Published 09/09/00

Watertown — Reverend William Henry Coffey, 80, died on Sept. 8, 2000, at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home in Watertown, where he has resided for the last several months.

Father Coffey was born on Dec. 6, 1919, in Plattsburgh, the son of the late William H. and Elizabeth B. (Lynch) Coffey. He attended St. John's grade and high schools in Plattsburgh and in 1941 earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. Father Coffey studied for the priesthood at St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester and was ordained a priest by Most Reverend Bryan J. McEntegart at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg on St. Patrick's day in 1945.

Father began his priestly ministry as assistant pastor at St. Patrick's Church in Watertown and served there until 1954. He studied clinical pastoral psychiatry at Brooklyn State Hospital before being named as the first resident chaplain at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg. Five years later, Father Coffey was assigned as the first resident pastor at St. Elizabeth's Church in Elizabethtown. In 1961, Father Coffey was appointed pastor of St. Cecilia's Church in Adams, where he served for eight years. While at that assignment, Father Coffey purchased a new rectory, sold the old church and rectory and constructed a new parish center.

Father Coffey was then assigned as pastor of St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, where he served a brief time before being named pastor of St. Paul's Church in Black River. He served the community of Black River before poor health led to early retirement. He was named pastor emeritus at St. Paul's on Aug. 16, 1984. In retirement, Father Coffey served the faithful in the Watertown area by assisting at local parishes, visiting the hospitals, and offering Mass at the Precious Blood Monastery and the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Watertown.

In addition to his parish assignments, Father Coffey has held a variety of diocesan appointments. In the 1990's, he was named as Director of Lay Volunteers for the Missions. He also was treasurer of the editorial board of the diocesan newspaper, The North Country Catholic. While serving in Jefferson Deanery, he was moderator of the Diocesan Councils of Catholic Men and Catholic Women and director of the Diocesan Development Fund Campaign. He also served as a diocesan consultor, a member of the Council of Priests and Dean of Jefferson Deanery.

He is survived by cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the Cummings Funeral Home in Watertown on Sunday, Sept. 10th, from 2 to 4 p.m. The body will be transferred to St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown at 5 p.m. Sunday, where calling hours will continue until 9 p.m. Evening prayer will be held at the church at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church on Monday, Sept. 11th, at noon. The Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, will preside at the Funeral Liturgy with the priests of the diocese concelebrating. Father Douglas Comstock will be the homilist. Burial will take place at the priest’s section of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Plattsburgh at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 12th.

Memorial contributions may be to the renovation fund at St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown or St. Paul's Church in Black River.

West Chazy — Audrey M. Recor, 77, of the Barnaby Road, died Sept. 7, 2000, in the comfort of her daughter’s home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 28, 1923, in Altona, the daughter of Louis and Ruth (Parker) Barnaby.

Audrey married Ralph Recor on Nov. 25, 1944, in West Chazy. Mr. Recor died on Aug. 9, 1970. She worked as the cashier for Rigsbee's Auction Service for many years. Audrey was a member of St. Joseph's Church in West Chazy, the Altar Rosary Society, the Dairy Lee Organization and the Grange. She was an avid fan of the Altona Vet's softball team.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph "Dick" and Jane Recor of Plattsburgh, Louis "Brian" and Phyllis Recor of West Chazy and Robert and Colleen Recor of West Chazy; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Mrs. Leo (Susan) Oliver of West Chazy, Mary Lou Recor of Colchester, Vt., and Mrs. Craig (Barbara) Giroux of Chazy; one sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. Harold (Barbara) Jubert of Chazy; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one niece.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Harry Giroux on Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church in West Chazy. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice Care of the North Country.

Published 09/08/00

Plattsburgh — Mr. Floyd J. Bleaux Sr., 77, of Hamilton Street, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, at his home.

He was born in Sciota on Sept. 18, 1922, the son of the late Lester and Emma (Jubert) Blow.

Floyd was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the European Theater as a medical aidman. He received many decorations, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, resulting from wounds he received while rescuing many wounded soldiers.

Floyd owned and operated Adirondack Realty. He was a jack-of-all-trades whose hobby was his work. He enjoyed doing his own repairs on his properties. Floyd was a member of the American Legion Post 20, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 125 and was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor (Jones) Bleaux; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Rev. Floyd "Jerry" Bleaux, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church in Plattsburgh, Chris and Carol Bleaux of Plattsburgh, Thomas Bleaux of Plattsburgh and Gregory and Delores "Dee" Bleaux of Nashua, N.H.; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Julianna and Ronald Lord of Miami, Fla., Sandy and Tom Caron of Plattsburgh, Maria Sanchez of Miami, Fla., Antoinette Bleaux of Hollywood, Fla., and Laurie and Harlan Desotelle of Auburn; a brother and a sister-in-law, Harold and Ann Bleau of Plattsburgh; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. from Our Lady of Victory Church with his son, Rev. Floyd "Jerry" Bleaux, pastor, celebrating the funeral Mass. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Members of the American Legion Post 20 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 125 are asked to meet Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home for services.

Friends wishing may make donations to Hospice of the North Country.

Kenneth J. Landry, 69, of West Street in Malone, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, at his home while under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the North Country.

He was born in Malone on Sept. 28, 1930, the son of the late George and Dora (Harvey) Landry.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church in Malone, with the Rev. Thomas Moody officiating. Burial will be in St. John Bosco Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to either Hospice of the North Country, Inc. or to the Franklin County Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

arriet (Luth) Hofrichter, 84, formerly of Killingworth and North Madison, Conn., died peacefully on Aug. 23, 2000.

She was the daughter of the late Frank C. and Harriet (Borman) Luth.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000.

Kenneth O. Harris, 91, of Montcalm Manor in Ticonderoga, died suddenly at his residence on Monday, Sept. 4, 2000.

He was born in Paradox on Oct. 21, 1909.

A memorial service will be held at the Connery & Gunning Funeral Home in Ticonderoga at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, with the Rev. Marjorie Floor, pastor of the Episcopal Church of the Cross in Ticonderoga, officiating. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Madeline L. Soucy, 77, of Ivy Terrace in Tupper Lake, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

She was born in Tupper Lake on March 14, 1923, the daughter of Frank J. and Marceline M. (Tremblay) Facteau.

Calling hours will be Friday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Richer Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake, with Fr. Joseph Wheelock officiating. Burial will follow in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in her name are asked to consider the Tupper Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad or the Adirondack Medical Center ICU.

Published 09/07/00

Harold J. Parent Sr.

Morrisonville — Harold J. Parent Sr., 52, of the Sand Road, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Jan. 23, 1948, son of Ernest and Dorothy (Burnell) Parent.

Harold was self-employed as a contractor.

Harold is survived by his wife, the former Ora Mae Baker of Morrisonville; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Harold J. Parent Jr. and Denise of Ellenburg Depot, Ernest and Donna Parent of Morrisonville and Robert and Jill Parent of Morrisonville; one daughter, Kandy Cayea and Joe of Morrisonville; ten grandchildren, Albert, Alan, Derrick, Melinda, Harold III, Micheal, Kayla, Kristi, Tori and Hope; numerous brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 a.m. from St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Reverend Louis Charles Gardner

Harrisville, N.Y, — Rev. Louis Charles Gardner, 71, died on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at his home in Harrisville.

Father Gardner was born on July 10, 1929, in Harrisville, the son of the late Arthur and Dorothy (Ritz) Gardner.

After receiving his early education in Harrisville, his family moved to Scotia, where he attended St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam and graduated from St. Columba's High School in Schenectady. Father Gardner attended Siena College in Loudonville and later transferred to Wadhams Hall in Ogdensburg to study for the priesthood. He completed his theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md.

Father Gardner was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1954, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg by Most Reverend Walter P. Kellenberg, Bishop of Ogdensburg. After ordination, Father Gardner was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Mary's in Clayton and then St. Mary's Church in Champlain. In 1955, he was transferred to St. John the Baptist Church in Plattsburgh and taught at St. John's Academy.

In 1959, Father Gardner was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Bernard's Church in Saranac Lake and taught at St. Pius X High School. He later served as assistant pastor at Notre Dame Church in Malone. In 1964, Father Gardner was appointed pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in LaFargeville. In 1969, he became pastor of St. Michael's Church in Antwerp with its mission church of St. Joseph in Philadelphia. Father Gardner was then assigned as pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Brasher Falls, followed by pastorates at Notre Dame Church in Ogdensburg, St. John the Baptist Church in Madrid and Sacred Heart Church in Chazy.

On July 1, 1998, Father Gardner retired and was named pastor emeritus of Sacred Heart Church.

In addition to his parochial assignments, Father Gardner has held a variety of diocesan appointments. He has served as Diocesan Director of Catholic Youth, a member of the College of Consultors, a member of the Council of Priests and has served on the Priests Personnel Board.

Father Gardner is survived by a sister, Corinne Gardner Seypura (Feulner); two nephews, Arthur Seypura of Melrose, Fla., and Michael Feulner of Schenectady; four nieces, Carol DeAngelo of Duanesburg, Mary Circe of Glenville, June Torre of Clifton Park and Patricia DeLuca of Schenectady; and several cousins.

In addition to his parents, Father Gardner was predeceased by a niece, Marilyn Miorin, in 1994.

Calling hours will be held at St. Francis Solanus Church in Harrisville on Friday, Sept. 8th, from 2 to 9 p.m. with Evening Prayer held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 9th, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church. Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Ogdensburg, will preside at the Funeral Liturgy, with priests of the diocese concelebrating. Monsignor Harry Snow will be the homilist. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Herbert Kennison, 76, of the Clinton County Nursing Home in Plattsburgh, died there Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000.

He was born in Ellenburg on June 12, 1925, the son of Chester and Sarah (Sharad) Kennison.

There will be no calling hours. Following cremation, burial will be in the Brainardsville Cemetery in Brainardsville.

Arrangements are by the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

GEORGE E. HOPKINS, 58, of Intervale Avenue in AuSable Forks, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid.

He was born in Potsdam on April 18, 1942, the son of Ralph and Doris (Richardson) Hopkins.

There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the Holy Name Catholic Church in AuSable Forks. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his name to the AuSable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service.

Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Anna Paye, 71, formerly of Neil Street in Saranac Lake, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Plattsburgh.

She was born Oct. 19, 1928, in Saranac Lake.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Published 09/06/00

Lewis Earl Fifield

BERLIN, N.Y. — Lewis Earl Fifield, age 99, of Berlin and Plattsburgh, died in his home, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000, of end stage cardiac disease.

Fifield was born to Olive Chittenden and Parsons Fifield in West Chazy on Feb. 7, 1901.

When Fifield was quite young, the family moved to Plattsburgh, where he attended public school. Leaving high school, Fifield worked at a broom factory, a lumberyard and finally in a paper mill.

On Jan. 12, 1929, Fifield married Pauline Turner, then a third year student in commercial subjects at the Normal School in Plattsburgh, now SUNY Plattsburgh. Mrs. Fifield graduated from Normal School in the spring of 1929 and that August the young couple moved to Berlin, where Mrs. Fifield had a teaching position in commercial subjects at the Union Free High School. Lewis Earl Fifield was hired by the H.J. Seagroatt Company in Berlin and began work there on Sept. 7, 1929. Fifield worked for the company for 61 years, first as a rose grower, then as head of maintenance and finally in part-time maintenance.

Fifield was well known locally as a naturalist, a horticulturist, a master of fine woodworking and a restorer of heirlooms. As a child, he had learned about native plants and cultivars from his mother, Olive Chittenden Fifield, whose garden, on the shores of Lake Champlain, was known in the eastern North Country. As a youth and young man, he hiked, hunted and fished the Eastern Adirondacks with his younger brother and several close friends. In his early twenties, he served as an assistant Scout Master and as a guide to an Army major posted to Plattsburgh.

Fifield qualified for a federal collector's permit and filled requests from New York State and from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Fifield managed the Norman van Nostrand estate and the Theodore Cowee estate in Berlin and the gardens of Blanche de Chalette Tinnerholm in Hoosick Falls. His own displays of spring bulbs and of tall bearded iris attracted sightseers from the local communities.

Fifield had renovated his own home from the frame out and in and converted his barn into a cottage. In his later years he was noted for small furniture items like tables, bookshelves, cradles, doll's beds and also picture frames and trays of exotic wood. His masterwork was a doll's bed, which measures about two feet by three feet and is made of sumac, which normally does not grow wide enough for boards. Fifield had watched a sumac for ten years before it blew down and was given to him.

Widowed and no longer employed outside the house during the day, Fifield discovered children in his 90's. His Hallowe’en party, as the Black Cat Man of Green Hollow Road, was noted for the best treats in town. He sent small holiday gifts to the grade school classmates of Uriah and Ency Burhans, his next-door neighbor's children. He celebrated his birthdays with a party for young people, one, Jackson Burhans, only three days old in 1998, at McDonald's.

He was noted for his interest in the goodness of people and for his devotion to his family and many friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Merle Jane Fifield, who now resides in Muncie, Ind.

Visiting hours will be Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, 66 Armsby Road, Petersburgh, N.Y. The funeral will be held at the Berlin United Methodist Church on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, at 3 p.m. Interment of ashes will be in the Berlin Community Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to the Berlin Rescue Squad, PO Box 109, Berlin, NY 12022.

Gary J. Rabideau

Seminole, Fla. — Mr. Gary J. Rabideau, 37, of Seminole, Fla., formerly of Keeseville, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000, at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Fla.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Aug. 16, 1963.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Conine) Rabideau, two daughters, Kayla and Rachel and a son, Jayme Rabideau, all of Seminole, Fla. He is also survived by his father, Richard J. Rabideau Sr. of Morrisonville and his companion, Eunice LeClair of Plattsburgh; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Kenneth Rabideau and companion Lisa Gadway, Wayne and Joann Rabideau of Plattsburgh and Richard and Lora Rabideau of Port Richey, Fla.; six sisters and five brothers-in-law, Janet and William Quick, Jane and Michael Watts, Joan and Clifford Torrance, all of Plattsburgh, June and Richard Hart of Keeseville, Julie and Patrick Wardynski of Ellenville and Jacqueline Armstrong and companion Paul Martinez of Monroe; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Rita (Duso) Rabideau.

The burial will be in Seminole, Fla. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church in Keeseville on Monday, Sept. 11th at 11 a.m.

Lorraine H. Scorsome, 70, of Spring Street in Port Henry, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, at the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown.

Lorraine was born on Oct. 28, 1929, at Port Henry, the daughter of Leo and Helen (Clark) Brooks.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harland Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Port Henry. Father Michael Toth will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

John C. McGill, 71, of Route 186, Lake Clear, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Calling hours will be at the Fortune - Keough Funeral Home, Inc. in Saranac Lake on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 8:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Published 09/05/00

Champlain — Lilah M. Stiles, 74, of Champlain, passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2000, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Champlain on March 20, 1926, the daughter of Alfred and Hazel (Rushlow) Babbie Sr.

Mrs. Stiles was a graduate of St. Mary’s School in Champlain. Her husband, Jay A. Stiles, whom she married Aug. 21, 1948, passed away Oct. 28, 1999.

She is survived by three sons and their wives, Iance Stiles and his wife Sandi of Churchville, Va., Major Craig Stiles and his wife Katie of Midway Park, N.C., and Jeremy Stiles and his wife Brenda of Plattsburgh; she is also survived by one daughter, Karen Garrow and her husband Jeff of Rouses Point; two brothers, Alfred Babbie Jr. and his wife Henrietta and Wendell Babbie and his wife Faye; three sisters, Irene Roberts, Agatha Dubois and her husband William and Vivian Bement and her husband William; seven grandchildren, Jeslyn, Ian, Jarid, Kailey, Danny, Emily and Dylan; and several nieces and nephews.

An infant son and daughter died earlier. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Lawrence and Gerald Babbie.

Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home in Champlain on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Champlain. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mavrit Callahan, 82, of Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown and formerly of Upper Jay, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000.

She was born in Syracuse on May 13, 1912, the daughter of Daniel and Florence (Pierce) Denton.

No calling hours will be held. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Norton Cemetery in Keene. Rev Milton Dudley of Keene Valley Congregational Church will conduct the service.

W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown is in charge of arrangements.

Published 09/04/00

LAKE PLACID — Emily Marie "Nickie" Jesmer, 77, died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000 at the Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington, Vt. Mrs. Jesmer was born in Syracuse, N.Y., the daughter of Susan and John Nicholas. Nickie attended St. Lucy’s Catholic School in Syracuse and worked for the Internal Revenue Service.

Nickie married Robert Jesmer on December 29, 1947. Mrs. Jesmer was an active member of the St. Agnes Parish, a volunteer during the 1980 Winter Olympics, and a longtime supporter of youth ice hockey, ski jumping and figure skating in Lake Placid.

Nickie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Jesmer; two sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Francine Jesmer of Wilmington, N.Y. and Dennis and Mimi Jesmer of Cumberland Head, N.Y.; two daughters and one son-in-law, Susan and Perry Babcock of Lake Placid, N.Y.; and Becky Jesmer of Denver, Colorado.

She is also survived by one brother, Gabe Nicholas of Syracuse; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Agnes Church, Lake Placid on Tuesday, September 5, 2000 at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be in the Saint Agnes Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Nickie’s name may be made to the Saint Agnes School, The Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service of Lifeflight.

The Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements.

CROWN POINT — John Koktowski, 82, of Pearl Street, Crown Point, died Thursday, August 31, 2000 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt.

John was born April 7, 1918 at Crown Point, N.Y., the son of Michael and Mary Koktowski.

He was formerly employed at Port Henry Oil Corp., Port Henry, and prior to that served in World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Ada Koktowski; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Wendy Koktowski of Plattsburgh; his daughter Cindy Koktowski of Keeseville; two grandchildren, Krysten and Nicholas Koktowski; his stepson, Gary Woods of Crown Point; his stepdaughter, Kathy and her husband, Donald Barber of Crown Point; two sisters, Anna Carpenter of Port Henry and Katherine Mather of Florida; a brother, Joseph Mather of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Turek) Koktowski, his sister, Melvina Whitcomb, and his brother, Michael Koktowski.

Calling hours will be today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harland Funeral Home in Port Henry. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept.5, 2000 at the First Methodist Church, Ticonderoga, N.Y., with Rev. Paul Dufford officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Crown Point.

CHATEAUGAY — Rita Veronica Tacy, 79, of Chateaugay died Friday, Sept. 1, 2000 at Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, N.Y.

Born in Churubusco, N.Y. on Nov. 19, 1920, she was the daughter of George and Nina (Patnode) Durkee.

She was married to Ellsworth "Bud" Tacy on June 2, 1941 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Churubusco. He predeceased her July 2, 1987.

Mrs. Tacy is survived by five sons and three daughters-in-law, Curtis and Bonnie Tacy of Lisbon, N.Y., Kenneth Jerry and Janet Tacy of Burke, N.Y., Philip and Linda Tacy of Burke, Steve Tacy of Chateaugay, N.Y., John Tacy of Malone, N.Y.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Alton Cook of Burke; Linda and Keith Trudeau of Burke, and Elaine and Terry LaBare of Chateaugay; twenty-two grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law, Marion Tacy of Burke, Mrs. Fred (Eileen) Bova of Burke and Mable Dora of Malone.

Those that preceded in death were four grandchildren and three sisters, Mayme Patnode, Florence Patnode and Evelyn Dupo; nine brothers, Raymond, Elbert, Lloyd, Alton, Eugene, Leroy, Earl, Kenneth and Donald Durkee.

Mrs. Tacy was a devoted housewife and a mother of eight children. She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and a member of the 1939 graduating class of Chateaugay High School.

Calling hours will be held at Chateaugay Funeral Home today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5 in St. Patrick’s Church with the Rev. Fay Ager officiating.

Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chateaugay.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

LYON MOUNTAIN — Peter Daniel Fetzko, 73, of Tamarack Lane, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000 at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of the North Country.

Born in Yonkers, N.Y. on April 20, 1927, he was the son of John and Maria (Kania) Fetzko.

He was married to the former Joan Griff on June 13, 1959 in Holy Name of Mary church in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Mr. Fetzko is survived by his wife of 41 years; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Richard Boeshore of Long Island, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Nichole, Christopher and Justine Boeshore; three sisters, Dorothy See of Plattsburgh, Jane Wesson and Pauline Downs, both of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two brothers, John Fetzko of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., and Paul Fetzko of N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

Those that preceded in death were his parents; a brother, Olly Yanarella; and a sister, Clare Guarino.

Mr. Fetzko graduated from Saunders Trade School in Yonkers. He served in both the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 and the U.S. Army during the Korean War, from 1952-1954. He was honorably discharged. During his working years he was employed by New York Telephone Co., retiring in 1980.

He was a communicant of St. Bernard’s Church, Lyon Mountain and a member of Lyon Mountain American Legion Post #1623, Knights of Columbus in Lyon Mountain and also VFW in Plattsburgh.

Calling hours will be held at the Lyon Mountain Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in St. Bernard’s Church, Lyon Mountain with Msgr. Bernard Christman officiating.

Burial will take place at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Lyon Mountain.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Bernard’s Church, Fitzpatrick’s Cancer Center or Hospice of the North Country.

Arrangements are with the Chateaugay Funeral Home, Chateaugay.

BLACK BROOK — Marie "Ninny" Wilkins, 79, of the Haselton Road, died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born Oct. 21, 1920 in AuSable Forks, the daughter of Fred and Jessie (Soulier) Patnode.

Marie was a member of Holy Name/St. Matthews Church parish. She was a cashier at the Grand Union in AuSable Forks for 20 years. She also was treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of America at St. Matthews Church in Black Brook.

She enjoyed playing Bingo, attending yard sales, cooking and embroidering.

"Ninny" also enjoyed family gatherings at the camp at Fern Lake.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Judy Wilkins of AuSable Forks; a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tim Seguin of Black Brook; four grandchildren, Roxanne Wood, Chris Wilkins, Nikki Maicus and Danielle Seguin. Five great-grandchildren, Samantha, Jeremy, Zachary, Evan and Emily; and two special friends, Marge Savage and Metta Douglas.

Her husband, Roland, died in December of 1988.

Calling hours will be Tuesday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home in AuSable Forks.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Name Catholic Church in AuSable Forks.

Burial will be at the Holy Name Cemetery in AuSable Forks.

Memorials may be made in her name to the AuSable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service or Holy Name School Memorial Fund.

Published 09/03/00

Crown Point — John Koktowski, 82, of Pearl Street in Crown Point, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000, at the Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

John was born April 7, 1918, at Crown Point, the son of Michael and Mary Koktowski.

He was formerly employed at Port Henry Oil Corp. in Port Henry and prior to that, served in World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Ada Koktowski; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Wendy Koktowski of Plattsburgh and his daughter Cindy Koktowski of Keeseville; two grandchildren, Krysten and Nicholas Koktowski; his stepson, Gary Woods of Crown Point and his stepdaughter, Kathy and her husband Donald Barber of Crown Point; two sisters, Anna Carpenter of Port Henry and Katherine Mather of Florida; a brother, Joseph Koktowski of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Turek) Koktowski; his sister, Melvina Whitcomb and his brother, Michael Koktowski.

Calling hours will be Monday, Sept. 4, 2000, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harland Funeral Home, Port Henry. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at the First Methodist Church in Ticonderoga, with Rev. Paul Dufford officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Crown Point.

Millington, Tenn. — Mrs. Barbara Ann Baker, 65, of Millington, Tenn., died on Sept. 2, 2000, at Shelby Pines Rehab/Healthcare Center in Memphis, Tenn., of heart disease.

Mrs. Baker worked in orthopedics and as an X-ray technician.

She received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corp. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary, VFW Post 7175 and the Doberman Pinscher Club of Memphis.

She is survived by her son, James Ross Baker III of Millington, Tenn.; and a brother, Joseph W. Tokarz of Queensbury.

Services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at 3 p.m. at the Raleigh Assembly of God, with burial to follow at Memory Hill Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Road, in Memphis.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the American Heart Association, 11 So. Orleans, Memphis, TN 38103.

Arrangements are with the Roller Family Funeral Home, Memphis, Tenn.

Mary Eva LaPorte, 87, of Shingle Street in Morrisonville, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2000, at her home.

She was born in Plattsburgh on March 8, 1913, the daughter of Frank and Eva (Rascoe) Blanchard Sr.

Calling hours will be Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, after 1 p.m. at the family home at 323 Shingle Street, Morrisonville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 a.m. from St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Friends wishing may have Masses said in her memory.

Arrangements are by the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

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