170 North Main Street, PO Box 231, Albion, New York 14411 ||| Phone 585-589-5641 ||| Fax 585-589-1239

Obituaries


Debbie L. Bloom, 63, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Mon., March 25, 2024, at the Orchard Manor Nursing Home. She was born on Aug. 1, 1960, in Brockport, NY, the daughter of the late Warren and Mary Jane (Draper) Hart. Debbie enjoyed working on her 1965 Chevy Nova and racing it at the Motor City Rack Track in Lancaster, NY.  She enjoyed being outdoors, especially while hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and gardening. She was known for being a jokester. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Norman Bloom; six children, Sunshine, Jamie, Nicholas, Christina Heschke, Norman Bloom Jr., and Laquisha Bloom; thirty-plus grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Warren Hart, Peggy Hart, Thelma Causyn, Bernice Clark, Marie, Anthony, Raymond, Edward, Maryanne Bloom, and many nieces and nephews, also survive. Besides her parents, Debbie is predeceased by a daughter, Amanda; her husband’s parents, James and Edna Bloom; siblings Karen Hart, Phyllis Clark, David Hart, and Audrey Hart; and a grandson, Maceo Slade Poole. Relatives and friends may call on Mon. April 1. 2024, from 4-7 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Please light a candle or share a memory of Debbie at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Barbara Y. Caldwell, of Medina, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. She passed peacefully surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Lockport on May 25, 1937, a daughter of the late Arthur Ackerman and Pauline (Penwright) Ackerman Lute. On June 16, 1956 she married George L. Caldwell at the United Methodist Church in Medina. The couple were married for 53 years. Surviving are her children, Teresa (Joe), Michael (Paul) and Steven (Sharon); her sister, Joanne Stanton; many nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends, Beverly Harrington and Sally Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband, George on November 7, 2009; sister, Betty Jones; brothers, Gary and Donald Ackerman; stepfather, David Lute; mother in-law, Alice Peters; and special aunt, Eleanor Penwright. Barbara was the owner and operator of Medina Realty and later was a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., until her retirement in 1977. Barbara loved the Thousand Islands and enjoyed many years in Clayton, NY. She enjoyed knitting and gifted many afghans to family and friends and donated them to the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans for 16 years. She especially loved her children, who were also her special caregivers when she was ill. Thank you to all of them. A special thank you to the caring staff at the North Wing SNF at Medina Memorial Hospital. They are very compassionate people who help residents at the end of their journey and the family members who visit them. Thank you to Pam and Stephen for listening and encouragement. Special thank you to Lori, you quietly held mom’s hand and all your kindness gave us more time to be with her in her final weeks. An hour of visitation will be held on Friday, April 5 from 12:30-1:30PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 1:30PM and interment will be next to her husband in Boxwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Please share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

James B. Coates age 76, passed away March 22, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital with his loving wife by his side. He was born July 10, 1947, in Salisbury, NC, a son of the late Willis and Eva Nell (James) Coates and had lived in this area for 35 years. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era and was a member of the Holley Jewell Buckman Post #529 American Legion and served many years on the Honor Guard. He was a man of many hobbies; a private sports pilot naming his plane Sweet Pea, enjoyed boating, kayaking, motorcycling and was up for any adventure. Jim worked as a substance abuse counselor for Albion and Orleans Correctional Facility and had 41 years in AA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Rick and his sister Kathy. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pat; brothers John (Debbie), Bill (Angie), David (Lindsay); sister Barbara (Joe), close family members Heather (Paul) and their son Paulie; sister-in-law Kathy (John) as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. The family received friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31, Holley, Wed. March 27 from 2-4pm where Military Honors were held at 4p followed immediately by his Celebration of Life Service. Burial will be in WNY Cemetery in Pembroke at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To share a memory of Jim, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Keith L. Hale “Tiger”, age 58, died March 25th in Niagara Hospice following a long illness and surrounded by his loving family.  He was born Feb. 17, 1966 in Lockport to Clarence and Velma (Chase) Hale and was a life-long resident of this area. Keith was a graduate of Royalton Hartland Central School, class of 1985 and then went on to be a Paramedic with Lasalle Ambulance Co./ Rural Metro Ambulance Service in Buffalo and then National Ambulance Co./Rural Metro Ambulance Service in Rochester..  He was a member of the Lockport Presbyterian Church, a former EMT and medic for the Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance in Orleans County, a life member of the Terry’s Corners Fire Department, a life member of FASNY, a Life member of the WNYVFA, and a member of the Terry’s Corners/Wolcottsville Exempts.  Tiger enjoyed playing poker, golfing, hunting watching movies and bowling however, his greatest enjoyment was his pride and joy, his daughter Karli.  Mr. Hale was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Norma, Shirley, Diane, and Ralph. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Brenda, his daughter: Karli, his siblings: Clarence (Pat) Stoddard, Terry Hale, CG Hale, Brian (Kari) Hale, Crystal Hale, Harold (Jen) Lockwood as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The family will receive friends at the Terry’s Corners Fire Hall, 7801 Chestnut Ridge Road-Gasport, NY, 14067 on Wed., April 3rd, from 12-2 pm where his Funeral Service will be held following visitation beginning at 2 pm.  Interment will be in Huskey Cemetery immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fire Department at the address above. Tiger’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport. To share a special memory of Keith, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Megan J Hennekey. Born April 21, 1979, and passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2024. Megan was blessed with a big, beautiful heart and an infectious laugh. She always loved spending time with family and friends. In her presence, others couldn’t help but to laugh with her silliness. She was beautiful inside and out and would light up a room. Megan was kind, smart, lovable and caring. These qualities made her an excellent mother, daughter, sister, and nurse. Everything Megan touched was done with unconditional love. This was evident through her relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and patients. As a young girl, Megan was musically inclined. She could pick up any instrument and start playing. She had a love for sports and loved playing softball and soccer. Megan graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a degree in BSN RN. Nursing was her passion and took pride in caring for others, especially the most difficult cases. She loved the emergency room at Unity Hospital. Through Covid, she worked in telemedicine and saved a man’s life in NYC. Due to this, she received high honors and was sent to Connecticut to describe this event in a town hall address across the nation. Megan’s greatest moment was the birth of her daughter Ava. She loved her so much and showed her off to everyone. Ava was her world and her whole heart.

Megan is predeceased by her Uncle John Wais, grandparents Alan and Eva Wais, Jack and Joan Hennekey and her best friend Mia Guzman. Megan is survived by her daughter Ava Hennekey, mother Diane Hennekey, father Thomas (Stacy Lynaugh), sisters Carrie (Juan) Rodriguez, Lauren (Casey) Ault, nephews Julian, Jon, Gage, Casey and nieces Lillian and Audriana. She had many close friends - so many to name. A service for the Celebration of Megan’s Life will be April 13, 2024 at 1:30pm followed by a reception located at St John’s Lutheran Church Hamlin NY.   In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation for Ava Hennekey for her future needs.  Checks may be payable to Edward Jones 97 Canal Landing Ste 1 Rochester NY 14626.

Elizabeth “Betty” Passarell, age 84, passed away March 24, 2024 at her home. She was born May 28, 1939 in the Town of Murray, a daughter of the late Harry and Amelia Bower and had lived in this area all of her life. Betty was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church in Holley. She was an avid New York Yankees fan and enjoyed going to Sams Diner with her friends. She worked as a food manager at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital for many years. Most importantly; she loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her partner Edward Salvator; daughter Margo Passarell; siblings Paul Bower, William Bower, Edwin Bower, Harry Bower, Mary DeLuca, Louise Spencer, George Bower. Betty is survived by her children Robert (Richard Grybos) Passarell, Louise Passarell, Jeffery (Nancy) Passarell, Cindy (Keith) Oliver; grandchildren Brooke, Josh, Katie, Chris, Charlie, Brian, Danielle, Taylor, Sam, Rachel, Morgan, Liz; great-grandchildren Owen, Enzo, Violet, Peter, Cal, Karis, Natalie, Tunde; sisters Margaret VanAernum, Virginia DiLaura as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley on Mon. April 1 from 4pm-7pm. Her Mass of Christian will be held Tuesday at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church, Holley. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 9 South Main St., Holley NY 14470 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. To share a memory of Betty, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com. 

Helen “Anita” (Grimm) Shafer, peacefully passed away on March 24, 2024. She was born Dec. 6, 1934 in Washington DC and adopted by the late Albert and Mildred (Haines) Grimm. Anita was a 1952 graduate of Albion High School, loved to do volunteer work and help people in need in our community. She was also a very active member of TWIG at Medina Memorial Hospital. Anita enjoyed knitting baby blankets and outfits for countless children in her spare time. She helped run the fundraising campaign to restore the chapel roof at Millville Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Robert Shafer Sr. in 2022, brother Richard Grimm and niece Gretchen Grimm. Anita is survived by her daughters, Karen (Bruce) Rutherford, Jan (Bill) Whetstone, Julie (late Lou) Santos, Sandee (Don) Lepkoske, children of Robert Sr., Robert Shafer Jr., Bonnie Shafer, Jackie Woolbright, grandchildren, Tricia Young, Troy (Danyell) Lepkoske, Matt (Nicole Nawotka) Wilkins, Rob (Greg Johnson) Santos, Amber (Dan) Ryan, Nick (Bethany) Lepkoske, Jennah (Chris) Johnson, Jay Lepkoske, special granddaughter, Mikayla Heitzenrater, great- grandchildren, Adriana, Ben, Hailey, Ava, Austin, Brookelyn, Jason, Hannah, Abbie, Lily, Koen, Jaxon and Renley, sister, Bonnie (Dr. Robert) Weisberg, sister-in-law, Suzanne Grimm as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. There are no prior calling hours. Anita’s graveside service will be held at Millville Cemetery on Fri., March 29 at 11:30am. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 Albion, NY 14411, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Make a Wish Foundation 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016. Anita’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion, NY. To share a special memory of Anita, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Richard J. Siedlecki, of Medina, entered into rest peacefully on Fri., March 22, 2024. Born April 7, 1933 in Medina, he was a son of the late Walter and Mary (Kluska) Siedlecki. A decorated Korean War Veteran, he served in the US Air Force from 1950-1954. Richard retired after a long and distinguished career with Niagara Mohawk. An avid golfer, he was a two-time club champion and Invitational winner at Shelridge Country Club. Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, the former Mary Louise Ottaviano; two children, Cynthia (Joseph) Tretter of Akron and Andrew (Rose) Siedlecki of Lewiston; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. “Grandpa Shakey”, as his family lovingly called him, was a man of faith and integrity; faithful to his wife and his church and committed to his family and many friends. We pray in Jesus’ name that he is now happily reunited in eternal glory with his mother, Mary, father, Walter, and loving brother, David, smelling the dewy, freshly cut morning grass and draining long birdie putts to his heart’s content. Save us a spot, Dad. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sat. June 1 at 10AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. A graveside committal with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Marsha A. Snyder, 75, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Tue., March 26, 2024. Born on Nov. 27, 1948, in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Lois (Newton) Litchfield. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland High School in 1966 and married the late David Lembke on Feb. 3, 1968; together, they raised two sons. After David passed from a tractor accident, she married Donald Snyder in 1989. Marsha worked for several retail businesses in the area and was a dedicated caregiver to her husband and mother. Marsha is survived by two sons, Todd (Alisa) Lembke of Bishop, CA, and Brian (Ann) Lembke of North Tonawanda, NY, a brother, Eric Litchfield of Barker, NY, an aunt, Caroline Novatney sister-in-law, Sharon Litchfield of Medina, NY, and a special nephew, Benjamin Litchfield. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she considered family and many grand kitties and puppies also survive. Besides her parents and husband, she is predeceased by three brothers, Ricky, Marty, and Blaine.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery will be announced in early summer.  Memorials may be made in Marsha’s name to the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 East Shelby Road, Medina, NY, 14103 or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Marsha at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Owen P. Toale, Jr., age 76, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, March 25, 2024. Owen was born on Feb. 6, 1948, in Washington, DC, a son of the late Teresa (Fabrizio) Toale and Owen P. Toale, Sr. In 1967, Owen entered the military and served in the U.S. Air Force in Thailand. Later, while stationed at Hancock Field in Syracuse he met his wife, the former Janice Stark. They moved to Medina in 1974 where he worked as a manager of W.T. Grants before moving into advertising at the Journal Register. Owen would later become the General Manager for the Journal Register, finding his passion for two things here, the paper and the Village of Medina. Owen served on many village committees over the years and served as a Village Trustee for several years. Following active duty in the Air Force, he joined the Army Reserves based in Medina, where he served as an instructor. Owen loved giving back to his veteran community. He volunteered as a driver with the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council, taking veterans to their appointments and later spent time working in the office when he could no longer drive. Owen was an avid golfer and enjoyed being out on the course whenever he had the chance. He was a proud member of the hole-in-one club which he earned on July 13, 2019 at Hickory Ridge. Owen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janice Toale of Medina; two sons, Benjamin Toale of Colorado and Andrew (Ryan) Toale of Medina. They have three wonderful grandchildren, who brought endless joy and excitement to Owen’s life, Zachary (age 14) and Stevie (age 10) of Colorado and Noah (age 12) of Lockport; siblings, Thomas Toale, Kevin (Jenny) Toale, Christopher (Nezie) Toale, Teresa (Donald) Meanor and Kathleen Owen and Mary (Michael) Brown. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Patrick and Michael Toale; nephew, Tyler Toale and beloved aunts, Mary McCarthy and Angie Fabrizio. Calling hours will be held on Tue. April 2 from 4-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wed., April 3 at 11AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment with full military honors will follow in the WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council- Van Service, 13996 Rt. 31 West, Albion, NY 14411. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com. 

Raymond L. Turner age 76, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2024, at his home.  He was born June 2, 1947 in Jesup GA, a son of the late Roy and Cleotha (Hill) Turner. Ray worked for the Union Local 517 in Orlando FL. In Addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son Dwight Lagree and brother Willie James Turner. He is survived by his companion of 30 years, Julie Powell; his children Veronica (Terrance) Johnson, Ray (Savarcia) Turner Jr, Fabian (Beatrice) Blakley, Denzel Young, Darnell Young, Rodney Turner; siblings Charles (Patricia) Jackson Jr, Earnest Jackson, Juanita (Vernon) Scott, Bobby Lee Jackson; aunts Maxine Hamilton and Lily Bell Spellman; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 21 W. Ave. Albion on Thursday March 28th from 11:00am-1:00pm.  His burial will take place after calling hours at Mt. Albion Cemetery. To share a memory of Ray, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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