Mountain, N.Y., and Brenda and Matthew Brown of Chicago, Ill.; two sisters-in-law, Caroline Duval of Chateaugay, N.Y., and Rachel Klinski of Chateaugay, N.Y.; 15 grandchildren, Stacey LaMountain, Rebecca Shutts. Bruce Shutts II, Nicole O'Connell, Jacob Garrow, Amy Frederick, Matthew Gilmore, Emily Gilmore, Corey Conners, Travis Conners, Jamie Gilmore, Shae Gilmore, Nathan Gilmore, Ashley Gilmore and Katy Brown; six great-grandchildren, Allison LaMountain, Hanna Otis, Francine Frederick, Tristan Conners, Hayley Roberts and Ryley O'Connell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gordon Gilmore of Pittsburgh, Pa.

During his working career, Mr. Gilmore was employed as a heavy equipment operator and instructor for several companies. He retired from the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base after 30 years of service to them. He was a member of the Lyon Mountain American Legion, Steuben County Hunting Club and was an avid bowler in both Chateaugay and Malone. He was a NASCAR fan and a fan of Jeff Gordon’s #24.

Mr. Gilmore was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2002, in the funeral home chapel, with Msgr. Bernard Christman of St. Bernard's Church officiating.

Entombment will take place at Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens, Ellenburg Depot.

Donations in his memory may be made to Lyon Mountain Rescue Squad or Alice Hyde Hospital - Medical Floor.

MARTHA M. FISHER, 83, of Burke County Road, Malone, N.Y., died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center.

She was born on Oct. 7, 1918, in Burke, N.Y., the daughter of Joseph and Victoria (LaValley) Fisher.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 23, 2002, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the St. Mary-Murphy funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at 1 p.m. in Notre Dame Church. Burial will take place in Notre Dame Cemetery

Floyd Antoine, 86, of Fort Covington Street, Malone, N.Y., and formerly of St. Regis Falls, N.Y., died Saturday, July 20, 2002, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone.

He was born in Norfolk, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1916, the son or the late Edward and Mary Elizabeth (White) Antoine.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. James Davis officiating. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery in St. Regis Falls, N.Y.

Bessie M. Yando, 97, of Constable Street in Malone, died Saturday, July 20, 2002.

She was born Sept. 11, 1904, in Malone, the daughter of George and Emma (Dumas) Dearm.

Calling hours were held on Monday at the St. Mary-Murphy Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Notre Dame Church on Tuesday, July 23, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Jeanette Rothamel, 84, of Erin Court in Plattsburgh, died Monday, July 22, 2002, at CVPH Medical Center.

She was born on May 26, 1918, in Astoria, N.Y.

Arrangements are incomplete and are with the Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday’s newpaper.