Published: 10/30/04

KEESEVILLE — Cecilia "Ceci" Collins Davey, 70, entered God's kingdom on Oct. 22, 2004, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Herkimer, N.Y., on Sept. 2, 1934, Cecilia was the daughter of the late Harold and Hattie (Hoffman) Collins.

She was a graduate of Owen D. Young Central School in Van Hornesville, N.Y., and State University of New York, Plattsburgh.

Ceci loved working with children. She enjoyed reading, quilting, baking and gardening. Since retiring, Ceci enjoyed traveling and wintering in Florida. Her most treasured gifts were special times spent with family and friends.

Ceci began her elementary teaching career in the Peru Central School District; was then employed by the Saranac Central School District, teaching in both Cadyville and Morrisonville elementary schools and returned to Peru Central from which she retired after 37 years of caring dedication.

Ceci was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Keeseville and St. Peter, the Apostle, Church in Naples, Fla. Her gentle kindness and attention to others were reflected in her recent North Country Catholic article "Letters for a Peaceful Heart," and her donations to Trinity Catholic School and numerous charities.

Ceci's positive presence is reflected in her words, "If we pray for others and not focus on ourselves, we will have healthier attitudes."

Survivors include her husband of 46 years, W. Harney Davey; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Tracy Davey of Hudson Falls; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Brent Whitcomb of Massena and Susan and Nathan Wilson of Plattsburgh; five grandchildren, Thomas, Hannah and Matthew Whitcomb and Kelly and Meghan Davey; four brothers, Chester and Phyllis Collins of VanHornesville, Leland and Elizabeth Collins of Jordanville, Robert Collins and his companion Britty of Mohawk and James Collins of Richfield Springs; and five sisters, Kathleen Suits of Fort Plain, Marion Fleckenstein of Syracuse, Veronica and Herb Ingles of Minoa, Dorothea and Arthur Chase of Syracuse and Ella and Alfred Light of Plattsburgh; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cecilia was predeceased by her son, William Collins Davey; her parents; and her eldest brother, Harold Collins Jr. of Utica.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Church of Keeseville, with Monsignor Joseph Aubin, retired, celebrating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Keeseville Rescue Squad or the FitzPatrick Cancer Center.

West Chazy — Loretta J. Fitzpatrick, 79, died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

Born in Lyon Mountain on Feb. 8, 1925, she was the daughter of Arthur and Marie (Cota) Champagne.

Loretta worked at Georgia Pacific for many years.

She then owned the Clinton Diner in Plattsburgh, an "adventure" she took for 10 years. In 1978, Loretta purchased her "country bar" the Klondike and operated it to the present. It was the joy of her life.

Loretta loved all animals. She will be remembered for her great wit with her friends and customers and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include a son, Ricky Petrashune of AuSable Forks; and a daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Klaus "Tony" Torner of Plattsburgh; a sister, Elizabeth Mooney of Plattsburgh; and her grandchildren, Heidi Petrashune and Mark, Ellen and Debbie Torner.

Her parents; a brother, Clifford Champagne; and a grandson, Steve Torner, predeceased her.

Calling hours will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A prayer service officiated by Rev. William Reamer will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. from the chapel at Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Plattsburgh.

Memorial donations may be made to the Elmore SPCA, Telegraph Road, Peru, NY 12972, an animal shelter that Loretta was very fond of.

To contact the Press-Republican, Phone: (518) 561-2300 or send mail to:
Press-Republican, 170 Margaret St., P.O. Box 459, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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