obituaries – Allen-Denesha Funeral Home

Daniel J. Clarke 07/05/2025

Daniel J. Clarke

Daniel J. Clarke, 61, of DeKalb Junction, died on July 5, 2025, at Canton Potsdam Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be July 12, 2025, 1 pm at the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department. Burial in South Russell Cemetery will be at a later date. Dan is survived by his significant other, Peggy Cardinell, children, Daniel J. (Mary) Clarke Jr. of Potsdam, Danielle (Wallace) McLaughlin of Hermon, Joshua Foley of Canton, Craig Foley of Lake Placid, Nicole (Jay) Clough-Scovil of Canton, Angela Tauscher of Germany, Warren (Courtney) Cardinell of Old DeKalb, Holden (Olivia) Cardinell of Heuvelton, Tasha Hamilton of Canton, Troy (Kayla) Cardinell of Waddington, his brother John “Jack” (Darlene) Clarke of Edwards, sister, Joni Clarke of Russell, 21 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Cathy Folsom. Daniel was born on September 17, 1963 in Canton to the late John and Joan Van Der Beken Clarke. He graduated from Knox Memorial School in 1981, and attended SUNY Canton earning an associate in Liberal Arts degree. He served in the United States Air Force from 1981- 1985. Daniel worked for PACES of Potsdam and was a past member of AMVETS Post 11 in DeKalb Junction. Dan love hunting fishing, going to camp, watching Westerns, entertaining family and friends. He loved being with his grandchildren and family above all else. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Red Cross. Dan’s family would like to thank the Canton Rescue Squad, Canton Potsdam Hospital ER staff and anyone who helped him.

Elizabeth J. “Sophie” Chilton 07/03/2025

Elizabeth J. “Sophie” Chilton

Elizabeth J. Chilton, 83, of DeKalb Junction, died on July 3, 2025, at United Helpers, Canton. Calling hours will be on Sunday, July 13, 10 am – 1 PM, the funeral service will be July 14, 1:30 PM at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church with Robert LaClair officiating, followed by burial in Old DeKalb Cemetery. Sophie is survived by her sons, Bryan Chilton of Canton, Eric and his wife Jennifer Chilton of DeKalb Junction, a brother, Roger Hamilton of Gouverneur, grandchildren, Richard Harrison and his wife Sloan Chilton of Norman, OK, Hillary Grace Chilton of DeKalb Junction, Henry John Chilton of DeKalb Junction, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lori Chilton, brothers, Robert Hamilton, William Hamilton, David Hamilton, Richard Hamilton, and a sister Barbara Peck. She was born on February 24, 1942 in Gouverneur to the late Bryan and Marjorie Rickett Hamilton. She graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1960, then attended the Pauldine’s School of Beauty and Culture earning her license in cosmetology. On June 24, 1961, she married Reginald V. Chilton at the Old DeKalb Methodist Church, he died on April 26, 2015. Sophie opened a beauty shop in her home while she was a clerk at the DeKalb Junction Post Office. She then was the interim postmaster at Morristown Post Office and returned to the DeKalb Junction Post Office as the postmaster until her retirement in 1999. After retirement she was a store clerk at the Old General Store Antiques in DeKalb Junction. She sold Mary K Cosmetics. She was a past member of the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, and the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Sophie loved her family, going antiquing, going to auctions, shopping, gardening, and traveling with her husband. She was a homemaker extraordinaire and a consummate lady. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Derek L. Rowland 06/23/2025

Derek L. Rowland

Derek L. Rowland, 55, of Ogdensburg, died on June 23, 2025, at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse There will be a graveside service at Hermon Cemetery, 11 am, August 9, 2025, Harry Harmer Jr. officiating. Dereck is survived by his brothers, Gregory Rowland of DeKalb, and Michael Rowland of Hermon. He was born on May 9, 1970, in Gouverneur, to the late Charles and Maybelle Morrow Rowland. Derek was a grounds keeper for Step by Step in Ogdensburg, and prior to that he worked for Jefferson St. Lawrence ARC. Derek enjoyed fishing. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.

Jay E. Fifield 06/23/2025

Jay E. Fifield

Jay E. Fifield, 77, of Canton, died on June 23, 2025 at Highland Nursing Home, Massena. Calling hours will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025. 11 am – 1 PM, at the funeral home followed by a graveside service at Hermon Cemetery, 1:30 PM, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Jay is survived by his daughter, Nichole Belonge of Canton, partner, Kathy Whiteford of Canton, a sister Shirley and her husband Richard Briggs of Canton, a granddaughter Desiree and her wife Emma Belonge-Zyla, a brother in-law, Cecil Wells of Heuvelton, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Brayton Fifield, Howard Fifield Jr, Lindy “Lloyd” Fifield, Beverly Bullis, Gean Wells, and Betty Jean Fifield. He was born on September 12, 1947 in Hermon, to the late Howard and Mable Blackmer Fifield. He graduated from Canton Central School and a marriage to Terrie Walrath ended in divorce. Jay was the facility supervisor for Liberty Rentals in Canton, and prior to that he worked as a carpenter for Higley Builders. He loved dining out with family and friends, camping, fishing and hunting. He was extremely helpful to everyone. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Canton Rescue Squad.

James A. VanOrnum 06/05/2025

James A. VanOrnum

James A. VanOrnum, 86, formerly of Richville, died at Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing on June 15, 2025. There will calling hours will be on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11 am – 1:00 PM at the funeral home, a funeral service will follow, 1:30 PM at the Lighthouse Community Church in Richville, Pastor Scott Hayden officiating, burial to follow in Wayside Cemetery, Richville. James is survived by his sisters, Alberta and her husband Vernon Bush of Mexico, New York, Jane (Kareata) Shepherd of Richville, his brother Deuard VanOrnum of Heuvelton, his aunt, Lulu Day-Papp of Richville, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Wayne, Donald, Albert and Lionel VanOrnum, sisters, Joy Kirker, Carol VanOrnum, Fern VanOrnum, and Laurel VanOrnum. James was born on September 8, 1938 in Rossie, the son of the late Lloyd and Jeneva Bigelow VanOrnum. James was a farm hand at many local farms, including the Conklin farm in DeKalb. He enjoyed helping others, taking walks, cutting and piling wood and loved animals. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Potsdam Animal Shelter.

Debra D. Ford 03/27/2025

Debra D. Ford

Debra D. Ford, 69, of Hermon, died at her home on March 27, 2025. There will no services as per Debra’s wishes. Debra is survived by her son Brent (Katie) Ford of Phelps, New York, a daughter, April (Josh) Ford of Rensselaer Falls, brothers, John Hawman of Lyons, New York, Steve Hawman of South Carolina, a sister, Nancy and her husband Ron McGreevy of Tyre, New York, grand grandchildren, Carlie, Avery, Blake, Joshua, Mackenzie, Thea, Brock, cat children, Ditto, Gizmo, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Diane Young. Debra was born on November 19, 1955 in East York Township, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Taylor Hawman. She graduated from Lyons Central School in 1974. She was a receptionist in the emergency room at a hospital in Clifton Springs, recently she was a direct support professional at WNYIL of Massena. Debra enjoyed the outdoors, bird watching, and the solitude of her home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Elaine J. Brunet 03/19/2025

Elaine J. Brunet

Elaine J. Brunet, 93, passed away on March19,2025, in Winter Haven, Florida, where she resided for the past one and half years. Elaine was formerly a resident of Gouverneur, and Hermon, New York.

Elaine was born in Russell, New York on January 4, 1932, the daughter of the late Stanley and Audelia Hale Barr. Upon the death of her father Stanley, Elaine was raised by her mother and step father Ernest J. Brunet. Elaine married Carl Brunet on November 5, 1949 in the rectory at St. James Church in Gouverneur, with Father Devine officiating. Carl passed away on February 21, 2015.

Elaine began her working career in 1948, working at the Custard Cottage in Gouverneur. She also worked at McCarthys Restaurant, Hermon DeKalb Central School and Chaney Dining Center at Canton College of Technology until her retirement in 1994. Elaine and Carl owned and operated a dairy farm in Hermon for several years.

Elaine is survived by three children, Randy and his wife Vicki Brunet of Edwards, Carolyn and her husband Butch Hadden of Winter Haven, Florida, Ritchie Brunet of Hermon, a sister Janet and her husband Dean Hitchman of Potsdam, a sister-in-law Karen Barr, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brothers, Stanley Barr Jr., Ernest Brunet Jr., sisters, Josephine Prashaw Smith and Jaqueline Willard.

Elaine was a past parishioner of St. Henry’s Church and St. Jame’s Church. She enjoyed cooking, gardening (loved flowers), and doing crafts, she was a long-time member of The Craft Club.

As per Elaine’s wishes there will be a graveside service at St. Henry’s Cemetery, DeKalb Junction on July 12, 2025 at 11:00 am, Father Jay Seymour officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society

Marilyn J. Davis 03/01/2025

Marilyn J. Davis

Marilyn J. Davis,89 of DeKalb Junction, died at her home on March 1, 2025. There will calling hours on March 5, 11am – 1 PM, at the funeral home, the funeral service will follow, at 1 PM, Chaplin John Youngblood officiating. Marilyn is survived by sons, Mark and his wife Barbara Davis of Johnstown, NY, Matthew and his wife Joanna Davis of DeKalb Junction, a daughter, Donna Butler of Canton, son in law, Stephen Elwell, several grand, great, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Elwell, brothers, Kenneth, George and Harold Lee. Marilyn was born on November 13, 1935 in Amsterdam, NY, the daughter of the late James H. and Florence Noonan Lee. She graduated from Broad Albin School. She married Donald Davis in 1955, they divorced in 1975. She started her career as a nurse’s aide at Leonard Hospital in Troy. She worked her way up to Unit Secretary and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy until she retired. Marilyn enjoyed meeting her girlfriends to go out to eat, watching Lifetime movies and reading. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

MaryLou E. Carvel 02/02/2025

MaryLou E. Carvel

MaryLou E. Carvel,70, of DeKalb Junction, died at her home on February 6, 2025. There will be a celebration of life on June 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Gouverneur American Legion. MaryLou is survived by her, companion and soul mate of 30+ years, John Bishop, sons, Daniel and his wife Kristi Carvel of Christiansburg, VA, Peter Carvel of Canton, Jason Carvel of Antwerp, siblings, William and his wife Marlene Kotz Jr. of Canton, George and his wife Barbara Kotz of Ogdensburg, Sandra Gonyea of Canton, Carol and her husband Paul Lytle of Rensselear Falls, Susan Kimball of Crestview, FL, Veronica and her husband Daniel Routh of North Yarmouth, ME, Kimberly and her husband Clifford Burke of Canton, OH, grandchildren, Jacob Carvel, Allison Carvel, Kayden Carvel, Alex Carvel, several nieces and nephews. MaryLou was born on February 27, 1954 in Ogdensburg, the daughter of the late William T. and Marion Smith Kotz. She graduated from Canton Central School in 1972. A marriage to Lee Carvel ended in divorce. She was a highway crew worker for the New York State Department of Transportation in Potsdam. MaryLou worked diligently for Area 27 Special Olympics. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing games on her tablet, reading and traveling. She loved being with her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Federation for The Blind.

Michael C. O’Donnell 01/31/2025

Michael C. O’Donnell Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael C. O’Donnell, Sr. a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and sibling. Michael passed away on Friday, January 31 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, nature, and adventure. He was 73 years old. Michael’s life was deeply rooted in his love for his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Michele L. O’Donnell (Faulk) and his six children: Gary Bartlett of Paw Paw, Michigan, Michael C. O’Donnell Jr. of DeKalb Junction, Matthew O’Donnell of DeKalb Junction, Erika and her husband Dave Snyder of Red Lion, PA, Patricia and he husband Jeremie Taylor of Gouverneur, Nathalie O’Donnell of DeKalb Junction, his siblings Richard and his wife Katrina O’Donnell of Ogdensburg, Martin O’Donnell of Gouverneur, Jackie Hays of Gouverneur, Joanne Finton of Gouverneur, Jody and her husband Dave Streeter of Gouverneur, grandchildren, Kendra Bice, Kaydence Taylor, Kaelynn Bice, Aubree Taylor, Keith Bice, Jeremie Taylor II, Konrad Bice, Clair Bartlett, Emment Bartlett, Tasia Lander, Charlie Snyder, great grandchild, Asher Lander, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Llewllyn and Nathalie Nightengale O’Donnell, siblings, Mark O’Donnell, Llewllyn O’Donnell Jr, Jerry Robinson, Judy Hays, Joyce O’Donnell, and Jennifer O’Donnell. Micheal served his country in the Army from 1970-1972 in Vietnam. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 9, 2025, 1-4 PM at the Allen-Denesha funeral home. Burial will be private. Donations in his memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Michael had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, trapping, camping, or taking long walks outdoors, nature was always his sanctuary. His love for the natural world and the peace it brought him will be remembered by all who knew him. A man of quiet strength, Michael found joy in life’s simplest moments. He was a strong presence in his family’s life and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.