Obituaries

Mary L. Leonard, 55 of Warsaw, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023. Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing people at Gateway Home in Attica. She was born September 23, 1967 in Buffalo, to Helen (Krzyzycki) Leonard and the late Frank Leonard. 

Along with her mother she is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Matthew) Tillinghast, Katy (Seth) Kibler, sister, Peggy (Michael) Morrissey, nephews, Patrick and Danny Morrissey. 

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Donna Lee Czworka, 81 of Batavia, left this world on Thursday, April 27, 2023 to be with her parents at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born June 15, 1941 in Batavia, to the late Herman and Yvonne (Brown) Spencer. Donna was born just 5 days before her high school sweetheart Joseph, whom she married on April 23, 1960. She is preceded in death by her son-in-law Larry Johnston.

 Donna was employed on the family farm in Bennington, then went on to deliver the Daily News before moving to Pre Press and retired in 2001. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards and visiting Batavia Downs. Donna loved meals at Town-n-Country and ice cream at Blondies.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph W. Czworka of Batavia, children, Tammy Czworka-Johnston of Grand Island, Thomas (Barbara) Czworka of Bethany, Terry Czworka of LeRoy, Toni (Bruce) Sippel of Webster, sister, Elaine Dart of Warsaw, 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. There will be a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1 to 4pm at Bethany Community Center, 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.  

Dennis L. Foley, age 74, of LeRoy, NY, passed on to be with his Lord in eternal peace after a brief illness.

   

  After graduating from Attica High School, he entered the U.S. Navy and served for two years during Vietnam.  He went on into the workforce at Oatka Milk Products and retired from there after 43 years.

     He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and after retiring, he loved to putter in the garage and garden.  Dennis also enjoyed his train excursions and classic cars.

     In his passing, he rejoins his family; parents, Ross Sr. and Marian; siblings, Loretta (Edward), Ross Jr., Nelson (Shirley) and sister-in-law, Mary Margaret.

     Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Betty; daughter, Kristin; son, James (Amy); brother, Donald; sister-in-law, Jan; grandchildren, Hunter, William and Annabelle, along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, April 30 from 2 ~ 5 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Dennis will be buried in the Wyoming Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association (alz.org).

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Dennis’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

  Donald W. Luce Jr, 84 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born May 22, 1938 in Buffalo, to the late Donald W. and Ruth (Yager) Luce Sr. He is preceded in death by a sister Judith A. Murnan.

Don retired from Amax in Cleveland, OH. He was a Professional Wrestling and Baseball Historian, writing many articles in different publications. Don proudly served in the National Guard. He loved old TV shows, westerns and old west history. Don took great care of his family and he will be missed.

Don is survived by siblings, Marjorie (Rick) Dorman of Albion, Charles Luce of Batavia, two nephews, Ben (Kristine) Heintz, James Heintz and several great-nieces.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 10 to 11am at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will immediately follow. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

  Elsie J. Taggart, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center. She was born on December 6, 1934 in Batavia, where she lived for many years.

After retiring, she became a Master Gardener and her favorite hobby was cultivating plants and flowers. She enjoyed attending church services on Sundays, traveling, visits with her family and lunch dates with her girlfriends.

Elsie is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Frederick E. Taggart Sr. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by her children, Ken, Fred, Cindy, her six grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, Memorial Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare and Hospice, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Rose Marie Squires (Chmielowiec), 87, of Batavia passed away peacefully April 25, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Rose Marie was born to Anthony and Helen Argulski Chmielowiec.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her companion Douglas Bates and his daughter Cindy Miano; her sister Genevieve (John) Waclawski and brothers Raymond (Helen) Chmielowiec and Jack (Irene) Chmielowiec, nieces Jeanette (Steve) Bangs and Dolores Clark.

Rose was employed at Western Union for seventeen years and retired from National Fuel Gas after 25 years of service.  She enjoyed her travels with Doug to the lower forty-eight states.  She loved jigsaw puzzles, word search and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!.  Her greatest enjoyment was visiting her family and friends always keeping up-to-date with their many activities.

Rose is survived by her sister-in-law Ann Chmielowiec; nieces and nephews: Patricia Merton, Jack (Patty) Chmielowiec, Robert (Pat) Chmielowiec, Ronald (Cathy) Chmielowiec, Donald (Cheryl) Chmielowiec, Carol (late Dennis) Wittman, Jerome (Marjorie) Waclawski, Barbara (Marlin) Oltman, Anthony (Kathie) Waclawski.  Also survived by Doug’s children Mark (Sue Ellan) Bates, Scott (Sue) Bates and their children. Several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews as well as cousins also survive.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to join her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia NY 14020 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Oakfield - Harriet L. Esten, 88, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday (April 24, 2023).

Harriet was born May 12, 1934 in Churchville, a daughter of the late George and Caroline (Pimm) Hunt.

Harriet loved getting together with her family and truly loved us all. The death of her two grandsons, Jason and Ralph, Jr., was hard on her but she has been reunited with them again.

Harriet is survived by her five children, Ralph Esten, Sr., Marge Newton, Carol Esten, Doug Esten, and Roger (Lisa) Esten; her grandchildren, Michelle (Dave) Purcell, Danielle Esten, Michelle Kastelic Esten, Melissa Esten, Amanda (Jack) Hanson, Andrew Esten, Kristen (Jeff) Maxwell, Kyle (Vicki) Esten, Erica Esten, Stephanie Esten, and Larissa Miller; great-grandchildren, Jena Defazio, Brianna and Brooklyn Esten, Jordan and Shawn Merica, Macy and Micheal Purcell, Jocelyn Dickes, Anthony and Aiden Kooper, Kahlen Esten, Abbey and Addalee Hanson, Lydia Maxwell, and Liam Esten; great-great-grandchildren, Amelia Etienne, Ella Bloom, and Mihlani Merica; sisters, Carolyn (late John) Langdon, Caroline (Dave) Bierbauer, Lucille (late Joe) Smith; brother Fred (Cathy) Hunt; sisters-in-law, Sue Hunt, Eva (late Vern) Wellman. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is predeceased by her husband, Roger Esten, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Laurie Esten; son-in-law, Mark Newton; beloved grandsons, Jason Esten, and Ralph Esten, Jr.; brothers, George, Irv (late Barb), and Warren Hunt; sister, Doris (late Jack) Rowlinson.

Mom, gram, sister, we will all miss you so much. All your memories are back now.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday (April 30, 2023) from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Harriet's funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in North Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakfield Fire Department, 20 Albert Street, Oakfield, New York 14125.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

  Jean A. Whiting, 94, of Alexander passed away on April 18, 2023 at the United Memorial Medical Center. She was born in Schumacher, Ontario, Canada to the late James A. and Dorothy Fraser. In addition to her parents, Jean is predeceased by her husband; Robert Whiting; siblings Prescott (Jean) Fraser and Frederick Fraser.  

Jean is survived by her significant other; Lawrence DeForest; her two loving children Daniel R. Whiting of Oakfield and Brenda J. (Daniel) Ray of Gates, NY; her precious grandchildren Brian Whiting, Lily Whiting and Nicholas (Lindsay) Grant; great-granddaughters Aya Whiting and  Haevyn Rae Grant; siblings Betty (late Charles) Young and Claire (late Grant Young and Donald Mundorf), along with several nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

Family was most important to her and Jean decided to build a career as a school bus driver that encompassed her love for children and also allowed her to be home when her children were home. She enjoyed her home and loved the changing of seasons. Jean had many hobbies including cooking, knitting, sewing, crafting, gardening and many traveling and camping adventures as a family. She and Bob enjoyed their time with their children and grandchildren with all their travels across the country, sharing these special moments with family. Her love of family and nature extended to her love of animals as well, always having a faithful canine companion by her side. Jean’s family was everything to her and it reflected in all that she did and who she was as a wife, mother, friend and mentor to others, as well as her spirituality and belief in God, Jesus and the teachings of the bible in their church, St. Paul Lutheran.  Although she will be greatly missed, her memory shall live on through her family members, through photos, stories and many special memories that each of them hold in their hearts.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 2:00PM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 31 Washington Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Rural Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted by the family and any donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia- Yolanda S. Coughlin, 70 of Batavia, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 surrounded by her lovingfamily.

Yolanda was born April 12, 1953 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the oldest child of Richard and Rosalina(Camacho) Stewart.

Yolanda, also known to friends as “Jo”, was a member of Resurrection Parish. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and enjoyed her children’s accomplishments. Yolanda was a lifelong artist who loved painting and photography. She was a violinist from a young age and enjoyed playing with other local musicians. When her children were young, she was a Girl Scout leader as well as an art and CCD teacher at St. Anthony School in Batavia. Later, she worked for many years as an LPN, including at the former St Luke’s Manor and with families providing private care. She was also co-owner of the former Rose of Sharon Flower shop in Corfu and greatly enjoyed wedding floral design.

Yolanda is survived by her husband Richard Coughlin of Batavia; mother, Rosalina Stewart of Batavia; children, Rosalina (Joseph) Rizzo of Amherst, Rachel (Vincent Press) Zickl of Batavia, Aaron (Andrea) Siverling of Batavia, and stepdaughter, Sommer (Bill Bogan) Totten, of Oakfield. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Helen (Justin Conner) Zickl of Batavia, Robert (Shelby Weis) Zickl of Batavia, Claire Zickl of Batavia, Alivia Siverling of Batavia, Benjamin Siverling of Batavia, Isaac Coughlin of Batavia, Tyler Totten, Alexander Totten, Mackenzie Totten and Spencer Totten all of Oakfield; and great-grandchild, Jack Conner, of Batavia. Yolanda is also survived by her brother, Richard (Patricia) Stewart of Batavia; an aunt, Ethel Smith of Virginia as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In death Yolanda is reunited with her son Zachary Coughlin; father, Richard M. Stewart, Sr.; sisters, Wanda (Charles) Draper and Petra (Lee) Angel.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Yolanda's Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s site- 303 East Main Street in Batavia). Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, N.Y. 14020. https://www.crossroadshouse.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Bohm-Calarco-Smith funeral home. Please leave acondolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bernice Marie (Ferrando) Russell, 86 of Davenport, Florida

Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

The family of Mrs. Bernice (Ferrando) Russell is saddened to announce her passing. Bernice died on Friday morning (April 21th, 2023) after a lengthy illness. 
Bernice was born on April 22nd, 1936, in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Anthony (Candy) Ferrando and Sara (Palatiere) Ferrando. She is preceded in death by her husband Earl Arthur Russell, who died in 1998. 

Bernice was a kind, gentle and caring soul, who always put the needs of others before her own. She was blessed with many true friends, a great family and a unique sense of humor that will be greatly missed. Family and friends of Bernice have cherished her for nearly 87 years. Now GOD has wrapped his arms around her, and brought her home to rest. 

As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours at this time. The family is asking all those that knew Bernice to please take a moment in their day to remember her, and recall any memories in which Bernice may have brought some joy into their lives. 

Bernice is survived by her two children, Kandy M. Russell-Digilio (Jennifer) of Pennsylvania, and Gary M. Russell (Terry) of Davenport Florida, along with grandchildren Anthony and Ashleigh Russell-Digilio.  

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the “Club” Assisted Living Facility of Haines City Florida, along with those VITAS Hospice Caregivers, who helped Bernice enter Heaven's gate. 

Batavia- Mary A. Hirsch, born April 9, 1939, passed on April 22, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Batavia.

She was a lifetime member of the former Alexander Ladies Auxiliary and West Bethany Baptist Church. Mary worked for Genesee County Health Department for 14 years and was an aide for Ricky Palermo for many years.

She is survived by four children, William Jr. (Rhonda) Hirsh of Alexander, Linda Dixon of Batavia, Paul (Marsha) Hirsch of Alexander, and Charles (Terry) Hirsch of Elba; 9 grandchildren, Jody (Val) Hirsch of Attica, Ron Jr. (Tricia) Dixon of Batavia, Danielle (Dana) Ryan of Batavia, Nicole (Brad) Kidder of Alexander, Aaron Hirsch of Alexander, Brian (Emily) Hirsch of Alexander, Dillon, Dakota, and Dixie Hirsch of Elba; 12 Great grandchildren, Hailey (TJ) Dilaura of Batavia, Sarai Dixon of Batavia, Kolyen, Arianna Ohlson of Batavia, Morgan, Nora, Natalie, Carly, Henry, George, all of Alexander, Garrett, and Jackson of Attica; 2 great grandchildren, Kasen and Aubrielle Dilaura of Batavia; several nieces and nephews.

In death Mary is reunited with her siblings, Joe Barcley of Oakfield, Ray Barcley of Buffalo, and JoAnn (Erwin) Phillips of Florida.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Service will immediately follow visitation at 3:00 p.m. Following services there will be a brunch at the Alexander Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alexander Fire Department, 10505 Main St, Alexander, NY 14005 or West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 W Bethany Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. E. Turner & Co., Inc. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Stuart, Florida - Peter Maxwell Swartz, 58 passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 25, 2022.

Peter was born Friday, January 17th, 1964, in Batavia, a son of Dr. David M. and Janice Kasmer Swartz of Batavia.

A 1983 graduate of Batavia High School. Peter moved to Florida shortly after and loved it there. He worked as a Stone Mason for many years and started his own business; Creative Stone Design, building waterfalls and water gardens. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed walking the warm beaches looking for shells. He lived life with a big heart and was willing to help anyone in need.  He loved his family dearly and will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Helen Kasmer, John and Gertrude Swartz.

Surviving along with his parents are his brother, David J. Swartz of Batavia; his sister, Susan (David) Swartz-Hinton of Aurora, Ohio and his nephews, David D. (Dr. Hannah Medvid) Hinton, Dr. Andrew J. (Chelsea) Hinton and Spencer D. Swartz.

There are no prior visiting hours. Memorial services for Peter will be on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11 am at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Peter’s name may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Chautauqua Lake Association, 429 East Terrace Avenue, Lakewood, New York 14750 or online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VEXF9PLS7T8B8. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.