Nancy Soucy, 58

Nancy M. Soucy, 58, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 in Watertown N.Y.

Born in Canada on November 25, 1964, she was the daughter of Alphee and Cecile Soucy.

Nancy is survived by two brothers Marcel Soucy of Baldwinsville, Nelson and (Lynn) Soucy of Tupper Lake, one sister Linda and (Jim) Robinson of Baldwinsville; her favorite Uncle and Aunt Jean and Karen Soucy of Tupper Lake, as well as a very dear friend Robert Marshall and his family of Watertown. She is also survived by a daughter Natashia Soucy of Greece N.Y. and a granddaughter Nakieshia Reeves also from Greece NY.

Nancy was predeceased by her mother Cecile Soucy in 1982 and her father Alphee Soucy in 2001. She was also predeceased by one brother Yvan Soucy in December 2021.

There will be no calling hours per Nancy's request.

Donations can be made to the ASPCA in memory of Nancy.

Death notice: Todd Howard Young

Todd Howard Young passed away on Monday August 29, 2022. He was born on December 16, 1963 in Tupper Lake, New York. A viewing will be held at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake on Thursday September 1, 2022 at 10a.m. with a Catholic Mass at 11a.m. and burial immediately following. A full obituary will come out next Wednesday.

Robert “Budd” Russell, 90

Robert “Budd” Russell, age 90, passed away Tuesday, August 16th.

He was the son of Harold and Emma Pearl (Egglestone) Russell, born in Malone, N.Y. on October 2, 1931.

He is survived by his wife Joanne, son John (Sandy) Russell from New Jersey, Tim (Barb) Russell from Ohio, Kathy (Keith) Lanthier from Albany, N.Y., Angie (Shawn) Butler from Rome, N.Y. and Spencer (Audrey) Russell from Indiana, brother Earl (Chum) Russell and sister Janis Werner both from Farmington N.Y., several stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Budd was predeceased by his daughter Dori Rachel Russell, wives Evelyn Lewis and Joan LaLonde, brothers Gerald (Jerry), James (Jim) and Patrick (Pat) and sister Barbara and grandson Jake Lanthier.

He grew up in Conifer and was likely to be found hunting, fishing, camping or walking in the woods surrounding the town during his adult life. He was an avid card player – a formidable bridge player – and he entertained everyone with mastery of card tricks and dad jokes. His other passion was dancing – winning contests with his spouses and dancing with his great granddaughters.

He was an active Moose club member, volunteering his time to bar-b-que for the members and families, rising to the status of a Pilgrim member.

Calling hours were noon to 2 on Monday the 22 at Frary Funeral Home followed by mass at St. Alphonsus Church. Burial followed at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.fraryfuneralhome.com

Thomas B. LaFountain

Thomas B. LaFountain, 76, of Malone died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at his home with his husband by his side and under the care of Hospice of the North Country.

Born on Sept. 21, 1945 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of Arthur and Charlotte (Cassell) LaFountain.

He was married to William Lamica on July 4, 2022 in Malone by Melody from Catholic Charities.

Tom was employed as a custodian at Mercy Healthcare in Tupper Lake for many years. He enjoyed fishing, camping, coloring and helping out at the food pantry in Tupper Lake.

He is survived by his husband and partner of 45 years, William; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Benny and Donna Lamica of Burlington, Roy and Michelle Lamica of Brushton, Mary Proper and her companion, Mike of Cadyville, Rosie Burnett of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give to special thanks to Tom’s caregivers, Nancy LaMondie, Trudy Kunkle and Jackie Rowe and his nurses, Cindy and Janelle.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Rudolf and Kenny and sister, Madeline.

Calling hours will be held at the First Baptist Church, Malone on Monday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 p.m.

Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country.

Arrangements are with St. Mary-Murphy-Wilcox Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome..

Gary Lee Smith

Gary Lee Smith of Childwold, N.Y., passed at his home on August 10, 2022 with his sister Sharon Dukette by his side.

Gary was born on February 21, 1945 in Potsdam, N.Y .to Glenn and Jean (McCuen) Smith. They both preceded his death.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Emily, and his two sons William and Joshua. They were the center of his life.

Gary was preceded by his wife Mary, who passed on July 28, 2021. He was also preceded by his brother and his sister-in-law Wayne (Skip) and Janice Scanlon.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews, who will all miss him. Gary lived his whole life in Childwold and worked several local jobs – Massawepie Scout Camp, Grosse River Club, Benson Mines, and Sunmount, from which he retired.

There will be no public service as requested by Gary. At a later date a graveside service will be held for family.

Matthew Kessler, 51

Matthew James Kessler, 51, of Tupper Lake, NY, unexpectedly passed away on August 10, 2022, from a fast and furious bout with cancer. He was born in Newark, N.Y., on November 19, 1970, to Patricia (Copp) Santana and Harold Kessler.

He leaves behind his daughters, Leigha and Harlee Kessler, his beloved companion of 18 years, Kellee (McCuen) Crouse, and her daughters, Amanda (Ron) LaScala, Brenna Crouse, her companion Joel Ottley & Victoria (Rick) Pickering, his brothers Mike and Ronnie Barber, Scott Tarplee, his companion Christina Hughes, John (Sue) Tarplee, his sister Katie Santana, her companion Jim Ellis, as well as, several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, along with many other family members and friends that he cared for very much.

Matt was a true mountain man. He loved going out into the Adirondack wilderness to hunt, fish, boat and camp on the river and taking ATV trips. Always the life of the party, he loved having his friends and family around him.

Matt will live on in our hearts and memories and forever be missed. There was a celebration of life held at his home, 40 Demars, Blvd., Tupper Lake, NY, this past Saturday, August 13th.

Anyone wishing to honor Matt’s memory please consider donating blood. He was very thankful for the blood that was available to him in his time of need.

Mary Jo Dickerson, 59

Mary Jo Dickerson, 59, died peacefully at her home, 861 Deerland Drive, Long Lake, July 23, 2022 after a long hard fought battle with cancer.

Born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., December 24, 1962 she was the daughter of Marshall, Jr. and Myrna (Cassavaugh) Dickerson.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Patrick Skerrett, her mother, one son, James Mitchell, two brothers, Marshall (Tammy Cross) and Maxwell (Crystal Gowdy) Dickerson, one “extra special” sister, Dale Potter, two grandsons, Zachary and Marshall Mitchell, one niece, Miley Dickerson, and “like a brother” Billy Gay, three step children, Lyndsay Austin, Stephen and Thomas Skerrett.

She was predeceased by her father and one granddaughter, Zoey Mitchell.

After graduating Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School in 1980, Mary Jo attended SUNY Plattsburgh, NY receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1984 and Master of Science in Administration in 1989. She taught Home Economics for 13 years at Warrensburg High School, Early Childhood Development at Saratoga BOCES, Principal at Mineville BOCES, and Principal/Superintendent at Long Lake Central School, and retired from an administrative position at FEH Malone in 2017 and returned to Long Lake to “live her dream.”

Mary Jo was a member of Long Lake Rescue Squad, Eastern Star and Lions Club. Her ambitions and determination to succeed were unique and stemmed from her early years in involvement in 4-H always using the motto “busy hands are happy hands.” She enjoyed baking, sewing, hydroponic gardening, her horse and dogs, spent quality time teaching children, and loved all her activities on the lake.

A graveside service will be held at Reber Cemetery, Reber Rd., Willsboro, N.Y., Saturday, August 6 at 10 a.m.

Donations in Mary Jo’s memory may be made to Long Lake Rescue Squad, Box 415, Long Lake, NY 12986

Patrick D. McLear, 74

Patrick D. McLear of Tupper Lake, NY passed away on Monday July 25, 2022, at the age of 74. After several months of bravely battling pancreatic cancer, Pat died peacefully with his beloved wife Mary and family by his side.

Pat was born in Tupper Lake, NY on January 6, 1948, to Edgar and Gloria (Lemieux) McLear. The eldest child, he attended local schools, graduating from Tupper Lake High School in 1966. He was proud that he served his country in the US Army Reserves between 1968 and 1974. Pat worked at the Altamont Milk Company prior to being hired by the Village of Tupper Lake where he served on the local police force. He then took a position as a fire truck driver for the Village in 1972 and held that job until his retirement in 2000.

On April 26, 1969, Pat married the love of his life, Mary Boushie. Mary and Pat had been together since 7th grade. They remained lifelong residents of Tupper Lake raising two sons, Jason and Scott.

Throughout the years Pat was very involved in the community he loved so much. He was a volunteer fireman for the Tupper Lake Fire Department for 30 years, serving as Fire Chief for many years. Pat was elected as Town of Altamont Justice of the Peace in 1985, serving in that role for 15 years. He also was a past board member and President of the Tupper Lake Country Club. In addition, he was a member of the local American Legion Post 220.

Anyone who knew Pat, knew how much he loved his family. He is survived by his wife Mary, of 53 years, son Jason and daughter-in-law Becky of Rancho Cucamonga, California, son Scott and daughter-in-law Kate of Niskayuna, NY; his grandson Thomas, of Denton, Texas; his beautiful granddaughters Emma McLear and Lauren McLear of Niskayuna, NY; brother Dean McLear and wife Janice of Colchester CT; brother Kevin McLear and wife Francine of Ocala, FL and sister Dawn (McLear) Hughes of Tupper Lake; and countless extended family and friends. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly.

Services will be on Tuesday August 2, 2022, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Frary Funeral Home, 24 Cliff Ave in Tupper Lake NY. There will be a mass at 2:00pm at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Family and Friends are welcome to join in a celebration of life at the VFW in Tupper Lake after the services.

Those wishing to make donations please consider the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad or High Peaks Hospice.

George LaFlamme

George Edward LaFlamme of Tupper Lake, passed away peacefully at home with his devoted wife and family by his side on July 20, 2022.

George LaFlamme, the son of George and Emma (LaFountain) LaFlamme, was born on March 13, 1935 in Tupper Lake.

George served in the United States Army and worked in the logging industry up until age 86.

In 1957 he married the love of his life and best friend, Alice Exware. They lived together almost inseparable for over 65 years. George was a patriarch to his family, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He had an immense amount of love for his family that was admired by many.

George is survived by his son George Junior (Anna) LaFlamme, Daughter Debbie (Charles) Mitchell, Daughter Susan (Ronald) Alan, and bonus daughter Trish (Nicholas) Leblanc. He was fortunate enough to have 17 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by both parents, son Alan LaFlamme, daughter Penny (Lanthier) LaFlamme, brothers; Raymond, Percy and Leon, sisters; Annabelle and Ruth, and grandson Ricky Pickering.

George will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of all the many who loved him.

Per his request there will be no services and a private burial at a later date.

Donald Lee Savard, 78

Donald “Don” “Doc” Lee Savard, 78, of rural Harrison, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, July 8, 2022.

Donald was born April 27, 1944, in Tupper Lake, New York, the son of Leon and Gladys (Boucher) Savard.

Mr. Savard enlisted in the United States Navy on October 11, 1961, and honorably served his country until his honorable discharge on April 29, 1965.

Don was united in marriage to Patricia Hayes on June 30, 1972. Patricia preceded Don in death on September 28, 2012, after forty years of marriage.

Mr. Savard had resided in Harrison since 2005, moving from Garden City, Michigan. He retired from UPS as a truck driver. Don was a member of the American Legion Post 404, Harrison and Harrison Moose Lodge and Family Center #2235. He enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, bird watching from his porch, cooking and watching televised golf tournaments and football games.

Surviving Mr. Savard are his two children: Renee Ruggiero of Harrison and Donald O. Savard of Elmira, New York, one step-daughter, Lori Zalewski and husband Andrew of Garden City, seven grandchildren, three great-grandsons, one sister, Marie Kraft of Aurra, Colorado, one brother, Roy Savard of Tupper Lake, plus many nieces, nephews and extended family. Don also was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son, Dean Savard, one sister, Evelyn Savard and five brothers: Edward Savard, Richard Savard, Robert Savard, Jim Savard and Sonny Savard.

Funeral services for Mr. Savard were held Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3p.m. from Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service Inc., 165 West Oak St., Harrison, Mi. 48625, with Monsignor Francis B. Koper officiating. Visitation took place Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Military Honors and burial were held Monday, July 18, 2022 at 9a,n, from Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan. Memorial gifts in memory of Don may be considered to the Savard Family, in care of: Renee Ruggiero. To share an online memory or condolence with Don’s family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com.

Arrangements and care of Mr. Savard and his family are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service Inc., Harrison (989)539-7810.

Celebration of Lifetime for Stephanie Wilkins Van Nortwick

A celebration of Stephanie's life will be held at Massawepie Scout Camp Mountaineer at 3p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

Signs will direct attendees from the intersection of Route 3 near Childwold and the camp entrance.

If you plan to attend, beverages of your choice and a dish to pass would be appreciated.

Graveside Service for Barbara Mae (LaPelle) Hebert

A graveside service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Long Lake Cemetery.

Barbara passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2021 in North Myrtle Beach S.C., surrounded by her family.

Barbara is survived by her loved ones, Lauren (Michael) Gillis, Lisa Hebert, Kent (Carla) Hebert. Also, she is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses, Jillian (Austin) Frazier, Vicki Hebert, Ashley (Matthew) Weston, Sara (Dominick) Hebert, Thomas Spangler and Stephen Spangler and her great grandchildren Owen, Gabriel, Vera, Zachary and Benjamin.

She is survived by her sisters Anne Sabbatis, Ruth LaPelle and Darlene LaPelle-Gauvin.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Laurent and her son Kevin.

A celebration of life will be held at 1532 State Route 30, Tupper Lake, immediately following the service.

Everyone is welcome to come by. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in her memory.

Gregory Foise, 60

Gregory Foise, 60, of Tupper Lake, passed away peacefully in his home on July 4, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving caregivers.

Gregory is survived by his friends and caregivers at 61 Haymeadow Rd, Tupper Lake. Staff members say they were fortunate to have him as part of our family at the Haymeadow home. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and cared for him.

Gregory was born on April 11, 1962, in Staten Island, N.Y., the son of Stephanie Foise. He came to live in the area in 1985, eventually making his home in Tupper Lake in 2014.

Gregory enjoyed being outdoors, spending time in his yard and in his neighborhood, taking sensory rides in the local area, listening to music and receiving massages in his home.

Online condolences may be made to www.fraryfuneralhome.com

Celebration of life for Charlotte Desmarais

A celebration of life for Charlotte Theriault Desmarais will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 1p.m. to 2p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion in the Tupper Lake Municipal Park.

Charlotte passed away on May 13, 2021 in Tucson AZ.

Family and friends are welcome to attend to share their memories of Charlotte with them.

Thomas John Helms, 76

Thomas John Helms, 76, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2022, at Albany Medical Center after a short battle with Acute Myleloid Leukemia, surrounded by his wife and three sons.

Tom, as he was called, was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on April 27, 1946, to the late Herbert and Helen (Lane) Helms. He graduated from Long Lake Central School in 1963 and earned his bachelor and master’s degree in Mathematics from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.

He served as a Russian linguist in the United States Army earning the National Defense Service Medal,
Sharpshooter Badge (M14 Rifle), as well as the Good Conduct Medal prior to his honorable discharge from active duty on October 24, 1969.

He married the former Julia Sandiford on June 9, 1973, and they resided in Long Lake, NY, since 1977.
Tom was the owner and operator of Helms Aero Service in Long Lake. He spent almost 50 years flying sightseers, hunters, and fishermen in the Adirondack Mountains alongside his father and, recently, his son (Tom). In addition, he was a member of the faculty and staff at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, in the early 1980s, and owned a small computer consulting firm in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He was a basketball enthusiast playing, coaching, and watching countless hours of the game throughout his life. He was an active participant in the long-running Sunday night pick-up game in Long Lake. He was also a voracious reader and enjoyed crossword and sudoku puzzles.

Tom was a past member of the Friends of the Long Lake Library Board, the Girls Scouts of Northeastern New York Board of Directors, and the Long Lake Athletic Association Board.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Julia Helms of Long Lake, NY; three sons: Thomas (Robin) Helms, Jr., of Arlington, VA; Andrew (Nicole) Helms of Arlington, TN; Timothy (Kate) Helms of Long Lake; six grandchildren: Helena, Ian, Emily, Elizabeth, Kinley, and Drew; two sisters: Denise Helms and Maureen Helms, both of Vestal, NY; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held July 11, 2022, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at St. Henry’s Parish Center, 1188 Main Street, Long Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at St. Henry’s Catholic Church.

Burial with military honors will be in Long Lake Cemetery, Long Lake.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made in Tom’s memory to the
Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Long Lake Public Library (https://longlake.sals.edu/visiting-the-library), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), or the Stratton Veteran’s Administration Medical
Center Fisher House (www.connect.fisherhouse.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller Funeral Home, 6357 State Route 30, Indian Lake.

To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.com

Carrie Ann Snye, 62

Carrie Ann Snye, 62, of Piercefield, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday June 24, 2022.

Carrie was born on July 14, 1959 in Tupper Lake, NY the daughter of the late Joseph and Evelyn (LeVasseur) Weaver.

Carrie grew up in Tupper Lake, attended Tupper Lake High School graduating with the class of 1976. During her high school years, the Weavers purchased “The Trading Post” on Little Wolf Beach Road. During the summers, Carrie worked at the store selling supplies and goods to the campers and locals at the beach. After high school Carrie worked at Mercy General Hospital, Carrie assisted in the dietary needs of the patients in her care. Carrie later went to work for North Star Industries as a counselor assisting those in need. In her later life Carrie was the caretaker of a 5,000-acre Great Camp known as Little Simon Properties in Tupper Lake.

On July 28, 1979 Carrie married Thomas Snye of Conifer. Six years later they were blessed with their only child, a son, Neilson. Through the years, Carrie and her family resided in Tupper Lake, Piercefield and Conifer.

Carrie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Tom Snye, her son Neilson with his fiancé Melissa Milano and his two children Claire and Timothy, her sister, Candice Weaver and her daughter Cara Mathers and significant other Nick Taylor and their children of Tupper Lake. Carrie is also survived by her brother-in-law and his wife Marty and Mickey Snye and their sons Chris and Eric Snye of Morristown, N.Y., sister-in-law Beverly and husband Stephen Markwell and their two sons David and Scott of Holley, N.Y.

Carrie was predeceased by her mother Evelyn and father Joseph Weaver, her in-laws Gwendolyn Shumway Snye and Nelson Snye and Tom's stepfather Ron Shumway.

Carrie was involved in many community organizations including the Tupper Lake Woodsmen's Field Days, Friends of Mt. Arab and the Tupper Lake Dive and Rescue Team. Carrie and Tom were an instrumental part in forming the Tupper Lake Dive Team. They both went through the courses and legal protocols to receive the credentials to form the not-for-profit organization through the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad.

Carrie was also a musician, playing in local bands with her husband Tom. At times when she was unable to play an instrument in the band, she was supportive and promoted the band. Most of all, Carrie enjoyed spending time at her home in Mt. Arab Lake with her family and all the critters that surrounded her.

Calling hours will be held Saturday July 2, 2022 at the Frary Funeral Home from 1-3 p.m. A reception will be held following the calling hours at the V.F.W. on Park Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Mt. Arab in Piercefield NY in her memory.

John M. Rayome, 87

John M. Rayome, 87, of Long Lake, passed away with his loving family by his side Sunday evening, June 26, 2022 at Mercy Living Center, Tupper Lake.

Born on July 23, 1934 in Watertown, he was the son of the late Francis D. and Margaret A. (Barclay) Rayome. He was a 1953 graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy in Watertown.

John served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enjoyed a long career as a communication technician for General Telephone/ConTel in the Adirondacks.

He was joined in the sacrament of marriage to Rita “Joyce” Barse on August 2, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bombay, N.Y. They raised their family in Long Lake.

John was a very outgoing person who loved music. He enjoyed dancing, and playing the piano and ukulele while singing along with his family. He was known both for his strong work ethic and playful sense of humor.

He was a communicant of St. Henry’s Church and member of the Monsignor Edmund Dumas Council #2177 Knights of Columbus, Tupper Lake. He served the Long Lake community as an EMT of the Long Lake Rescue Squad. He served both as a firefighter and as commissioner of the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department from 1966 to 2001.

John was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Phyllis Leonard, Francis Rayome, his twin brother, Joseph Rayome and sister, Margaret Allen.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce Rayome; nine children: Michele (Michael) Pinard of Melbourne, FL, Maureen (Serge) Turcotte of North Creek, N.Y., Alicia (Larry) Rayome-Simpson of Edinburg, NY, John H. (Suzanne) Rayome of Mechanicville, N.Y., Eric Rayome of Plattsburgh, Denise (Duane) Smith of Evans Mills, N.Y., Andrea (Carmine) Inserra of Theresa, N.Y., Annette Rayome of Youngstown, N.Y. and Walter Rayome of Long Lake; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Mancarella of Rochester, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Wednesday June 29 from 2-5 p.m. and Thursday June 30 from 9 – 10 a.m. at St. Henry’s Parish Center, Long Lake.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 on Thursday, June 30 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Long Lake Cemetery, Long Lake.

Arrangements were entrusted to Miller Funeral Home, Indian Lake.

To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.com

Burial Service: Robert C. Roscoe

A burial service for Robert “Bob” Roscoe will be on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m., at the Gale Cemetery in the Town of Piercefield.

A celebration of life will follow afterwards at the VFW Post in Tupper Lake. All family members and friends are welcome to attend. There will be food, soda, and water provided but not alcoholic beverages. The bar will available for those who wish to purchase drinks.

Friends and family members who would like to bring dish, are welcome to do so. Please RVSP at 845-706-9599, so family members know how many will be attending!

Donations in our Bob's memory can be made to the Piercefield Fire Department, P.O. Box 143, Piercefield, NY 12973

Lillian Sexton, 94

Lillian M Sexton, 94, of Tupper Lake passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Lillian was born November 6, 1927 in (Faust) Tupper Lake.

Lillian is survived by James (Christa) Sexton of Chesapeake, Virginia, twin daughters Kathy (Yvon) Fortier of Tupper Lake and Kim (Nelson) Landry of Tupper Lake, Timothy (Linda) Sexton of Tupper Lake, Karen (Martin) Perrigo of Newtown, Pennsylvania, and brother in-law Bruce (Theresa) Sexton.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren Michelle, Marc and Megan Fortier, Emily, Abigail, Allison, and Thomas Sexton, Jessica and Sara Perrigo, two step grandsons, David and Tom Roisen and one great grandchild, Mya Fortier, along with many nieces and nephews.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Thomas A Sexton, her parents Nellie (Rushford) and Emile Rolley of Tupper Lake, infant sister Violet, infant brother Emile, Jr. and her brothers Curtis, Edward and Eric.

Lillian enjoyed spending time with Tom going to Las Vegas, going on cruises, and especially enjoyed her trip to Rome. She spent many days playing Bingo with “the girls.” But most of all, she enjoyed every minute she spent with her grandchildren, babysitting, giving them rides to and from all their activities, visiting them in Pennsylvania and took special pride in seeing them play and perform.

She was especially proud when her granddaughter, Michelle, followed in the footsteps of her grandfather, Tom, and became a state trooper. She beamed with pride when speaking about all of them and radiated pure joy anytime any of them visited her. She will live on forever in the memories of her family.

Visitation was held at St. Alphonsus Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake, on Tuesday, June 21 at 10a.m., followed by Mass at 11a.m. with a graveside burial at Holy Name Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com

Stephanie (Wilkins) Van Nortwick, 37

Stephanie (Wilkins) Van Nortwick, age 37, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the University of Virginia hospital in Charlottesville.

The victim of a tragic, lone car accident two days prior, Van Nortwick was rushed to the ICU and did not regain consciousness before her departure from this world, but not before family and friends were able to hold her hand and say goodbye. An advocate for organ donation, Mrs. Van Nortwick’s generosity in her passing allowed four other individuals the chance to live.

Born in Potsdam, New York, on June 12, 1984, Steph grew up in Childwold. And it was on the property of her childhood home where her lifelong love of horses emerged.

From an early age, Steph had a deep love and appreciation for not only horses, but animals from all walks of life. It’s been said there are two types of people, those who drive around the turtle in the road and those who stop and help it get to the other side. As expected, Steph was the latter.

A 2002 graduate of Tupper Lake High School, Steph found a raw, immense talent early on as a runner, resulting in an array of school records in indoor/outdoor track, as well as numerous appearances at state championship meets. To note, she held the outdoor 400 meter hurdles (01:11:59) and 800 meters (02:26:21) record for several years. As well, Steph was a member of the National Honor Society and played varsity soccer.

Flipping through her old high school running notebook this past week, one entry in particular stood out, which stated, “From running I have learned: that pain is nothing compared to the emptiness that comes from quitting, that searching your soul and pounding your soles are somewhat synonymous.”

However, it was her participation in the New York State track championships in 2001 that would forever change the course of her life, for also competing at the meet was Adam Van Nortwick. Though he ran for Tupper Lake’s rival, Saranac Lake High School, he immediately had an eye for Steph.

“She was such a presence on the track. She was focused, confident, fiercely competitive, and strikingly beautiful,” Adam reflected recently.

Following high school graduation, Steph and Adam both enrolled at St. Lawrence University. It was here where she continued her career as an athlete, ultimately finding success on the track, but more so cultivating several additional lifelong friendships, bonds built over tough two-a-day practices and the usual collegiate shenanigans.

Majoring in sociology with a minor in African Studies, Steph graduated from SLU and continued her academic achievements by receiving her Masters in Elementary Education from Longwood University. From there, she made her career teaching in the dual language program at Smithland Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Steph provided her students with warmth, love, and a secure learning environment. Her students adored her, and her influence has continued to play a huge role in their lives.

Steph is survived by her husband, Adam Van Nortwick of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the couple’s two children, Gavin (age nine) and Avery (age five); her parents, Bill and Doreen (Dattler) Wilkins of Childwold, New York; sister Heather (Wilkins) Dumas and brother-in-law Matt Dumas of Stanardsville, Virginia, and their three children, Aiden, Maia and Noah; her in-laws Sue and Miles Van Nortwick of Saranac Lake, New York; and sister-in-law Jeni Van Nortwick of Washington, D.C.; several aunts, uncles and cousins as well as numerous horses, dogs, goats, chickens, ducks, cats, rabbits and a turkey.

Steph was predeceased by her grandmother, Clair Liady Wilkins, and aunt, Cindie Wilkins Cohen, who were both very special to her and a big part of her life, as well as numerous extended family members.

A celebration of life in honor of Steph will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the home of Heather and Matt Dumas at 13778 Dyke Road, Stanardsville, Virginia, 22973. All are welcome to come and share memories of Steph. There will also be another gathering of family, friends and loved ones in Steph’s native Upstate New York on Saturday, July 30, with the location to be determined.

We will forever love and miss Steph and the impact she made on every single life she encountered in her short, vibrant time on this earth. Wherever you are, Steph, we know you’re out there probably going for a run, most likely adding on a couple extra miles to justify a stop for ice cream later on.