Published: 10/21/04

CHATEAUGAY — With the love of her family all around her, Amelia D. Colburn, 81, is at peace forever, safely home in Heaven.

Born Sept. 24, 1923, in Chateaugay, she was the loving daughter of Peter and Rose Alma LeClair who predeceased her.

Amy graduated from Chateaugay High School in 1943, then worked for Citizen’s Bank in Plattsburgh for a number of years until moving back to Chateaugay.

She loved to knit and was known for her knitted wool socks.

The man of her dreams came into her life in 1944. On June 1, 1946, Darwin Colburn became her husband. They were married by the late Monsignor Floyd Brown in St. Patrick’s Church, Chateaugay. For 56 years they were totally devoted to each other until April 8, 2003, when he was suddenly taken from her.

She was a loyal and devoted mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Faith Colburn of Florida, Robert Colburn of Arizonia and David and Pam Colburn of Plattsburgh; three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and William Holbrook, Deborah Recore of Chateaugay and Karen and Ray Markel of Plattsburgh; a daughter-in-law, Joanne Recore Colburn of Plattsburgh. A special part of her life was shared with her "babies", the 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who she deeply loved. She is also survived by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Dewey and Helen LeClair of Chateaugay and Wayne LeClair of Plattsburgh; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Flora St. Louis of Plattsburgh and Eva and Alger Furnia of Pawling; and a sister-in-law, Nettie LeClair of Cicero.

Amy was predeceased by a son-in-law, Gary Recore; two sisters, Rose Kette and Geraldine LeClair; and one brother, Estie LeClair.

Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Friday from 11 to 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 2 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, Chateaugay with Rev. John Demo officiating. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Chateaugay, A reception will follow at the Chateaugay American Legion. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or the Chateaugay Fire Department.

Charlotte, N.C. — Betty Coughlin, a former resident of Jay, N.Y., passed away on Oct. 18, 2004, in Charlotte, N.C.

Betty was born in AuSable Forks on June 7, 1940, the daughter of Dave Coughlin and Connie Hall.

After the untimely death of her mother in 1946, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Helen Torrance-Coughlin.

Betty was a graduate of AuSable Forks High School.

On March 28, 1990, she married her longtime companion, Eugene Braunstein in Oscoda, Mich.

Betty was an avid traveler. She enjoyed several trips throughout the United States and Canada with her husband Gene. They enjoyed spending time with friends throughout the country. She loved golf, snowmobiling, motorcycling and crafts. Betty was a devoted football fan, attending games throughout the United States.

Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Barb Coughlin of Hudson Falls, N.Y.; a sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Don Carte of Charlotte, N.C.; a sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Bob Plumadore of Saranac, N.Y.; a brother and sister-in-law, David and JoEllen Gilbo of Balston Spa, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Gene Braunstein; her parents, Dave Coughlin and Connie Hall; her stepmother, Helen Torrance-Coughlin; and her brother, Tom Coughlin.

A memorial service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., on Friday.

Betty fought a courageous battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of Charlotte, N.C.

Peru — Cristina J. Howerton, 35, of Clintonville Road, Peru, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at her home.

She was bom in New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1968, the daughter of John E. and Nellie "Jane" (Williams) Vargas.

She was a graduate of AuSable Valley Central School in 1987 where she was very active in sports.

Cristina very much took great pride in her two beautiful children and her home. She enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden and on her farm with all her animals, she appreciated nature and its tranquility. She loved caring for all children. She also loved her exotic birds and dog. Cristina will be remembered as a very loving and generous daughter, wife, mother and friend, always putting others first.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Lee Howerton Jr. of Peru; a daughter, Patrisha Lee Howerton, 15 years. old; a son, Roger Lee Howerton III, 12 years. old; her parents, John E. and Nellie "Jane" (Williams) Vargas of Cummings, Ga.; a brother, William "Billy" Vargas of Georgia; maternal grandfather, William P. Williams of New Jersey; paternal grandparents, Richardo Vargas of Flordia and Frances Cusapia of South America; mother and father-in-law, Claudia (Blanchard) and Roger L. Howerton Sr. of Peru; three sisters-in-law, Robin and husband Rene’, Cindy Howerton and companion Matt and Brenda Woodring; and special family friends, 25 year retired Sheriff Ray and his wife Diane Berg; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Girthel Williams.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A funeral service will be held Saturday at a time to be announced. Burial will follow in the Harkness Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to a scholarship fund to be established in her memory at the AuSable Valley Central School.

Celia Dorothy Furman, six months old, of Northstar Road, Moors, died on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at her home.

She was born in Plattsburgh on April 20, 2004, daughter of Patrick James and Marie Elena (Navarro) Furman.

Calling hours and funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements with Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

PARKER CONNORS, 69, of Williams Street, Key West, Fla. died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, in Key West.

He was born Nov. 5, 1934, in Malone, N.Y., the son of the late Bernie and Sarah Parker Connors.

There will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Malone, N.Y.

Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Ft. Covington Street Road, Malone, N.Y.

Funeral arrangements are through St. Mary-Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.

Geraldine L. Bissonette, 84, of Greenwood Street, Lake Placid, died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake after a brief illness.

She was born in Chateaugay, N.Y., May 23, 1920, the daughter of Raymond and Loretta (Caron) Larro.

There are no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be offered Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Uihlein Mercy Chapel. The Rev. Patrick O’Reilly will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

The Clark Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Press-Republican, 170 Margaret St., P.O. Box 459, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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