Obituaries: 1/06/06

Nellie S. Murdock

CROWN POINT, N.Y. -- Nellie S. Murdock, 88, of Crown Point, passed away Jan. 4, 2006, at Moses-Ludington Hospital in Ticonderoga. She was the only child of Walter and Iva (Woodman) Swan. Born in Hamilton, N.Y., Dec. 2, 1917, she attended local schools there and graduated from Keuka College in 1940. She took classes towards a master's of education degree from the University of Vermont.

While visiting her cousin, the late Janet Kazlo (Rundlett), in July 1942, she went on a blind date where she met her future husband, Russell. They were married three months later and enjoyed 52 years together.

They settled in Crown Point where they raised their six children. Eventually, Nellie returned to the workforce, first as district clerk for Crown Point School, then as a business teacher there. She taught there for five years, then went to Moriah Central School where she also taught business subjects for five years.

She was very involved with her children and especially loved attending the many sports and school events in which they were involved. She had a keen eye and liked to make sure the referees were calling the plays correctly. She wasn't afraid to let them know when they weren't. She liked to knit, sew and crochet and made many things for her children and her home. She loved talking about her college days and many activities there. Big Band music was also a favorite of her youth and reminiscing about those times with her family was important. She remembers the thrill of seeing a young Frank Sinatra when he was starting out. Nellie could be quite a jokester and loved a good laugh. She was affectionately known as "Dolly Mama" to her children.

She is predeceased by her husband, Russell.

She is survived by her children, James R. Jr. of Rhinebeck, Robin of Crown Point, Priscilla of Plattsburgh, Jeffrey of Grand Isle, Vt., Valerie of Wells, Maine, and Kevin of Niskayuna; 10 grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; and many cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Forest Dale Cemetery in Crown Point in the spring.

Connie M. Derocher

MORRISONVILLE -- Connie M. Derocher, 62, formerly of Morrisonville, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at the Cedar Hedge Nursing Home in Rouses Point.

She was born in Ludlow, Vt., on May 27, 1943, the daughter of Charles and Marion (Lecuyer) Rabideau.

She worked as a nurses aide for many years at the Clinton County Nursing Home and later worked as a home health care provider.

She is survived by two sons, Bruce and Paula Derocher of Morrisonville, Brent and Katie Derocher of Morrisonville; two daughters, Lisa and Mike Christian and Brenda and Elston Racette, both of Plattsburgh; three sisters, Lucinda Desrocher of Schuyler Falls, Wanda Bogacz of Plattsburgh, Linda Collins of Morrisonville; her grandchildren, Derrick, Katrina and Peter, Shane, Christopher, Shawn and Heather, Joel and Theresa, Colby; and several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Raymond Derocher, died in 1997. A daughter, Cheryl Derocher; a son, Travis Defayette; two brothers, Marvin Lecuyer and Charles Rabideau Jr.; and a sister, Joan Lecuyer, also died earlier.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1 p.m. from St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville. Interment will be in the parish cemetery in the spring.

The O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh is in charge of arrangements.

Deaths:

HOWARD MORRISON SR., 77, of Churubusco, died Jan. 5, 2006, at his residence.

Arrangements were incomplete Thursday evening at the E.F. Drown Funeral Service in Ellenburg Depot.

DAVID G. DONIVAN, 67, of Birchwood Drive, Plattsburgh, died Dec. 29, 2005 at his residence.

He was born in Chazy, N.Y., on Jan. 17, 1938, the son of George I. and Edna (Durand) Donivan.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

LORRAINE "LORRIE" DONIVAN, 46, of Birchwood Drive, Plattsburgh, died Dec. 31, 2005, at her residence.

She was born in Hornell, N.Y., on March 17, 1959, the daughter of Lloyd and Carolyn (Phillips) Lyke.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

HENRY J. GARRAND, 67, of Wallbee Road, Redford, died on Jan. 4, 2006, at his home.

He was born in Mooers on March 21, 1938, son of Alex Ander and Rose Marie (Nephew) Garrand.

There will be a memorial service later in the year.

Arrangements are with the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.