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Obituaries

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.          

   

Richard Theron “Dick” Fisher 01/10/2025

 

Richard Theron “Dick” Fisher

Richard Theron Fisher,86, of Ogdensburg, died at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home January 10, 2025.  There will be a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:00 am, burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, with military honors.  Richard is survived by his children, Kathleen and her husband Henry Bouchard of Ogdensburg, Richard and his wife Debbie Fisher of Massena, SueEllen and her husband Mark McAdam of Heuvelton, Steven and his wife Christine Fisher of Ogdensburg, grandchildren Lauren McAdam, Andrew and his wife Gena Fisher, Morgan McAdam, Jared Fisher, Julia Fisher, great grandchildren, Sophie Fisher, Dalton Bjork, sisters, Susan Catlin of Vermont, Marlene Dufort of Albany, a very special friend Joanne McCabe, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by siblings, Stewart “Tootie” Fisher, Austin Fisher, Robert Fisher, John (Jack) Fisher, James Fisher, Jerry Fisher, and Lawrence Fisher, Jeanine Thibert, Lynn LaFave, Henrietta Fisher, and a granddaughter, Lindsey Rose McAdam. Richard was born on May 15, 1938 in Ogdensburg, the son of the late Harry and Lillian Deuval Fisher. He attended Ogdensburg Schools and earned his GED. He served his country in the Air Force. He married Martha Bell on March 22, 1958 at St, Mary’s Cathedral she died on October 27, 1984.  Richard was a heavy construction foreman for many construction companies in the area, working on many of the large projects that shaped the north country. He retired from Laborer’s International Union of North America Local 1822 (322). After his retirement he was a grounds keeper for the Ogdensburg Recreation Department.  He was a 3rd Degree Knight as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #258. Ogdensburg. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Dick enjoyed boating, fishing on the St. Lawrence and hunting in the Adirondacks.  Dick was always surrounded by his loving family.  He was happiest when was helping his son at Fish R Chips in Ogdensburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation, 950 Linden St., Ogdensburg, New York 13669.  

 

 

Lillian H. Singleton 12/30/2024

Lillian H. Singleton

Lillian H. Singleton,89, formerly of Massena, died at her granddaughter’s home on December 30, 2024.  There will be no services as per Lillian’s wishes.  She will be buried in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Louisville at a later date. Lillian is survived by her children, Debra her husband James Brice of DeKalb Junction, Kathy and her husband Donnie Furnace of Palmetto, FL, Karen Singleton of Massena, Donna and her husband Bill Porter of Norfolk, Walter and his wife Louise Singleton of Massena, Timothy and his wife Kara Singleton of Port St. Lucie, FL, a brother, Franklin Hutt of Norfolk, 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Leona Simpson, Aileen Rosskamp, Bob Billings, Sonny Billings and Callie Hutt. Lillian was born on April 6,1935 in Massena, the daughter of the late Callie and Christie White Hutt. She attended Harrowgate and Massena Central School graduating in 1953. She graduated from Potsdam State Teachers College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1957. She married William Singleton on July 14, 1956, they were blessed with six children, he died on May 25, 2012, after 56 years of marriage.  Lillian taught third grade at St. Lawrence Central School in Brasher Falls until her retirement in 1991.  She was a past member of the American Legion Auxiliary #79 Massena, a life member of AMVETS Auxiliary #4 and VFW Auxiliary #1143 Massena.  She cherished time with friends, snowmobiling, playing cards, camping and spending time with family. After retirement she spent her winters in Stuart, Florida where friends gathered for happy hour on the carport.  You never knew what to expect from Lil when everyone gathered. She loved to knit and was an avid reader. Lil spent many years being the sole caregiver for her husband who suffered from Alzheimer’s.  Lillian was a woman of strength and generosity.  She would always give more than she ever asked for.  She was known for her fried donuts, and they were enjoyed by all that had the chance to eat one. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or Center for Cancer Care, Potsdam, NY.

 

 

 

Joseph “Joe” A. Smith 12/26/2024

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.

Roderick Eric Turnbull 12/02/2024

 

Roderick Eric Turnbull

Roderick Eric Turnbull, 72, of Trout Lake, Hermon, died on December 2, 2024.  There will be calling hours on Thursday, December 5th from 3 – 6 PM, at the funeral home, a graveside service will be at the East DeKalb Cemetery, Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 am, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating.   Eric is survived by his wife, Christine, sons, Benjamin E. and his wife Amanda “Mandy” Turnbull of Oswego, Matthew A. and his wife Miranda Turnbull of Canton, Nathan W. and his wife Anna Turnbull of Mexico, his sisters, Helen Glinski of Fort Pierce, Florida, Constance LaClair of Granbury, Texas, Cynthia Sherman of Lillington, North Carolina, grandchildren, Mackenzie, Conway, Evelyn, William and Lillian Turnbull, several nieces and nephews. Eric was born on September 19, 1952 in Canton, to the late Arthur and Lillian Mackenzie Turnbull. He graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1970 and received his associates degree as an electrical engineering tech from Canton ATC in 1972.  He married Christine White on August 15, 1981 at the Grace Episcopal Church in Canton, Reverend Denny officiating.  Roderick owned and operated the DeKalb Skate Land in the 1970’s while working as an electrician for Nel Corp in the north country until his retirement in 2017. Eric was a member of the Buck Horn Hunting Club in Harrisville.  He and Chris moved to their home on Trout Lake in 1978. His home on Trout Lake was his passion and was where family and friends came to hold events and be with him. He was an outdoors man and especially enjoyed, hunting, fishing, camping and he enjoyed his trips to Canada. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Hermon or Edwards Rescue Squads.