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Obituaries

Nancy J. Cadwallader, 71

Dan McClelland

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Nancy J. Cadwallader, 71
Nancy J. (nee Meers) Cadwallader, of Paoli, PA passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Nancy was born on January 29, 1947.
She was married for 39 years to the late William D. Cadwallader.
Nancy graduated from Upper Darby High School. She spent most of her career owning, managing and renting Northwood Cabins in Tupper Lake,  annually from May-October.
In addition to her love of the Adirondacks, Nancy adored dogs, gardening, shopping for bargains, and going out to lunch with friends.
Nancy is survived by her brothers Joseph Meers of Endwell, N.Y. and William Meers of Absecon, N.J., sister-in-law Kay Dambrosia, many beloved nieces and nephews, and her dog Sadie.
Calling hours wereFriday, February 9 from 12p.m. to 1p.m. at Alleva Funeral Home,1724 East Lancaster Ave., Paoli, PA 19301. The memorial service was at 1p.m. Interment at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, PA will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy's honor to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 or via web: https://www.bvspca.org/donate/honor.

Celebration of life: Enzo Paoletti

Dan McClelland

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Celebration of life: Enzo Paoletti
On Saturday, Feb 17 at 1p.m., there will be a remembrance of Enzo Paoletti who passed away on Jan 17 at his home on Gull Pond. Community members, friends and family are invited to gather at the Tupper Lake Library (downstairs) for a celebration of his life and light refreshments. As author Barbara Kingsolver, wrote “To live is to be marked. To live is to change, to acquire the words of a story, and that is the only celebration we mortals really know.” This time of informal reflection and visiting together is for us to celebrate the unique personality and achievements of Enzo.

Dr. Stephen P. Mauer, 68

Dan McClelland

Stephen P. Mauer, 68, a doctor of Chiropractic, passed unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on the night of December 16-17, 2017, having succumbed to an aggressive brain disease.
Born December 2, 1949, he was the eldest of six sons born to June and Paul Mauer of Rochester, N.Y. The Mauer family has owned property here for over 50 years on Raquette River Drive and been regular seasonal visitors for over 60 years.
Steve attended the Spencerport Central Schools near Rochester, Monroe Community College, and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Upon completion, he practiced his art in Geneva, N.Y. for over 30 years.
His hobbies included fishing, auto mechanics, watching stock car and Grand Prix races, and making things go boom, just a kid at heart his whole life!
Having been predeceased by his parents, Steve is survived by his wife Suellen, daughter Heidi (Assaf) Wunsch, two beloved, adorable granddaughters, Ayalah and Dafna, his five brothers, Donald (Peg) of Piercefield,  Jonathan (Sekti) of Rochester, N.Y., Peter (Theresa) of Marietta, GA, Andrew (Kathy) of Warsaw, N.Y. and Timothy (Julie) of Brush Prairie, WA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
Ron Mercel and Ralph Tandy, his two best buddies since the days of their youth, share in the Mauer family’s heartfelt sorrow.
Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to the Adirondack Mountain Club at https://www.adk.org/protect/donate/ .

Patricia Touchette

Dan McClelland

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Patricia Jane (Sullivan) Touchette died January 11, 2018 at Mercy Living Center in Tupper Lake, New York, following a short illness.
Born to Sadie (Roberts) Sullivan and Jeremiah M. Sullivan II on March 19, 1933, Patricia was educated at Potsdam Teachers College and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Albany, New York. Pat worked for a number of years as an executive secretary at Whitney Industries in Long Lake, NY until marrying Darcy Touchette of Ste. Martine, Quebec in 1960 and moving to Plattsburgh, New York, and later to the Syracuse region. In 1965, Pat and D'arcy purchased the Shamrock Motel and Cottages and relocated to Long Lake, where they owned and operated the property until retiring 2006.
A lover of the Adirondacks, and particularly Long Lake, Pat could often be spotted piloting her pontoon boat on the lake, and X-country skiing on and around Lake Eaton and Santanoni. She also loved winter vacations spent at her home on Anna Maria Island, Florida.
Pat was predeceased by her husband, D’Arcy Touchette; and a younger brother, Jeremiah Sullivan III. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Timothy B. and BeateTouchette; a daughter, Linda Touchette Delello and her husband Christopher of Granby, Connecticut; and a granddaughter Olivia Delello, of Granby and South Windsor, Connecticut.
A funeral service will be held at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic church in Long Lake on Saturday, January 20 at noon, followed immediately by interment at the Long Lake Cemetery. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the Long Lake Rescue Squad and the outstanding caregivers of Mercy Living Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Long Lake Rescue Squad or Mercy Living Center of Tupper Lake. Arrangements are with the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home in Tupper Lake.

Randy Parker, 57

Dan McClelland

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Randy Parker, 57, of Long Lake passed away suddenly at his home.
He was the son of the late Rowley (Bud) Parker and Sharon Parker of Tupper Lake. He is survived by his mother, sisters Wendy (Greg) Foster of Long Lake and Vicki (Jeff) Gugler of Las Vegas, Nevada. Brothers Ed Parker of Kenosha, Wisconsin and Alan Parker of Las Vegas, Nevada, several nieces and nephews.
Randy was a hard worker and would do just about any job. Everyone knew him and he always had a smile and a wave. He loved his family dearly. He loved to fish, play pool, and shoot darts. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Long Lake Fire Department.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Long Lake town hall, January 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reception to follow at Long Lake Diner

Death Notice: F. Raymond Jenkins, Jr.

Dan McClelland

F. Raymond Jenkins, Jr.
F. Raymond Jenkins, Jr. of Upper Saranac Lake died on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Elderwood Uihlein Living Center, Lake Placid. He was born March 4, 1925 in Richmond, Indiana.There are no calling hours and memorial services will take place at the convenience of the family.

Jeannine Clark, 77

Dan McClelland

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Jeannine C. Clark, 77 of Tupper Lake,  passed on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 surrounded by her family at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Jeannine was the daughter of Lawrence “Buck” and Anne Lemieux. She graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1958.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, George “Bozo” Clark; six children including Tim (Holly) Clark of Tupper Lake, NY, Bill (Jennifer) Clark of Beaufort, SC, Larry (Amanda) Clark of Cranesville, PA, Calvin (Jocelyn) of Cohoes, NY, Stacey Clark of Salamanca, NY and Claudine (Chuck) Clark of Tupper Lake, a foster son Joe (Kelly) Farina of Sarasota, FL, a “sixth son” Dave (Gina) Bell of Tupper Lake,  19 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, a sister Claire (Dale) DeCecco of Erie, PA and several cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends and her beloved dog Gizmo.
Besides being a full time mother of six, Jeannine worked at the A&P, McDonalds and Tupper Lake National Bank. She was a devoted Christian and attended St. Alphonsus Church. More recently she was also a foster grandparent.
Calling hours were held on Friday, August 18 from 4 to 7 pm at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, August 19th at 10 am at the St. Alphonsus Church with burial immediately following in the parish cemetery. Friends and family members celebrated Jeannine’s robust life at the VFW following the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or the Tupper Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

Donald "Obie" Clifford Jr.

Dan McClelland

Donald K. Clifford Jr., widely known as “Obie,” died peacefully and comfortably in his Mt. Kisco, N.Y. home on August 8, 2017.
Anyone who knew Obie knew the uplifting force of his optimistic enthusiasm. His overwhelming attitude towards life was gratitude. “The odds of any one of us being born at all are at least one trillion to one,” Obie used to say. “Then to have had a life of such extraordinary privilege is beyond belief.”
Obie would tell you that his first stroke of luck was having two wonderful parents, Margery Meigs Clifford and Donald K. Clifford, Sr. He was born in Bronxville, N.Y. on August 25, 1932.
Obie was predeceased by his sister, Louise Clifford Hart, and his adored wife and best friend of 60 years, Mary Lawrence Clifford.
He is survived by his sister, Margery Clifford Henneman. He also leaves behind five children, Lawrence M. Clifford, Katherine C. Cates, Mary “Robin” Clifford Wood, James D. Clifford and Elizabeth H. Clifford, in addition to 14 grandchildren, beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to count.
Obie attended Bronxville public schools until enrolling at Exeter Academy. He was a member of the amazing class of 1954 at Yale University and took a leadership role as an alumnus of Yale for many years. He got his MBA from Harvard Business School, then joined McKinsey and Company in New York City, where he worked as a management consultant for 25 years. At McKinsey he coined the term “threshold companies.”
He co-authored a best-selling book about midsize companies with Richard Cavanaugh: The Winning Performance: How America’s High-Growth Midsize Companies Succeed. After retiring from McKinsey in 1984, Obie spent his remaining years consulting for threshold companies and giving generously of his time and resources as a board member for many institutions, most notably The American Museum of Natural History and the Quebec Labrador Foundation. In enumerating the crowning achievements of his life, Obie always began with the fact that he won the hand of Mary Lawrence, whom he loved with complete abandon from the age of fourteen. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who had a passionate commitment to family.
Without question, his second most valued achievement was overseeing the creation of The Wild Center, a nationally renowned natural history museum that he co-founded with Elizabeth Lowe in 1998.
Obie cherished the outdoors, especially his beloved Big Wolf Lake in New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
He also loved plays on words, golf, tennis, travel, deep philosophical conversation, good wine, ice cream, and singing.
“Obie was a giver, not a taker,” said Russ Reynolds, friend and fellow Whiffenpoof of 1954. He found ways to give of himself both personally and professionally whenever he could, including singing concerts in retirement homes during his last years of life.  
After several months of deteriorating health and mobility, Obie chose to enter home hospice care at the end of July. A meticulous manager to the end, he took charge of his final days and left this earth on his own terms. He expressed hope that our society’s approach to death and dying might become more open and humane, and that a peaceful death at home will become more universally available.
If Obie had a wish to leave us, it would be this: “Love each other, and love the Earth.”
He and his family would be grateful for tributes in his honor to go to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, N.Y.  
Note: A wonderful article was published about Obie Clifford in July 2017 in Harvard Business School’s alumni magazine: https://www.alumni.hbs.edu/stories/Pages/story-bulletin.aspx?num=6334  
For additional information, see the McGrath and Son Funeral Home website, http://www.mcgrathandson.com/

Matthew A. Dana, 27

Dan McClelland

Matthew A. Dana, 27
Matthew A. Dana, 27, of Tupper Lake passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 6 at his home. Born March 12, 1990 in Ogdensburg, he was the son of Bruce Dana and Rhonda Gilmour.
The family moved to Tupper Lake where Matthew attended local schools. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School with honors in 2008. He was on the Lumberjack football and hockey teams. During this time he began an avid bodybuilding program and weight training. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing with his friends and family in the Adirondacks and on the St. Lawrence River in the Ogdensburg/Morristown area. He was also a member of the Tupper Lake Sportsman's club.
After graduating from high school, he attended North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, enrolled in the Criminal Justice program. He was awarded high honors on the President's list. He transferred to SUNY Canton were he continued to excel being named to the Dean's and President's lists and completed his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He was inducted into the National Honor Society on December 1, 2010.
Following graduation in 2012, he joined the Tupper Lake Police Dept. He was promoted to sergeant in September 2016.
Matthew was admired by many for his kind and easy going, well mannered personality, with a ready smile. Always quick to lend a hand without being asked.
He enjoyed his work with the TLPD and was well thought of by his fellow officers.
Matthew is survived by his father and mother , Stepfather Michael Demars, his girlfriend Bridget LaPiere, one sister Elizbeth, a brother Benjamin, Grandparents Patricia and William Bartlett of Lisbon, Donald and Jill Bryer of Alexandria Bay. Also surviving are Aunts and Uncles Sonja and Gary Flansburg of Utica, Daniel Bryer of Tupper Lake, Susan and David Myers of Sanford, N.C., cousins Jeremy and Debbie Carpenter and Amanda and Ashley Bryer.
Matthew was pre-deceased by a brother Jameson. Calling hours were Wednesday, August 9 from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tupper Lake Christian Center in Tupper Lake. A funeral service was held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Holy Name Church. Memorial donations may be made to the TLPD Canine Unit in care of the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home.

John Leonard Mitrowitz

Dan McClelland

John Leonard Mitrowitz (Mitch) died peacefully at his home in Tupper Lake on August 11, 2017.
John was born on February 10, 1959 in Johnson City, N.Y. to Leonard and Ruth (Chamberlain) Mitrowitz.
His parents, brother Jim and father in law, James Bunnell predeceased John.
Surviving John are: his wife, Theresa (Bunnell) Mitrowitz, his sons, Brian Mitrowitz (Fiancée Alicia Kettler) and Benjamin Mitrowitz, sisters, Joan (Mark) Tymeson and Judy Mitrowitz, sister in law Veronica Mitrowitz, niece Carrie Mitrowitz (Mike Pinzas), nephews Jay (Karen) Mitrowitz, Nicholas Bunnell, mother in law Margaret Bunnell, brother in law Thomas (Rose) Bunnell, sisters in law, Cynthia Bunnell and Michele (Scott) Goda, Aunt and Uncle Mary Joan and Bob Sheredy, and Aunt Eleanor Chamberlain. John also has many cousins from the Chamberlain, Gerich, Sheredy and Mitrowitz families. His canine companions, Lucy and Greta will miss their daily walks with John.
In his younger years, John loved playing baseball for the Nimmonsburg Youth Association.
 He graduated from Chenango Valley High School in 1977, where he played football and baseball. He coached Little League in Tupper Lake. He attended Broome Community College and it was there that he took his first backpacking class and continued to take the backpacking class every semester that he was enrolled at BCC. He completed many hikes in the Adirondacks. He loved the mountains.
When John moved to Tupper Lake he worked for Becker Construction, Gillis Construction and School House Renovations before creating his own business, JLM Carpentry.
He shared his joy for creating beauty and function in the homes of his “customers” and was extraordinarily knowledgeable in so many disciplines.
John made many good friends through his business and these friends will not be forgotten.
Calling hours were held on Tuesday, August 15 from 4p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stuart-Fortune-Keogh Funeral Home in Tupper Lake NY. Calling hours will also be held on Thursday, August 17 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. James Church in Johnson City N.Y., followed by a mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City NY. Please consider donations to the Town of Tupper Lake recreation youth baseball program, Nimmonsburg Youth Association, St. James Food Pantry or the Broome County Meals on Wheels program. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

James Vincent Savage, 81

Dan McClelland

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James V. Savage, 81, a resident of Belmont for over 30 years, died Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Care Center in Manchester following a period of failing health.
Jim was born in Tupper Lake, New York, May 12, 1936, son of the late, James H. Savage and Louise (Coutu) Savage. He was a 1954 graduate of Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake and Salutatorian of his class. Jim later attended the Lemoyne College in Syracuse, NY, graduating after four years with his Accounting Degree. During the Vietnam War, Jim served honorably from 1959 until 1962 with the U. S. Army, discharged with the rank of Sp4 (T). On March 3, 1962, he married his wife of 55 years, Mary Anne (Perth) Savage. He worked for many years as a self employed Certified Public Accountant and was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, and his favorite hobby, firearms and shooting.
He was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Laconia and he and his wife were also active with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Concord.
He leaves his wife, Mary Anne Savage of Belmont, Daughter, Lisa M. Savage of Chichester, Son, Vincent J. Savage of Belmont, Granddaughter, Alexandria W. Savage of Chichester; A brother, Gerald H. Savage of Tupper Lake; nieces and nephews, along with many good friends.
Calling hours were held at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, in Tilton.  A Mass to celebrate the life of James was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Concord. A gathering followed at the church. Committal prayers followed by military honors was held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 D.W. Highway, Boscawen, NH.
Those wishing may make memorial donations in Jim's name to the CCD Program, Immaculate Heart of Mary, 180 Loudon Road, Concord, NH 03301.

Timothy John Bannon, 74

Dan McClelland

Mr. Bannon in 1997. He retired in 2004.
A former resident of East Amherst and North Buffalo, he moved to Maryland in 2013.
Survivors include a son, Ned; a daughter, Katie; a brother, William; a sister, Sharon; his ex-wife, the former Elizabeth Lyons; a closeTimothy John Bannon, a retired Nichols School teacher and administrator, died June 5 in Kensington, Maryland, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 74.
Born in Boston, Mass., Mr. Bannon attended high school in Tupper Lake and graduated in 1964 with a concentration in biology from Harvard University, where he was a resident of Leverett House.
Mr. Bannon became a science teacher in 1964 at North Shore Country Day School in Chicago and later served as head of the lower and middle schools. In 1974, he took a position as head of the lower school at Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, N.C.
He became head of the Lower Campus (middle school) at Nichols School in 1978. Earning a master’s degree in earth science from Buffalo State College in 1992, he returned to the classroom as a science teacher. Students dedicated the school yearbook tofriend, Nancy Stanton and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be arranged in Buffalo in the fall.

Richard “Dick” Parent, 69

Dan McClelland

Richard “Dick” Leon Parent, 69, of 89 Lake Simond Road, Tupper Lake, NY, died peacefully on Sunday, July 23 2017.
He was born in Tupper Lake, NY on March 28, 1948.
He is survived by his son, Joe; his daughter, Kate; and his daughter-in-law, Ally.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Monica (Richer) Parent; his father, Hubert; and his mother, Ruth.
He served in the Navy from 1970 to 1972, and was honorably discharged in April, 1972.
Dick was well known around town as an avid hunter and fisherman. He owned and ran the Tip Top Sports Shop in Tupper Lake for many years, and loved to talk to his customers about the best fishing spots and the best hunting grounds. Both he and his wife Monica loved their Adirondack home.
Dick was gregarious, caring, and humble. He enjoyed living a simple life, joking around, and being a bit of a troublemaker. After he retired he spent his time fishing, grabbing a beer in town once in a while, and being an active member of the local Honor Guard. Dick was a true Tupper Lake local, and will be sorely missed by his friends and family.
There will be a graveside service with full military honors at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 28 at St. Alphonsus Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the VFW in Tupper Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW of Tupper Lake.
Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeough funeralhome.com

Linda Wells Herman, 74

Dan McClelland

Linda Wells Herman, 74 of Leesbury, Florida passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017 at a Hospice Care Center in Florida.
Born May 30, 1943 in Tupper Lake, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Reta Wells (Ayotte).  She moved to Rochester, N.Y. in her early twenties and worked for Xerox Corporation for 15 years and multiple companies as an accountant.
She enjoyed spending time with her children, traveling and most of all canning and cooking.
She is survived by her two children, Mr. and Mrs. Richard (son) Dwyer (Eileen) of Rochester,  andMr. and Mrs. Rod Cardarelli (Patrice) (daughter) of Fairport, N.Y.; four grandchildren - Katie, Kristin, Ricky Jr. and Robert; five Sisters – Mrs. Carolyn Perkins of Rochester, Mrs. Suzanne McCarthy of Athens, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. Ronald (Nancy) Miller of Pooler, GA, Ms. Katherine Wells of Penfield, N.Y. and Ms. Gail Poirier of Tupper Lake, NY; three brothers – Mr. and Mrs. Steven (Melissa) Wells of Waxhaw, N.C., Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Laura) Wells of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff (Sonya) Wells of Tupper Lake; and several nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her finance’, Paul Boudreau of Leesbury, Florida.
She as predeceased by her Husband William Dwyer, her son, Patrick of Buffalo, NY, one sister, Barbara Duprat and one brother, Kenneth Wells.
Church Services will be at a later date.

Shirley Traynor

Dan McClelland

Shirley Traynor
Shirley Marie Traynor passed away comfortably at her home in Long Lake, surrounded by her loving family,  on June 22, 2017 following a brief illness.
Born on September 30, 1931 in Adams, N.Y. she was the eldest of five children born to Ross and Marie (McIntosh) Wagner. She graduated from Adams Central School in 1949 as Valedictorian. She received her BA at SUNY Albany and her Master’s in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.
She taught for over 30 years at several schools including Brasher Falls, Schroon Lake, Edwards, Newcomb and Long Lake Central School.
Shirley was married to James Traynor from June 28, 1958 until June 25, 1990 and Lewis Wright from October 26, 1998 to June 25, 2006. Both husbands predeceased her.
Survivors include several children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one brother, one sister and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was also predeceased by one son, one daughter, one brother and one sister.
Shirley was active in her church, St. Henry’s, and many volunteer organizations including Hospice. She donated faithfully to several charities and was involved in packaging Christmas boxes for children overseas, supporting an Indian nation of children.
She particularly loved reading, knitting, jigsaw puzzles and socializing with her girlfriends.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, there are no calling hours scheduled.
A memorial service will be conducted at a date and time to be announced.
To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Rexilius, 76

Dan McClelland

Barbara Rexilius, 76
Barbara Rexilius, age 76, of Bloomingdale, died on Thursday June 15, 2017 at her home in Bloomingdale.
Born in Woodruff, Wisconsin on March 26, 1941, she was the daughter of Leon and Louise (Wagener) Goff. Barbara married Eugene H. Rexilius on March 20, 1964 in Palo Alto, CA. He predeceased her on June 6, 1996.
Barbara graduated from Chico State College with her Bachelors in Nursing in 1963, and received her master’s in Medical Surgical Nursing with a minor in Nursing Education at the University of Minnesota in 1972. Barbara’s work history includes being a staff nurse and then an assistant head nurse at Marin General Hospital in San Rafael, CA.1963-1966.
In 1967 she worked as a staff nurse at Twin Pines Psychiatric Hospital in Bellmont, CA. From 1967 to 1969 she worked as a nursing instructor at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, CA. From 1969 to 1970 she worked at the University of Minnesota Hospitals as the clinical in-services educator head nurse.
From 1976 to 1977 she worked as a coordinator of the second-year associate nursing degree program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
From 1978 to 1984 she worked as the Director of Education Development at the Community Health Center of Branch County in Coldwater, MI.
From 1984 to 1986 she worked as an Assistant Professor in Nursing at Tarrant County Junior College in Fort Worth, TX. From 1986 to 1998 she worked as the Director of Nursing Programs for North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY.
From 1999 to 2001 she worked as an instructor of Nursing in the Baccalaureate Program for Plattsburgh State University in Plattsburgh.
Barbara also published many articles about nursing including a Thesis: A Comparative Study of the Views of the Staff Nurse and Nurse Clinician of the Nurse Clinician Role at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. March 1972, “The -Thou Relationship and Nursing”, The Nebraska Nurse, for which she received the “Excellence in Writing Award”, for 1977, from the Nebraska Nurses’ Association. Chest Drainage and Suction, FA Davis Co., Philadelphia, 1977, “Why Not Chart First”, Supervisor Nurse, February 1981. Special consultant to Lee, Barret & Ignatavicius. Fluids & Electrolytes: a Practical Approach. 4th ed., FA Davis, Philadelphia, 1996.
She also served as a product consultant to a manufacturer of medical products. Barbara also worked as a consultant for Glen Oaks Community College in Centerville, Michigan during the development of an AD nursing program from 1983 to 1984.
She was most proud of her professional achievements in the fields of nursing and nursing education. Her goal was to always leave a job better than she found it. Barb was a firm believer in the great protestant work ethic; there was joy in work and working hard at any endeavor was the tell of one’s character.
She is survived by her son Marcus (LaWann) Rexilius of Arlington, TX, her daughter Reiko Rexilius of Lake Clear,  her grandson PFC Chaos Rexilius-Tuthill of Camp Pendleton, CA , her brother Charles (Sue) Goff of Lubbock, TX, her sisters Donna (Goff) Love of Tigard, OR, Louella (Goff) Camacho of Rio Vista, CA and informal adopted sister Kathryn (Keffer) Holland of Woodburn, OR, her nieces Denise(Poulsen) Lysowski of Milwaukee, WI, Sandra (Poulsen) Mars of Chicago, IL, Tracy (Love) Silver of Tigard, OR, Cousins Mark Marquez of Daly City, CA and Jo-an ( Garrison) Gardinier of Phelps, WI, and her step grand children: Danielle Tuthill of West Hollywood, CA and Michael Tuthill or Vermontville, NY.
Barb was especially proud of her family’s ability to survive through the lean times and the bad times. Often reflecting on her late Shanty, Irish Grandmother, who would say no matter what happened to us, “we all growed up and got big”. Barb was proud that she made it to “big”.
Her hobbies were gardening, painting, reading, canoeing and sharing that joy with others. She had a passion for football, specifically the Green Bay Packers and Nebraska Cornhuskers. She loved long walks in the woods and canoeing with her Anatolian Shepard, Machovicka.
The family of Barbara Rexilius will be welcoming friends and colleagues for a celebration of her life on Wednesday June 21, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her house, the big blue house in Bloomingdale (1787 State Route 3). Please come with mementoes and stories to share. Barb wanted to fill her house with people, enjoying the moment with food, beverage, music, and shared memories, laughter and the occasional tear. A dedication and graveside service will take place on Thursday June 22, 2017 at Pine Ridge Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Barbara Rexilius may make memorial contributions to North Country Community College or Tri-Lakes Humane Society in care of the funeral home.

Michelle LaMere, 57

Dan McClelland

Michelle LaMere, 57
Michelle Annette LaMere, 57, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2017 after a short illness.
Born in Tupper Lake on July 15th, 1959, she was the daughter of Bob and Janet Chartier. On July 25,1981, she married Tom LaMere. They have two children: Allie and Rob.
Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren Sloan and Tommy. She spent countless hours over the years supporting and encouraging their passions, from art to sports and everything in between she was solidly behind every endeavor. Along with Tom she was their biggest cheerleader and staunchest supporter.
For 30 years, Michelle was a much loved teacher and mentor at L.P. Quinn Elementary School. She touched many lives within our community, her passion for teaching and helping extended far beyond her students. Her latest love, Zumba, and the ladies she taught brought her great joy and strength.
She was an avid reader, skier and loved all outdoor activities and the lakes and community she called home. The recent generosity and outpouring of love and respect by those close and far away touched her to the core.
She is survived by her mother, Janet, her husband Tom, daughter Allie and husband Matt (Poirier), son Rob and wife Devon, grandchildren Sloan and Tommy, brother Mike (Mary), Scott (Mary), sister Lisa and countless loved ones.
She was predeceased by her father, Bob Chartier in 2012.
Calling hours wereMonday June, 12 from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday June 13at 3:30 p.m. at St Alphonsus Church.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, should go to a new memorial scholarship fund that isbeing established in her honor. Contributions may be made to the, Tupper Lake Central School, 294 Hosley Ave. Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Phyllis M.Tvorak, 75

Dan McClelland

Phyllis M.Tvorak, 75
Phyllis M. Tvorak, 75, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 3, 2017 at Our Lady of Mercy with Hospice care.
Phyllis was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Mae (Bellows) Woods. Phyllis was born on June 5, 1941 in Tupper Lake.
 Phyllis was a retired LPN, nurse. In her free time she loved to work on craft projects, garden outside and was always ready with a “Do you want to play?”, her favorite game of Tri-Ominos.
She was a dedicated loving mother who enjoyed being with all of her grandchildren, whether it was babysitting them or watching as they played their various sports.
She is survived by her son Richard Tvorak and his partner Judi, Cheryl (Vincent) Futia and Mae (Robert) Mohr; her son-in-law Al Hoyt andher beloved grandchildren:  Heather and Richard Tvorak ; Cody, Jesse, Katherine and Dalton Futia; Elizabeth Paiz; and Danielle and Mackenzie Mohr; and her beloved great grandchildren: Liam Vincent and Amelia Paiz. She will be missed dearly by her lifelong friend Barbara Shunk and her BFF Millie Futia .
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her loving daughter Terri Hoyt in 2011.
Phyllis requested that there be no wake or services, she wanted to be cremated and brought home to Tupper Lake. The family honored her request and brought her home to rest with a private service in Tupper Lake on May 20.
Memorial donations may be made in Phyllis’ name to Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205 or to the Leukemia Foundation at LLS.org or mail your donation to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 401 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Ste. 200 Cary, NC 27513

Shirley Dukett, 86

Dan McClelland

Shirley Dukett, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017 following a long battle with CHF and COPD.
Born in Tupper Lake on April 6, 1931, she was the daughter of Jeanne and Laurent Desmarais.
Shirley attended local schools and worked at the OWD, Mercy General Hospital and retired from Sunmount DDSO.
She enjoyed square dancing with the Lumber Jack and Jills, traveling to the New Hampshire coast as well as many weekends away with friends. She was an avid knitter and reader.
Shirley is survived by her son Scot and his wife Cynthia, six grandchildren- Brian, Eric, Olivia, Matthew, Rebecca and Paige; two great-grandchildren- Jocelyn and Ella as well as several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her "adopted' grandchildren- Andrew, Aileen and Patrick and her constant companion Wilson.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Earl, son Brian, and a great-granddaughter Eden Doane.
Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, June 11 from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Alphonsus church.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider either the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Tupper Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, or the Tupper Lake Kiwanis Club.

Alice E. Dechene, 86

Dan McClelland

Alice E. Dechene, 86
Alice E. Dechene, 86,  went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 27, 2017. (1 John 5:13)
She left Parishville, N.Y. where she had resided with her Grandaughter Denise (Dechene) Taylor who was her main caregiver for the last four and a half years.
As the ravages of Parkinson's Disease had taken over Alice's body. Denise and her young family cared for her grandmother with amazing kindness and compassion.
The whole family thanks them for all the love they gave Alice in her final years. (John 15:16)
Born in Queens, N.Y. to William and Edna Dineen on December 18, 1930 she
was the seventh born to them out of nine children and was the youngest girl. In 1942 her father was sent to Sunmount Veterans Hospital when a spot was discovered on his lung.
In 1943 Mr. and Mrs. Dineen and their five youngest children moved to Tupper Lake permanently.
On September 11, 1950 Alice married Walter P. Krehl whose family had also moved to Tupper Lake from Buffalo, N.Y. because of Sunmount Veterans' Hospital.
They had four children: Edward, Michael,T homas and Alice.
Alice later married Dennis Dechene on August 21, 1971. They had two children, William and Kathleen.
Most people remember Alice working in the restaurant business. First working as a waitress in her sister Margaret and Joe Haile's fine dining establishments, The Blue Anchor and The Holiday House. Later Alice worked as a bartender in other popular landmarks, including Mason's, Canales, The Park Restaurant, Tupper Lake Country Club, Saranac Inn Golf Course and even a stint as a short order cook at Roy's Restaurant.
She loved all people! Loved to tell stories, and jokes, even sang Irish ballads for her customers. Alice had a lovely singing voice and sang often to her children but also was in the local Catholic Church Choir and sang solos for the Christmas and Easter Cantatas.
She was a master at multi-tasking, making the libations and keeping her customers, young and old happy.
Alice was always reading medical journals and certainly would have made an excellent nurse possibly even a doctor, but she took to volunteering for the local rescue squad instead, serving our community for many years. She was one of the members of thefirst class of EMT's.
Alice was also a gifted writer and her children joked she was a frustrated English teacher as she was always correcting their writing. The profession Alice chose was being her children's mother first and foremost. Her children all remember her home-cooked meals, always topped off with a home baked dessert. Her hands were always busy, knitting sweaters for her daughters, baking cakes for friends' parties or funerals. She loved writing beautiful letters to cheer people up. Her children also remember their clothes being hung outside and especially the sheets even in the winter to get that extra fresh clean smell in them. She could take a chicken and get four meals for her family out of it.
Her generosity was abundant. On many occasions she gave people things just because they admired them. When people say "That person would give you the coat right off their backs!
Say her children: “That was our mother. She was our first teacher and taught in a very gentle manner. She taught us many life lessons that have been invaluable, like looking people in the eye when they are speaking to you and how to shake someone's hand. Mom was a hard worker and taught us a good work ethic, it didn't matter if you were digging ditches for a living, you better do a good job. We were told often, lilt doesn't cost anything to give someone a smile, sometimes it is the only kindness they have seen lately. Mom taught us resilience in the day of adversity .... keep on smiling and laughing and keep on living! She certainly taught by her example ... Thanks Mom! (Proverbs 22:6)”
“Her most important legacy however is leaving us all with her love of her Lord Jesus Christ. Our mom was always teaching us about God and His son Jesus Christ and how the Holy Spirit is our Helper and guide. She taught us we could know Him too if we sought Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).”
Alice is survived by her children Edward Paul Krehl, Thomas Allen Krehl, Alice Dineen Lemieux and her husband Jim Lemieux, William Ernest Dechene and his wife Rachel (Benware) Dechene, Kathleen Mary Locke and her husband Joel. Her five grandchildren- Michael John Krehl and his wife Renee, Erin Elizabeth Parrott, William Ernest Dechene Jr. and his wife Samantha, Sarah Elizabeth Dechene and her fiance Patrick Barrett, and Denise Michaela and her husband James Taylor.
Alice is also survived by ten great-grandchildren- Ayden, Naomi, Alana, Alexis, Aleah, Elijah, Carter, Isaac, Annabelle, and Owen; two brothers Frank Dineen and his wife Erma, Tom and his wife Vickie.
She was predeceased by her parents, her brother William, five sistersMary, Margaret, Marion, Lillian, Eleanor and her infant son Michael John.
Following cremation a "Celebration of Life" service and interment will take place August 12, 2017. A reminder announcement with the details will appear in the paper.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and workers from Hospice who helped provide care for our mother this past year and a half. It was such a blessing for our niece Denise and our mother loved the new friends.
Anyone wishing to remember Alice are asked to make a contribution to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad or High Peaks Hospice.