Category: Obituaries

ADDISON / HORNELL-Sharon M. Watkins, 71, formerly of Addison, NY died Friday evening (November 11, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell where she had resided for the past 1 ½ years.

Born in Louisville, KY on October 25, 1945, she was the daughter of Darwin & Anna (Gregory) Vergason.

Sharon grew up in Coudersport, PA where she attended high school. She lived in Addison for about 30 years and had been employed for many years at Metamora Products Corp in Elkland, PA.

She enjoyed watching TV (especially the Sci-Fi stations). She had a deep love of animals, and throughout the years owned several cats.

Sharon was married on June 4, 1997 to Merlin Watkins who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her son, Francis “Buddy” Cavallaro who died in 1991.

Surviving are her daughter, Patsy (Steven) Givens of Wellsville; her mother, Anna Robertson of Kentucky; 3 grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Dixon, Ashley Dixon and Zachary Dixon; 1 great-grandson, Elliott Dixon; several brothers & sisters from Kentucky; several nieces & nephews.

At Sharon’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Sharon’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell (Activities Department), 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.

UMATILLA, Fla.-Bradley E. Cook, 82 of Umatilla, Fla. passed away on Thursday (Oct. 20, 2016).

Born in Canisteo on Oct. 13, 1934, he was the son of the late Arthur S. Cook and Harriett J. (Chase) Cook.

Bradley worked at the former Foster Wheeler Corp. of Dansville before moving to Florida in 1987.

He was a member of the National Rifle Association and during his early years he was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycles.

He is survived by three sons, Eugene Cook of Hornell, Gerald Cook of Hornell, and Bradley Cook of Factoryville, Pa.; three daughters, Janet (James) Reitnauer of Hornell, Terri Wise of Jermyn, Pa. and Julie (Michael) Bankson of Nicholson, Pa.; their mother, Dolores (Silsby) Cook; 17 grandchildren; one great grandchild; several nieces & nephews and his dear friends, Koko Gough and Alyssa.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Bradley E. Cook.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday (Nov. 12, 2016) at 12:00 pm at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

A private burial will take place at the Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences or remembrances of Bradley are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.

NORTH HORNELL-William J. “Bill” Testani, 87, of Seneca Road, passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, late Saturday morning at Elderwood at Hornell.

Born in Hornell on Nov. 13, 1928, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Morey) Testani. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two beloved daughters, Jovena Testani in 1977 and Andrea “Spook” Gordon in 2014; also his cherished granddaughter, Elianna Testani in 2001.

A lifelong resident of Hornell and North Hornell, Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1946. While still in high school, at the age of 16, he began his 47 year career with New York Telephone Company and retired 25 years ago from NYNEX as a Central Office Technician.

He was a former member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus, the Carducci Lodge, Sons of Italy in Hornell and the Addison Rod and Gun Club.

Throughout the years, Bill enjoyed various hobbies that he excelled in including hunting, fishing and skeet shooting. In his younger years he was a recreational pilot and after his retirement he began to play golf. Bill also loved animals and enjoyed spending time planting and caring for a huge vegetable garden that he planted at his home every year; he was well known for his garlic. Also during his younger years, he ran a television and radio repair shop out of his home and made his own homemade wine and champagne.

But above and beyond all of these hobbies and interests, he will be remembered for being a devoted, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather and great grandfather.

His loving family includes his wife of 64 years, the former Ruth Geleta, who he married in the chapel of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Aug. 16, 1952; his children, Thomas Testani, Mary Theresa “Beebe” (Frank) Kilcoyne, Roseanne (Thomas) Wall all of Hornell, James (Samantha) Testani of Arkport, Matthew (Jodi) Testani of Hornell, Michael (Lina) Testani of Stewartsville, N.J., Marisa “Tooey” Testani (Dr. Richard Ferro) of N.C. and Angela (David) Remchuk of Hornell. He was the proud and loving grandfather to 18 grandchildren and great grandfather to three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Frances Phillips of Long Island and his brother, Raymond (Sandra) Testani of Belle Haven; as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of William J. Testani.

To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Interment will be at the convenience of his family at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

Friends are invited to a celebration of Bill’s life that will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 13, 2016) at the Hornell V.F.W. Post, 245 Canisteo St., Hornell.

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

Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.

HORNELL/ROCHESTER, NY-Dolores F. HerrNeckar, 76, formerly of Ravine Street, Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 6, 2016) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on November 19, 1939, she was the daughter of Donald & Gladys (Preston) Farley.

Dolores grew up in the Hornell / Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1957). Following high school graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Buffalo and for several years served as a hairdresser in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Dolores enjoyed gardening & landscaping and actually took care of the lawn maintenance of several churches in the area. She enjoyed reading and also watching sporting events on TV. She especially enjoyed rooting for the New England Patriots (NFL), the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the New York Yankees (MLB).

Dolores is survived by 2 daughters, Teresa “Terri” (Elaine Apthorp) HerrNeckar of Milton, MA and Kristina “Kris” (James) Cutter of Rochester; 1 brother, Floyd (Betsey) Farley of Hornell; 1 sister, Donna (Robert) Williams of Hammondsport; 4 grandchildren, Scott, William, Allyson and Benjamin Cutter; her aunt, Helen Ross of South Hornell;1 niece, Kelly (Dean) Wightman of Prattsburg; 1 nephew, Darryl (Jamie) Williams of Hornell.

At Dolores’ request there will be no calling hours. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

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

Dolores’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.

HORNELL-Paul E. Shephard, 84, of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died Saturday morning (October 29, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died on his & his wife, Connie’s 61st wedding anniversary.

Born in Geneva, NY, on June 17, 1932, he was the son of Edward & Nita (Warne) Shephard.

Paul was a graduate of Geneva High School (class of 1950) and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Buffalo. He was employed as a pharmacist at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo for about a year.

On October 29, 1955 Paul married his best friend, Connie Lee and in 1956 they moved to Hornell.

He was hired by St. James Mercy hospital in 1956 as their 1st full time pharmacist. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and later served as vice-president of St. James. In 1990, he was named the
1st male president and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System, retiring in 1999. He is remembered as someone who cared deeply about St. James Mercy – the people, not the building.

Paul was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, member of the Hornell Rotary (where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award), and a member of the 911 Technology Task Force for Steuben County. He was a member of the Hornell Leadership Team for Appalachian Community Learning Project, co-founder of the Canisteo Valley Committee, and a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council. He served as Eucharistic Minister & lector at St. Ann’s Church, was director & vice-president of the Hornell YMCA Board, and served as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross Board. He also served as chairman of the Hornell United Way Campaign. Paul was honored to serve as the Hornell Police & Hornell Fire Commissioner in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

In 2002, Paul made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate. He was a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers and also Steuben County Rural Ministry.

Paul was a volunteer for the LPGA Corning Classic for 23 years and was involved with his children’s youth activities, having coached Biddy Basketball at the Hornell YMCA for 15 years, coached Grasshopper Baseball for many years and having served on the board of directors of Hornell Little League. He was a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club, enjoyed bowling and dancing. He was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. Paul was a devoted husband, father & grandfather who enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family.

His professional memberships include American College of Healthcare Executives; Rochester Regional Healthcare Association; NYS Catholic Conference; NYS Catholic Healthcare Council; National Rural Health Association; Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency; American Society Hospital Pharmacists; several councils of Eastern Mercy Health System and chairman of Joint Educational Training Management Committee.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, Clay W. shepherd who died in 2015.

Surviving are his wife, Connie; 5 sons, Paul (Laura) Shephard, JR of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Apex, NC, Robert Shephard of Beverly, MA, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela (Anthony) Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport, NY; Virginia Shephard of Almond; 1 sister, Eleanor Meath of Newark, NY; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & Nephews.

The family of Paul E. Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or the Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.

HORNELL-Sylvia J. George, 62, of 45 Sawyer St., died Thursday afternoon (October 27, 2016) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on May 24, 1954, she was the daughter of Arthur & Natalia (Carson) Tucker.

Sylvia grew up in Almond, NY and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973). She had been employed for several years as a cashier at a convenience store / gas station in Almond and later served as a custodian at Alfred-Almond Central School.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell. She enjoyed reading novels (especially Danielle Steel) and was also a Miami Dolphin Football Fan. In her younger years, Sylvia enjoyed bowling and bowled in several women’s leagues at the Hornell bowl.

Sylvia was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Faith Bolds and Laura McCormick; 2 brothers, John Tucker and Frank Tucker; her stepson, Franklyn George, Jr.

She was married on July 14, 1984 to Franklyn “Frank” George who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, John (Kristi) Faulkner of Starke, FL and Michael Faulkner of Bath, NY; 1 daughter, Lynda (Kenneth) Cabral of New Port Richie, FL; her step-children, Danielle (Matt) Kosek of South Wales, NY and Chad (Tamara) George of East Aurora; 4 brothers, Richard Tucker of Rome, NY, Ronald (Sherry) Tucker of Henrietta, Robert Tucker of Olean and James Tucker of Norfolk, VA; 2 sisters, Mary (Mel) Greene of Hornell and Sally Ormsby of Hornell; special friends, Debbie & Joe Price and Tina & Jim Welch; 14 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Sylvia J. George will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Faulkner officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Sylvia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

GREENWOOD: Harry Franklin Bise, Sr., 83, formerly of Main St. passed away Saturday (Oct. 22, 2016) in Elyria, Ohio following a brief illness.

He was born December 7, 1932 in Newport, R.I. to Harry Delos and Gladys (Boulton) Bise. On January 29,1955, he married the former Mary Halsey who survives and resides in Elyria, Ohio.

Harry served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956. He worked at Air Preheater in Wellsville for 35 years retiring in January 1995. He held many part-time jobs during his retirement, one being the town Justice of Greenwood from 1992-2007. During this time his family lovingly referred to him as “Hang’em Harry”.

Harry was an avid coin collector and loved working with wood in his cellar workshop. He made many beautiful things that his family and friends will cherish.

On June 23, 2012 Harry and Mary decided to sell their big home with all the stairs in Greenwood and start a new adventure in Warrenton, VA. While living there he told his children he was going to spend their inheritance and went on a cruise, Alaskan railroad trip and to Hawaii all with his children’s blessings. He enjoyed an active life line-dancing, bowling, fishing and playing poker with many friends.

On August 21, 2016 Harry and Mary moved to Elyria, Ohio to live with his son and daughter-in-law: Harry “Jun” and Karen, but became ill before he was able to enjoy it.

In addition to his wife Mary, Harry is survived by his daughter, Wanda Bise of Belmont, three sons: Harry “Jun” (Karen) Bise of Elyria, OH., Lincoln (Phyllis) Bise of Warrenton, VA. and Michael (Mary) Bise of Dansville. His grandchildren: Tonya Middaugh and Guy (Angela) Middaugh and a great granddaughter Peyton. A special nephew Ronald (Corinna) Murray, unofficially adopted son John (Sue) Hanbach and John’s children: Patrick and Kylie as well as many extended family members, nieces and nephews. Harry was predeceased by his parents, a son Guy Christopher Bise, a brother, Ronald Bise, cousin Robert Boulton and his uncle Guy and aunt Maryann Boulton who raised him to be the wonderful man he was.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service, with military honors, Friday (Oct. 28th) at 2:00 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood. A reception and a time of fellowship and celebration of Harry’s life will follow at the Greenwood American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Greenwood United Methodist Church, Main St. Greenwood, N.Y. 14839 or to the American Cancer Society, 1120 S. Goodman St. Rochester, N.Y. 14620.

Local arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.

Online condolences and memories may be made through the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

JASPER: Alberta M. Ewell, 96, formerly of Jasper, passed away peacefully Sunday morning (Oct. 23, 2016) at the Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Horseheads where she had resided since 2014.

Alberta was born September 9, 1920 in Canisteo the daughter of the late Timothy and Ethel (Hayes) Stephens. On May 4,1951, she married Dorr R. Ewell who predeceased her in May of 2007. She was also predeceased by a grandson Paul Dibble as well as two brothers and sister.

Alberta had been a nurses’ aide for many years at the former Corning Hospital in downtown Corning.

Survivors include three sons: Timothy (Patricia) Ewell of Rochester, Michael (Judy) Ewell of Painted Post and Steve Dibble of Batavia, one daughter Kathy (Thomas) Nist of Fairport. 8 wonderful grand children: Chad (Laura) Ewell, David (Kathryn) Ewell, Laurie (Chad) Cassano, Nicole Ewell, Jessica (Brian) Oby, Danelle Nist, Courtney Nist and Todd Dibble and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no public calling hours or service, a private graveside service will be at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo.

Memorial contributions in Alberta’s name may be made to the Jasper Library, P.O. Drawer 10, Jasper, N.Y. 14855.

Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.

Online condolences and memories may be made through the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

HORNELL-Michele C. “Shelly” Levee, 46, of 5 Conklin St., Hornell, joined her Heavenly family Friday evening (October 21, 2016) at her home following a courageous six year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Hornell on August 18, 1970, she was the daughter of Robert & Suzanne (Jackman) Levee.

Shelly spent most of her life in Canaseraga and was a graduate of Canaseraga High School (class of 1988). During her lifetime she was employed at Forbes Custom Products in Dansville; Hooker Mobile Home Sales in Hornell and Alstom Transport of Hornell.

She was an avid NASCAR fan (especially Jimmy Johnson) and also enjoyed watching Motocross. Shelly especially loved spending time with her family, especially her children.

She will be greatly missed by her family & friends and leaves behind her fiancé, Ken Burnett with whom she resided; twin daughters, Savannah & Sierra; her parents, Robert & Suzanne Levee, all of Hornell; 1 brother, Christopher Levee of West Almond; her maternal grandmother, Winifred Jackman of Hornell; her uncle, Tom Levee Canaseraga.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the family home, 5 Conklin St., Hornell, NY on Wednesday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

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

Michele’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Guthrie Cancer Treatment Center, 2 Guthrie Dr., Corning, NY 14830.

FREMONT-James G. Haenisch, 91, of Evans Road, went home peacefully to be with his Lord on Saturday morning (Oct. 22, 2016) at Elderwood Nursing Home in North Hornell.

Born in Clinton, N.J. on Oct. 20, 1925, he was the son of the late Gustav and Elsie (Kaufman) Haenisch. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his son, Jeffrey in 2010.

Jim began his education at Lincoln High School in Jersey City, N.J. and graduated from the Oakland Military School in Oakland, N.J. He also attended the Stephens Institute in New York City to study for the ministry.

From 1946 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1947, Jim proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in Japan and received the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. From 1950 to his honorable discharge in 1952 he proudly served his country once again with the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star and the United Nations Service Medal.

After his military service Jim began his 40 year career with the railroad; he began his employment with the Erie Railroad and eventually with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and retired from Conrail as a Wreck Master. During his career he was employed in Jersey City, N.J. Susquehanna, Pa., Elmira, Hornell and Gang Mills.

Jim and his family have resided in the Town of Fremont for 53 years; where he honorably served as the Town Justice for 36 years. During those years he gained the respect not only from the citizens that appeared before him but from law enforcement as well because of his fair judgments.

Throughout the years he was a great supporter of his family by being a 4-H Leader and attending all the ballgames his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in.

Jim did beautiful woodworking and loved and enjoyed horses.
He was a member of the Hillside Baptist Church in Hornell and the Arkport Memorial American Legion Post No. 1248.

His loving family includes his wife of 67 years, the former Jessie Collins, who he married in Jersey City, N.J. on April 2, 1949; his two sons, Mark (Betty) Haenisch of Fremont and Timothy (Lalane) Haenisch of San Diego, Calif.; his daughter-in-law, Phyllis Haenisch of Bath; his eight grandchildren, Jaime Haenisch, Coby Haenisch, Tiffany (Luke) Reinbold, Lindsay (Irv) Turner, Melissa (Matt) Wilson, Jessica (Liam) Grzasko, Justin Haenisch and Breanna Haenisch; also his four great-grandchildren, Chase, Cody, Annaliese and Hailey.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of James G. Haenisch.

Calling hours are 10 am. – noon Friday (Oct. 28, 2016) at the Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell, where a funeral service will be held following calling hours at noon, with Pastor Craig Brittingham officiating. Committal services and interment, with military honors, will follow at the Bath National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Missionary Committee of the Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.

HARTSVILLE: Greta M. Woodworth, 68, of Bearlick Hollow Rd. passed away peacefully Wednesday evening (Oct. 19, 2016) at her home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Greta was born August 11, 1948 in Hornell the daughter of the late Arling and Marvel (Birchard) Chace. On November 12, 1965 in Canisteo, she married Leon E. Woodworth, Sr. who survives and resides in Hartsville.

Great had worked as a scale attendant for the Steuben County Dept. of Public Works at the Hornell Landfill Station. She was a member of the Hornell Moose Club and was very much a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who always enjoyed the company of her family and friends.

In addition to her husband Leon, Greta is survived by two sons: Leon E. (Cinthia) Woodworth, Jr. and Robert “Otto” Woodworth (Kim Corigliano) both of Hartsville, one daughter: Barbara (Kimberly) Woodworth of Bath. Three wonderful grandchildren: Ashlee, Leon A. “Al” and Sara Woodworth. One great granddaughter Emma Woodworth and one on the way: Rielynn Mae.
Greta is also survived by two sisters: Yvonne Chace (Ronald Dibble) and Shirley (Steve) Hollowell both of Canisteo.

At Greta’s request there will be no calling hours or service, burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.

Memorial contributions in Greta Woodworth’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society 1120 S. Goodman St. Rochester, N.Y. 14620.

Online condolences and memories may be made through the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

PRATTSBURGH: Bebe E. McChesney, 56, of County Route 74 passed away Monday (Oct. 17, 2016) at her home following an extended and courageous battle with cancer.

Bebe was born March 11, 1960 in New Orleans, La. to Billy and Vivian (Bryan) Shirah On March 21, 1981 in Jackson, MS she married David McChesney who survives and resides in Prattsburgh. She was predeceased by her father and a sister.

Bebe was a homemaker and devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the Prattsburgh Baptist Church and she loved to knit, sew and do cross stitching. She also had many other interests and hobbies too numerous to mention.

In addition to her husband David, Bebe is survived by two sons: Michael Shirah of Pen Yann and Brian McChesney of Prattsburgh, one granddaughter: Andromeda Shirah. Bebe is also survived by her mother: Vivian Jackson of Wiggins, MS. a brother: Kelly Shirah (Anita) of Des Moines, Iowa and a sister: Vera (Richard) Davis of Wiggins, MS.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service. A private family gathering will be at the convenience of the family at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.

Memorial contributions in Bebe’s name may be made to the Prattsburgh Baptist Church, Prattsburgh, N.Y. 14873.

Online condolences and memories may be made through the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home.