Obituaries: 03/28/06

Elaine Knickerbocker

ONEONTA -- Elaine Knickerbocker, 66, of Oneonta, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2006, at Robinson Terrace in Stamford.

Elaine was born in Plattsburgh, the daughter of Richard and Rita (Brown) Cable on Oct. 10, 1939.

She married Daniel Knickerbocker on May 6, 1961, in Plattsburgh. Elaine and her husband Daniel moved to Oneonta in 1961. She worked for over 20 years for the telephone company before retiring from her job at Verizon as a directory assistance operator in 1992.

She was a communicant at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Oneonta. She was a member of the Oneonta Businesswomen's Club, the Oneonta Sportsmen Club, the Telephone Pioneers and the National Skeet Shooting Association. She was a seven-time member of the New York Ladies All State Skeet Shooting Team. Overall she was an avid sportswoman. She loved to golf, bowl and go hunting with her husband. She enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Knickerbocker of Oneonta; her two children and their spouses, Lynn and Sean Farrell of Oneonta and Edwin and Karen Knickerbocker of Oneonta; her four grandchildren, Dillon and Maria Farrell of Oneonta and Daniel and Jessica Knickerbocker of Oneonta; her mother, Rita Cable of Plattsburgh; her brother, Richard and his wife Celine Cable of Plattsburgh; and her sister, Linda Rowe of Lakeland, Fla.; her brother, David Cable of Plattsburgh; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Walters of Princeton, N.J.; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, Richard Cable; her brother, Robert Cable; and her brother-in-law, Robert Rowe.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Oneonta, with the Rev. Joseph Benintende, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive - Dept. FH, Oneonta, NY 13820, the Robinson Terrace Quality of Life Fund, Stamford, NY, or your local Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.

Ella Mae Bowman Clark

PERU -- Ella Mae Bowman Clark, 80, of Peru, N.Y., died peacefully March 4, 2006, in Atlanta, Ga.

She was born Jan. 15, 1926, the youngest child of Mamie and Mortimer Bowman.

Her early years were spent in Orangeburg, S.C., where her exposure to music and her mother's teaching profession impacted the course of her life. After graduating from Brooklyn College, New York with a major in French, Ella auditioned and became one of very few African-American women accepted at the prestigious Julliard School of Music. She studied piano there with Gladys Mayo and Conrad Bos, well-known music maestros of that time.

Ella began her professional music career when she joined the faculty at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga. Here she met Rev. Jack Clark, whom she later married. Both Ella and Jack were personal friends of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement.

For 44 years she supported her husband's ministry while pursuing her career, when Jack became Chaplain at Dannemora State Prison, she joined the music department at SUNY Plattsburgh. She was much loved by her many students. In addition to her teaching, she served as accompanist for the Champlain Valley Oratorio Society, numerous other concert events and even found time to compose.

She retired in 1994, to care for her husband, who was then ill with cancer and who died in December 1995. Retirement allowed her more time to devote to her music, church activities that always focused on helping others and her vegetable garden.

Ella's life was defined by her faith and her love of music, she was a member of the Peru Community Church and served as its organist for 21 years. She taught a weekly bible study class, was a Stephen's Minister, volunteered with the Interfaith Hospitality Network. She orchestrated the refurbishing of the church organ in 2000. Ella's humble spirituality and her amazing understanding of the bible was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Ella's is survived by her two daughters, Jacquella and Gerald Parks and Melodie Thompson and Willie Thomas; five grandchildren, Rhema, Micah and Shemaiah Thompson and Gabrielle and Adrienne Parks. She also leaves two brothers and their wives, Dr. Addison and Carmelle Bowman and Mortimer and Phyllis Bowman Jr.; her brother-in-law, Rev. John Clark; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service was held March 11, 2006, in Norcross, Ga. A memorial service will be held at the Peru Community Church on April 15, 2006, at 2 p.m. to honor this humble servant of the lord.

Donations in her memory can be sent to the Peru Community Church for music projects in Ella's memory or to the charity of one's choice.

Margaret A. Wood

PLATTSBURGH -- Margaret A. Wood, 74, of Wallace Hill Road, Plattsburgh, died Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the CVPH Medical Center.

She was born in Keeseville on Nov. 23, 1931, the daughter of Israel and Adeline (White) Bushey.

Mrs. Wood was a member of St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh, where she married William J. Wood on Nov. 12, 1962.

Margaret worked for 13 years at Diamond International. She started bowling with the Diamond International League and became an avid bowler. Her main job was being a homemaker to her family and later her grandchildren. She loved her cats and dogs and listening to country music.

Survivors include her husband, William J. "Buzzy" Wood of Plattsburgh; one son, Wade J. Wood and his wife Kari of Plattsburgh; two daughters, Tanya M. Murphy of King George, Va., and Lynn A. Wood of Plattsburgh; three brothers, Martin and Josie Bushey of Beekmantown, Leeward and Beverly Bushey of Peru and Edward and Helen Bushey of Chazy; two sisters, Viola Hosler of Malone and Bell Duval of Peru; her mother-in-law, Lorris Wood of Plattsburgh; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Matthew and Kyle Wood and Zachary, Matthew and Jacob Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother and father; one sister, Mary Provost; and three brothers-in-law, William Provost, David Duval and Leonard Hosler.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will follow in Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens, Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh.

Memorial donations may be made to the CVPH Medical Center Auxiliary.

Mary Smallacombe-Forgette-Novotny

MURFREESBORO, TENN. -- Mary Smallacombe-Forgette-Novotny, 63, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Thursday, March 23, 2006, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

She was a native of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and the daughter of the late Bert and Flossie Relation Smallacombe.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, March 27, 2006, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Anthony F. Novotny; her children, Greg (Denise) Forgette, Jeanne (Jay) Forsythe, Laura (David) Crist, Lynda (Russell) Marvel, Adrien Novotny and Peter (Hana) Novotny; grandchildren, Brittany Forgette, Alex and Joshua Forsythe, Joseph and Daniel Austin, Ryan Crist, Whitney (Chris) Marvel, Zachary and Kayla Novotny and Martin and Anika Novotny; great-grandson, Elijah Gatzimos; faithful companion, Cezee her Yorkie; brothers, Robert and Leonard Smallacombe; sisters, Diane Bordeau and Sandy Barber; the father of her children, Frank Forgette; and special friends, Tina Gibson, Charlie Beasley, Belinda and Lee Qualls, Gayle Boyd, Bruce and Agnes Jones and Ben and Diane Austin; and numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Smallacombe.

Mary loved life, her Tony, her Cezee, her family, friends and strangers. She touched and enriched countless lives. She loved deeply, forgave without reservation and reminded us daily to do the same. She was the greatest mother, wife, sister, daughter or friend anyone could have. She was absolutely lit up from within. She has left an impression on the world that will not be forgotten. Mary has lived in Murfreesboro and been a realtor with Bob Parks Realty for 29 years.

The family requests memorials be made to the Jesse C. Beesley Animal Humane Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1886, Murfreesboro, TN 37133.

Marilynn G. Meyers

CUMBERLAND HEAD -- Marilynn G. Meyers, 78, of Seneca Drive, died Monday, March 27, 2006, at her residence.

She was born in Syracuse on Dec. 3, 1927, the daughter of Ward Bond and Cassandra Lucille (Holland) Flaxington.

Marilynn worked as a nurses aide at the Physicians Hospital in her earlier years. She then worked as a sales administrator for VelanValves, Inc. in Williston, Vt.

She had a great love for all animals and was especially fond of her poodle, Spanky. Marilynn was a avid Yankees fan.

Survivors include two sons, Michael and Karen Meyers of Sherburne, N.Y., and Jeffrey Meyers and Carol Fulmer of Plattsburgh; three daughters, Sharon Cilono of Orlando, Fla., Toni and Dale Barringer of Snohomish, Wash., and Mary Jo and James Blake of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Audrey J. Flaxington of Hornell, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Meyers on Sept. 28, 1997; and two sisters, Jean King and Beverly Smereck.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the spring in Ingraham Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Adirondack Humane Society.

Joan M. Garrow

DANNEMORA -- Joan M. Garrow, 77, of Dannemora, was called home surrounded by her loving family Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born on Jan. 16, 1929, in Dannemora, the daughter of Irving and Mabel (Garrand) Dukette.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and grandma's house felt like home to everyone. She was employed at Frennette's store in Dannemora for several years, drove a bus for B.O.C.E.S. and later retired from Meadowbrook Healthcare Facility as a nurses aide.

She is survived by her children and spouses, Brent and Kathy Garrow of Plattsburgh, Brenda and Donald "Bonhomme" Goddeau of Beekmantown, Keith and Tina Garrow of Plattsburgh and Cheryl Mangum of Dannemora; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Arlene and Ray Mancuso, Ann Purcell, Barb and Richard Purcell, Marilyn and Donald Purcell, all of Leroy, N.Y., Margaret Churchfield of Buffalo, Rita Dukette of Peru and Victor Ashline of Florida; a close friend, Barb Bond of Harkness; her grandchildren, Dawn, Mark, Sara, Maggie, Jonathan, Zach, Nicki, Danielle, Ed, Kristi, Aaron, Travis, Ryan, Ashley, Megan and Ethan; her great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Joey, Noah, Tyler, Kamryn, Shawnee, Amanda, Montana and Brianna; and several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Joseph E. Garrow died on Jan. 3, 1990. A son, Mark died in 1971; a granddaughter, Sara Goddeau died in 2004. A brother, Blake Dukette; and a sister, Carol Ashline, also died earlier.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday from St. Joseph's Church in Dannemora. Interment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Sarah M. LaMere

PLATTSBURGH -- Mrs. Sarah M. LaMere, 66, of North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the CVPH Medical Center with her family by her side.

She was born in Saranac on Feb. 12, 1940, the daughter of Leon R. and Margaret H. (Ayotte) Carter.

She had worked at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale, N.Y.

Sarah enjoyed taking walks, playing cards and shopping. Sarah enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Leon and Margaret Carter; her husband, Robert LaMere; a brother, Leon Carter; her brothers-in-law, Delphus LaMere, Henry Bell, Harry Secore and Norman Keese.

Sarah is survived by a son, Joel LaMere and his companion Kim DuBray of Plattsburgh; a daughter, Jerilynn LaMere and her companion David Blow of Redford; two grandchildren, Dylan LaMere and Kacilynn LaMere; a brother, Lyman Carter; her sisters, Mrs. Ephrern (Marion) Bell, Alice Bell, Virginia Keese, Mrs. Eugene (Jean) LeFebvre, Yvonne Carter and Mrs. Richard (Christine) Allen; her brothers-in-law, Francis (Ethel) LaMere and John (Joyce) LaMere; her sisters-in-law, Dora Secore, Mrs. Leon (Lillian) Jonette, Mrs. Lance (Mary) Gardner, Judy LaMere and Thelma Carter; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 28, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption in Redford. Interment will be at a later date at the Church of the Assumption Cemetery in Redford.

Deaths:

MARY F. SCARDINO, 94, died March 26, 2006, at Uhlein Mercy Center, Old Military Road, Lake Placid, N.Y., where she had been a resident since 1995.

She was born in Bronx, N.Y., Aug. 25, 1911, the daughter of Frank and Julia Himmelsbach.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, March 29, 2006, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid, a bible vigil service will be held at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 30, 2006, at noon at the Reiss Memorial Chapel in Uihlein Mercy Center, Rev. Patrick O'Reilly will officiate. Cremation will follow.

THOMAS J. MCCAMBLEY, 78, of New Hartford, died on March 26, 2006, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford.

He was born on April 18, 1927, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., the son of the late Thomas F. and Evelyn Sheils McCambley.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. The funeral will be on Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

MARTHA E. SALLS, 58, of the Bloomingdale Road, Saranac Lake, died Saturday, March 25, 2006, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

She was born in Saranac Lake, N.Y., on May 6, 1947, the daughter of Charles and Evelyn (Durking) Curry.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A bible vigil will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. A Mass of Christian burial will take place Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at 11:15 a.m. at St. Bernard's Church with Father Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in Bloomingdale in May.

BLANCHE F. HART, 83, of the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown, died Monday, March 27, 2006.

She was born in Burlington, Vt., on Aug. 30, 1922, the daughter of Henry and Caroline (Gladjoc) Cadorette.

No calling hours will be held. A funeral service will be conducted by Father Peter Rianni, Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at 1 p.m. at W.M.Marvin's Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery in Elizabethtown.

JAMES E. ROOD, 60, of Plattsburgh, died Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Hospice House in Anderson, S.C.

Arrangements were incomplete Monday evening at the O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.