Obituaries: 3/1/06

Gertrude (Cassidy) Snow

AUSABLE FORKS -- Gertrude "Trudy" (Cassidy) Snow of AuSable Forks passed away with her loving family at her side on Feb. 27, 2006, after a brief illness.

Trudy was born the daughter of James and Catherine Cassidy on May 27, 1935, in Liverpool, England.

As a child, she was taken to the countryside to escape the bombings of World War II. In her youth, the adventurous Trudy performed stunts on the "Motorcycle Wall of Death."

Trudy became the adoring wife of Alvin Snow in 1956, while Alvin was stationed in England. Following Alvin's discharge from the Air Force, Trudy and Al returned to AuSable Forks where they nurtured a loving family.

She worked as a telephone operator for many years. She enjoyed hiking and long walks with her husband, children and dog, Tori. She cherished family get-togethers, especially at Christmas time. She could often be heard singing Liverpool Loo with her granddaughter, Tiffany. Following her retirement, she and Al enjoyed their weekly "trips to the office," casinos throughout the northeast. She was an enthusiastic success at blackjack and pinochle (best in the family).

Trudy's husband Alvin mourns the loss of his best friend and partner of 50 years. She leaves three sisters and seven brothers living in England. Her sister Winnie, who was also her maid of honor, lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Al.

She was predeceased by her parents; and one sister.

Trudy is also survived by her sons, Michael Snow and wife Cindy Casler, David Snow and partner Shelley Whiteman and Andy Snow and partner Lori Richards; and daughter, Catherine Dirolf and partner Steve Walsh. Trudy took pride in the academic and athletic successes of her seven grandchildren, Tiffany Snow and her partner Billy Clay, Logan Snow, Ross and Kayla Snow, Isaac and Nicole Dirolf and Cassandra Snow. She also has one great-grandchild, Dylan Clay.

The charismatic Trudy kept a warm loving home, open to her friends and extended family. She evoked a spirit of generosity, compassion, strength and adventure that will endure through future generations of her family.

Calling hours will be held at the Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home on Thursday, March 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church in AuSable Forks.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Fund.

Zaumetzer-Sprauge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John (Jack) Kelly

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- John (Jack) Kelly, 66, of Saratoga Springs, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, in Phoenix, Ariz.

Born on Aug. 20, 1939, in Port Henry, N.Y., beloved son of Mary and the late Edward Kelly of Moriah Center, N.Y.

He graduated from Mineville High School in Essex County, New York. After graduation, he moved to Glens Falls where he managed the A&P Supermarket. He later moved to the Albany area, where he managed the Albany Public Market in Delmar. He began a career with Niagara Mohawk in 1969 working at the Albany steam plant, the Schenectady and Saratoga garages finally retiring in 1994 after 25 years of service. He also served as Republican Committee person for District 16 for many years. Upon retirement from Niagara Mohawk, Jack started another career working at the Saratoga County Family Court in Ballston Spa. He never tired of making new friends or enjoying his work, so it is not surprising that the court house staff became a second family to him.

Jack's greatest passion was driving his 1955 white Ford Thunderbird on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. He was a member of the New York Early Bird Club and the Arizona Classic Thunderbird Club and won many awards at local car shows. His other hobbies included golf, traveling and attending the summer race season at the Saratoga flat track.

On June 16, 1962, he married Mary Catherine Eagan in Albany.

Besides his dear wife of 43 years, he is survived by his son, John (Robyn) of Saratoga Springs; two daughters, Judith of Pequannock, N.J., and Shannon (Ritt) Gruntler of Scottsdale, Ariz. He also leaves behind three precious grandchildren who meant the world to him, Chad, Morgan and Mary Catherine (Kitty).

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373 or burkefuneralhome.com).

Join us in a celebration of his life at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Francis E. Sullivan, C.Ss.R. Burial will follow at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Ellis Hospital Stroke Center, Schenectady.

Donations can also be made to the Homestretch Greyhound Rescue of Upstate New York.

Arlene A. Stannard

WILLSBORO -- Arlene A. Stannard, 87, formerly of 24 Kent St, Montpelier, Vt., died Feb. 27, 2006, at Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown, N.Y.

She was born in Georgia, Vt., on Sept. 13, 1918, the daughter of Rolla Geo and Ella Rogene (Boyden) Alexander.

She attended schools in Georgia, Vt., and was a graduate of Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans, Vt., in 1936. She also received further education at Vermont Community College and Champlain College.

On June 28, 1941, she married Donald W. Stannard, now deceased (January 1986).

She was employed by National Life Insurance Company for a number of years, E.W. Bailey & Company for five years and the Vermont Division of the American Cancer Society for 20 years as Administrative Assistant to the Area Directors, until her retirement in 1989. Her memberships included Trinity United Methodist Church, Friends of the State House, Montpelier Senior Center, Trinity United Methodist Church Women's Society, Northfield Passport Club and a former volunteer and member of Heaton Hospital Auxiliary. Her special interests were for traveling and love for her family and friends.

Survivors include a son, John Greg Stannard and his wife Paulette of Westerly, R.I.; a daughter, Kathryn Blanchard of Willsboro, N.Y.; four grandsons, Chris and Doug Stannard and Michael and Ryan Blanchard; and two great-grandsons, Stephen and Christian Stannard. Also surviving is one sister, Charlotte Sunderland of St. Albans, Vt.; a brother-in-law, Howard Knapp of Burlington, Vt., and a bother-in-law Hugh Stannard and his wife Helen of Camillus, N.Y.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Lorraine Benham of St. Albans, Vt., and Ruth Knapp of Burlington, Vt.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted. A service of remembrance will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Barber & Lanier, 139 Main St., Montpelier, Vt.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Bertha C. St. John

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- Mrs. Bertha C. (Miller) St. John, age 96, of New Hartford, N.Y., passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at the Presbyterian Home for Central New York in New Hartford.

Born in Rouses Point, N.Y., on March 6, 1909, Bertha was the daughter of the late Royal and Leah (Sequin) Miller.

On June 30, 1927, she married Clarence A. St. John with whom she shared a union of 44 years prior to his passing on Feb. 22, 1972.

Mrs. St. John was the fountain manager for the F.W. Woolworth store here in Plattsburgh for many years.

Mrs. St. John is survived by her daughter, Joan M. Lawler of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; and many dear and cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Ray Lawler.

Mrs. St. John's Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, N.Y. Interment will take place locally in Mt. Carmel Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Bertha's honor to the Catholic Daughters of America, envelopes will be available at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, Utica NY 13501, 315-724-6714.

Edwina Smart

ALTONA -- Edwina "Granny" Smart, 96, passed away on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, surrounded by her grandchildren at Meadowbrook Nursing Home.

She was born in Forest on Sept. 14, 1909, daughter of Joseph and Louise (Demerse) Rushford.

Edwina was married to Emery Smart on Oct. 26, 1931, at Holy Angel's Church in Altona. Emery passed away on Feb. 17, 1972. Her son, Carlton, passed away on Jan. 19, 1998.

Edwina worked for many years with her husband on the family farm in Altona. It was common to see her single handedly gathering the cows, walking them down the Rand Hill Road to put them out to pasture. In the afternoon she would walk the two miles to bring the cows back to the barn for milking. No homemaking or farm chore was too difficult. Later on, Edwina worked house cleaning for many local Plattsburgh families, well into her 80's.

Edwina loved to walk in the back pastures to pick berries and make pies. Besides cooking, she enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, gardening, playing cards and dominoes. She also loved her many furry companions throughout her life. Edwina most recently enjoyed the company of her Australian Blue Heeler, named Luke. She will be most remembered for her sharp mind and her hard working, wiry demeanor.

Granny was a grandmother to all.

Edwina is survived by a daughter-in-law, Hortense Smart of Altona; four grandchildren, Sandra Layhee and her husband Richard of Dannemora, Dwayne Smart and his wife Melanie of Altona, David Smart and his wife Kelly of Altona and Dwight Smart and his fiancée Jackie Burrell of Altona; she is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Shannon (Layhee) McGill and her husband Michael, Darcy Layhee, Shawn Smart, Jason Smart, Brady Smart and Lucas Smart; three step great-grandchildren, Michelle Roseberry, Frances Minckler and Rebecca Chauvin; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Edwina was predeceased by her parents; three sisters, Edith Hebert, Delsia Nephew and Mabel Rushford; two brothers, William Rushford and Stanley Rushford.

Calling hours will be Wednesday evening, March 1, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Altona. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at 10 a.m. from Holy Angel's Church in Altona. Burial will be later in the year in the parish cemetery.

Deaths:

SHIRLEY LAFOUNTAIN, 66, of Canons Corners Road, Mooers Forks, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

Arrangements were incomplete Tuesday evening with the E.F. Drown Funeral Service in Mooers.