Althea M. D’Avignon, 93
Althea M. D’Avignon, 93, of Queensbury, N.Y. passed away peacefully at the Pines of Glens Falls December 25, 2025, shortly after her great niece Rebecca (Shawn) Wall told her it was okay to go.
Althea was born on July 29, 1932 in Saranac Lake, the daughter of Elysium and Margaret (Bombard) Yando. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Herbert D’Avignon, with whom she shared nearly 75 wonderful years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her unborn son, her brothers Kenneth and Robert, her granddaughter Althea Wilson, her grandson Nicholas Farina and her granddaughter in-law Sheila D’Avignon.
Althea is survived by her sister, Sandra Pickering of Vero Beach; her children, Barton (Deborah) D’Avignon, Vicki (William) Wilson, Lori Stone, Kari (Rodney) Russo, Kathy (David) Waite and Linda (John) Steinberg; her grandchildren Mathohn, William, Cody, Steven, Colby, Ridge, Isabelle, Elliott Granger III; her great-grandchildren Dylan, Annalysse, William, Frederick, Robert, Chloe, Connor, Daniel; many more nieces and nephews, great and great-great, especially loving memories by all in Florida whose support and love brought her great comfort.
Althea attended Tupper Lake High School, where she and Herbert were both members of the ski team. In 1965, the family moved from the Tupper Lake area to Lake George and then Queensbury NY. Their home was well known for its open door and magical kitchen that never seemed to run out of food. Althea and Herbert throughout the years have for a short time adopted many as immediate family. Many family members and friends fondly credit the D’Avignon’s family for their compassion, hospitality and generosity, as a reason they are where they are today.
She worked for some time as a waitress at W.T. Grant’s, followed by many decades behind the counter at Howard Johnson’s in Queensbury. Althea and Herb shared a love of snowmobiling with family and friends throughout the Adirondacks, often riding 50-mile loops even in the coldest weather, starting right from their backyard on Easy Street.
In later years, they enjoyed traveling together, cruising with family and friends throughout the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii and spending winter months in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by loved ones.
Althea will be remembered for her strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion to her family, her home, her kitchen, and her heart that was always open.
Althea loved children, in lieu of flowers a suggestion is to donate to Saint Jude Children Hospital in her name.
A mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 11am at St Michaels, 80 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls, NY with a reception to follow.
Arrangements under the care of Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. For those who wish online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.
Stephen C. Wilson, 61
Stephen C. Wilson, 61, of Ogdensburg passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Graveside services for Stephen will be held on June 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake.
Stephen C. Wilson was born on June 4, 1964, in Tupper Lake, the son of the late Richard E. and Theresa (DeCare) Wilson. He was a graduate of Tupper Lake Central School, 1982. Stephen worked as a logger in Tupper Lake for several years before joining the New York State Department of Corrections in 1988. He retired in 2015 from Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.
Stephen is survived by his companion, Renea Brabant; his daughter Ashley Wilson and her companion Brion Brothers of Massena, and prior spouse Michele Baker, of Louisville; his brothers, Timothy Wilson of North Carolina and Michael Yerdon and his companion Kaye Facey, of Ogdensburg; his niece, Dawn Yerdon and two nephews, Kenneth and James Yerdon; Renea’s children, Colin and Avery Brabant of Ogdensburg; and Renea’s two step children, Venessa Brabant and her husband, Russell Brown and Alecia Brabant of Albany.
He was a member of the Moosehead Outing Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking in the Adirondacks, woodworking, puttering, and spending time in the great outdoors. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg.
Donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Ogdensburg Rescue Squad, 1223 Pickering Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.
Michael L. LaValley
Michael L. LaValley, age 54, passed away on Monday morning, December 29, 2025 at Adirondack Medical Center after a long illness. A burial at St. Alphonsus Cemetery along with a funeral service and celebration of life will be held in the Spring at the convenience of the family.
He is survived by his father and mother, Lyndon Sr. and Barbara LaValley, of Fine; his siblings, Melissa Plansker and Steve, of Ballston Lake, Lyndon LaValley and Jessica, of Tupper Lake, Tonya Sullivan and Zachary, of Star Lake, Todd LaValley, of St. Regis Falls, and Chris White, of Wassaic; his nieces and nephews, Austin Locke, Jaden LaValley, Sierah LaValley, Lucas LaValley, Garrett LaValley, Gauge LaValley, Jimmy Plansker, Stephanie Plansker, Faith Frenyea-White, and Christina Frenyea-White; and aunts and uncles, Rosalie (Buddy) Taney, Sylvia (George) Pfahl and George Bobbi Frenyea; Gary LaValley, and Gerri LaValley.
He is predeceased by his mother, Carla Frenyea; his brother, Carl Frenyea in-infancy; and his aunt, Beulah Albanesi.
Michael was born November 25, 1971, in Sharon, Connecticut, the son of Lyndon Allen LaValley Sr. and Carla Frenyea. He attended local schools in Tupper Lake. He worked construction and was very talented at his trade.
Mike was a man of the outdoors and a master of the simple life. From the quiet of a fishing hole to the crackle of a campfire, he found joy where others often missed it.
Everything Mike did, he did with an intensity that earned him the name “Uncle Mike” and “The Storm.” To him, fire wasn't just a necessity—it was a way of life.
He always lived in the moment and he lived more in a single day than most do in a lifetime. He did everything on his own terms and on another level entirely. He will be remembered for his wild spirit and his ability to find beauty in the basics and his selflessness.
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a results, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should win them.
Leona M. Kavanagh
A Funeral Mass for Leona M. Kavanagh, age 86, of 43 Lindsay Ave, was held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at noon at St. Alphonsus Church. Calling hours were held on Thursday, from 9:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. at Frary Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Mrs. Kavanagh passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Adirondack Medical Center surrounded by her children and brother Steve
She is survived by her children, Susan (Sebold) Torno, Kim Burnham, Deborah Lizotte, Frank (Jamie) Burnham, Amy Barton, Vincent (Ellen) Kavanagh, Marykay (Roger) Amell, Phil (Tina) Kavanagh, Michael Kavanagh, Jackie McTeran, JP (Jeanne) Kavanagh; her brother Steve Godin; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald Kavanagh; her parents; her daughter, Audrey; her son, Charles; her siblings, Theresa, Fred, Ronald, Raymond, David, and son-in-law Danny Barton.
Leona was born on August 7, 1939, in Lyon Mountain, NY, the daughter of Thomas and Helen Vevia Godin. Leona worked at Sunmount DDSO until her retirement, she later worked for the recreation department at Mercy Living Center until she became a foster grandparent. She married Gerald Kavanagh in September 1984 at her home in Tupper Lake, he predeceased her on November 5, 2010.
She found great joy in the simple pleasures of knitting and bingo, and she cherished every moment spent traveling and cruising with her family. Among her many passions, she was perhaps most dedicated to her time at the adult center and her role as a foster grandparent at LPQ—a position she held incredibly dear to her heart.
Ann Marie Cocomazzi
Ann Marie Cocomazzi, age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital, with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Tupper Lake on March 9, 1942, a daughter of the late Thomas and Reva Villnave Gagnier.
Ann Marie graduated from Tupper Lake schools and would go on to marry John A. Cocomazzi on July 20, 1963, a blessed union of 22 years until his passing on December 14, 1985. She held several positions throughout her career in food service but was mostly noted as the favorite “lunch lady” at St. Agnes School until her retirement.
Ann Marie is survived by her loving children, Christie (David) Kozyra, David Cocomazzi, Nicole Cocomazzi and John T. (Shelia Stubbs) Cocomazzi (whom Ann Marie had the hope of reconciliation in her heart); her cherished granddaughter, Madison Ann Kozyra; her brother, David (Sue) Gagnier; her sister, Loyce Jean Chiasson; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Joseph Trombetta; her best friend of over 50 years, Joanne Yacco, and as well as several nieces and nephews with special mention of her flower girl, Sherry Hough and family. She was predeceased by her in-laws and her nieces and nephews.
Private interment took place in St. Agnes Cemetery.
Georgia Fredericks
Georgia Delair Fredericks passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Born on May 6, 1938, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob Fredericks; her parents, Lionel and Beulah Delair; her brother, Allen Delair; and her sister, Carol Kope.
A loving mother, Georgia cherished her four children: sons Jim, John, and Joe Fredericks, and her daughter, Tracy Burke. She shared a deep and special bond with her sister, Theresa Lafave of Tupper Lake, who was not only her family but also her best friend. Georgia was also a proud and adored grandmother to eight grandchildren, who loved her dearly. In addition, she cherished her many nieces, who held a special place in her heart.
Georgia spent most of her adult life in Oswego County, N.Y., dedicating herself to the care of the aging and handicapped through in-home care. Her compassion and selflessness touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on those she served.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Georgia’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and cared for.
Judith Ellen Mercurio
Judith Ellen Mercurio (nee Hawkins) passed away after a long illness on November 17, 2025. Judy was born in Greensburg, PA, in the winter of 1942 to Dale and Mary Jane Hawkins, and attended nursing school at the University of Buffalo.
She married Tony Mercurio of Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks of Northern New York, and raised three children, who were her pride and joy: John (Michelle) of Schwenksville, PA, Gina of Missoula, MT and Erica (Brad) of Missoula, MT. Her beautiful and amazing granddaughter, Aria (Jaye) of New Canaan, CT, held a special place in her heart.
Affectionately called “The Jude,” her heart always embraced the great outdoors. She thrived in the mountain air, finding joy in gardening, skiing at Big Tupper with her kids and friends, and visiting beautiful beaches.
Her adventurous spirit was never more evident than when she raced as a member of the fierce Tupper Lake woman’s war canoe team. Judy found great delight in paddling quiet, pristine lakes and admiring the splendid colors on a clear autumn day.
Her move to Montana only deepened her love for nature, as she fell for the “Griz” of the University of Montana and proudly shared her Griz paws tattoos, engraved on her arm forever.
Mom will be remembered for her infectious personality and her unique way of spreading joy. She had a knack for making everyone smile, often saying, “Always smile, it makes others wonder what you’re up to,” and “I need some more wine.” Her sense of humor and her ability to bring a smile to everyone's face will be greatly missed. Her delicious chicken and dumplings were “to die for and yummy” as well as her homemade cherry pie but only if she remembered to “add the juice that you have saved.”
Please raise a beverage of your choice to toast Mom on a life well lived. Mom will be cremated and her ashes spread at her favorite places. Thank you to the staff at The Living Centre for their care and concern for our mom.
Steven Howard Voldman
It is with great sorrow to share the sad news of the death of Steven Howard Voldman, on November 24, 2025 in Lake Placid from renal failure following a five year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Arrangements are under the care of Frary Funeral Home Tupper Lake.
A pre-eminent expert in the field of Electrostatic Discharge and a brilliant inventor, Steve held 256 U.S. patents and authored 11 textbooks on electrical stress overload, the main reason why electronic devices fail.
His textbooks were translated into multiple languages. A guest lecturer to electrical engineering students throughout Asia, Steve connected and mentored numerous aspiring students.
He taught for a semester in Khon Kaen, Thailand where he played an advisory role to doctoral students at university.
After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Master’s Degree in electrical engineering and an EE (Engineer) degree, Steven worked from 1982 to 2007 in IBM’s microelectronics. Through IBM’s Resident Study Program, he completed a M.S. in Engineering Physics (1986) and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (1991) from the University of Vermont while working at IBM. After IBM, he later worked for Samsung, Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor, and as an expert witness regarding electrostatic discharge.
While in Vermont, Steve helped resettle Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union, attended gatherings at the Tibetan Association of Vermont and played hockey for years on the IBM team.
Steve, the son of Holocaust survivor Carl Voldman, was a religious and proud Jew. Steve took his father on a journey back to Staszów and several nearby Holocaust sites in Poland to help his father heal from the wounds of a devastating childhood. As he struggled with his own Parkinson’s Disease, Steve undertook the task of writing a book chronicling his father’s story of struggle and survival during the war.
In his later years, Steve joined his wife Betsy, a career USAID employee, on trips throughout Africa and to Haiti.
Steve is survived by his wife, Betsy Hulnick Brown, his two children Aaron/Mia Voldman and Rachel Voldman, his step children Danielle/Todd King and Michael Brown/Renee Slajda. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life.
Steve and Betsy were members of two Temples: Beth Joseph Synagogue in Tupper Lake and Lake Placid Synagogue (where he regularly blew the shofar at High Holiday services). I
n lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons, the Tibetan Association of Vermont, and/or the Lake Placid Synagogue, where Steve had served on the Board.
A graveside burial and memorial service was held at the Jewish Cemetery in Lake Placid on Old Military Road at noon on November 25, 2025.
Online condolences can be made to the Voldman family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com
Bruce Facteau
Calling hours for Bruce “Pops” Facteau will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Frary Funeral Home, Tupper Lake from 11a.m. to 1p.m.. Burial will take place in the Spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Mr. Facteau passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.
He is survived by his sons; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Facteau; his parents; and his brother, Gary Facteau.
Bruce was born on September 20, 1943, in Tupper Lake, NY, the son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Mere Facteau. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1960. Bruce worked as a plumber for many years in Tupper Lake.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Tri-Lakes Human Society in honor of Bruce’s love for animals.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
David T. Garrison, 83
David T. Garrison, 83, of North Point Rd., passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, at Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake.
Born on February 26, 1942, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Kendal and Jean (Cole) Garrison. He moved to Long Lake when he was in the fourth grade and was a graduate of Long Lake Central School.
He was a self-employed carpenter, photographer, and musician.
David married Judith Farr on December 30, 1999, in Long Lake.
He loved fishing, photographing wildlife, trips to Yellowstone, Maine, and Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Garrison; one son, Eric (Christine) Garrison of Gloversville; two steps sons Allen (Kelly Stroh) of Oregon and David (Tracey) of Honeoye Falls, NY, eleven grandchildren: Stefan, Susu, Shelby, Nicholas, Gianna, Kyle, Margaret, Rosemary, Samuel, Page, and 3 great grandchildren; three sisters: Virginia (Jim) Jennings of Long Lake, Maryann (Rick partner of 27 years) Mancuso of Rochester, Jeannie (Tuck) Lowe of Park City, UT; several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller Funeral Home, 6357 State Route 30, Indian Lake.
To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.
Bette Lou Varden
Bette Lou (White) Varden passed into heaven on November 8, 2025, at 6:38 pm, at the Veterans Administration hospital in Lake City, Florida, surrounded by her three sons. How do you begin to explain this amazing person's life?
Born January 3, 1940, to Elsie M. and Alfred J. White in Tupper Lake, N.Y. She graduated from Tupper Lake High School, class of 1957, and is a member of the TLHS Athletic Hall of Fame. She attended nursing school at Le Moyne University in Syracuse, graduating in 1960 as a registered nurse. She received her commission as an Ensign at the US Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and served for several years at various Naval hospitals. After returning to Tupper Lake, she was employed at the Sunmount, Mercy, and Saranac Lake hospitals. She ran the Tupper Lake Food Pantry for many years and was always ready to help anyone in need.
She is survived by three sons, Michael (Dannille) Varden of Severn, Maryland, granddaughters, Megan and Amanda; Keith (Heidi) Varden of Lake City, Florida, grandson, Keith (Robbie) Varden; and Douglas (Jeannie) Varden of Edgewater Park, New Jersey, granddaughters, Alexandria and Samantha. She is also survived by her brother, Neil (Sandee) White of Summerville, S.C. She had many nieces and nephews, as well as great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Robert W Varden, and her brother Glenn White.
Interment will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Tupper Lake, sometime in the spring, 2026.
Roy Edwin Stevens, 89
Roy Edwin Stevens, 89, of Tupper Lake passed away November 8, 2025 at Elderwood of Ulhein Lake Placid. He had family at his bedside when he peacefully passed in his sleep. Roy’s death was from natural causes.
Roy was born April 4, 1936 in Saranac Lake, New York. His father was Edwin James Stevens and his mother was Loretta Dorothy (Smith) Stevens, both also of Saranac Lake.
He attended Petrova School in Saranac Lake and at the age of 17 enlisted in the Marines.
He was married for 57 years to Grace Naomi (Britt) Stevens of Buffalo, N.Y.
Roy worked many jobs and owned several business’s two in Saranac Lake: the Broadway Pizzeria and the White Birches’ Motel that stood next to what is now the Red Fox Restaurant.
Roy had many interests and hobbies. He loved hunting and fishing. He was also a small plane pilot and avid scuba diver. He loved to build things from furniture to homes. The last home he built was a very large log home on Haymeadow Drive in Tupper Lake.
Roy was predeceased by both parents. He was also predeceased by his wife Grace Stevens, by his sisters Donna Bandy, Joan Shurtlef, Naoma Lanthier, Diane Perry, and his brother Paul Stevens.
He is survived by two sisters: Barbara St. Louis and Clara Lanthier, both of Tupper Lake.
Roy has five children: Roy Edward Stevens and wife Barbara Stevens, both of Tupper Lake, Mark Stevens his companion Sandy Hathaway of Saranac Lake, Paul Stevens his wife Dana Stevens of Tupper Lake, Naoma Stewart and her husband James Stewart of Vermontville and Craig Stevens and his wife Renna Stevens of Tupper Lake. He has 13 grandchildren: Heather (Stevens) Moon and her fiancé Randy Beckwith, Roy Albert Stevens, Christine (Stevens) Conover, Chris Stevens and his wife Leslie Stevens, Scot Stevens, Jessica Logsdon and her husband Donald Logsdon, Jenna Stevens, Kierstan Stevens, James Stewart and wife Nicole Stevens, Tom Stewart and wife Samantha Stevens, Joshua Stevens and wife Jessica Stevens, Natalie Stevens and fiancé Matt Newman, Brandon Garvey and wife JoElynn.
Roy also has many great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews along with many cousins who all loved him. Roy had many pets over the years from dogs and cats to parrots and horses and he loved them all.
The family wants to thank the staff at Elderwood Ulhein Nursing home of Lake Placid for all the care they have given him the last three and a half years. Services will be at the convenience of his family sometime in the spring of 2026.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral in Saranac Lake. A graveside service will take place at the convenience of the family at a later date. Burial will take place in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Family and friends wishing to remember Roy can share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuenralhome.com.
Marc R Counter, 74
Marc R Counter, age 74 of Tupper Lake, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025. As per his wishes there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at the Raquette River Brewery, 11 Balsam St., Tupper Lake from 2p.m. to 4p.m. on Saturday, November 15th. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Tupper Lake.
Marc was born on January 2, 1951 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, the son of Roland and Bernadette Rosa Counter. He attended Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake and later began working in his father's garage at a young age.
He married Carolee Garrett on November 13, 1976 at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. Together they raised their four children.
Marc was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of unsurpassed work ethic. He ran Counters Garage as a successful business for over 50 years. He was dedicated to helping his community as well as anyone in need passing through. Putting his family first, he worked tirelessly to provide for them. When anyone needed a tow, Counters Garage was first to come to mind.
He enjoyed taking his entire family on yearly vacations, family camping and boating. He traveled with his wife to Italy, Hawaii and most recently to Alaska. Together they enjoyed many trips with friends around the country.
He is survived by his wife and his children, Rebecca (David) Dewyea, Laura (Robert Baker) Counter and Joel Counter; his grandchildren: Garrett, Sawyer, Brody and Ryan Dewyea; Lincoln, Phoenix, Roland and Evie Counter; Rory and Lauren Counter and Philip and Alexa Lindsay.
He is also survived by his siblings: Micheline Counter of Rome, NY, Lorraine McAvoy of Sneads Ferry, NC, Diane (James) Lanthier of Tupper Lake, Patty (Randy) Smith of Brooksville, FL, Rose Wimberly of Brooksville, FL and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Marc E. Counter.
His love and legacy will live on through his family.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.
Barbara Ann Yaworski Kavey
A Funeral Mass for Barbara Ann Yaworski Kavey, lovingly known as “Hanya,” aged 94, formerly of Tupper Lake, will be celebrated on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10a.m. at St Alphonsus Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 48 Wawbeek Avenue, Tupper Lake, NY. Following the service, interment will take place at Holy Name Cemetery on Main Street in Tupper Lake, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, mother, and siblings.
Family and friends are warmly invited to a lunch at Guido’s Pizzeria of 116 Park Street, Tupper Lake, after the burial.
Mrs. Kavey passed away peacefully at her daughters’ home in Colorado on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Tupper Lake.
Gail Marie (Gensel) Carmichael, 74
Gail Marie (Gensel) Carmichael, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT. Calling hours will be held at Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake on Friday, November 7 from 10 am until noon. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 12:30pm at St. Alphonsus church in Tupper Lake with Father Serverinus Torwoe officiating. Burial will follow at Gale Cemetery in Childwold, NY.
Gail was born on July 31, 1995 in Tupper Lake, NY to Darwin “Tony” and Lucienne “Lou” Gensel. She was the first of their 5 children. Gail graduated from Tupper Lake High School, Class of 1969. During her youth she loved to downhill ski at Big Tupper Ski Area and spending her summers on Mount Arab Lake. She attended several colleges and graduated from North County Community College in 1973. Gail later moved to Blue Mountain Lake, NY. She worked as a caseworker for the Hamilton County Department of Social Services for nearly 30 years, tirelessly advocating for children, victims of domestic violence, and the elderly throughout the county. This carried on after her retirement as a member of the Blue Mt. Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corp as she served proudly as a basic EMT and as a long serving Treasurer and Secretary for the Indian Lake Fire District #2. She also took part in continuing to be involved in a number of grass roots, community based charitable efforts to provide for people in need during the holiday season and throughout the year. She was well known as a staple at Potter’s Resort in Blue Mountain Lake for 25 years, waiting tables, cleaning cottages and later on working the front desk for her dear friends, Bing and Laura Faxon, until it’s closing in 2003. After that she migrated to another historical resort, The Hedges on BML, where she helped in a variety of roles for Pat Benton, most notably as the caller for their popular Sunday Night Bingo for guests. Gail enjoyed traveling, shopping and working her luck on the slots as well as spending time with her much beloved grandchildren, Genna and Myles Carmichael, both of Tupper Lake, NY.
Besides her grandchildren she is survived by her son, Geoffrey Carmichael and his wife Dawn, Tupper Lake, her sister, Cindy LaBarge and her husband Richard, her three brothers Darwin Gensel and his wife Sherry, Syracuse, NY, Daniel Gensel and his husband Robert C. Whitehouse, New York City and Robert Gensel and his companion Luis Galano, Queens, NY. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she adored greatly. Gail leaves behind many, many great friends and acquaintances from the Blue Mountain, Indian, Long and Raquette Lake communities that made her life very full and purposeful. Gail was predeceased by her parents.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Toys for Tots in care of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at 102 County View Drive, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108 or the Tupper Lake Kiwanis Club’s Christmas programs.
Online condolences to the Carmichael family can be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com
Helen Hope Groteluschen Frenette
After bravely battling cancer for several years, Helen Frenette passed away on October 18, 2025, at her Atlanta home with her family at her side. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Helen brought tenacity, spark and kindness everywhere she went. She often reminded friends and family that “Joy hides in plain sight, if you stop long enough to notice it.”
Helen was born on March 26, 1951, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Roland and Joyce Groteluschen. A few years later, the family moved to Kansas City, where she grew up with an unmistakable sense of sturdy Midwestern dependability and grit.
After graduating from Gladstone High School, Helen enrolled at Northwest Missouri State University to pursue her lifetime love of fabric and design, studying clothing and textiles. At NWMSU, she also met her lifetime love and future husband, Charlie Frenette of Tupper Lake. They began their courtship while they were co-workers at the university cafeteria.
After they graduated in 1974, Helen moved back to Kansas City and worked at Halls Department Store, while Charlie moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he began a career with the Coca-Cola Company that would take them around the world.
They married in 1976, and soon moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Helen worked in creative services for McCann Erickson and then Simmons Bedding Company.
Helen was highly resourceful and creative. She was a talented and voracious sewer, making clothes for herself, her family and friends. True to form, she sewed her own wedding dress. But her skills transcended sewing, as she was equally adept at building shelves, hanging sheetrock and changing the oil of her pickup truck. She could do it all, and often did.
Helen gave birth to their son Zach in 1986 and energetically threw herself into being a full-time mother and cherished friend to many.
Starting in 1996, the Frenettes lived in Johannesburg, London and Boston, before returning to Atlanta in 2012. Everywhere she lived, Helen established a true sense of belonging and community, making the house feel like a true home within a week of her arrival, while quickly making new lifetime friends.
Helen regarded each new home as a launching pad for adventure and exploration. She loved the fellowship of traveling with others who shared her deep curiosity about other cultures, returning from every trip with a deeper understanding of people and the world. If she came across something she found interesting, she was not afraid to climb over a short fence to check it out.
In 2019, Helen was diagnosed with cancer, a challenge she took on with the same vitality and optimism that she had demonstrated her entire life. She not only extended her life years beyond her original diagnosis but also lived those years with vigor and gratitude.
The births of her grandsons, Oliver and George, brought great joy and energy to Helen. The boys called her “Gogo,” the Zulu word for grandmother. She loved the fact that “Gogo” is more than just a name, but also the spirit of a woman who guides and holds a family together.
Helen is survived by her husband, Charlie Frenette; her son Zachary Charles Frenette and his wife, Jamie Glater Frenette, and their sons Oliver and George; and her three brothers Matthew, Frank, and John. She is also survived by her seven “Frenette Sisters” who considered her one of their own: Cindy, Mimi, Ellen, Pam, Aimee, Andree and Nicole.
Helen will be laid to rest privately in Tupper Lake, New York. A celebration of her life will take place at 11 a.m. on December 5 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta.
Ann Marie Wilson
Ann Marie Wilson of Westville, N.Y., born on May 18, 1961 in Tupper Lake, , peacefully passed away with family by her side on October 14, 2025.
Ann is survived by her husband Keith Wilson of twenty-five years of Westville; her mother Shirley Ayotte of Tupper Lake; her children Chad Clement (Jae-Lynn) of Westville and Cassandra Moore (Jason) of Scipio, Indiana.
Ann is also survived by her stepchildren Ryan Wilson (Kelly) of Charleston, SC and Justin Wilson (Shayla) of Abilene, TX; her sisters, Lori LaTray and Tammy Rice (Bob), both of Tupper Lake, grandchildren Chad Jr., Hailey, Dustin, Ruben, Jace, Devin, Tyler, Weston, Walker and also by great-grandchildren Bennett and Brian. Ann is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ann was predeceased by her father, Richard Ayotte, her brothers David Dufrain, Alan and Stacey Ayotte and brother-in-law William LaTray Jr. of Tupper Lake.
Ann attended elementary and high school in Tupper Lake, graduating in 1979.
Ann worked at Ames and O.W.D in Tupper Lake and Citizens Advocate in Saranac Lake and Malone.
Ann was one month shy of working 40 years at Citizens Advocate.
Throughout her life, Ann enjoyed many things from hummingbirds, going camping, having family gatherings in the summer and Christmas get togethers, going to the casino, to collecting teapot sets, salt and pepper shakers, porcelain carousals, going for rides on the Harley and old muscle cars. Playing cards, doing word searches and watching game shows were also some more of the many activities that Ann enjoyed doing.
Ann had a huge heart and love for all animals. She loved her cats Mittens and Midnight, as well as her "pets" outside that she cared for and loved dearly.
Graveside services for Ann are going to be set for a later date.
Maureen McAuliffe, 79
Maureen T. McAuliffe, 79, of Albany, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Maureen was born in Yonkers, the daughter of the late John F. Sullivan and Lillian Brown Sullivan. She was raised in Yonkers and Lincolndale, and upon her marriage to Timothy J. McAuliffe on September 17, 1966 at St. Joseph’s Church, Croton Falls, N.Y., the couple moved to Tupper Lake before moving to Albany in 1986.
She was a graduate of Somers Central High School and the Mandel School for Medical Assistants in Manhattan, and was employed as a Medical Assistant in Katonah, Tupper Lake, and Albany.
Maureen and her husband attended and participated in many lectures, meetings, readings and activities in preparation for leadership in the Catholic Church. She was very active in Christ the King Church in Guilderland as a reader and special minister of Holy Communion. She was one of a group of three people in the parish RCIA/OCIA program who helped people learn about the Catholic Church, complete preparation for missed sacraments, and for those converting to Catholicism. She also led monthly adult “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings.
Maureen is survived by her beloved husband, Deacon Timothy J. McAuliffe; her children Neil F. McAuliffe (Vonnie) of Clifton Park and Tara A. Brophy (Michael) of Marlboro and Troy; her grandchildren Sullivan J. Brophy, Myles T. Brophy (Celia), Ella L. Brophy, Liliana M. McAuliffe, and Luke T. McAuliffe; her great grandchildren Dean Patrick Brophy and Joseph David Brophy; her sisters Deborah Shields of Lake Secor, Nancy McCormack of Martinez, CA, and Kathleen Korpell of Walnut Creek, CA; and her brother Sean Sullivan of Woodacre, CA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning, October 18th, at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave, Guilderland. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church prior to the mass beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family requests that flowers not be sent. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Rita Riley Littlefield, 101
Rita Riley Littlefield completed her life on October 4, 2025, at the age of 101. She passed peacefully at her home at 192 Raquette River Drive in Tupper Lake where she raised her family and lived for 70 years. Rita was a true Irish personality - spunky, witty and obviously resilient.
Rita Dorothy Riley (along with her twin brother Raymond) was born on June 23, 1924, at The Sisters’ Farm in Gabriels, N.Y. Her parents were Dennis E. Riley and Elizabeth Keegan Riley. The family later moved down the road to Split Rock Farm, then moved to Saranac Lake after the farm was destroyed by fire. Rita graduated from Saranac Lake High School on her 18th birthday.
Rita filled the Riley home with music as an accomplished pianist on a 1916 ivory-keyed upright piano. Rita had sheet music by the tons but would listen to new songs and music on the radio. After a few starts and stops, Rita would play the entire piece she had just heard. She was asked to play for many events, including community square dances. There were jam sessions in the family living room when friends would stop by to join Rita and her siblings for some rag time or jazz. She often continued playing for them, even after the bedtime lights were turned off by her parents.
Following high school, Rita attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Watertown, N.Y. where she received her training to become a laboratory technician. She returned home and began working at the Sunmount Veterans Administration Hospital in Tupper Lake. She was involved in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), which was the hospital's primary mission. Rita and her colleagues conducted lab work to support patient care and research at the nearby, more prominent Saranac Laboratory. This was during WWII, so with strict gas rationing, Rita and four other Sunmount employees from Saranac Lake would carpool.
Little did Rita know that her future husband and the love of her life, John Arthur Littlefield, a surgical technician with the 12th Armored Division, was in Europe fighting the biggest battle of WWII - the Battle of the Bulge. He survived combat, receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He returned to Tupper Lake, went to work at Sunmount, and met Rita.
On July 12, 1952, Rita and John were married at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake.
They raised four children together, Kevin, Peter, Tim, and Lisa.
In 1956, John founded Littlefield Insurance while Rita supported and cared for the family. Rita was known for her homemade donuts and lots of other baked goods. She enjoyed cross-country skiing and golfing in the women’s twilight league with her best friend and golf partner, Rose Rosky.
After John’s passing in 1990, Rita spent her time as “Nana” to her eight grandchildren. She continued to live in the family home, a popular happy hour destination for anyone who knew her. She was an original member of the Raquette River Drive neighborhood and maintained her neighborly repertoire through every paint job, lawn mowing debacle, and generations of new families on the road.
Rita passed away Saturday morning peacefully at her home on Raquette River Drive with her family at her side. For the past 10 years, she was grateful to have her daughter Lisa Littlefield Gillis of Tupper Lake supporting her with the help of a fabulous team of caregivers.
Rita is survived by two of her siblings, Howard Riley (Ruth) of Saranac Lake and Theresa Gates (Fred) of Saratoga Springs along with her four children and their families: Kevin and Patricia Littlefield, Peter Littlefield and Elaine Yabroudy, Timothy and Rosemary Littlefield, and Lisa and Robert Gillis. Rita is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Owen (Elizabeth), Hannah (Peter), Ryan, Shannon (Timothy), Max (Hannah), Eli, Riley and Libby as well as six great-grandchildren, Eloise, Genevieve, Meadow, Rollie, Tucker and Baker. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her twin brother Raymond Riley (who lived to age 95) and his wife Patricia, her brother Charles Riley and his wife June, and her sister Marguerite. Following Rita’s wishes, a private burial service will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.
You may recognize Rita’s name as she was an avid Facebook user, even at 101 she wielded her iPad like a pro! Her legacy lives on in the hearts she touched—and in the trail of shamrock emojis she left across the internet.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
Clairette Bernadette Desabrais, 96
Clairette B Desabrais, age 96 of Tupper Lake, went to be with the Lord on October 4, 2025.
She was born January 22, 1929 in Hammond, Ontario, Canada the daughter of Eugene and Bernadette (Charbonneau) Desabrais.
Clairette attended school at HGA and then attended Central City Business Institute in Syracuse NY.
After graduation she took a position at Tupper Lake National Bank before starting a 25-year career at Sunmount DDSO. After retirement Clairette enjoyed traveling with lifelong friends in the states and abroad. Her most exciting journeys were to Jerusalem, along with Ireland, Spain, Mexico and many other countries. Clairette was an active Communicant of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where she volunteered her time and donated flowers from her garden for years. She was also actively involved at the food pantry and delivering meals on wheels.
Clairette's passion was working in her beautiful perennial gardens. She also enjoyed golfing and could often be found reading a book or knitting socks for family and friends.
Clairette is survived by two nephews, Claude and Lorraine Desabrais of Tupper Lake. Marc and Glenda Desabrais of Gilbert Arizona and their children Micheal and Erika and their grandson Grayson Desabrais.
Clairette was predeceased by her parents, brother Joesph and his wife Rita.
Clairette will be fondly remembered by her family and many friends, especially the weekly coffee club.
She loved to laugh and tell stories and was a faithful happy lady that enjoyed life.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Church on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at noon. Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Clairette's memory can be made to the Tupper Lake food pantry or the Emergency Squad.
Online memorial condolences may be shared at www.fraryfuneralhome.com