Category: Obituaries

CANISTEO – Beloved father and friend, Thomas Aquinas Cassidy, passed away early Sunday morning (Nov. 19, 2023) at the age of 86.

Thomas was born on July 6, 1937 to Francis and Hazel (Smith) Cassidy in Hornell NY. Tom graduated from Hornell High School in 1955 and went on to study at Alfred State College.

After graduating with an associate’s degree, he started his first job at the former Loohn’s Dry Cleaners in Hornell until kickstarting his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) building bridges and roads for over 30 years.

In addition to being a dedicated employee, Tom was an excellent husband. On May 21, 1966, he was married at St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo to the former Phyllis D. Sanford. Tom and Phyllis went on to have two children, Kyle Cassidy and Carrie Cassidy.

After retiring he spent his time as an avid gardener, hunter, fisher, and a much-loved grandfather. Tom was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout and faithful communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He attended the Sunday afternoon rosary and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and helped to maintain a beautiful rose garden.

Tom was known for his lighthearted personality and contagious sense of humor. He often thought of others first and never hesitated to offer his help in any way he could.

He was considered a loyal NY Giants fan through thick and thin and loved to travel. Some of his favorite places to travel with his wife were the Outer Banks, the coastline of Maine, and Arizona.

When he wasn’t traveling, he was a fan of boxing, collecting train memorabilia, and attending a variety of performing arts.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, three older sisters, and his wife of 57 years on July 16, 2023. He is lovingly survived by two children, Kyle (Michelle) Cassidy and Carrie (Robert) Cassidy-Struble; several grandchildren; as well as his nieces and nephews.

To honor his request there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his memory at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 28, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. A reception will follow at the Canisteo Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston Food Pantry, 34 E. State St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Tom’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Tom are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

NORTH HORNELL – Sarah S. (Stack) Heineman left this world on Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023) after an amazing life full of family, service, travel, and learning. She was born in Cambridge, MA in 1939 and grew up in nearby Medford, MA the only child of the late Louis and Madeline Stack. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by a first cousin, Mary Craig.

An excellent student, Sarah graduated from Medford High School in 1956 and attended the Hotel School at Cornell University from 1956 until 1958. There she met her loving husband, Duane Heineman of Elma, NY and they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Medford, MA on Aug. 16, 1958.

After a brief but memorable stint in El Paso, TX during Duane’s service in the Army, they made Springbrook, NY their home until 1978. Their family grew steadily with sons Jeff (1959), Jim (1960), Bill (1965), and daughter Susan (1969). Sarah was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook, NY including teaching CCD and volunteering at Tuesday Night Bingo.

Their lives were full of birthday parties, snowy Christmas’, and regular travel around the United States including the annual Cornell Homecoming Weekend. In 1978, the family moved to Hornell, NY and Sarah and Duane saw all four kids off to college, married off three and eventually welcomed eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren into the family.

Sarah plunged into volunteer work in the community serving on the Institute for Human Services Kinship Advisory Committee, as a leader in the United Way of the Southern Tier, as a volunteer with Academic All Stars and part-time administrative help in the Hornell Public Schools. She was also a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

She became an avid quilter and amateur photographer as she and Duane’s travel moved overseas after he retired. They enjoyed visiting many countries in Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Morocco. Sarah never lost her love of learning and was always plunging into new books and documentaries to understand the world better. A highlight of almost every summer was family get togethers in the Adirondack Mountains with dear Cornell friends Ruth and Fred Erlich and their family. Her family and friends will always remember her warmth, good humor, chocolate chip cookies, and her love for all of us.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 65 years, Duane; four children, Jeff (companion Amy), Jim (companion Ivy), William (wife Linda) and daughter, Susan (husband Tom) Stanko; eight grandchildren, Christopher James, Kelsey, Louis, Tyler, Joanna, Kate, Madeline and Emily; three great-grandchildren, Emeril, JR and Cameron; as well as multiple cousins in the Boston, MA area where she grew up.

There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. Thursday (DEC. 28, 2023). A celebration of Sarah’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell. Interment will be Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the United Way of the Southern Tier, P.O. Box 284, Elmira, NY 14902. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Sarah’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Sarah are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

ALFRED STATION – James Edward Hawes, 87, affectionately known as either “Jim” or “Ed”, entered into rest unexpectedly on Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023) at his home on County Route 68 (Town of Hartsville).

Born in Watkins Glen, NY on June 9, 1936, he was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Whitford) Hawes. On Nov. 16, 1957 he married his beloved Mary (Gardner) Hawes, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen NY, who predeceased him on Feb. 6, 2019, after 61 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Wells and Marjorie Hawes; and a son-in-law, Mark Lehman.

A graduate of Watkins Glen High School, Jim proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to his honorable discharge in 1958 as a Lead Petty Officer in an electrical repair division. Following his military duty, he studied pre-engineering at Walker College in Alabama.

Jim began his employment with New York State in 1961 and in 1964 he began his career with the State University of New York at Alfred. He assisted in the management of the Maintenance and Operations Department for the 1000 acre main campus and 20 acres at the Wellsville, NY campus and served as the campus energy conservation officer; he retired as the Assistant Dean of Engineering. After his official retirement, he continued to serve as a consulting engineer on numerous projects.

A resident of the Town of Hartsville since 1967, he served as a member of the town board, the Justice of the Peace and chairman of the Assessment Review Committee.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he was a member of the Resurrection Choir, the “cleaning crew” and often assisted in repairs and making various items. Jim was also a member of the Amvets Post No. 245 and the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell where he also served on the board of directors.

Jim was a very meticulous craftsman and could build or repair just about anything. He especially enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and maintaining his home and equipment.

He is lovingly survived by two children, Harry (Diane) Hawes of Honeoye, NY and Kathy (Jon) Gallant of Alfred Station, NY; four grandchildren, Aaron (Megan) Lehman, Matthew (Gretchen) Lehman, Nick (Vanessa) Hawes and Becky Hawes; four great-grandchildren; Josephine Mary Joyce Lehman, Cade Matthew Lehman, Cameron DeCamilla and Lennox Deane Hawes; his beloved dog, Archie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 8, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023). Interment, with military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday at Seneca Union Cemetery, Valois, NY.

The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Jim’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

HORNELL – Arlene E. Tobin, 92, of Sawyer Street, passed away late Tuesday evening (Oct. 31,2023) at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, after a recent illness.

Born in Susquehanna, PA on Dec. 13, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Marie(Moran) Westfall. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by one sister, Mary Louise Fogarty; and five brothers, Raymond, Allen, Kenneth, Jack and Thomas Westfall.

A graduate of Laurel Hill Academy in Susquehanna, Arlene was also a graduate of St. Joseph’ s Hospital School of Nursing in Elmira, NY where she received her Registered Nurse (RN) certification.

She was a former resident of Binghamton, NY and has resided in Hornell since 1958. After raising her children, she began her 24-year career as a RN at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell in 1970, retiring in 1994.

Arlene was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where she was a member of the Resurrection Choir.

An avid golfer and Buffalo Bills fan, she also enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach, SC, to spend the winter months. Most of all she loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 67 years, James E. Tobin, who she married at St. John’s Church in Susquehanna on Oct. 13, 1956; five children, Robert (Matilda) Tobin of Long Island, NY, Mary Beth (Charles) Purce of Binghamton, NY, Michael (Megan) Tobin of Boston, MA, James (Julie) Tobin of Hornell and Ann (Marty) O’Connor of Monroe, NY; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Monday (Nov. 6, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 7, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Arlene’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Arlene are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

ARKPORT – Robert S. “Bob” Pierce, 52, of County Route 46 (Town of Dansville) entered into rest Friday morning (Oct. 27, 2023) at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY with his devoted wife, Deb at his side.‎

Born in Elmira, NY on Feb. 16, 1971, he was a son of Lawrence E. “Larry” Pierce, who predeceased him on Feb. 15, 2016 and Margaret “Peggy” Pierce, who survives.

A resident of the Hornell area for most of his life, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1989.

He was employed as a manager at McDonalds in Hornell before he became the Sous Chef at the former Club 57 Restaurant and for the past 15 years he was employed as the Kitchen Manager at Applebee’s in Hornell. Wherever Bob was employed he had a wonderful working relationship with his co-workers.

A die-hard NY Giants fan, Bob loved being busy and especially enjoyed gardening and being outside. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, son and brother; he adored his “girls” and loved being a “Papa.”

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 17 years, Deborah (Smith) Pierce, who he married in Arkport, NY on Aug. 19, 2006; two daughters, Chelsea (Trevor) Miller of Greenwood, NY and Emily (Nicholas) Scannell of Zephyrhills, FL; four granddaughters, Onalea, Emory and Addalee Miller and Bexley Scannell; his mother, Peggy Pierce of Sebring, FL; one brother, Joseph (Tammy) Pierce of Brooksville, FL; one sister, Kandy (Barry) Medlen of Clermont, FL; a niece, Brooke Pierce and a nephew, Jason Pierce; also several aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his beloved Labradors, Cocoa and Denali.

Besides his father, he was predeceased by an infant brother, Lawrence E. Pierce II.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday (Nov. 3, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers and because of his love of animals, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bob’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Bob are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

HORNELL – Linda Boyce, 79, of Hornell, passed away peacefully on Saturday (October 21, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY after a long period of poor health.

Linda was born in Hornell on January 8, 1944, to Harold and Mae Lange. She was the oldest of 3 siblings; Sue Edington, who predeceased her earlier this year and Phil (and Kathy) Lange of Lockport. She is survived by her husband Robert, her son Ron (Charlene) of Rochester, her daughter Carrie (Vinny) Secondo of Littleton, Colorado, and grandchildren Adam and Morgan Boyce and Ava and Alyssa Secondo.

In addition to her family, Linda had a great love for animals and particularly the dogs she raised and enjoyed over the years. She was also an avid reader and was devoted to the Hornell Public Library where she volunteered for many years.

A private service will be held at a later date where family will honor her memory as a caring and loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Linda’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Linda are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

John F. Gore, 95, of 24 Union St., Canisteo, died early Monday morning (October 23, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in Buffalo, NY on September 21, 1928, he was the son of Michael & Nora (Sullivan) Gore.

John grew up in Buffalo and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Elementary School (class of 1942). He later graduated from East High School in Buffalo (class of 1946).

Following high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army, and served his country from 1946 – 1948 at the end of WWII earning the Victory Medal.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, John enrolled at the University of Buffalo earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and becoming a school teacher. While teaching in various public schools in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area, he earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Buffalo. During the summer months of the early 1960’s, he took courses at Harvard University and worked part time in the lab of psychologist B.F. Skinner.

Throughout the years, John taught History and Social Studies at several Buffalo Area Schools and also taught for a year in Ripley, NY. In 1964 he began working for the Steuben-Allegany BOCES as a Driver’s Education instructor, a position that he held until his retirement in 1984. In 1986, John and Jeanne moved from Canisteo, where they had lived since 1970, to sunny Florida. From 1986 – 2007 he and his wife, Jeanne, resided in Port St. Lucie, FL, but for about 12 years he would return to New York State where he taught summer school classes in driver’s education in Allegany County schools. They returned to Canisteo in 2007.

John was a spiritual man who was known to attend both St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell and had many friends in both churches. He had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell Association, the Canisteo American Legion, and the Kanestio Historical Society. He was a friendly fellow whose dry sense of humor that had a way of sneaking up on others.

A true “history buff”, John loved reading and learning about WWI and WWII, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the Cold War era. He enjoyed collecting 78 RPM Records from the early 1900’s and vintage radios and wind up-phonographs. He was an avid coin collector who enjoyed listening to early 20th century vocalists such as Henry Burr, John McCormick, and Al Jolson. He belonged to the Al Jolson Society, a type of fan club whose members work to preserve Jolson’s music legacy for these times. John also loved watching classic movies including silent movies and the early ‘Talkies”.

Having grown up during the great depression, John had a keen sense of what people of that era endured and enjoyed reading and studying about those most difficult times. He wrote his own memoirs about his experiences entitled “The Birds Fly Upside Down” and was a contributor to the book “Frozen Laundry & Depression Soup”, a compilation of ordinary people’s accounts of the great depression.

John was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Angus; and four brothers, Kerry Gore, Daniel Gore, Kevin gore and Gerald Gore.

He was married on April 13, 1968, to the former Jeanne Rifenburg, who survives. Also surviving are his brother, Robert Gore of Amherst, NY, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Hornell Elks Lodge, Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will follow downstairs in the Elks Lounge.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 OR Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Center, 665 Elm Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

ALMOND / LIMA, NY – Helen M. Mullen, at 99 years young, a resident of Alpine Manor, Lima, NY, formerly of Almond, passed away early Friday morning (October 20, 2023) at the Avon Nursing & Rehab Facility in Avon, NY.

Born in Alfred Station on February 9, 1924, she was the daughter of Charles & Agnes (Muszinski) Woodruff.

Helen grew up in Alfred Station and was a graduate of Alfred High School (Class of 1942). Following high school, she was employed at Acme Electric in Wellsville, Worthington Pump in Wellsville, where she operated a tower crane during WWII, and Glidden Pottery in Alfred. Helen became employed by Alfred University in 1969, where she worked for 22 years, until her retirement in 1991.

She resided in Hornell and Almond for many years and after getting married, she began raising her family and was happy being a “Stay-At-Home-Mom.”

Helen had been a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond and a member of the Almond Senior Citizens’ Group. She enjoyed camping with her family, daily walks with her dear friend, MaryAnn Norton & their trips to Nashville & Branson and listening to Country Music. She was also an avid reader and especially loved reading novels by her favorite author, Clive Cussler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Willis “Burr” Woodruff; sister-in-law, Louise Woodruff; her great-granddaughter, Allison Gallow; her grandson-in-law, Craig Gallow.

Surviving are four daughters, Linda (David) Ryan of Odessa, NY, Mary (Mark) Schuster of Lima, NY, Janet (Larry “Scarey”) Egger of Winnabow, NC and Christine Freeland of Almond, NY. 10 grandchildren, Rebecca (Roger) Willis, Stephen (Nicole) Ryan, Melissa Gallow, Dane Schuster, Kimberly (Paul) Bielewicz, Meghan (Ken) Nowicki, Ryan (Danielle) Egger, Kristen (Blake) Allen, Nicole (Vance Nourse) Bordeaux and Gregory (Ashley) Freeland; 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved and adored. The feeling was mutual. Also survived by several nieces & nephews.

At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Brendon’s Church of Almond with Fr. James Hartwell officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Helen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the American Thyroid Association, 2000 Duke St., (Suite 300), Alexandria, VA 22314 (Phone: 703-998-8890) or to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, UT 84096 (Phone: 888-936-6731).

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

CLIFTON PARK/ALFRED STATION – Mary Jane Burdick, 85, of Clifton Park, NY, formerly of Pleasant Valley Road, Alfred Station, NY, passed away early Wednesday morning (Oct. 11, 2023) at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY.

Born in Hornell on July 19, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Emery and Rose (Cappell) Silsby. On June 2, 1970, she was married at St. Brendan’s Church in Almond, NY, to Douglas D. Burdick, who predeceased her on Sept. 15, 2013, after 43 years of marriage. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her first husband, Herman “Dutch” Faughnan; three children, John Faughnan, Lydia Puleo and Margery Day; and six siblings, Rose “Fritz” Casterline, Evelyn Coddington, John Silsby, James Silsby, Paul Silsby and Carol Campbell.

Her most important job was being the wife of Doug and mother of her eight children, as well as many others she unofficially adopted along the way.Mary Jane was very proud of her sewing skills and made most of her children’s clothes. After her children were grown, she became proud of the banners she helped make for many colleges and organizations through the Kampus Kave in Alfred, NY. Throughout the years, she also enjoyed reading and crocheting.
A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church in Almond and St. Jude’s Chapel in Alfred and loved to collect different types of rosary beads.

After the death of her husband Doug, she moved to Clifton Park to start a new chapter in her life with new friends, activities and hobbies.

She is lovingly survived by five children, Beth (Mark) Lay of Springville, NY, Dawn (Jessa Miller) Burdick of Alfred Station, Alan (Therese) Burdick of Lake Grove, NY, William Burdick of Liege, Belgium, and Gretchen Burdick of Clifton Park; a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Faughnan of Andover, NY; a son-in-law, Andrew Puleo of Wayland, NY; 18 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one sister Dolores “Dee” Cook of Pennsylvania; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 16, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet her family at St. Brendan’s Church, Almond, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 17, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at Alfred Rural Cemetery, Alfred Station.

An additional service will be held in Clifton Park at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either Catholic Charities-Steuben/Livingston (envelopes will be available at the funeral home) or to a local food pantry of the donor’s choice.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Mary Jane’s family with the arrangements.

To read Mary Jane’s complete obituary or to leave an online condolence or remembrance please visit the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

HORNELL – Joyce House Woodworth, 90, of State Street, entered into rest Saturday afternoon (Oct. 14, 2023), surrounded by her loving family, at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY.

Born in Hornell on Jan. 24, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Lucille (Robinson) Mess. On Oct. 16, 1953 she was married at the former Park United Methodist Church in Hornell to Ernest Woodworth, who predeceased her in 1965, after only 12 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her granddaughter, Camille Joyce Woodworth; two sisters, Marilyn (Sam) Speciale, Virginia (William) Weaver, two brothers, William (Jane) Mess and Edward Mess; two nephews, William Mess and Joseph Weaver; a niece, Diane Reagan; also her best friend, Bonnie Headley, and her next-door neighbor, Mariam Whitman;

A native and lifelong resident of Hornell, Joyce was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1951.

Throughout the years she served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, was employed at the former Westinghouse Co. in Bath and for many years she was an Avon sales representative. But her most important role was to be a devoted homemaker to her husband and three children.

Joyce attended the Free Methodist Church in Hornell and enjoyed the simpler thing in life such as car rides throughout the countryside and stopping for ice cream, eating out, she especially liked lunches with her fellow 1951 classmates, sitting on her porch, watching Turner Classic Movies, reading, listening to music and she was very fond of her pet bird “Kiwi.”

She is lovingly survived by her three children, Jane Trescott, Daniel (Yvonne) Woodworth and Randall (Raissa Secadron) Woodworth all of Hornell; five grandchildren, Sherrie Arnault, Rob Talbett, Craig (Maureen) Trescott, Joshua and Ryan Woodworth; eight great-grandchildren, Lucian and Meyer Talbett, Marc, Tressa and Taryn Arnault, Mason McNaughton and Danielle Trescott; a brother-in-law, Clifton (Dodie) Woodworth of Florida; a sister-in-law, Lola Page also of Florida; also many nieces and nephews; as well as her best friend, Shirley Faisst of Honeoye, NY.

The family would express that heartfelt appreciation to the staff St. James Hospital Emergency Room, Mercy Flight, F.F. Thompson Hospital ICU; Dr. Nasar Chaudhry, Dr. Iqbal. Dr. Sharda and Dr. Sabescumar.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 19, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral and committal service will take place following calling hours at 6 p.m. Thursday. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Mercy Flight Central, 2420 Brickyard Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424, the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell or to the Hornell Public Library, 62 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Joyce’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Joyce are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

VICTOR/HORNELL- Mary Kay Flansburg, 80, of Victor, NY, formerly of Hornell, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, Wednesday morning (Oct. 11, 2023) at her home in Victor.

Born in Hornell on April 23, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence S. “Ham” and Florence (McCarthy) Flansburg.

A graduate of St. Ann’s School, Mary Kay was also a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1961. She was a long time resident of Hill Street in Hornell and has resided in Victor for the past 10 years to be closer to her family.

In 1961 she began her 40 year career with the Hornell City School District in the office of the assistant superintendent and the superintendent of schools, retiring in 2001.

While residing in Hornell, Mary Kay was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a former member of the St. Ann’s School Alumni Association, the Hornell High School Alumni Association, the Hornell Business and Professional Women and the Professional Secretaries Association.

She enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, shopping and especially loved to spend time with her nephews and their families.

She is lovingly survived by her brother, Lawrence “Larry” (Sharon) Flansburg of Victor; her sister, Sally Ann Flansburg, who Mary Kay devoutly cared for; three nephews, Chad Flansburg (Christine) and their children, Grace Katherine Flansburg and Tripp McCarthy Flansburg all of Victor; Jeremy Flansburg (Summer) and their son, Jack Ryan Flansburg all of Rochester, NY and Jason (Josephine) Flansburg of Brockport, NY; also several cousins, including a special cousin and close friend, Joann Spencer of Rochester, NY. She was predeceased by a beloved family Goldendoodle, Duke.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Friday (Oct. 20, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 21, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Mary Kay’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Mary Kay are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

SWAIN / HORNELL-Marjorie A. “Margie” (Fucci) Blowers, 77, of Swain, NY passed away at home on September 23, 2023, following a long illness. Margie was comfortable at home and her wish was to spend her final time in the home she shared with her family for almost 50 years.

Born in Hornell on October 7, 1945, she was the daughter of Anthony & Mary (Caruso) Fucci. As a child, she attended St. Ann’s School and was a 1963 graduate of Hornell High School.

On October 5, 1974, she married the late James R. Blowers, and they enjoyed nearly 47 years of marriage together until his death on August 16, 2021. Margie and Jim are united together again!

For many years, Margie worked as a hairdresser before taking time away to stay home with her children. She returned to work as a teacher’s aide for Steuben- Allegany BOCES for 25 years, working with students with disabilities; a job she enjoyed very much.

Margie will forever be remembered as an amazing daughter, wife, mom, and Nana. She gave everything she had to her family. She was an amazing cook and many family meals were enjoyed around her table. Margie’s sense of humor and her ability to make people laugh was a gift. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, Jim, Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Anthony Fucci; her siblings, Clara Fucci, Michael Fucci, and Maria Ormsby.

Margie is survived by her daughter, Mary (Chris) Clark (and their son, Bryce of Corning, NY); her son, Jim Blowers (and his daughter, Jaiden, of Nunda, NY); her brother, Leonard (Diane) Fucci of Hornell; her sister, Amelia Dempsey of Hamburg, NY; and sisters-in-law, Linda Fucci, Bonnie Miller, Mary Lou Kernahan, and Patricia Selbig; neices and nephews; and special friends, Ann Hoeffner and Martha Bartle.

The family of Marjorie A. “Margie” Blowers will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Margie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Tender Loving Home Care Services, 43 Maple St., Canisteo, NY 14823. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.