Published: 1/3/04

ROUSES POINT — Anna Margaret Powers, 97, died Friday evening, Dec. 31, 2004, at Cedar Hedge Nursing Home in Rouses Point with special friends and family at her side.

Anna was born in her grandmother’s house on Sunday, Nov. 17, 1907, in Mooers. Anna was the only child born to Maryann (Minnie) and George Therien.

Anna was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband, Walter, in 1978; a son-in-law, Robert Pierleoni, in 1990; and a granddaughter-in-law, Lynn Powers, in 2001.

Anna is survived by her four children: Maryann Pierleoni of Lake Oswego, Ore.; John and his wife, Rega, of Skaneateles, N.Y., and Bradenton, Fla.; Joan and her husband, John O’Connor, of Lake Oswego, Ore.; and Catherine and her husband, Clifford Ashline, Jr., of Rouses Point. Anna was "Grandma Powers" to 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Raised in Mooers in a house built by her father, Anna attended schools both there and in Chazy at the Miner Farm. Both her parents worked for Mr. and Mrs. Miner; her mother ran a boarding house and her father worked on constructing the barns that still stand today.

Several of Anna’s French-Canadian relatives had moved to Chicopee Falls, Mass., to work in the manufacturing mills. Anna made frequent visits there to see her aunts and uncles, and eventually stayed on, graduating from Chicopee High School in 1928. It was in Chicopee Falls that she met Walter, who lived only a few blocks from her aunt. When asked what she liked about him when she first met him, she simply replied, "Everything."

Anna returned to Mooers to attend Champlain Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Plattsburgh. She was a highly regarded nurse, having worked in the local hospital, providing private duty nursing and, as many will remember, with Dr. George W. Clark in Chazy.

Anna and Walter were married on Tuesday, April 14, 1936, in Mooers. Walter was the original pro, and he and Anna were the first managers at the North Country Golf Club beginning in 1936 and for many years thereafter.

After retiring from her nursing career, Anna remained very busy. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Alumni Association of the Champlain Valley Hospital School of Nursing. She loved golfing with friends, touring the world, including her beloved Ireland, as well as knitting sweaters and mittens, sewing clothes, and baking her famous cookies and banana bread.

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand."

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home in Rouses Point. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Rouses Point. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Mooers in the spring.

Donations in Anna’s memory may be made to the Rouses Point Fire Department or the Cedar Hedge Nursing Home’s Activity Fund.

TUPPER LAKE — Carolyn B. Dening, 85, of Lake Street, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh.

She was born March 27, 1919, in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Arthur and Gladys (Bolles) Simmons.

She graduated with honors from Classical High School in 1936. After high school, she attended Baypath Business School.

On Nov. 8, 1942, she was married to Kenneth A. Dening, whom she had met when he was attending Springfield College. Their early married years were spent in Massachusetts, while Ken was working in Cushing VA hospital in Framingham.

Carolyn moved to Tupper Lake in 1957 when Ken transferred to Sunmount Veterans Hospital. They remained when Sunmount converted to a Developmental Disabilities Services Office facility.

Carolyn and Ken loved living in Tupper Lake. Carolyn took part in community life, working as a librarian at the Goff-Nelson Memorial Library and, in later years, working in the office of the Donald Smith Apartments.

Carolyn enjoyed writing poetry, oil painting, cross-country skiing, bird watching and researching the family genealogy. She was an avid reader. In later years, she enjoyed the aerobics program at the Senior Citizens Center. She was an active member of the United Community Church, serving on various committees, playing piano for the Sunday School, and attending Bible studies and other special events.

Her volunteerism extended to serving as a docent at the Temple Beth Joseph museum, tutoring as a Literacy Volunteer, and working as a Girl Scout leader and Neighborhood Chairman.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ken Dening, in January 1996.

She is survived by her son, Deke Dening, and his wife, Roberta Dening, of New Providence, J.J.; and by her daughter, Deborah Wood, and her husband, Thomas Wood, of Plattsburgh; and by five grandchildren, David Dening, John Dening and his wife, Kate Dening, Christopher Dening, Kamilla Dening, and Lisa Wood.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday at the Fortune-Keough-Rennell Funeral Home in Tupper Lake from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the United Community Church with the Rev. Jan Blankenship officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the "Next Stop Tupper Lake" project.

KEESEVILLE — Joan M. Brown, 70, of Keeseville Country Gardens, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center.

She was born in Plattsburgh, Aug. 11, 1934, the daughter of Donald J. Brown Sr. and Dorothy C. (Gilmore) Brown.

Joan was a graduate of Keeseville High School. She later graduated from Plattsburgh State University with both BA and RN degrees. She was a member of various professional societies.

She was employed at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Albany Medical Center and Syracuse University as a nurse. She enjoyed traveling abroad and throughout the continental U.S., spending many of her summers in Cape Cod. After her retirement she volunteered in the library of Keeseville Elementary School. She was particularly close to her nieces and nephews, logging many adventures with them. Over the years, her friendships with Diane Spooner and Annette Clarke gave her much joy.

Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Donald J. Brown Jr. and Phyllis Brown of Keeseville; a sister, Patricia B. Neverett of Chazy; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Sue.

Calling hours will be held today 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 Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Keeseville with Monsignor Leeward J. Poissant, pastor, celebrating. Burial will be this spring in the parish cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Keeseville Public Library, Keeseville Rescue Squad or Masses.

AuSABLE FORKS — Louis P. Meconi, 89, of AuSable Forks, entered into eternal rest Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Meconi was born in AuSable Forks, on Nov. 17, 1915, to William and Armida (Ghiloni) Meconi. His parents were owners of the well-known Meconi’s Restaurant in AuSable Forks for many years.

He was a graduate of Holy Name School in AuSable Forks where he was a member of the award-winning Holy Name School Boys Band, AuSable Forks High School and Notre Dame University, Class of 1940, where he was a member of the famous Notre Dame Marching Band. He earned his law degree from Boston Univeristy in 1943. Licensed to practice law in both Massachusetts and New York, he was first employed by Nutter, McClellan and Fish, the firm begun by Supreme Court Justice William Brandeis.

In 1945 he married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Jennings at St. Catherine of Genoa Church in Somerville, Ma., and returned to the North Country where he was associated with the law firm of Pat Tierney in Plattsburgh, before forming his own practice with Reginald Carter at 25 Clinton St. Mr. Meconi also operated an office in AuSable Forks, and following Mr. Carter’s death, became associated with attorney Robert P. Wylie before establishing the firm of Meconi and Meconi with his son, Bill, in 1982. An active member of the New York State Bar Association for 53 years, Louis was Of Counsel to the firm of Lewis, Rogers and Meconi prior to his death.

Mr. Meconi’s distinguished career as an attorney culminated in his being awarded the Clinton County Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Liberty Awards in 1998 at the Valcour Conference Center.

He was active in his community, at one time serving as chairman of the Democratic Party in the Town of Jay, as well as running for election to the position of town supervisor. Through the years he also served as town attorney for both theTown of Jay and the Town of Black Brook as well as attorney for the AuSable Forks Central School District. As attorney for the school, he was instrumental in obtaining the land for the softball field and donated the funds to build the announcer’s booth in memory of his wife, Betty. In 2003 the AuSable Forks Fast Pitch Tournament was dedicated to Louis in recognition of his support of the tournament for many years.

Mr. Meconi was also a member and past president of the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Committee and served for many years as chief timer at the bobrun at Mt. VanHoevenberg in Lake Placid.

An avid bowler and golfer, Mr. Meconi was once a part owner of the Indole Golf Course in AuSable Forks. He was also a lifetime member of the Plattsburgh Elks Lodge 621 and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He received his Fourth Degree from the Bishop Wadhams Assembly and served as Grand Knight in AuSable Forks for three years. A lifetime member of Holy Name Church, he also sang in the Holy Name Choir for many years.

Mr. Meconi is survived by two sons, William T. Meconi and his wife, Barbara, of Plattsburgh, and Robert L. Meconi and his wife, Victoria, and one daughter, Susan. L. Pulitzer and her husband, Seward "Spike", all of AuSable Forks. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Lisa Meconi and her husband, Jeremiah Murray of Dover, N.H., Jillian Meconi and her fiancee, John Duda, of Champlain, John Meconi of Myrtle Beach, S.C., William L. Meconi of Boston, Ma., Suzi Meconi of Greensboro, N.C., Seward W. "Chip" Pulitzer III of Park City, Utah, Brooke Pulitzer of Boston, Ma. and Morgan Pulitzer of Lake Placid; and one niece, Victoria Jennings Arnold and her husband, Bruce, of Lake Clear.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home in AuSable Forks. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at Holy Name Church on Main Street in AuSable Forks with the Rev. Philip Allen officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Holy Name Cemetery. Following the service the family will receive friends at the Riverside Hotel and Lanes in AuSable Forks.

The family suggests that donations in Mr. Meconi’s memory be made to Holy Name School, 5 Pleasant St., AuSable Forks.

TICONDEROGA — Thomas George Cronan, 62, of Ticonderoga, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at his residence.

Born in Ticonderoga, June 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Thomas D. and Geraldine A. (Wells) Cronan.

Mr. Cronan was a resident of Ticonderoga for most of his life. He attended Ticonderoga High School from 1958 until 1961. Some of his fondest memories were of his participation in Ticonderoga High School sports and of his teammates.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served during the Vietnam War from 1961 until 1965. From 1965 until 1979, he was employed by the General Electric Company of Schenectady as a production-control specialist. He participated in the General Electric Education Program. His majors were in manufacturing study and foremanship elements. From 1979 until 1987 he was the proprietor of the Log House Diner/Yankee Restaurant of Ticonderoga and from 1990 until 1992, he was the proprietor of the Ticonderoga Country Club Restaurant and Bar.

Mr. Cronan was employed by the Transportation Departments of several school districts from 1983 until 2004, including Ticonderoga and Colonie, N.Y., and Montgomery County, Md.

He was a member of the St. Isaac Jogues Council #333 Knights of Columbus of Ticonderoga and the Essex County Leathernecks. He was also a member of the Ticonderoga Country Club.

Tom had a great love for the game of golf, beginning as a teenage caddie at Ticonderoga Country Club. He became a member in 1979 upon his return to Ticonderoga, participating every year since. Tom would practice chipping and putting for hours each and every day that he could. He was one of the top 10 golfers at Ticonderoga Country Club for most of his golfing career and he and his partner, Rick Liddell had many tournament successes. Tom always thought he was just a little better than Rick. Tom was known for his prodigious tee shots and his jovial demeanor. Alongside Tom, when he is laid to rest, will be Ole Betsy, his putter of 35 years.

Survivors include his best friend and companion for 21 years, Patricia Havas; one daughter, Tammy Marie Cronan of Ellenton, Fla.; one son, Cory Charles Cronan of Holmes Beach, Fla.; one brother, Dale F. Cronan and his wife Lesley of Marblehead, Mass.; and one sister, Penny A. Cronan of Saratoga Springs. He is also survived by two grandsons, Tyler and Christopher of Ellenton, Fla.

A private graveside service will take place at the Saratoga National Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at the Carillon Restaurant of Ticonderoga on Saturday, Jan. 8, from noon until 3:00 p.m.. This will be an open house. Anyone who knew Tom is welcome.

Donations in his memory may be made to High Peaks Hospice, P.O. Box 195, Mineville, New York 12956. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga.

ROGER OTIS COLE SR., 71, of Ticonderoga, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at the Moses-Ludington Hospital of Ticonderoga.

Born in Putnam Station, March 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Donovan Betts and Irene (Smith) Cole.

Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, Ticonderoga. An American Legion Service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at the family plot of the White Church Cemetery of Crown Point in the spring.

THOMAS HAROLD KING, 75, of Kildare Road, Tupper Lake, and New Port Richey, Fla., died at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake on Dec. 31, 2004.

Calling hours will be held noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Richer Funeral Home. A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Kris Lazon, Holy Name pastor, will follow. Burial with full military honors will be held in the spring at Holy Name Cemetery.

MARTHA B. SABIN, 86, of Tupper Lake, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fortune-Keough-Rennell Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the United Community Church.

LEONARD J. HOFFMAN, 80, of 48 State St., Malone, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at Fletcher Allen Health Care.

Born June 10, 1924, in Stanton, Neb., he was the son of Garry and Maude Wendell Hoffman.

There will be no calling hours or services.

Spring burial will take place in Notre Dame Cemetery.

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

BRENDA L. LaFOUNTAIN, 43, of Margaret Street, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005 at CVPH Medical Center.

She was born in Plattsburgh on Jan. 3, 1961, the daughter of Kermit and Rose (Trombley) Donah.

Calling hours and funeral arrangements are incomplete, at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, as of Sunday.

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