Obituaries

Mar 19, 2025 at 10:30 am by Observer-Review


Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of March 19:

KENNETH W. HOOVER, newborn son of Eugene Z. and Martha M. Hoover, March 10, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
SANDRA L. HOWARD, 68, of Penn Yan, Feb. 25, 2025. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
VANN JONES, 79, of Penn Yan, formerly of St. Augustine, Florida, March 2, 2025 at VA Medical Center, Canandaigua. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
DOREEN E. LAMBORN, 65, of Penn Yan, Feb. 26, 2025 at Geneva General Hospital. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of March 12:

Elbert Leslie “Les” Burd Sr., 72, of Dundee gave up the fight Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in the comfort of his own bed.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of His Life Sunday, March 23 from 3-6 p.m. at the Dundee American Legion, 10 Spring St., Dundee with a short remembrance service at 4 p.m. Inurnment will be private in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 10727, Rochester, NY 14610.
“Les” was born July 4, 1952 in Canandaigua, the son of the late Gilbert and Dorothy M. (Burley) Burd. He fell in love with the former Jacqueline M. Bell, whom he loved so much that he married her twice, before she broke his heart preceding him in death on July 25, 1994 at the age of 40. They were living in Alabama at the time.
“Les” started his working career working for the railroad for a time. After losing his wife he returned to Dundee for a year, before moving to Florida to be near his boys. They all worked together in the insulation business. In 2005 he returned to New York, and took a job working in the kitchen at Veraisons at the Inn at Glenora. Most recently he loved driving throughout Dundee on his lawn mower, maintaining the lawns of all his customers.
He was a member of The Sons of the American Legion in Dundee. A true motor head, he enjoyed fixing cars and drag racing. He loved western movies, and could have opened a video store with his extensive collection of DVDs. He had been a member in numerous bowling and billiard leagues in his younger years. Les was an amazing dancer, with lightning fast feet and smooth moves. He enjoyed socializing in all of the local watering holes, often calling his best friend “Dickie” to come and join him whenever he was having too much fun.
He will be forever missed by his sons John W. (Felicia) Burd of Dundee and Elbert L. “Les” (Kerri) Burd Jr. of Pensacola, Florida; his two adopted kids John (Crystal) Selvereo of Mansfield, Pennsylvania and Frances Beck of Pensacola, Florida, whom he loved as his very own; a brother, Donald R. Burd Sr. of Geneva; his sister, Judy A. Jones, also of Dundee; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Besides his parents and the love of his life “Jackie,” he was predeceased by a brother, Ronald J. Burd Sr., and his brother from another mother, Richard “Dickie” Axtell Sr.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
John D. “Jack” Cleary, 92, of Montour Falls passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Jack was born in Elmira Jan. 10, 1933, to John and Theresa Cleary.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10-11 a.m. Monday, March 17 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. A Memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira. The family will be providing flowers, however donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Montour Falls Fire Department, PO Box, 369, Montour Falls, NY 14865, or to a charity of your choice.
Jack was retired from the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country for 20 years. He then went on to a 20-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. He was very involved in the local community, serving as a village trustee and as the mayor of Montour Falls. He was also an active member of the Montour Falls Fire Department and St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by stepfather Harry Plate; a daughter, Mary E. Cleary; a sister, Mary Cleary; a brother, Howard Morehart; and grandchildren, Raymond, Rachel and Ryan Cleary.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann; his children, John (Kathy) Cleary of Elmira, Christine Polonis of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Theresa Siri of Watkins Glen, Patrick (Star) Cleary of Yantis, Texas and Kelly (Rodney) Iles of Manor, Texas; his grandchildren, Alicia, Michael, Jason, Jordan, Patrick Jr., and Brysen; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit vedderscottzinger.com.
 
Joseph C. Dell Jr., 90, passed away peacefully March 2, 2025 at home in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.
Joe was born Dec. 1, 1934 to Joseph and Rose (Roberts) Dell of Port Washington, New York, where he graduated high school. At the University of Maine he was chosen to be the Danforth Fellow of 1955.  He received his BS in Animal Husbandry and MS in Animal Industry. His dream was to move to the Finger Lakes area of NYS and work with farmers to explore his strong ideas of developing healthy, long-lived dairy cows through new knowledge of nutrition, genetics and rotating pastures.
He met his future wife, Judith Sawyer at the University of Maine and married in 1959. They moved to Ithaca in 1960 where he worked as a County Agent for Cornell Cooperative Extension. Later he joined Cornell’s Dairy Team Specialists.
They raised their family on their beloved Woodwind Farm in nearby Mecklenburg. There he developed a small herd of registered Holsteins while using the farm to experiment with Cornell on alternative pesticide-free field crop controls. Joe was also a founding member of the Ithaca Farmers Market. He helped build the pavilion and loved socializing with his “sweet corn customers.”
He is survived by his wife, Judy, and their three children, Catherine Phipps (Dan) Sine, Jennifer (Lars) Dell-Ernstrom and Andrew (Sheila) Dell; five grandchildren, Ryan (Melissa) Phipps, Emily Phipps, Emil (Lauren Ribordy) Ernstrom, Nicole (Cole) Weber and Jacqueline (Stephen) Johnson and great-granddaughter, Harper Phipps.
A special thank you to Doylestown Health Hospice for their compassionate and caring support.
 
Leroy H. Jackson, 75, of Corning, formerly of Dundee, entered into rest Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. He was born Feb. 2, 1950 in East Meadow, New York to Curtis Leroy Jackson and Rebecca Elizabeth Sands.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Linda Louise (Stacker) Jackson in 2023; sister Irene Ellen (Jackson) Farmer; brothers Eugene Kelsey Jackson, Michael Anthony Jackson, David Roland Jackson, and Peter Allen Jackson; sister-in-law Mildred Erlean (Slacker) Hasty; and grandsons Elijah O.D. McCoy (1992) and Ollie Vernon Stevens (2010). He is survived by his daughters, Tanya O.D. Williams and Sonya Ann Jackson, both of Corning; his son, Jacob Leroy Jackson of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Wynona Cecilla Jackson and Deidre Yvonne (Jackson) Batton; brothers, Ronald Edward Jackson and Jeffrey Lind Jackson; a sister-in-law, Carol Ann (Stacker) Slater; brothers-in-law Umeme Umari and McKinley Stacker, III; grandchildren, Olivia Simone Wilder, Maya Lee Jackson-Bedford, Linda Louise Jackson-Bedford, and Jada Tanya Jackson; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
Leroy attended Brentwood High School and then married his wife Linda on March 14, 1973 in Long Island. He had 41-year career as an aerospace military defense engineer, working for Sikorsky Aircraft in Horseheads, during that time, retiring in 2012. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. Fishing and music are where he found much joy. He was a part of the group Total Darkness, later co-founded the group Ambiance, and was a founding member of NCS50. Along with his brother Ronald Edward Jackson, he founded the record label House of Spys, and sang at the Apollo. Leroy was multi-talented, but ultimately is remembered for his unending kindness.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 12-1 p.m. Friday, March 14, at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com.
 
Charlene R. Callahan Shriver, 54, of Dundee passed away with her family by her side Thursday, March 6, 2025 at F. F. Thompson Memorial Hospital, Canandaigua.
Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, in Wayland. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life from 12-5 p.m Friday, March 14, at the Dundee American Legion, 10 Spring St. Dundee.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Dundee Fire Company, or Emergency Squad 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837.
Charlene was born May 16, 1970 in Rochester, one of seven children of the late Michael F. and Karen R. (Snyder) Callahan. She was raised and educated in the Wayland-Cohocton Central School District, graduating in 1989. She moved to the Dundee area in 2000. On March 7, 2001 she married Michael A. Shriver. A former member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wayland, Charlene “loved winter,” enjoyed collecting gnomes, watching dragon flies, and the beauty of sun flowers. Being a “Nana” and the love she had for her family filled her heart.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Michael A. Shriver of Dundee; four children, Michael Allen (Sierra Bartolis) Shriver of Clyde, Deserea M. (Rachelle Rafferty) Shriver of Watkins Glen, Zachery M. (Adriana Wedd) Cox of Dundee and Johnathon A. Shriver with whom she made her home, along with her fur baby Levi; six grandchildren, Ashton, Emmett, Oliver, Keegin, Culin and Keyleigh; five sisters, Celeste (Arthur) Candelaria of Denver, Colorado, Michele (Bill) Sick and Patricia (Bill) Hoffman, both of Wayland, Katie (Don) Wise of Atlanta, New York and Faith (Josh) Stewart of Cohocton; her only brother, Gregory M. Callahan of Livonia; several nieces and nephews she loved dearly, and many friends.
Besides her parents she was pre-deceased by a nephew, Nicholas Miller.
She personally requested her arrangements be entrusted with the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee.
Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Death notices
ELBERT LESLIE “LES” BURD SR., 72, of Dundee, March 5, 2025 at home. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
JOHN D. “JACK” CLEARY, 92, of Montour Falls, March 5, 2025. Arrangements by Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls.
JOHN C. DELL JR., 90, of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, March 2, 2025 at home.
LEROY H. JACKSON, 75, of Corning, formerly of Dundee, Feb. 24, 2025. Arrangements by Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls.
DAVID A. PITTS, 65, of Trumansburg, Feb. 16, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
CHARLENE R. SHRIVER, 54, of Dundee, March 6, 2025 at F. F. Thompson Hospital, Canandaigua. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of March 5:

Kimberly A. Bereza, 46, of Watkins Glen passed away unexpectedly after a battle with health problems, Feb. 21, 2025.
She was born Aug. 15, 1978, the daughter of Joseph and Cheryl Bereza.
She was predeceased by her father, Joseph Bereza; step-father, Ken Barber; partner’s mother, Dora Sheldon.
She is survived by her partner of 28 years, BJ Sheldon; their five children, Joseph Sheldon of Romulus, Travis (Andi) Sheldon of Dundee, Kameryn Sheldon of Watkins Glen, Cole Sheldon of Watkins Glen and Kaylynn Sheldon of Watkins Glen; mother, Cheryl Johnson; and brother, Joseph Bereza (Michelle Amidon) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Also, her partner’s father and friend, Don Sheldon; uncle Gary Johnson and Barbara of Horseheads, uncle Denis and Nancy Johnson of Horseheads, and cousins Wendy and Doug Canfield of Breesport.
Kim enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a loving and caring mother who dearly loved her children. She will be missed by everyone.
According to her wishes, there are no services. Condolences or memories may be offered to the family on her obituary, found at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.
 
Winfield “Chuck” Blaine, 63, of Montour Falls.
With great love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Winfield “Chuck” Blaine Feb. 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience. 
Born in Corning, Chuck attended Corning East High School before serving in the U.S. Navy. 
Chuck had a warm presence, quick wit and charm that could light up any room. He was a gifted artist, talented chef and an avid fisherman who found peace in the outdoors. He was also a lifelong Mets fan—ever loyal through the highs and lows. 
Above all, Chuck was a devoted father, “Pop-Pop” and uncle. He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly. 
He is survived by his daughter, McKenzie O’Connell, with whom he shared an irreplaceable bond. He never missed an opportunity to remind her how proud he was or how much he loved her. She will carry his smile, kindness and love with her always. He will also be deeply missed by her husband, Sean, and his granddaughter, Fiona, of Saint Augustine, Florida. 
Chuck is also survived by his beloved longtime partner, Renee Mosher, and her children, Joshua and Samantha Coon, whom he loved and raised as his own. He was a proud “Pop-Pop” to Charley (Sam’s daughter) and to his adopted grandchildren, Alyiah Thornton and Jayce Jacobs. 
He leaves behind his mother, Catherine “Kitty” Blaine, and her longtime partner, Fred Edmister; his brother, John Blaine, his wife, Kim, and their daughters, Ella and Emma; and his sister, Teasha Crandall, along with her children, Coryn, Dylon and Madisun. 
True to his nature, Chuck never wanted a big fuss. To honor his wishes and his spirit, McKenzie invites all who knew and loved him to share their heartfelt, funny or cherished stories about him in the guest book. Let’s celebrate him the way he would have wanted—through the memories that made him so special to us all. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to a charity of your choice, such as the SPCA, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or Disabled American Veterans. 
Chuck will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always in our hearts. The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting.
 
Dorothy “Dot” Crans, 104, of Penn Yan passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her daughters by her side on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. A graveside service will be held in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee, at the convenience of the family on a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Yates County, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box, 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Dorothy was born July 18, 1920 in Corning, the only daughter of Shirley and Dorothy May (Burliegh) Snyder. She graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1938. She has lived in Penn Yan since 1986, formerly of Dundee. Dorothy was a kindergarten teachers aide for 18 years at Dundee Central School, retiring in 1972.
“Dot” was a former Girl Scout leader, a former member of the Rebekahs and served meals for the Dundee Rotary Club in her younger years. She was known and called “Mom” by all the neighborhood kids.
She is loved and will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Nancy J. (John Fontana) Mortensen, with whom she made her home, Shirley E. (Roger) Templar of Davenport, Florida and Beverly S. Sample, also at home; five grandchildren, Christina (Glenn) Houck and Tammy (Steve) Hurley, both of Ohio, David (Deena) Crans of Georgia, Nicole (Dominic) Cremona of Ohio and Ray (Melissa) Sample of Indiana; 13 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a dear friend, Don Mortensen.
Besides her parents she was pre-deceased by a son Gary Crans, and a granddaughter Brenda Crans.
The Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee, is honored to help her family with arrangements. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
E. Grace Kaufman, 90, of Dundee passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Homestead in Penn Yan.
Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 5180, St. Louis, MO 63139-0180.
Grace was born and named Ethel Grace Johnson March 11, 1934 in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, one of five daughters of Townsend Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth Violet (Doxey) Johnson. Not liking the name Ethel, she has been known to all as Grace. She graduated from Glen Cove High School in 1952. On Feb. 7, 1959 she married Donald E. Noveck Sr., and together they moved to Interlaken. Grace worked as a bank teller both on Long Island and Interlaken while raising her family of four children by her husband Don. They moved the family to the west side of Seneca Lake in 1972, settling in the Dundee area. Donald passed away unexpectedly in June of 1982. She met and fell in love with Richard D. “Dick” Kaufman Sr. who had three children of his own. They got married in Dundee on Dec. 20, 1984 and have been inseparable ever since, celebrating 40 years of marriage this past December.
Grace loved working in the vineyards and was a respected vineyardist for many years, having worked for many local grape farmers and training countless other workers. She was a past member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Penn Yan Ladies of the Moose and numerous bowling leagues over the years, and has always been an active participant and supporter of the Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Association.
She is loved and will be dearly missed by her husband “Dick” Kaufman at home; her four children Elizabeth G. (Steven) Dell of Orangeville, Pennsylvania, Donald E. (Deborah) Noveck II of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, Thomas T. Noveck of Topeka, Kansas and Jann M. (Stephen Gregorowicz) Noveck of Catawissa, Pennsylvania; Dick’s daughters whom she loved as her own, Debbie J. Sleight of Auburn and Kristie L. Schmitt of Weedsport; 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Besides her parents and first husband, she was predeceased by her stepson Richard D. Kaufman Jr. in 2016; four sisters and one brother.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Carol Skinner, 80, of Montour Falls passed away Jan. 26, 2025.
Carol was born on July 26, 1944, the daughter of John and Catherine (Lutomske) Skinner.
She graduated in 1962 from Watkins Glen High School, and worked at Shepard Niles in Montour Falls, and later BorgWarner, Inc. in Ithaca.
Carol is survived by her sisters, Sandra Unterzuber of Arizona (formerly Odessa) and Jody DeVay of Catharine, New York; sister-in-law Fran Skinner of Florida; special nephew Paul (Cathy) Lodge of Reading Center; also nephews Greg (Joanne) Reynolds of Odessa, Mike Reynolds of California and Doug (Lisa) Reynolds of Arizona.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine Skinner; brother Richard Skinner and brother-in-law Zane Unterzuber.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be interred at Glenwood Cemetery in Watkins Glen. Arrangements with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
 
Jeffrey Lee Timms, 63, entered into the presence of the Lord Jan. 28, 2025 in Suwanee, Georgia. He was born March 8, 1961 in Montour Falls to William and Patricia Timms.
Jeff received an AAS degree in electrical technology from Corning Community College. He had a BA in business from Norwich University Montpelier, Vermont. He also participated in the executive development program at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University.
Jeff was well respected in the business world. He began his professional career at Universal Instruments in Binghamton. He then became a vice president and general manager at Siemens EA Americas. He was then president of Microscan. He was general manager of Panasonic Factory Solutions of America for a short time. He then became managing director, Americas for ASM Assembly Systems in Suwanee, Georgia. He most recently was a consultant with Resultec Strategies, Inc.
Jeff was an extremely talented guitarist and loved making music with friends and family. He loved his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was very generous to friends and family.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Patricia Timms of Binghamton; his ex-wife and good friend Amy Uhlig of Salt Lake City, Utah, his daughter Lindsay (Stephen) Bognar of Salt Lake City, Utah, grandchildren Conrad and Banks Bognar, his son Zachary Timms of Atlanta, Georgia, his sister Jennifer (Mrugendra) Mehta of Macungie, Pennsylvania, his brother Bob (Michelle) Timms of Binghamton, nephews Ethan and Sean Timms, and sister Jeanne (Neal) Strickler of Fountain Valley, California.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held in the future at the convenience of the family.
 
James R. “Wally” Wallenbeck, 69, of Beaver Dams passed away Feb. 12, 2025 at Corning Hospital surrounded by family.
Jim was born Aug. 12, 1955, the son of Lewis and Anna (Goodrich) Wallenbeck.
He was a long-time volunteer with the Fire service, Watkins Glen Fire Department and currently Monterey Fire Department as Fire Police. He formerly worked for the village of Watkins Glen and Burger King. 
Wally enjoyed spending time with family and friends sharing memories of growing up, watching NASCAR, going to local dirt tracks, running RC cars and mowing the grass. He had a kind heart and would not hesitate to lend a hand. His true passion and dedication was to serve the volunteer fire service.
He was predeceased by both of his parents; sister, Wanda A. Wallenbeck; and nephew, Lucus L. Osborne. He is survived by his sister, Rose M. Osborne of Montour Falls; brother, Mark A. Wallenbeck (Paula) of Beaver Dams; and nephews, Jason M. Osborne of Montour Falls, Jonathon M. Wallenbeck of Beaver Dams and Joshua M. Wallenbeck of Beaver Dams; special friend William Everetts.
At his request, there are no services.  A remembrance will be held at the convenience of the family on a later date. Words of condolence may be left for the family in his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com
If anyone would like to make a donation in his name, please do so to the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department or a Department of your choosing.
The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.
 
Martha M. “Marty” Webster, 90, of Canandaigua, formerly of Dundee, passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at Geneva Living Center South.
Martha was born March 13, 1934, in Endicott, New York, the daughter of Anthony P. and Anna J. Mahacek Sprusansky. She graduated from Vestal High School in 1951 and went on to Buffalo State receiving her BS in Home Economics and Education in 1955. She continued her education, earning her Master’s Degree after 10 years and credits earned from numerous colleges.
On Aug. 4, 1956, in St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, she married Kenneth R. Webster, who preceded her in death Nov. 30, 2005. They moved to Dundee in 1956.
She started her career in teaching in Romulus for one year, transferring to Penn Yan before being hired by Dundee in 1958; retiring after 32 years in 1989. During her 32 years, she was the 7th – 12th grade home ec. teacher for both girls and boys. She was an advisor to the National Honor Society and Future Homemakers of America, traveling around the state at all levels of involvement. Mrs. Webster was a member of the former St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Dundee, and currently St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan. She was always very active in her church, serving on the Altar & Rosary Society, as a Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council, Social Ministries and anywhere needed. In her community, she was a charter member of the Dundee Food Pantry, serving 30 years. A former Girl Scout Leader, she was also involved in 4-H activities for many years, including judging 4-H public presentations and 4-H projects at the Yates County Fair. She also judged a variety of competitions at the Crystal Valley Grange.
In her limited spare time she enjoyed cooking, baking, crafts, ceramics, travel and reading; but family was #1. Devoted to family, Marty and Kenny’s lives revolved around their children’s sporting events and school activities. Later, they enjoyed their grandchildren’s similar activities. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Known for her welcoming hospitality, her motto was “Family is a circle of friends who love you.”
She will be dearly missed by her son, James A. (Karen) Webster of Englewood, Florida; her daughter, Lisa M. (Carl) Berna of Penn Yan; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald G. (Jo Ellen) Sprusansky of Shelby, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews; in-laws Carol (Charlie) Leach, Mary Lou Webster and Rose Webster.
Besides her parents and husband, she was pre-deceased by a son, Jeffrey K. Webster, in 2014; and in-laws Don and Elinor Webster, Dick and Arlene Webster, Robert Webster, Jack Webster and Nancy Fullagar.
Friends were invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday March 4, at St Michael’s Catholic Church, 312 Liberty St., Penn Yan, with Father Leo Reinhardt officiating.  Burial was private in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dundee Fire Company, or Emergency Squad, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837; or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 10727, Rochester, NY 14610.
To leave the family online condolences visit bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Death notices
KIMBERLY A. BEREZA, 46, of Watkins Glen, Feb. 21, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
WINFIELD “CHUCK” BLAINE, 63, of Montour Falls, Feb. 21, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
DOROTHY G. CRANS, 104, of Penn Yan, Feb. 27, 2025. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
E. GRACE KAUFMAN, 90, of Dundee, March 1, 2025 at The Homestead, Penn Yan. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
JEAN L. LEGRO, 83, of Penn Yan, Feb. 2, 2025. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
DAVID A. PITTS, 65, of Trumansburg, Feb. 16, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
CAROL SKINNER, 80, of Montour Falls, Jan. 26, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
ELIZABETH SWITZER, 95, of Milo Center, Feb. 10, 2025 in Umatilla, Florida. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
JEFFREY L. TIMMS, 63, Jan. 28, 2025 in Suwanee, Georgia.
JAMES R. “WALLY” WALLENBECK, 69, of Beaver Dams, Feb. 12, 2025 at Corning Hospital. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
MARTHA M. “MARTY” WEBSTER, 90, of Canandaigua, formerly of Dundee, Feb. 26, 2025 at Geneva Living Center South. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Feb. 26:

Walter J. Clinch, 79, of Watkins Glen passed away Feb. 13, 2025.
Walt was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania, the son of Walter and Jennie Clinch. He worked as a mechanic for Frank’s Automotive in Montour Falls. Walter honorably served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabees.
He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Clinch, and former wife and friend Sally Scaptura-Clark.
Friends are invited to gather at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. Fourth St., Watkins Glen, Thursday Feb. 27, 12-1 p.m.; services will conclude with the presentation of military honors at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to CareFirst Hospice (online at CareFirstNY.org) or Schuyler County Humane Society (online at SchuylerHumane.org).
Arrangements with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
 
Death notices
WILLIAM F. ALLERTON, 98, formerly of Penn Yan, Feb. 9, 2025 at M. M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, Canandaigua. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
GEORGE M. BARNES, 88, of Penn Yan, Feb. 18, 2025 at home. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
KERRI A. CADWELL, 37, of Dundee, Feb. 16, 2025. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
WALTER J. CLINCH, 79, of Watkins Glen, Feb. 13, 2025. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
SANDRA E. MARINO, 79, of Penn Yan, Feb. 16, 2025 at The Homestead. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
ROBERT A. PETERSEN SR., 70, of Penn Yan, Feb. 12, 2025 at home. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
Deadline for submitting an obituary is Monday prior to the Wednesday publication by 10 a.m.
 

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Feb. 12:

William “Bill” Kleckler, 82, passed away at his home in Hayden, Colorado on Jan. 31, 2025. Bill was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on Jan. 11, 1943 and grew up in Dundee. He served two tours in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps, and worked as a Union carpenter in New York. He married Joan Hughes in 1969. In 1978 Bill and his family moved to Craig, Colorado, and he worked for Seneca Mine, Peabody Coal for 25 years. Services will be held at The Journey in Craig, Colorado at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.
More information and the full obituary can be found at www.grantmortuarycraig.com.
Memorial donations can be made out to Dundee Fire Department Benevolence Fund in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, CO 81625.
 
Jacqueline Marie “Jackie” Martini, 63, of Wildwood, Florida, formerly of Himrod, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at Leesburg Hospital, in Leesburg, Florida.
There was a prayer service at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 in Saint Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, 375 Park Ave., Corning, with Fr. Matthew Walter officiating for anyone who would like to attend.
A Celebration of Her Life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 1344 University Ave. #270, Rochester, NY 14607.
“Jackie” was born April 7, 1961 in Corning to the late John “Jack” Graham and Barbara McIntyre Graham Jr.
She attended Corning East and graduated in 1979. She continued on to become a social worker, committing her life to helping others.
She is remembered as a loving, caring, fun soul filled with a deep love of family and friends. She was always spreading joy with her laugh and smile. She was a ray of light everywhere she went. Her impact will live on through the many lives she touched.
Jackie will be dearly missed by so many, but no one more than her husband Doug; siblings, Nancy (Gary), Mary Kay and Casey; her son Rocky (Adrienne) and granddaughter, Lennon.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Death notices
WILLIAM “BILL” KLECKLER, 82, of Hayden, Colroado, formerly of Dundee, Jan. 31, 2025 at home. Arrangements by Grant Mortuary, Craig, Colorado.
CAROL M. KNIFFIN, 85, of Penn Yan, Feb. 2, 2025 at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital, Penn Yan. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
LOUIS R. LAMAY, 89, of Horseheads, Jan. 31, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Facility, Elmira. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
JACQUELINE M. “JACKIE” MARTINI, 63, of Wildwood, Florida, formerly of Himrod, Feb. 1, 2025 at Leesburg Hospital, Leesburg, Florida. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
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