Published: 8/21/05

Sun City Center, Fla. — Sidney Allen Peets, of Sun City Center, Fla., and formerly of Okemos, Mich., and Champlain, N.Y., died at her home on July 26, 2005, after a long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald C. Peets, M.D.; four sons, David, Thomas, Douglas and Seth and Seth’s wife, Molly; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Sidney was the daughter of the late George R. Allen, M.D., and the late Helen Mitchell Allen of Champlain, N.Y.

Following graduation from Plattsburgh High School in Plattsburgh, N.Y., in 1944, she studied at and graduated from Syracuse University in 1948. After a few years as a social worker for Clinton County, N.Y., Sidney wished to teach children so she earned her master’s degree in education at State University of New York. She then taught special education for several years while her husband completed medical school, internship and residency before they established their home and medical practice in Okemos, Mich. Sidney then devoted herself to being an exemplary homemaker, mother to her four sons and wonderful wife, helpmate and best friend to Ron for 54 years. In addition to much generous volunteer work and being active in the Medical Auxiliary, she helped out in Ron’s office whenever needed.

Sidney and Ron retired to Sun City Center, Fla., in 1993 where they resided happily until her passing.

Sidney had the respect and affection of many wonderful friends wherever she lived. She is dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Morrisonville — Peggy A. Hebert, 58, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Plattsburgh on March 27, 1947, the daughter of Louis and Clara Agoney.

She was employed at Mr. Breakfast for several years and later worked for Wal-Mart in Plattsburgh. She enjoyed bingo, crafts and doll making.

She is survived by her husband, Wilfred Hebert of Morrisonville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and April Hebert of Morrisonville and David and Monica Hebert of Salt Lake City, Utah; a daughter, Barbie of Plattsburgh; two sisters, Mary Willoughby and Bette Walters, both of Georgia; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A brother, Clifford Agoney, died earlier.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the O’Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

Willsboro — Frederick Gerald Tucker (Pop), 75, of Willsboro, N.Y., passed away Friday, Aug. 19, 2005, at home after a brave fight with lung cancer, surrounded by his family as he wished. He was born in Willsboro, N.Y., on March 17, 1930, the son of Gerald and Doris (Bridge) Tucker.

He is survived by his wife Janet (McCann) Tucker, whom he married on May 10, 1951; his son, James Tucker, son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Cyndi Tucker, all of Willsboro; daughter Dawn Tucker Hutchins and fiancé Edward Hrubovcak of Cabot, Vt., and daughter and son-in-law, Tracey and Richard Porter of Danby, Vt. He is also survived by grandson Eric Hutchins; granddaughters Jasmine Giroux and companion Joel Wallace of Baltimore, Jessica Mero and husband Joseph of Rutland, Amber Tucker and fiancé Richard Chadwick of Hudson Falls and Rebecca Tucker of Albany; and great-grandson Mitchel Joseph Mero and great-grandbaby Mero, due in March.

He is also survived by brothers Rodney and Sylvia Tucker of Minerva, Bill and Marilyn Tucker of Malta and a sister, Janet LaMere of Richville.

He spent his whole life in Willsboro except for the three years he spent in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Texas and New Mexico during the Korean War on the Special Weapons Team.

He spent many years working at Cabot Industries (now known as NYCO) and retired from Willsboro Central School as Head Custodian, but kept his part-time position of general handyman for numerous families in Willsboro.

He built his home on Mt. View Drive in the late 1950s, where his wife still resides and is the gathering spot for his family.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and the loves of his life, his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and his long walks in the morning.

He was a member of the Rag Bag Gang and The Early Morning Breakfast Club at the Sportsman Diner.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at the Huestis Funeral Home with graveside services immediately following at the Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frederick’s honor to the High Peaks Hospice, 4314 Main St., Port Henry, NY 12974 or to the FitzPatrick Cancer Center, CVPH, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Peru — Rita Boswell Downs, 89, of the John Boswell Road, Peru, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2005, at Meadowbrook Healthcare, surrounded by her loving family and compassionate caregivers.

Rita was born in Peru, Jan. 14, 1916, the daughter of Hugh and Lillian (Mannix) Boswell.

On May 30, 1942, she married John J. Downs at St. Patrick’s Church in Peru.

Side by side, Rita and John raised their six children on their dairy farm. Their children learned about the importance of a strong work ethic and family traditions at "the farm." But most importantly, they were taught to love each other and above all else to love Our Lord. Rita especially loved her horses and took many opportunities to share that love with her children and grandchildren.

Haying the fields was a favorite past time, even at the age of 72.

Rita was a faithful servant to Our Savior, Jesus Christ. She could often be found worshipping at her favorite place, Mother Cabrini Shrine. She also had great faith in Our Blessed Mother and in St. Francis Xavier Cabrini as powerful intercessors in her life.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John "Jack" Jr. and Robin Downs of Peru; four daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and David Nisoff of Peru, Patricia and James Hamlin of Morrisonville, Jean and John "Jack" Drown of Shelby, Mont., and Adele and David Rabideau of Morrisonville; her son-in-law, Roger Dorr of Keeseville; four sisters, Veronica Miner and Irene Boswell, both of Plattsburgh, Joan Bailey of Keeseville and Jean Boswell of Woburn, Mass.; one brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Estelle Boswell of Utica; and 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Rita was predeceased by her devoted husband, John; her loving daughter, Frances Downs Dorr; her parents; and two brothers, James and Vincent.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru with the Rev. Alan D. Schnob, pastor, celebrating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Augustine’s School.