Harold W. (Bill) Scott Jr. 03/09/2024

 

Harold William (BILL) Scott Jr.

Harold W. (Bill) Scott Jr., age 79, of DeKalb Junction, NY, passed away at Canton Potsdam Hospital on March 9, 2024.   On April 13, 2024, at 2:30 PM there will be a memorial service at the New Hope Community Church at 33 Grant St., Potsdam, New York.

Harold W. (Bill) Scott Jr. was born in Syracuse, NY to Rev. Harold W. and Clarabelle (Gerry Biesek) Scott on March 15, 1944. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Gerry, and grandson, Jared Maurer. He is survived by his loving wife JoAnne Scott; nine children, Candace Cowser, Bethany (Dan) Skarupa, Amanda Puleo, Rachel Hope, Rebekah (Michael) Maurer, Christa Scott, Aaron (Monica) Scott, Renee (Tony) Colon, and Jessie (Jevon) Reardon; and sister Candy (Dale) Kasson. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Bill graduated from Skaneateles Central School in 1961. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 30 years. He attended Elim Bible Institute, for theological studies. He attended SUNY Canton where he received his A.A.S, Computer Information Systems degree in 1995. He then began working as a St. Lawrence County dispatcher until he retired in 2015. He served for over 60 years as volunteer fireman and was a Chaplain at Dekalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department and served as a level 3 EMT with the Hermon rescue squad. 

Bill will be remembered for his strong convictions, opinions, and most importantly his faith. He was very involved in the community, pastoring several church congregations. 

Bill was an avid supporter of Israel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews at http://www.ifcj.org for the support of Israel.

 

 

 

Barbara J. (Murdock) Hand 01/16/2023

Barbara Janet (Murdock) Hand

 

Barbara Janet (Murdock) Hand, passed away on Monday, January 16th, 2023 at Lewis County General Hospital after a long illness.

A private family burial will be at the Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, New York.  On June 7th, 2023, from 2 -5 PM, there will a “Celebration of Life” at Serendipity, 9 Williams Street, Gouverneur, New York.

Barbara was born on Friday, August 13th, 1937 at home in Hammond, NY.   She was the daughter of Joseph Hillard and Barbara Beatrice (Brotherston) Murdock.  She jokingly would say “Friday the 13th was the luckiest day of my life!”

She was predeceased by her son; Robert Hand, brothers; Robert, Stewart, Lyle, William and Ernest Murdock, sisters; Ruby (Murdock) Sterling and Roberta Murdock her infant sister; and her parents.

She attended a “One Room” Schoolhouse in the countryside of DePeyster, New York and later attended Heuvelton Central High School.  She married Donald Hand on June 14th, 1957 at the Heuvelton Methodist Church.

During her career, she was a Dairy Farmer, Waitress at the Grandview Restaurant in Ogdensburg, New York, a Baker at St. Lawrence University and Co-Owner of a Trucking Business.  After retirement, she went back to work at Martin’s Pretzels as a Dough and Pretzel Maker.  She often talked proudly about making and packing a pretzel order for Bill Clinton, the President of United States.  Another proud moment was when she bought her first brand, new car which was a 1977 Monte Carlo by herself.  She always mentioned how much she loved the swivel seats and great heater in the winter.

Barb not only loved family, but also had a big heart that loved others as well.  She was mindful of the needs of others.  Often, she helped many elderly in the community with groceries shopping, cleaning and yard work not expecting or accepting any renumeration.  She also moved in with and cared for her terminally ill mother-in-law until her death.  Another love was cooking and gardening.  Her “green thumb” grew beautiful flowers, plants, her precious weeping willow tree outside her kitchen window and vegetable gardens.   Baking was her gift as well.  Her homemade bread, donuts and cinnamon rolls were a sought after commodity.  She shared that they were all Scottish recipes passed down to her.

Barb was a “First Generation American”, yet was proud of her Canadian, Irish and Scottish Heritage.  She was a descendant of two great Scottish Clans which are Clan Stewart and Clan Moffat.  Her ancestor, Adam Moffat fought in the First War of Scottish Independence with King Robert the Bruce and survived.  Out-numbered almost 2:1 with the odd stacked against them, they won The Battle of Bannockburn against English forces.  This is a landmark battle in Scottish History.

This heritage showed in Barb with her character, perseverance, bravery and loyalty to family, friends and loved ones.  She was positive, fearless and strong both mentally and physically.  She also was a dreamer and self-taught Artist.  She sketched people, animals and nature while always encouraging her children to be creative, draw and respect nature.

She leaves us passing down all of her beautiful qualities to her children and grandchildren.  Her message to us all was to “follow your dreams no matter what others think or say”.    She will be dearly missed, but her dreaming, art, love of nature, storytelling and love of music live through all she touched while she was here with us.

Barb is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald Hand, Philadelphia, New York; sister, Luella (Murdock) Robinson, Morristown, New York; sister-in laws; Carol Berkey, Peck, Idaho- Jean Hand, Reno, Nevada-Beatrice Murdock, Rensselaer Falls, New York; daughter, Julie (Hand) Brooks, Syracuse, New York; daughter and son-in law, Donna (Hand) and Ron Wiley, LaFargeville, New York; granddaughter, Olivia Brooks, Syracuse, New York; grandsons, Ryan Brooks, Los Angeles, California-Logan Hand, Antwerp, New York and Anthony (Holly) Wiley, Cleveland, North Carolina; great granddaughter Eleanor Wiley; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to your local S.P.C.A or Animal Shelter as well as Renewal House, Canton, NY in remembrance of Janet Stewart Brotherston (Barbara’s Grandmother).

 

Brenda S. Bacon 12/22/2021

 

Brenda S. Bacon

Brenda S. Bacon, 54, of DeKalb Junction, died, December 22, 2021. There are no services at this time.  Brenda is survived by her husband Brian, son Ethan Bacon of DeKalb Junction, daughter, Alyssa and her husband Andrew Baxter of Canton, her mother, Sandra Taylor of Jamestown, siblings, Robert Taylor of Florida, Tammy Taylor of Busti, half siblings, Johnny Caruso of North Carolina, Robin and her husband Barry Pfaff of Pennsylvania, grandchildren, Dominic Baxter and Alessandra Baxter, her in-laws Bruce and Maxine Bacon of Richville, several nieces and nephews.  Brenda was born on November 10,1967, in Jamestown, New York, the daughter of John and Sandra Waite Taylor.    She married Brian Bacon on January 17,1988 in Olmstead, Florida. Brenda earned an AS degree and a BS degree in information technology from SUNY Canton, she graduated with honors, then earned a Masters’ degree in Security Management from Bellevue University.  She started her career at Mercy Hospital, then at Corning Glass, General Dynamics and SAIC on Fort Drum until 2012, she was a computer network administrator.  She was a member of Chi Epsilon Honor Society. Brenda loved her family, her dogs and Dominic.  She enjoyed gardening, horses, animals and painting.  Her last project was with her son Ethan, they lettered and painted a new sign for the family business. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Potsdam Humane Society, Ogdensburg SPCA or the Parkinson Foundation.  

Beverly T. Conklin 03/16/2021

Beverly T. Conklin

Beverly T. Conklin, 95, of Clayton and formerly of Richville, died on March 16, 2021, at her home.  A private burial will be in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery.  Beverly is survived by her daughter, Christine Matthews of Clayton, stepsons, Edward and his wife Ruth Conklin of DeKalb, Norman Conklin of Watertown, Vickie Comacho of Arizona, Cheryl and her husband Carl Clark of Harrisville, a sister, Mary Cowles of Plattsburg, 3 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her son Danford Thornton on June 20, 1976 and her brother Rodney Jennings. She was born on September 27, 1925 in Gouverneur, to the late, Judson and Gertrude Jones Jennings. She graduated from Potsdam High. Bev married Judson Thornton on April 24, 1943 and he died on March 19, 1960, she then married Curtis Conklin on May 16, 1964 he died on December 20, 2013. She was a mental therapy aide at Marcy Psychiatric Center in Marcy, New York.   She enjoyed knitting, animals of all kinds and gardening.  She loved her cats Lucy and Buddy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20087.

Barbara E. Alguire 10/22/2019

Barbara E. Alguire

Barbara E. Alguire, 90, died on October 22, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Home.  Calling hours will be October 25th, 3 – 6 PM, funeral service will be October 26th, 1 PM at the United Church of Richville, Reverend Karen Taylor officiating. She is survived by her sons, William and wife Abby Alguire of Alaska, Brent and his wife Erin Alguire of Canton, a daughter, Sherry and her husband John Burke of Harrisville, a sister, Marjorie Rice of Arizona, grandchildren, Emily and her husband Derek LaPoint, Ryan and his wife Ellie Hamilton, Gianna Alguire, great grandchildren, Cooper and Carter Hamilton, Harper, Madison and Peyton LaPoint, several nieces and nephews.  Barbara was born on October 19, 1929, in the village of Gouverneur, NY, the daughter of the late George W. and Mary Anna Griffis Jennings. She graduated from DeKalb High School in 1947.  She married Donald Alguire on October 26, 1947 at her family’s farm, the Reverend E. J. W. Burston officiating, he died on May 5, 2012.  She worked on the Jennings Family Farm.  Barbara was a member of the United Church of Richville and the Order of the Eastern Star #291.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, making quilts, and baking. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to, the United Church of Richville.

Brenda L. Elwell 01/13/2019

Brenda L. Elwell

Brenda L. Elwell, 58, of Hermon, died on January 13, 2019, at the Canton Potsdam Hospital. There will be no services.  Brenda is survived by her husband Stephen, her mother, Marilyn Davis of Hermon, her son Lawrence Elwell of Mississippi, her daughters, Stefanie and her husband Mitchell Reid of Old DeKalb, Casandra and her husband Seth McClellan of White Creek, her brothers, Matthew Davis and Joanna Wright of DeKalb, Mark Davis of Johnstown, a sister Donna Butler of DeKalb, 12 grandchildren, her close friends Robert and Ann Straton, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Donald Evans Davis.  She was born on June 22, 1960, in Amsterdam. She married Stephen Elwell on October 11, 2004. She worked as a sewing machine operator in Troy, and Vermont.  She loved hunting, fishing and working in her yard. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the hAmerican Cancer Society. 

Bette M. Simmons 08/24/2015

Bette Simmons 2Bette M. Simmons

Bette M. Simmons, 88, died on August 24, 2015, at Maplewood Campus, Canton. Calling hours will be 3 -6 PM , August 27, the funeral service will be August 28, at 2 PM, at the funeral home, Reverend Robert Schirmer officiating, burial will follow in Mount Alone Cemetery, Town of Oswegatchie. She is survived by her daughters, Judy McEathron of Lisbon, Peggy Whiteford of Rochester, Dale Simmons and her husband Kevin Emler of Rochester, Gina and her husband David Nourse of Cortland, adopted son, Ross Kostin of Rensselaer Falls, a sister, Helen and her husband Don Houck of Canastota, a brother in law, Nelson Austin of Hermon, grandchildren, Lisa and her husband Don Wright, Jennie and her husband Will Harper, Michelle and her husband Matt Kraft, John Nourse, Bill and his wife Leesha Emler, great grandchildren, Zachary Wright, Calleigh Harper, Haley Kraft, Benjamin Kraft, Jacob Emler, Madison Emler, Ryan Emler, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Jerry, brothers, Stanley and his wife Alice Childs, Merlin and his wife Jean Childs, sisters, Minnie and her husband Al Pike, Laura Austin, a granddaughter Cheryl Simmons, and a great granddaughter, Morgan Kraft. Bette was born on May 1, 1927 in Kendrew, New York, the daughter of the late Ralph and Beatrice Stone Childs. She attended the country school in Kendrew and graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1944. She married Hudson Simmons, October 10, 1945, at the Methodist Parsonage in Rensselaer Falls, he predeceased her on April 3, 2004. She was nurse’s aide at Kinney Nursing Home in Gouverneur for 15 years and prior to that she was a cleaning lady at the Gillette Nursing Home in DeKalb Junction. Bette was a member of the Kendrew Methodist Church and the Kendrew Grange Ladies Aid. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and making quilts. She made over 400 quilts during her lifetime for family and friends. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many other children who called her grandma and thought of her as if she was their grandmother. Contributions can be made to the Kendrew Grange, c/o Jane Pike 176 Judson Street Road Canton, New York, 13617 or Maplewood Campus, 205 State Street Road, Canton, New York 13617. Bette’s family would like to thank the nurses, staff and doctors at Canton Potsdam Hospital, a special thanks to the aides, nurses,and staff at Maplewood and Hospice for the care given to Bette and them.

Betty R. Woods 07/24/2015

Betty Woods 2Betty R. Woods
Betty R. Woods, 83, of Gouverneur, died on July 24, 2015 at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown. Calling hours will be 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, July 28, 2015, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM, Pastor David Hart officiating, burial will be in East DeKalb Cemetery, DeKalb Junction. She is survived by her husband Arthur J. “Woody” Woods, sons Scott and his wife Reen Woods of Gouverneur, Craig and his wife Ranae Woods of Alexandria, Virginia, daughters, Candace and her husband Craig Summers of Tucson, Arizona, Lori and her husband Chris Watson of Bradley, Maine, a brother Curtis and his wife Trudy Snyder  of  Rochester, New York, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Betty was born on September 7, 1931 in Ogdensburg, the daughter of Ernest “Pete” and Ada Murphy Snyder. She graduated from DeKalb High School in 1948 and the Ogdensburg Business School in 1950. Betty married Arthur on August 11, 1950. She retired from Corning Glass, Canton after working from 1979-1987. Prior to that she worked at St. Joe Zinc Co. (1974 -1978), Gouverneur E. J. Noble Hospital (1970 -1974), and Acme Markets (1955 -1970). Betty enjoyed playing cards, bowling and golfing. She loved spending time with her children and their families. She was extremely fortunate to have a great group of friends her entire life. Contributions can be made to the Gouverneur Hospital.

Beatrice A. McMartin 03/13/2015

beatrice mcmartinBeatrice A. McMartin
Beatrice A. McMartin, 74, of DeKalb Junction, died on March 13, 2015 at James Square Nursing Home, Syracuse. A memorial service will be on, Saturday,  March 28, 2015 , 11:00 am at the funeral home, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating, burial will follow in Union Cemetery. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki A. McMartin and her husband Keven Yankus of Alger, Michigan, brothers, Gerald and his wife Patricia Ramsey of Las Vegas, Nevada, Donald and Margaret Ramsey of Alabama, a sister, Jean and her husband Thomas Perry of Syracuse, half sisters, Barbara and her husband Lynn Gotham of Florida, Sue and her husband Robert O’Shea of Canton, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Cheryl A. McMartin, a grandson, Matthew McMartin, brothers, Ronald Ramsey, Frank LaRose, sisters, Linda Dufore and Bonnie LaRose. Beatrice was born on December 5, 1940 in Parishville, the daughter of John and Beatrice Kerr Ramsey. She married William F. McMartin on July 2, 1960 at the home of Clarence Gardner with the Reverend Bower officiating, he predeceased her on February 19, 2010. She was a homemaker and mother. Beatrice was a member of the Old DeKalb United Methodist Church, the DeKalb Historical Association, DeKalb Hermon Senior Citizen Club, Russell Senior Citizen Club and was on the Board of the Union Cemetery. “B” (Beatrice) loved quilting, gardening, reading, decorating cakes and braiding rugs. Contributions can be made to the Town of DeKalb Historical Association, P.O. Box 111, DeKalb Junction, NY 13630, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or your local SPCA.

Beulah M. Davis 12/18/2014

beulah davisBeulah M. Davis
Beulah M. Davis, 86, of Hermon, died at her home, December 18, 2014. She was born in the Town of Pierrepont, the daughter of Leon and Edith Fifield Enslow. She married John Davis on December 12, 1959 in the Methodist Church by Richard Northup. Beulah had three children Fama and Nelson Carpenter, John Spicer (predeceased) and Mickey Stiles, two grandchildren, Michael and Christine VanHouse and Tiffany Spicer,granddaughter Michelle VanHouse (predeceased),  two great grandchildren Ashlyn and Sophia Spicer, daughter of the heart, Kathy Carpenter. She attended Hermon School, she was a secretary for 9 years at Kraft foods, ran the Davis Adult Home until retiring and sold Avon for 10 years. She was a cancer survivor. Beulah was a member of the Hermon Ladies Auxiliary for 54 years, holding the offices of President, Secretary, Chaplin and 35 years as the treasurer, past president of St. Lawrence County Auxiliary, past member of O.E.S., Hermon, Hermonites Home Bureau Chairman for 17 years, the DeKalb Hermon Senior Citizens Club, The Friday Girls and past member of the Hermon Volunteer Rescue Squad. She enjoyed bowling, golfing and camping. There will be no services, in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.