Category: J

Joyce C. Moulton

       Joyce C. Moulton, 79 of Rensselaer Falls, NY passed away on July 23, 2025 at Claxton Hepburn Hospital. Calling hours will be on Friday, July 25th at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home in Dekalb Junction from 4-7 p.m.  Funeral services will be at the Kendrew Global Methodist Church on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at  1 p.m. with Pastor Terry Covey officiating followed by a burial service at the Kendrew Cemetery. There will be a reception/celebration of life following the services at the Rensselaer Falls Firehall.                                                                                                        

     Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Harry S. Moulton, four children, daughters, Jean (Gordon) Collins, Michelle (Stephen Hawk) Moulton, and sons, Brian (Snow) Moulton and Brent (Betsy Matthews) Moulton. Siblings, Carolyn Nye, Linda (George) Baldwin, Michael (Jeanne) Burnham, Rhonda (John) Hall, Cindy (Joe) Zollo, Dan (Terri) Burnham and Brad (Shelley) Burnham. Grandchildren, Andrew, Tiffany, Brandon (Ellen-Claire), Makenna, Peyton (Shannon), Broderick, Briallen, Brecken, Jocelyn (Ryan), Reagan, Kinsley and Avery. Great Grandchildren, Aiden, Elise, Nora, River, Karl, Elliot, Oliver, Cameron, Natalie and Arianna due in September. Joyce is predeceased by her father and mother, Carlton and Lois Burnham, brothers, Larry, Lloyd and Clarence Burnham. Joyce was born in Gouverneur, NY and later her family moved to Rensselaer Falls where she graduated from Heuvelton Central School. After graduation she attended Beauty school in Watertown and worked for a time as a hairdresser. She met her husband Harry and they were married at the Kendrew Methodist Church and lived on Pickle Street in Winthrop, Front Street in Rensselaer Falls and then moved to their current residence on Winter Road. Joyce had several jobs, she worked as a hairdresser, homemaker, at a department store, Medical Clinic, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, then for a Podiatrist before she retired. She was an active member of the Kendrew Global Methodist Church and loved her church family. Joyce was all about family, she loved attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, school concerts, family get-togethers and making Christmas cookies with her grandchildren. She enjoyed sitting around a campfire and camping up at her river lot, going out to eat and visiting with her restaurant families, attending band day at the fair, sewing, quilting, and her dog, Cookie.                                                                                           

     The family would like to thank the Rensselaer Falls Rescue Squad and Claxton Hepburn hospital for all that they did for Joyce over the years. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the Gracious Friends Animal Sanctuary, Rensselaer Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Rensselaer Falls Rescue Squad or the Kendrew Global Methodist Church.

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

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.  

Joseph “Joe” A. Smith

Joseph “Joe” A. Smith, 70, of Hermon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2024. Calling hours will be held
on Sunday, December 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7: 00 to 9:00 PM at the funeral home. A Celebration
of Life for Joe will take place on January 4th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Skunk’s Nest in Hermon.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri; two sons, James and his wife Lori Smith of Massena, and John
and his wife Katie Smith of Potsdam; and four cherished grandchildren, Evan, Cullin, Kane, and Ali Smith.
He is also survived by his siblings, Gerald Way and Paul Smith of Gouverneur, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Born on March 11, 1954, in Massena to James Edward and Grace Way Smith, Joe graduated from
Hermon Dekalb Central School in 1973, where he was a celebrated championship wrestler, taking third
place in the state finals. He married his high school sweetheart, Sheri Cardinell, on December 30, 1975, inthe town of Hermon.
A skilled carpenter and mason, Joe worked for numerous construction companies throughout his career,
including Acts II Construction, Sheehan Construction, R & S Construction, Five C Enterprise, and Bette
and Cringe. He was a proud past member of the Stella Mines Hunting Club in Hermon and the St. Henry Church in Dekalb Junction.
Joe was also a licensed owner and racer of harness horses, with his horses competing throughout the
Northeast and Canada. He was an avid hunter and he was always ready to lend a helping hand,
particularly with construction projects. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s hockey, football, and
baseball games, and he enjoyed the company of his basset hound, Bud Light, a cold Budweiser, and the good times at the Skunk’s Nest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Have a Heart Charity, PO Box 291,
Hermon, New York 13652.

Jennifer Walton Vincent-Barwood

Jennifer Walton Vincent-Barwood of Richville, NY passed away Wednesday, August 27^th at 3:33 PM after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 68.  She is survived by her husband,  John McCloskey, and their cat Ms. Tabla FangClaw of Richville, NY, her son Zachariah Knight ,  his wife Elizabeth  (Herrington) Knight, and  their daughter, Evelyn Knight of Milliken, CO; her daughter Zoe Knight of Boston, MA; her brother Scott Vincent-Barwood of Sackets Harbor, NY and his daughters; Connie Takeshita of Rupert, ID and Aubri Vincent-Barwood of Kapahui, HI; her bonus brother Thomas Gardner and his partner Terri Chalone of Oswego, NY, and her Moon Daughters.

Daughter of Edward Allen “Vince” Vincent-Barwood and Aileen Vincent-Barwood, long time editor of the St. Lawrence Plaindealer.  Jennifer was born in Toronto on August 25th, 1956.  She spent her childhood living in Africa and the Middle East before her family settled in the North Country in the late 1960’s.  These formative experiences led to her lifelong passions for African drumming and world music, and expansive spiritual exploration.  Jennifer was well known in the North Country for her public Winter Solstice and Samhain (Halloween) rituals held at St. Lawrence University for over 25 years, where she was also Ambassador for Pagan Ministries and mentored many students in her spiritual practice.  As a drummer and community builder, she facilitated countless community drum and dance events in the North Country, in addition to accompanying African dance classes at SUNY Potsdam and SLU, where she was also a long-time member of the SLU Community Choir, Early Music Ensemble, and The Any Music Singers.

Professionally, she worked at NCPR, SLU’s ODY Library and Jennison’s Antiques before opening her own vintage boutique, Re-Creations, on Main St. in Canton.  She went on to work for NYSARC (now The ARC) for 27 years, and retired from her administrative position there in 2021.  She spent her retirement in her garden, weather permitting, or curled up with a good book when it was not.  She was full of love and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

There will be no services as per Jennifer’s wishes.  In lieu of flowers Jennifer wished donations to be made to the Canton Free Public Library, 8 Park Street, Canton, New York, 13617.  Or, if you feel compelled, you may honor her by planting a tree, growing a garden, singing a song, drumming around a fire, howling at the moon, or however you see fit to honor her loving, wild spirit.  

Jean D. Thornhill         

Jean D. Thornhill, 92, formerly of Heuvelton, died on May 17, 2024, at the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. There will be a memorial service on June 29, 2024, 11:00 am at the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Chapel, Deacon Anthnoy Paztizzo officiating, a luncheon will follow at the gazebo, and burial will be at 2:00 pm at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Eel Weir.  Jean is survived by her daughters, Deborah and her husband Raymond Traver of The Villages, Florida, Donna Stiles of Morristown, Diana and her husband Tony Gallucci of Rensselaer Falls, Dawn Mack and Bruce Warren of Rensselaer Falls, a son, Michael and his wife Alison Thornhill of Rensselaer Falls, grandchildren, Sydney Thornhill, Lucas Thornhill, Amy Traver and her husband Darrin Fallick,  David Traver and his wife Mariko Omura, Anthony Gallucci, Keith Gallucci, Shelby Mack , Kedan Mack, great grandchildren Raenen Traver-Fallick and Avy Traver, several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother Gordon Dickson, sister, Agnes Wilson, and a niece Barbara Jean Romeo.  Jean was born on December 18, 1931, in Ogdensburg, to the late James and Catherine McDade Dickson. She worked as a waitress at Sholette’s Restaurant, before that she was a nurse’s aide at A. Barton Hepburn Hospital. Jean was a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Power Squadron and the Ogdensburg Senior Citizen’s Club. She loved following her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, boating and snowmobiling. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the SPCA or the charity of one’s choice. 

Joan Anson

Joan Anson, 85 of Richville, died on February 3, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  There will be no services. Joan is survived by her sons, Francis and his wife Donna Anson of DeKalb Junction, Brian Anson of Richville, Charles Anson of Romulus, NY, daughters, Karen Blackmer of Buffalo, Christine Schieb of Henrietta, Darlene Benz of Rochester, Elizabeth and her husband Ali Naqvi of Katy, TX, brothers, Richard Sheffield of FL, Ronald Sheffield of Andover, a sister Marie Chaffee of GA, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Melody Donohue, siblings, Dorothy, Virginia, Geraldine, John, Robert, Barbara, Charles, Patricia, George, Lawrence, Donald, Carol, Marie and Gerald. She was born on March 4,1938 in Brockport, to the late, George and Marie Donahue Sheffield. She graduated from high school in Brockport, NY. She married Lee Donohue which ended in divorce, she then married Francis E. Anson in Rochester in 1960, he died on November 14, 1993. Joan was a collator at a book binding company in Rochester, later in her life she was a housekeeper for many years. She was a member of the DeKalb Hermon Senior Citizens Club, AARP, where she was active in fighting for senior’s benefits, and the Red Hat Society. She loved to play bingo, dance, play cards, make puzzles, travel, sing and music.

John C. Holland

John Carl Holland, 65, of DeKalb, died on August 7, 2023, at his home.  There will be a graveside service on September 2, 2023, 11:00 am at the Old DeKalb Cemetery, Pastor Justin Bland officiating.  John is survived by his brothers, James E. Holland of Omaha, Nebraska, Robert G. Holland and his wife Karen of Canton, sisters, Linda R. Michaud and her husband Paul of Gouverneur, Hazel Holland of Norfolk, several nieces and nephews. John was born on September 21,1957 the son of the late, James W. and Hazel F. Bigelow in Ogdensburg. In 1976 he graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School. He was a farm worker at the Corscadden Farm in Richville, for thirty plus years. John was a member of the Richville Baptist Church.  He liked to play cards, go fishing, watch WWE wrestling and the History Channel, he was a serious coin collector and a history buff. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Meals on Wheels Program. 

Joseph M. Spadaccini

Joseph M. Spadaccini, 62, of Canton, formerly of DeKalb Junction, died on June 20, 2023, at his home.  There will be calling hours, Saturday, June 24, 2023, 9 – 11 am, followed by a graveside service, 11:15 am at the Union Cemetery, DeKalb Junction, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Jospeh is survived by his sons, Shawn Spadaccini and his fiancé, Emily Pinckney of South Colton, Anthony Spadaccini and his longtime companion, Brienne Gleason of Fort Edward, NY, his brother, Tomme and his wife Michelle Spadaccini of CT, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was born on August 10, 1960 in Hermon, NY, the son of the late James and Sylvia Bush Spadaccini. He graduated from the Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1978 and continued his education at SUNY Potsdam, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in in mathematics in 1982. A marriage to Jodie Sanderson ended in divorce.  Joe was a corrections officer at the Gouverneur Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2019, with 32 years on the job. Joseph was a member of the Moose Lodge 2397 in Potsdam and an associate member at the Canton VFW Post 1231.  He loved spending time with his family and friends, was a fan of music (all genre’s), appreciated wonderful singing voices, and was a NY Giants fan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 291, Canton, New York 13617.