Stella Cecilia Pevear

Stella Cecilia Pevear, 81, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at her home under the care of her loving family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 10:00 to 11:30 am with a memorial service at 11:30 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and a celebration of life to follow at 12:30 pm at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur.

Stella was born in Pine Island, NY on December 17, 1943, the daughter of Joseph and Stella (Daios) Zupetz. She graduated from Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, NY in 1961 and then served in the United States Army from December 1961 to August 1967 as a Dental Assistant.

Stella was previously married to Irving Pevear. They resided in Brentwood, NH until they moved to the Gouverneur area where they raised their family while running a dairy farm. Stella worked for the Department of The Army at Fort Drum as a Supply Technician and retired in 2013.

Stella and her companion, Edward Lincoln, of 36 years, enjoyed spending time with their family, especially the grandchildren. You could often find Stella in her flower gardens where she spent most of her summer days. She also enjoyed reading and playing the lottery. She will be remembered most for her generosity and love for others.

She is survived by her daughter Sherri Knight and her husband Jeff of Gouverneur, NY, son Hollis Pevear and his wife Chando of Dacula, Georgia, Patrick Lincoln of Webster, NY, grandchildren Samantha Campanaro and her husband Jim, Daniel Mullin and his wife Maya, Allyson Smith and her husband Joey, Prescott Pevear, Hayden Lincoln, Samantha Lincoln and 5 great grandchildren.

Stella is also survived by her sister Jane Harris of Pine Island, NY, her sister-in-law Charlotte Zupetz, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, a brother John Zupetz, and a brother-in-law Tom Harris.

In honor of Stella, memorial donations are encouraged to the Gouverneur Garden Club.

Max A. Tessmer II

Max A. Tessmer II celebrated his 64th birthday in the loving embrace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. Max passed away on December 20, 2024 at Upstate Medical in Syracuse, after a lifetime of dedicated service and love to God and mankind.

Max was born on December 20, 1960 in Gouverneur, NY to Max E. and Vivian E. (Orford) Tessmer. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1979 and then went on and received his BS degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cornell University. 

Max was a lifelong dairy farmer, owning and operating the family farm, Tessacres Farms. Mack was very active in several local churches and bible studies and was active in Prison Ministry for a time. He had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at Chub Lake on the family farm. He treasured playing volleyball, playing cards and games with his family and friends and was an aspiring guitar player. 

Surviving are his mother, Vivian; a son, Max E. (Brooke) Tessmer II; four daughters, Gretchen Tessmer, Heidi (Doug) Turner, Olivia Tessmer and Annie Tessmer; the mother of his five children, Jacqueline Tessmer; four sisters, Bethany Northrup, Cynthia (Robert) Angyal, Belinda Tessmer and Melissa Tessmer; close friends Judd and Courtney Foote, and their four children that he regarded as family; an aunt, Dorothy Orford; an uncle, Stan (Joanne) Orford; a niece and several nephews and several cousins and his beloved dog, Tyr. Max is predeceased by his father, Max E. Tessmer.

There will be calling hours for Max on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 28th from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur, with a Celebration of Life immediately following on Saturday, December 28th at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in recognition of Max’s generous and giving heart, to please feel free to pay it forward to those who are in need.

Roger J. Frisco

Roger J. Frisco, age 72, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

Roger was born on September 1, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late James H. and Ruth A. (LaRock) Frisco. He was one of five children. Roger graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1970. On September 27, 1980, he married Sandra Miller. They had a wonderful life together and had four beautiful children.

Roger was a self-employed master carpenter. He was a skillful woodworker and enjoyed working on the lathe creating beautiful wood pieces. One of his favorite pastimes was to ride his motorcycle in the Adirondack Mountains.

Surviving is his wife, Sandra; three sons, Jamie, Jesse and George; a daughter, Ayla and seven grandchildren.

In keeping with Roger’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Marlene Watson

Marlene Watson, 89, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Gouverneur Hospital.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm with Linda McEathron officiating at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur and private burial in Fairview Cemetery, Edwards.

Marlene was born in Edwards on August 14,1935, the daughter of Leone and Evelyn (Barraford) Watson.

She graduated from Edwards Central School, NYS College for Teachers in Albany, and received her master’s degree from St. Lawrence University.

Marlene was employed at Clifton-Fine Central School before joining Gouverneur Central School where she worked until retirement in January 1990. She was a beloved teacher who strived to make every student succeed.

Marlene was an icon in the community frequently seen walking for miles every day. She also volunteered at the Kinney Nursing Home, and she developed many close relationships with friends and neighbors. She loved to travel, play tennis, and play cards with her sister and nieces.

She is survived by her sister, Joanne Orford of Gouverneur, as well as several nieces and nephews. Marlene is predeceased by her parents Leone and Evelyn, and her brothers, Robert Watson and Roderick Watson.

Memorial donations in honor of Marlene may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

William Porter

William F. Porter, age 90, of Gouverneur, passed away on December 1, 2024 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

There will be no services. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

William was born on July 20, 1934 in Pitcairn to the late Arthur F. and Grace M. (Farr) Porter. He graduated from Edwards High School and married Suzanne K. Benjamin on October 29, 1966 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church. He had served in the United States Army from March 27, 1957 until his honorable discharge on March 26, 1959.

William farmed it before working at the Natural Dam Paper Mill and St. Joe Minerals as a laborer, then worked as a mechanic on Fort Drum until retiring in 1992. At home, William enjoyed raising and keeping horses.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Porter, two daughters, Melissa Ellen and Tim Bishop and Wendy Sue and Ben Martin, siblings, Carol Felt and Patricia Reed, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by siblings, Mohan Porter, Benjamin Porter, Irvin Porter, Lillian Gollinger, Sally Hays, Margaret Whitford, and Evelyn Richards.

Robert F. Paro Jr.

Funeral services for Robert F. Paro Jr., 82, of Richville, New York, will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Frary Funeral Home in Ogdensburg, NY. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25th, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the funeral service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Heuvelton with a reception at the Heuvelton Fire Hall.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Robert F. Paro, Jr., known by his family as “Chug,” and by “Popcorn” to his work friends, was born on October 18, 1942 in Fine, NY.  He was the son of the late Robert and Matha (Daniels) Paro, Sr.  As a boy, he attended a one-room school house and later Lisbon Central School and worked on the family farm.  He loved the dairy farm life and working with his parents and siblings.

On February 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, Edna May Carter.  They initially resided on the family homestead until they bought their own farm in Depeyster which Robert operated as dairy for a few years.  He also hauled milk for the local farmers and he and Edna started their family there. He later went on to have a hobby farm in Richville where he loved raising cattle and other livestock for the remainder of his life.

Robert began working for St. Joe Mineral Corp. in Fowler, NY in late 1960’s.  Robert was active in his union and served on the mine rescue team.  After a long strike at the mines, Robert began working as a member of the Laborer’s Local Union #1822 in Massena, NY in 1985.  He worked in construction and as a heavy equipment operator until the end of his career.  Robert had an exemplary work ethic and enjoyed the company of his co-workers.

Robert loved to travel and take long road trips with his family and friends.  As a boy, he dreamed of traveling to all 50 of the United States.  He accomplished this in 2003 with a surprise romantic trip to Hawaii with Edna which he bought her for her birthday.  Family trips also included Nova Scotia, Alaska, Hershey Park, the State Fair, New England, and Myrtle Beach.  He and Edna did an extensive cross-country trip of the US visiting several national parks and monuments.  The year that Disney World opened in 1972 he took his daughters to enjoy the new iconic attraction.  Robert loved sharing his experiences with all who would listen. 

Robert was a storyteller.  He loved to recount the details of his adventures.  He was a great observer of the world, of people, and the wildness of life.  He loved to make people laugh with his corny jokes.  In true grandpa style, he teased his grandchildren and found himself very funny.   He loved gardening (Does anyone need a zucchini?), tooling around on his tractor, and maintaining his swimming pool.  He was an avid fan of SU Basketball and SLU Hockey, both the women’s and men’s teams. 

But he was the biggest fan of his grandchildren.  He loved watching their athletic endeavors and concerts, and cheering them on at games and meets regardless of the weather or distance.  He smiled as they played together in the pool; showed them how to stack wood; and spent as much time with them as he could. They were one of his greatest joys.

His is survived by his wife of 61 years, Edna May (Carter) Paro, his children; Laurie Paro and her companion Hugh Matt of Canton, Linda Paro and her companion Matt Chesebro of Rome, and Lisa Knight and her husband Leo Knight Jr. of Gouverneur.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his grandchildren; Nathan Minckler and his wife Rachel of Fredericksburg, VA, Jonathan Carls of Westboro, MA, Kurtis Knight of Waltham, MA and Kortney Knight of Gouverneur.  He is survived by his sisters; Beverly Becker and her husband Gus of Ogdensburg and Barbara Burns of Ogdensburg. His brother-in-law, Charles “Chick” Carter also survives him along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his daughter Rose Beth Paro in infancy, his brothers; Bradford and Ronald Paro and his sister Beatrice Lytle.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.

Barbara J. Frank

Barbara J. Frank, 86, of Harrisville, NY, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. She was born on June 10, 1938, in Harrisville, NY, to the late Lee Rose and Dorothy Lewis. Barbara was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Carl and Eva VanBrocklin, who became her guardians from birth.

A proud member of the Harrisville Central High School Class of 1955, Barbara continued her education at Mercy Nursing School in Watertown, NY. After completing her training that included rotations in Ogdensburg and Brooklyn, she graduated in 1957 as a Registered Nurse. Barbara devoted over 30 years of compassionate care to patients at Mercy Hospital in Watertown, touching the lives of countless individuals and their families.

Barbara married the love of her life, Clyde (Sam) Frank Jr., on June 10, 1961, at St. Francis Solanus Church in Harrisville, NY. Their 63-year marriage was a testament to love, faith, and devotion. Together, they raised seven children: Michael John, Michelle Rene (and her husband Rick Harriman), Lynne Marie (and her husband Amadeo De Jesus), Julie Anne, Scott William (and his wife Deborah), Christopher Stephen (and his wife Andrea), and Danielle Elizabeth (and her husband Michael Taylor). Barbara also leaves behind her sister-in-law Mary Alice Frank and 16 beloved grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Barbara's heart was forever tied to the Adirondacks, where she and Sam owned and operated Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm from 1978 to 2001. A skilled artisan, Barbara crafted Christmas wreaths that adorned the homes of many families for decades. She was a longtime communicant at St. Francis Solanus Church and an active member of the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her dear friends. Barbara’s life was filled with the simple joys of nature, reading, and the cherished moments spent watching wildlife around her beautiful log home. She was deeply grateful for her family and their shared memories.

A funeral mass for Barbara will be held at St. Francis Solanus Church in Harrisville on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Father Manford officiating. Visitation will be held prior to mass on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 8:30 - 10:30 am at Frary Funeral Home in Harrisville. Following the funeral mass, Barbara will be laid to rest at Harrisville Cemetery.

Barbara's radiant smile, unwavering love for her family, and her zest for life have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, devotion, and joy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Carol Matthews Hurley

Nancy Carol Matthews Hurley (1939 – 2024) became one of heaven’s most cherished angels on November 15.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Patrick Barry Hurley (Buddy) and her three children; her son Patrick Bruce, his wife Michelle and their children; Shawn Patrick, Kelsey Erin and Conor Patrick and his wife Cassandra, her daughter Sue Anne Stuckless, husband Randy and son Matthew Agone, his wife Katie and their children Elliana and Dominick, and her daughter Karyl Jeanne and her husband Gail Smith.  Nancy and Pat grew up in Talcville, NY as children and met again as young adults as they began their respective careers in nursing and the Navy. They married on New Year’s Eve 1960 and began a family while moving to naval bases from Boston to VA, to CT, SC, MS and eventually settled in Henrietta, NY where they have lived since 1972.

Nancy is renowned for her kindness and generosity of spirit.  She made best friends wherever they were stationed and was honored for her work in the Navy Ladies’ Auxiliary for helping other families while Pat was at sea on submarine duty.  She resumed her nursing work at Catholic schools in Rochester, NY and volunteered in the Red Cross.  Nancy was exceptionally creative and became skilled at sewing, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, painting, quilting, scrapbooking, and gardening. Her fried chicken and her mother’s doughnuts were family favorites, and buttered popcorn with fudge were weekly treats with the grandkids. Being outside in nature was her happy place whether she was cross-country skiing, walking in Mendon Ponds Park taming the chickadees, sitting on the patio surrounded by her peonies, or at ‘camp’ with family and good friends on Lake Ontario. Together, she and Pat explored forty-eight states as well as many sites abroad in Great Britain, Ireland, Paris, Switzerland, and Italy. In life, she was a beloved spouse, a dedicated, proud and loving Mom and (Great) Grandma (GG), and a fiercely loyal friend.  Her gifts to those of us left behind are eternal optimism, laughter, the love of animals, and finding joy in the changing of the seasons as they were her favorite times of the year. She left the world a far better place and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Nancy and Pat agreed that they did not want a funeral service and instead, we will have a small family celebration of life someday when they are together again. In the meantime, we would be so grateful if you could share your memories in tribute to her here: https://rochestercremation.com/obituary/nancy-carol-matthews-hurley.

Shirley R. Burgess Jones

Shirley R. Jones, age 93, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on November 15, 2024 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

Shirley R. Burgess Jones was born in Johnson City, NY on July 25, 1931. She was the daughter of Lowell R. Burgess and Ruth A. Barnum Burgess. Shirley graduated from Vestal High School in 1949, with a secretarial education. She was employed by General Aniline & Film Corp., Ansco Division, Binghamton, NY. Monarch Life Insurance Company in Springfield, MA Penn State University, Deputy Town Clerk in Gouverneur, NY; was a part time legal secretary for Attorney Robert Ayling in Gouverneur. And was a part time secretary for Gouverneur Central School.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Lacey Jones in August of 1953. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with their children and their families in 2003 in the Adirondacks. Shirley was an accomplished artist, photographer, quilter, crafter and her love of the Adirondacks and the five visits to Hawaii where her son Lee lived was her inspiration for most of her art work and photography.

Shirley volunteered for many organizations. She was active for 26 years with the Thousand Island Girl Scout Council from 1967-1992. She was a troop leader for three levels from 1969-1975. From 1972-1992, Shirley was director of neighborhood events, day camp staff, member of delegate assembly, adult enrichment coordinator for the council overseeing the annual spring and fall adult training events held in Gouverneur for nine years. Shirley was awarded the Girl Scout highest adult award, Thanks Badge in 1985 and in 1989, Thanks Badge II, the first in TIGS council to receive this honor. She was Den Mother for both sons for eight years. Co-chaired the annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquets. Costumer for eight Gouverneur High School musicals. E.J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary member and co-chaired holiday craft table for two years. Co-chaired crafts for 1st United Methodist Church bazaars from 1970-1990. Shirley was the first woman trustee of the Gouverneur Methodist Church, serving twelve years, also as secretary. She quilted with a group from the church and was a member of the Knitting club.

In 1993, Lacey and Shirley retired to the Adirondacks, Kiwassa Lake and Lake Placid. Shirley’s love of the Adirondacks began when her parents camped at Fish Creek when she was a young child. She and Lacey spent their honeymoon at Seventh Lake. They tent camped with their children and then spent 41 years at their cottages at Lake Clear and Kiwassa Lake. Our greatest joy was sharing our Adirondack homes with family and friends. Shirley was president of Paint and Palette Art Association for nine years and was their representative as a member of the revitalization of down town Saranac Lake. 2004 the Saranac Lake Library exhibited her photography and paintings of her two favorite places, the Adirondacks and Hawaii. Shirley was secretary for the Kiwassa Lake Association for nine years, trustee for Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, volunteer for Historic Saranac Lake, member of Lake Placid Red Hat Society.

They returned to Gouverneur in 2005 and Shirley was a trustee for the United Methodist Church for two terms, member of the United Methodist Women, Trustee and historian for Gouverneur Public Library, member and historian for Shakespeare Club, Les Beaux Arts Club and past president, volunteer of the Arts Club and a volunteer at the Gouverneur Museum.

Shirley is survived by a daughter, Chris (David) Middlemore of Baldwinsville, NY; Granddaughter Lacey (William) Pickett, great granddaughters Teagan and identical twins Harper and Henley of Rural Retreat, VA; Grandson Charles (Violeta) Duggan and great grandson Nolan of Roanoke, VA; Granddaughter Jennifer (Michael) Wells and great granddaughter Aubrey and Emma of Baldwinsville, NY; Grandson David Middlemore Jr. (Sabrina) and great grandson, Colton of Baldwinsville, NY; Son, Leland Jones (Dena King) and granddaughter Murilla King of Taos, NM; Son, Scott Jones (George Pinney) of Pittsfield, MA; sister, Ila Jean Popple of Gainsville, FL; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Lowell and Ruth Burgess; her beloved husband of 66 years, Lacey L. Jones; her sisters, Juanita and (Vincent) Homer and Elaine and (Anthony) Johnson; her brother-in-law, Paul Popple and sisters-in-law, Sandra and (Harold) Roth and Louellen Jones.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service at the request of Shirley. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ryan’s Wish Foundation, PO Box 326, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Evelyn Mary Washburn

Evelyn “Aunt Mary” Washburn, age 108 ½, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on April 15, 1916 to the late Grover Cleveland and Evelyn (Mc Grane) Washburn. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1933 and then went on to St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Ogdensburg. She then joined the Naval Reserves during World War II and was stationed in Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Virginia as a nurse for 16 months and then had orders to depart with the Seabees for California and on to the war zone. However, fate interfered and by the time she arrived to the west coast, the battles were at an end. When she returned home, the GI bill allowed her to further her education at Columbia University in New York City and then she enrolled at Boston University for physical therapy and graduated with a Master’s in Rehabilitation Nursing. She worked in the Rochester area for two years and then came to work with the New York State Health Department and retired from there at the age of 55. She decided to work part-time as a in-home physical therapist with the Jefferson County Public Health Department for 18 years, before retiring again.

In her younger years, Mary belonged to a jazz band named Bud LaRue and his Eight Beautiful Girls and they played all over the area. Mary enjoyed spending time at her home on Clear Lake in Plessis. She enjoyed playing golf, was a world class scrabble player and loved ice cream and socializing.

Surviving is a nephew David Spilman Sr.; great nieces and nephews, Dale Spilman, Amy Robinson, Ann Marotta, Eric Spilman, Connie Stowell, David Spilman Jr., Shelly Dodds, Sherry Geer, Nancy Spilman, Natalie Spilman, Marty Spilman and Vanessa Wallace; and several great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Mary is predeceased by her parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Jane E. and Jim Dyer; a nephew Kenly Spilman and niece Janine Wallace and two great nephews Paul Spilman and Luke Wallace.

After dedicating many years in the nursing field, Mary had decided to donate her body to science. She is currently the oldest recipient at the Upstate Science Medical Program. There will be a memorial service for Mary on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to St. James Church, Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley or to Friends 4 Pound Paws.

Vera C. Young

Vera C. Young, age 80, of Antwerp, NY passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at her home.

There was a graveside service for Vera on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at New St. James Cemetery on Rt 58 S. in Gouverneur with Father Jay Seymour officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Vera was born on September 19, 1944 in Copenhagen, NY to the late Henry and Antoinette (Zimmerman) Eisel. She attended Copenhagen Central School where she participated in Cheerleading and Marching Band and graduated from there in in 1962. She won best typist of the year in 1962 and went on to the Watertown School of Commerce where she obtained a Certificate of Stenography. Vera worked at the Merchants National bank in Syracuse NY until she left employment to get married. On September 28, 1963 she married Thomas G. Young at St. Mary’s Church in Copenhagen. Vera became a wife and homemaker and raised 8 children, settling on a dairy farm in Antwerp NY where she kept the books for the farm. She would often volunteer for any activities at her children's school, St. James in Gouverneur where she worked in the cafeteria for a time. She kept and maintained beautiful photo albums for her entire family. Vera volunteered for many church activities at St James Church in Gouverneur and her favorite was the summer socials. She worked in Dietary at E.J. Noble Hospital for many years and retired from there in 2012. In her free time, she also enjoyed painting ceramics at a local shop in Gouverneur and taking care of her vegetable and flower gardens. Vera attended her grandchildren’s many school, dance, sports and 4-H activities, always encouraging them. Vera and her dear friend Alice Phillips traveled together going as far away as Alaska one year. She also corresponded with many friends and relatives with calls, letters and cards every year to keep in touch.

Surviving is her husband, Thomas; four sons, James (Antonette) Young, Thomas (Sara) Young Jr., Mark Young and Andrew (Jennifer) Young; four daughters, Loucinda (Eddy) Cipriano, Antoinette (Jason) Moon, Teresa (Clayton) Rumble and Julie (Jeremiah) Eaton; four brothers, John (Gail) Eisel, Steve Eisel, Rudy (Betty) Eisel and Roland (Lou) Eisel; a sister, Anne “Babe” (Herb) Stephenson; a sister-in-law, Marion Eisel; 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Vera is predeceased by her parents, a brother Al Eisel, mother and father-in-law Clarence and Alice Young, two nephews Bruce Eisel and Billy Eisel and a brother-in-law Bill Young.

Cynthia Louise Pohl Morgan

Cynthia Louise Pohl Morgan stepped into eternity from Grand Junction, Colorado on October 12, 2024, at the age of 80.

Cindy was born July 2, 1944, to the late Robert and Ada (Lovelace) Pohl in Gouverneur, New York. She was the oldest of seven children and grew up in Oswegatchie, NY. Upon graduating from Clifton-Fine Central School, Cindy attended Plattsburgh State. On February 2, 1964, Cindy married Lawrence Baird Morgan Jr. in Watertown, New York where they welcomed two sons, Lawrence Baird Morgan III and Robert David Morgan.

Upon being widowed in 1968, Cindy and her young sons moved to Colorado where she built a life for 47 years. Cindy was a licensed cosmetologist and later worked in the food service industry for the State of Colorado and the prestigious Broadmoor Hotel. In 2015, Cindy returned to New York where she shared a home with her sister for eight years before relocating to Colorado in 2023 to be closer to her two sons and their families.

Cindy was a faithful Christ follower and spent much of her time serving at her church. She frequently volunteered at back-to-school events for local children, donated her homemade jams for fundraising, and volunteered on various committees. Cindy also enjoyed a lifetime of sewing, gardening, canning, baking, reading, and various creative activities which she frequently turned into gifts for her treasured family and friends.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents: Robert and Ada (Lovelace) Pohl, and husband: Lawrence Baird Morgan Jr. She is survived by loving family including six siblings: Gretchen Currier, Sarah (Steve) Oddi, Katrine (Donald) Held, Susan (Peter) Kerr, Robert (Patricia) Pohl, and Major Harold (Carla) Pohl; her two sons: Lawrence Baird (Kelly) Morgan III, Robert David (Angela) Morgan, two grandchildren: Lawrence Baird (Selah) Morgan IV and Kaitlyn Elizabeth Roberts; and three great-grandchildren: Lawrence Baird Morgan V, Theodore Rex Roberts, and Ember Rose Morgan; along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial services will be held in New York and Colorado. On Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, 34 Grove Street, Gouverneur, New York 13642. And on Saturday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM at New Life Church, World Prayer Center, 11005 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made to the First United Methodist Church - Fuel Oil Fund. Condolences may be made online to www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Agnes E. Woodrow

Agnes E. Woodrow, 102, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18th at 11:00 am at Hermon United Methodist Church with pastor Martha Helmer officiating and burial to follow in Hermon Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 17th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Agnes was born on January 8, 1922 in Gouverneur, the daughter of Frederick and Ethel (Baxter) Blandin.

While growing up she attended schools in Spragueville and Hermon.

Aggie married Everett Woodrow on January 27, 1941 at Edwards Methodist Church Parsonage.

The couple ran their farm for nearly 30 years while Agnes also worked as a rural mail carrier for 24 years and owned/operated the Hermon IGA Store for 8 years. Everett passed away on December 5, 2007.

Agnes was a member of the Hermon United Methodist Church and the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, visiting the casino, and spending time with her family, friends and cat Jordan. She also enjoyed running the concession stand at auctions for Willis Shattuck and selling her homemade doughnuts that everyone loved at the auctions.

She is survived by her children Karen and Francis “Hank” Pike of Russell, Clifford “Stub” and Barbara Woodrow of Hermon, her Great Granddaughter whom she raised Abbigaile and Andrew Bonno of Colton, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, her sister Juanita Thornton of Portland, NY, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, a brother Dean Blandin, Grandsons Michael Peabody Jr. and Frederick Peabody, and Great Grandson Grant Joseph Woodrow.

We would also like to thank Rose, Esther and Karla for having so much compassion and caring for “Aggie” throughout her journey.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers in honor of Aggie are encouraged to Hermon United Methodist Church, Hermon Vol. Fire Department, Russell Vol. Fire Department, or Hospice of St Lawrence Valley.

Larry Joseph Murdie

Larry Joseph Murdie, age 73, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forest, MS. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Larry was born on September 23, 1951, to Clarence Murdie and Jane Walrath in Gouverneur, NY. He had lived in Forest, MS for the past thirty-five years. Larry loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, collecting antiques, metalworking, and watching westerns. He served his country in the Marines for two years and had a great career with Hughes and Raytheon.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Murdie; his parents, Clarence and Jane Murdie and his brother, Clarence “Jerry” Murdie. He is survived by his three children, Casey Murdie (Brandi), Tami Hollingsworth (Ted), and Kelli Clayton (Van); his siblings, Grace (Otis) Woods, John (Jo Ann) Murdie, Mark Murdie, Claressa (Joseph) Fitzgerald, Susan Labow, Bertha (David) Morrow; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lionel Carlos Griffith

Lionel Carlos Griffith, 82, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024 at his home in Portland, Oregon.

He was born June 14, 1942 in Gouverneur, New York, the son of Carlos and Ercile Belmore Griffith. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1960. Lionel enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was an electronics technician. Upon leaving the Air Force, he was employed at Proctor and Gamble in sales and promotions.

A graduate of San Francisco City College majoring in photography, Lionel had a photography studio while employed with the U.S. Postal Service. Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1975, he was employed at Rose Auto Salvage in the counter sales department. He retired after 30 years.

Lionel married Suzanne Suppo. They later separated, but remained lifelong friends.

Lionel is survived by a son Jules and Kelly Griffith (Melbourne, Australia), a daughter Denise and Jeff Hills (South Lake, Texas), and grandchildren and children Scarlette Griffith, Coltrane Griffith, Collette Hill and Corrine Hill, brothers Mike Griffith and Hazel Deremiah (Gouverneur, NY) Stephen Griffith (Gouverneur, NY) and Donald (Kathy) Griffith (Holton, Kansas), a sister Brenda (Gil) Streeter (North Gouverneur, NY), and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a mother, father and sister, Elsie Brown.

Donations in memory of Lionel may be made to Gouverneur Museum, 30 Church St., Gouverneur, NY 13642, or to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394 (55 Owl Road), Gouverneur, NY 13642 or email friends4poundpaws@gmail.com.