Cynthia A. Houghton
Cynthia “Cindy” A. Houghton, 75, of DeKalb Junction, died on April 16, 2014, at her home. The will be a memorial service, April 25, 2014, 11:00 am at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, Lay Pastoral Assistant Martha Helmer, officiating. She is survived by her brothers, David Ellsworth of DeKalb Junction, Edward and his wife Chae Ellsworth of Folsom, California, several stepchildren, three nephews and a great niece. Cynthia was born in Watertown, on April 16, 1939, the daughter of Rae and Gladys Blanchard Ellsworth. She married Ronald A. Houghton he predeceased her in 1998. She worked in the food service industry her whole life. She was a member of the DeKalb Hermon Senior Citizen Club, the VFW in Middlebury, Virginia, and the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, horse racing, riding horses, cared and showed dogs and horses. Contributions can be made to the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, 4302 US Highway 11 DeKalb Junction, NY, 13630.
Ronald E. Brown 03/30/2014
Ronald E. Brown
Ronald E. Brown, 67, of DeKalb, died on March 30, 2014, at his home. There will be a celebration of life at his home, 60 Hitchcock Road, DeKalb, on July 12, 2014, 1:00 PM. Ron is survived by his wife, Veronica “Vicki” Brown, a son Matthew and his wife, Erin Brown of DeKalb Junction, daughters, Michelle and her husband Chad Putvain, of Waldon, Vermont, Melinda Abbott of Richville, brothers, David and his wife Susan Brown of Londonderry, Vermont, Michael and his wife Lisa Brown of Londonderry, Vermont, a sister Gail Sherman of Danby, Vermont, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandsons, several nieces and nephews. He was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on March 13, 1947, the son of Emmitt and Glenna Benson Brown; he graduated from Leland and Gray Seminary in 1966. Ronald married Veronica “Vicki” Eaton on July 24, 1967 in Grafton, Vermont. Ron was in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He owned and operated Ron Brown Builders in Jamaica, Vermont. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and family, helping his neighbors, fixing things, horses and watching Westerns. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
Rebecca L. Sieradski 03/03/2014
Rebecca L. Sieradski
Rebecca L. Sieradski, 60, of Massena, died on March 3, 2014, at the St. Regis Nursing Home. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 16, 2014, 3:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in Massena. Becky is survived by her husband Paul of Massena, her father Kenneth Vick of Lakeland, Florida, a son, Andrew and his wife Renee’ Sieradski of Syracuse, a brother, Erik and his wife Roz Vick of Arizona, sisters, Bridget Norregaard of Lakeland, Florida, Gretchen and her husband John Fullerton of Norwood, grandchildren, Carrigan Sieradski, Fallon Sieradski and Bella Sieradski, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Matthew Sieradski. Rebecca was born on November 11, 1953, in Long Beach, California, the daughter of Kenneth and Dawn Anderson Vick. She graduated from Potsdam Central School in 1971 and then attended Bryant & Stratton in Syracuse, earning a business certificate for medical transcriptionist. Becky married Paul C. Sieradski on October 7, 1972 at her parent’s home. She was a receptionist and did cleaning at Dr. Gupta’s office in Massena. Rebecca was a member of the Jehovah Witness Massena Congregation. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and reading. Contributions can be made to the ALS Foundation and Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
Rose D. Luses 02/13/2014
Rose D. Lusas
Rose D. Lusas, 98, of Canton, died on February 13, 2014 at Maplewood Nursing Home. She is survived by her sons, George and his wife Ruth Crowley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ronald and his wife Sharon York of Florida, Thomas and his wife Margaret Crowley of Connecticut, a daughter, Constance Crowley of Connecticut,seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Rose was born in Monroe,New York on August 16, 1915. She was predeceased by her husband George Crowley in 1956 and her husband Edmond Lusas. She was in the Navy during WWII. Rose was an aide at numerous nursing homes over the course of her career. She loved cooking, going out to dinner, getting her hair done and above all seeing her family. Contributions can be made to Maplewood United Helpers or Hospice and Palliative Care of St.Lawrence Valley.
Wayne E. Hurlburt 01/29/2014
Wayne E. Hurlburt
Wayne E. Hurlburt, 62, of Lisbon, died on January 29, 2014, at his home. Wayne made a generous gift as an anatomical donor. A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, February 1, 2014, 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church’s basement in Ogdensburg, Reverend Brian McCormick officiating. Wayne is survived by his wife Patricia “Patty”, a son, Wayne E. Hurlburt Jr., of Owego, daughters, Bonnie and husband Timothy Maslin, of Owego, Brittney J. Hurlburt, of Lisbon, stepchildren, Tirza Swan of Arizona, Joseph and Darci Bouchard of Galesburg, Illinois, Joshua and Amanda Bouchard of Wisconsin, Karetha and Erik Strand of Fort Myers, Florida, brothers, Arthur and wife Rose Hurlburt of Berkshire, Elwin and Anna May Hurlburt of Kanapolis, North Carolina, a sister, Audrey O’Bryan and her fiancé Humphrey Crawley of Cheraw, South Carolina, 16 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was born on January 1, 1952 in Cortland, New York, the son of Arthur and Vivian Ingraham Hurlburt Wayne graduated from high school in Owego, New York in 1970, and then married Verna Sweeney in 1971, she predeceased him. He married Patricia Adkins on July 17, 2010 in Lisbon. Wayne owned and operated Hurlburt Construction in Ogdensburg, and previous to that he was a tool and die maker for Bendix Corp. and Switzer Aircraft. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous where he was a legend, helping other people. He loved his animals, farming, constructing buildings, gardening, and restoring things.
Curtis H. Conklin 12/20/2013
Curtis H. Conklin
Curtis H. Conklin, 92, of Gouverneur, died on December 20, 2013, at his home. Curt is survived by his wife Beverly (Jenning), sons, Edward and his wife Ruth Conklin of East DeKalb, Norman Conklin of Watertown, daughters, Vickie Comacho of Arizona, Cheryl and her husband Carl Clark of Harrisville, stepdaughter Christine and her husband Richard Matthews of Clayton, 15 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a stepson Danford Thornton, brothers Charles Conklin, Grafton Conklin, sisters, Fern Thompson, Elva Pelkofski, Doris Bowman, Ellebell Stuhldreher, Eva Cunningham, and a half sister, Edith Denesha. He was born on September 9, 1921, in the Town of DeKalb, the son of Rosco and Vida Holland Conklin. He married Isabelle Hall which ended in divorce; he then married Beverly Thornton on May 16, 1964 at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church with the Reverend Best officiating. Curtis was a mental therapy aide at Marcy Psychiatric Center for 10 years, until his retirement in 1976, prior to that he farmed on the Maple Ridge Road for 40 years. Curt was a member of the Elks Lodge in Gouverneur, and the Moose Lodge in Utica. He loved going to the casino, hobby farming, animals, playing cards and family gatherings. Contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
Howard T. Meade 12/01/2013
Howard T. Meade
Howard T. Meade, 91, of DeKalb Junction, died on December 1, 2013, at Maplewood United Helpers, Canton. Calling hours will be, Tuesday, December 3, 12 -2 PM at the funeral home. A graveside service will be Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 am at Union Cemetery, DeKalb Junction, Lay Minister John Frary officiating. Howard is survived by a son, Thomas B. Meade and wife Ruta Ozols, Canton, grandchildren, Thomas Meade, Laura Meade, Christy Bryant, Carrie Bryant, and Rick Jones, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Robert N. Meade, and daughter, Patricia Bryant. He was born on September 7, 1922, in Gordonsville, VA, the son of Thomas E. and Delia Cox Meade. He was in the Army during WWII. He married Mabel F. Fletcher she predeceased him. Howard worked at Natural Dam Paper Mill until his retirement in 1984. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Potsdam Animal Shelter. Howard’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Maplewood and with special thanks to Ashley, Kateri, Amanda, Bonnie, Sue and Janice.
Mary Doreen Yerdon 11/25/2012
Mary Doreen Yerdon
Mary Doreen Yerdon, 87, of Hermon, died on November 25, 2013, at her home. Calling hours will be Friday, November 29, 1 – 3 and 6- 8 PM at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be Saturday, November 30, 1:00PM at St. Mary’s Church, Canton, Father Douglas Lucia officiating, burial will follow in St. Henry’s Cemetery, DeKalb Junction. Mary Doreen is survived by her children, Mary Ellen Caratsole, Hermon, Kathy and husband Dan Robarge of Cicero, Nancy and husband Rob Bovay of Hermon, Sue Fortin and companion Nunzio Doldo of Watertown, Deb and husband Jim Waugh, Glen falls, Joe Yerdon of Hermon, Rich and wife Sue Yerdon of Westfield, MA, Julie and husband Patrick Canavan of Queensbury, a sister, Kathleen Chase of Vernon, CT, 30 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, (was looking forward to the birth of 3 great grandchildren), several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by children, Patricia Whitton, Michael Yerdon, Barbara Catone, brothers, Leo, Bernard and John Tiernan. Mary Doreen was born on July 14, 1926 in Canton, the daughter of John and Adele Dowe Tiernan. She graduated from Hermon High School and then graduated from the A.B. Hepburn Hospital School of Nursing, with a registered nursing degree. She married Carlton Yerdon on November 16, 1946, at St. Henry’s Church; he died March 10, 1992. Mary retired from the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services as a supervisor of the adoption unit. Previous to that she was a registered nurse at E.J. Noble Hospital, Gouverneur and the Gillette Nursing Home. She was a parishioner at St. Henry’s Church. Mary Doreen devoted her entire life to her family. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Edith Mae “Louise” Cook 10/28/2013
Edith Mae Cook
Edith Mae Cook, 94, formally of Hermon, died on October 28, 2013, at Maplewood United Helpers. A funeral service will be on November 1, 2013 at 2 PM, Father Douglas Lucia officiating. Burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery, Hermon. Edith is survived by her son and daughter in law, Steve and Diana Cook, of Hermon, granddaughters, Rachael and her husband George White of Hermon and Christina Cook of Hermon, great grandchildren, Kaylee White, Miranda White, David White and Payton White, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter Jeanne Cook, brothers, Joseph, Morris, Ernie, Ted and Francis Brunet, sisters, Genevieve Stowell, Theresa Perrin, Marion Roy, Agatha Toomey, Alma Stowell, and Cecil Breman. She was born on May 29, 1919, the daughter of Joseph and Edesel Thesier Brunett. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School. She married John H. Cook on November 24, 1951 in DeKalb, he died July 25, 1996. Louise owned and operated Hermon Nursing Home for several years, and then she cared for clients from Sunmount of Tupper Lake at her home. She was a former parishioner at St. Henry’s Church. Edith Mae loved to read, sew, played cards and cook. Contributions can be made to Maplewood United Helpers.
Hortense S. Brown 10/05/2013
Hortense (Smitty) Brown
Hortense, daughter of Lena and Stanley Smith passed away in her DeKalb Junction home at the age of 94.
Smitty spent her younger years on her parent’s farm in East DeKalb. As a youngster her favorite games to play were Red Rover, Simon Says, May I, Anti over, Ring Around the Roses, musical chairs and Hide and go seek.
In high school she was on the DeKalb High School Women’s Basketball team that won a championship at what is now called the St. Lawrence University Book Store.
Following her graduation, Smitty attended Potsdam Normal School and graduated at the age of 18.
Smitty married Robert Brown on Nov. 13th, 1940 in DeKalb, New York. Frank Brown father of Robert officiated the ceremony.
For the next 20+ years, while Bob was in the U.S. Navy, Smitty and Bob lived in many exotic places, Cuba, Pensacola, Florida, New York City and the Marshall Islands. During those years Smitty was on a bowling team as well as getting together with friends to play bridge. She also enjoyed reading, fishing, movie going and being a Mom to their only son, Michael.
From 1961 – 1963, Smitty attended Plymouth Teachers College in Plymouth, New Hampshire. She earned her B.Ed. and M.Ed., all the while maintaining a straight A average. Hortense, Bob and her son Michael graduated from Plymouth State College on the same day. Due to Hortense’s passion for higher learning, her inspiration led Mike to pursue his PhD. in sports, psychology at Maryland University. Smitty was very proud of her son and let that be known to many people.
In 1964, following graduation, Smitty went to teach 5th grade for over 20 years in N.Y. State. Upon retiring from the Medina School System in Medina, N.Y., Smitty and Bob returned to their DeKalb roots.
Smitty was a devoted wife and took care of Bob when he became ill. After Bob’s death Smitty lived alone depending on her friends and neighbors (Albert and Susie Simser) to live out the remainder of her years.
Among Smitty’s many interests were Sunday School, United Methodist Woman, Historical Society, craft club, cross word puzzles, knitting, and attending musicals at O.C.P. with her adopted daughter Suzann Conklin and her husband David. Cross word puzzles and cats were a constant part of her life. Up until the age of 92, Smitty was completing the N.Y. Times crossword puzzle in every Sunday paper. She really enjoyed doing crossword puzzles with her son, Mike, whether it was in her living room or over the phone.
Smitty enjoyed and loved cats. The last cat she had was Mama Betsey. She was always telling stories about Betsey and how she would have to cellarize her because she was being naughty.
Smitty always looked forward to spending two weeks every year with her grandchildren and great grandchildren at Trout Lake. She looked forward to evenings at the lake when it was “Smore making time” and the kids would make her some and bring them to her.
She also enjoyed going to Vermont every holiday, especially, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. She often mentioned how much fun it was to watch the kids hunt for Easter eggs in the snow!
Smitty touched many lives through her passion for life. In all of her accomplishments, goals, struggles and triumphs, Smitty had a deeper strength that she relied on, a strong purpose and knowledge of who she was, what she wanted, and very often how she was going to get there. Smitty was extremely, bright and very witty.
In her last weeks of life, Anne, Katie, Matt, Tanis, Gloria and Marcie were her caregivers. They all cared for her as if she were their own Mom. Smitty’s family is eternally grateful to them.
Smitty is survived by her son, Dr. Michael Brown and wife Ann of Williston, VT, four grand children, Shannon Kennedy, Aaron Brown and wife Sue, Kathy Duff-Brown, mother of Shannon and Aaron, Ali Wisehart and husband Ben, and Devin Brown, eight great grand children, Ian, Padraig, Kiernan, Joslyn and Colin, Addy, Everett, and Paxton. She is also survived by her extended family in VT: Sean and Jowee Harrington and their sons, Joseph and Dana, Todd and Cathy Harrington and their children Tessa and Aiden, Sarah and Ryan Langlois and their sons, Tanner and Andrew.
Many thanks to the Hospice team, Jill, Lucille, Elizabeth, Edie, Kathleen and Pastor Rob for stopping by regularly to make sure Mom was resting comfortably.
There will be a graveside service on November 2, 2013, 1:00 PM, at Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, New York, Reverend Robert Schrimer officiating. There will be a luncheon following the service at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.