OBITS: Post-Star 18 Mar 2005; Glen Falls, Warren co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Post-Star http://www.post-star.com Castle, Rachel L. Rainville WATERFORD -- Rachel L. Rainville Castle, 67, of Clifton Street, Waterford, N.Y., passed into eternal life on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, embraced by her loving family at St. Mary's Hospital, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Our smiling Rachel is now at peace and reunited in eternal life with her cherished son, Shane, and her husband, Ken. She was born Sept. 16, 1937, in Franklin, Vt., and was the daughter of the late Philip A. and Yvonne Tremblay Rainville. Rachel was a lifelong area resident and a graduate of Cohoes High School. She retired in 2002 as a supervisor with the Millview Adult Home in Waterford after many years. Rachel was an osteoporosis fitness instructor at the Cohoes Senior Center and a member of the Cohoes Senior Citizens. She enjoyed gardening and bird watching. A devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, Rachel's pride and joy were her grandsons. Rachel was dedicated to her family and enjoyed being in their company. She was a communicant of the former St. Anne's in Waterford and most recently with St. Joseph's Parish in Cohoes and a member of St. Joseph's prayer chain. Rachel is survived by her devoted sons, Alan K. (Lynn) Castle of Waterford and David K. (Kelly) Castle of Gansevoort; her adored grandsons, Patrick S. and Nicholas S. Castle; her loving sisters, Muriel Corbeil of Tampa, Fla., Norma Donohue of Fort Ann, and Diana Rainville of Waterford; her brother, Daniel A. (Marion) Rainville of Latham; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth F. and her son, Shane P. Castle. Funeral from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ltd., 105 Vliet Boulevard, Cohoes, will be Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Cohoes. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Those wising to remember Rachel in a special way, may make contributions in her memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6 Automation Lane, Albany, NY 12205 or in care of the funeral home. Published in the Post-Star on 3/18/2005. Cooper, Mary S. Indian Lake -- Mary S. Cooper, age 86, of Beech Trail Road, died Wednesday morning, March 16, 2005, at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home. She was born on April 11, 1918, in Morristown. Mary married Carlton W. Cooper on April 10, 1944. Mr. Cooper died on Dec. 16, 2004. She was a deeply religious woman who enjoyed reading her Bible and reciting the rosary. Mary was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Indian Lake and had been a past member of St. Pius Church in Glastonbur, Conn. Mary led by example, she always saw the good in people. She was extremely supportive and encouraging to her friends and family and was always willing to offer prayers for anyone in need. Mary enjoyed music and going to the opera. She was predeceased by her husband and one son, James "Jimi" Cooper, who died in 1984. Survivors include one son, William "Chip" Cooper and his wife, Cookie, of Hampstead, N.C.; one daughter, Diane M. Sweenor and her husband, Tim, of Middletown, Conn.; one sister, Dorothy Napier of Utica; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There are no calling hours scheduled. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a date and time to be announced. Graveside services will be conducted at Cedar River Cemetery in the spring. Contributions in Mary's memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association Adirondack Regional Branch, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Funeral Home, 35 West Main St., Indian Lake. Published in the Post-Star from 3/17/2005 - 3/18/2005. Edmonds, James C. GLENS FALLS -- James C. Edmonds, 33, of Glens Falls passed away Thursday, March, 17, 2005, as a result of an automobile accident. Born in Glens Falls, May 9, 1971, he was the son of Marie Edmonds of Glens Falls, and George C. Edmonds of Fort Ann. Jim worked at First Guarantee Mortgage in Saratoga Springs. He was an avid musician, first band - Old No. 7 Band and most recently Pleasure to Burn. Jim was predeceased by his grandparents, Doris and Robert Brennan and George E. and Irene Edmonds; cousin, Kevin Ronan. Besides his parents, He is survived by his brother, George R. Edmonds of Glens Falls; his aunts and uncles, Elizabeth and Robert Miller of Berlin, N.Y., Sandi and Tim Ryan of Glens Falls, Thomas and Barbara Brennan of Aurora, Colo.; his cousins Karen Brennan of Watertown, Mass., Susan Toback of Highland Park, Ill., Matthew Ronan of Glens Falls, Kristie Ann Ronan of Glens Falls, Sarah McCarthy of Slingerlands, N.Y., Robert Gierthy of East Greenbush, N.Y., Stephanie Miller of Berlin, N.Y. and Laura Ronan of Palm Beach, Fla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at St Mary's Church, Warren Street, Glens Falls. Interment will be in the spring at North Granville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 21 at Sullivan-Minahan & Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Post-Star on 3/18/2005. Foy, Sarah M. "Sally" GLENS FALLS -- Sarah M. "Sally" Foy, 94, formerly of Stichmen Towers, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at The Teresian House, in Albany, N.Y. Born on June 30, 1910, in Curran, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of Alfred and Marie Louise (Prevost) LaLonde. She was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church where she actively participated in the Catholic Daughter's of America, The Legion of Mary, St. Anne's Sodality, and the Lay Order of Carmelites. She belonged to the Senior Citizens of Glens Falls and was an originator of the lay Catholic Prison Ministry at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Mrs. Foy enjoyed travelling to Europe and the Holy Land and had organized several bus trips to St. Anne de Beaupr‚ and Auriesville Shrine. Sarah enjoyed helping others and spending time with her daughters and their families. She was married to Wilson P. Foy on Aug. 8, 1933, in Glens Falls. He predeceased her on Aug. 28, 1960. She was also predeceased by five brothers, Palma, Henry, Phillip, John Maurice and Omar. She is survived by her four daughters, Jeanette LaBarge (Leonard) and Patricia Lane-Toole of South Glens Falls, Claire Allen Gonyea (Adrian) of Troy, and Yvonne Cesta (Armand) of Syracuse; three brothers, Rene, Rolland and Bruno; three sisters, Emma Hamelin, Marcelle LaBonte and Rhea Leroux all of Canada; 16 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Alphonsus Church, Broad Street, Glens Falls with the Rev. Arthur Toole, officiating. Spring burial will be at St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Queensbury. At her request there will be no calling hours. The family suggests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made to St. Alphonsus Church, 4 Crandall St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star on 3/18/2005. Mattoon, John C. WHITEHALL -- John C. Mattoon, 76, of State Route 4, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at the Mortan Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Fla. Born on March 9, 1929, in Saranac, he was the son of Luther and Valida Mattoon. John was employed by the New York State Department of Corrections for 32 years, retiring in 1984 as a vocational instructor specializing in vehicle restoration. He was an avid collector of model cars and loved the challenge of a good crossword or word jumble puzzle. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. John was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 276 of Whitehall and a Fourth Degree member of Saint Isaac Jogues Assembly No. 756 of Ticonderoga. He was also a member of the Skene Manor Preservation, Inc. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn M. (Besaw) Mattoon of Whitehall, whom he wed on Aug. 28, 1950; seven children: Lynn and Timothy Patno of Peru, N.Y., John D. Mattoon of Cadyville, N.Y., Kathy and Rodger Furnia of Columbia, S.C., Brenda and John Michael of Independence, Mo., Lori Mattoon of Schenectady, Jay Mattoon of Schenectady and Lisa and John Jardine of Peru, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, George Mattoon and his wife, Eileen of Malone, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, Skene Street, Whitehall, presided by the Rev. Francis Dunbar, assisted by Father David LeFort, pastor, officiating. Entombment with services will be conducted at Whispering Maple Garden in Plattsburgh at 4 p.m. Family and friends may call at Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall on Monday, March 21, 2005, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 276 will conduct a color guard from 6 to 8 p.m. and will recite the rosary at 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation in John's name to Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 9 Wheeler Ave., Whitehall, NY 12887 or Skene Manor Preservation, Inc., 8 Potters Terrace, Whitehall, NY 12887. Pallbearers will be Kyle Mattoon, John Mattoon, Aaron Mattoon, Timothy Patno, Joshua Proulx and Joseph Daniels. Immediately following the Mass, family and friends are invited to Our Lady of Hope Church Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Published in the Post-Star from 3/17/2005 - 3/18/2005. Merritt, Harrison John ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Harrison John Merritt, Col., USA (Ret.) entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria, Va. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Cunningham; his father, Harrison Merritt; his stepfather, Loren Cunningham; and his three brothers: Wayne Merritt, William Merritt, and Charles Merritt (Col., USA). Survivors include his wife, Rose (D'Angelo) Merritt; a daughter, Donna M. Garlick and her husband, Richard E. Garlick Jr.; and two grandsons, Richard E. Garlick III and Harrison M. Garlick. During the period of his distinguished military career, Col. Merritt served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Subsequent overseas assignments included Germany, Korea, Japan and Burma. He served with the 11th Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 10th Special Forces Group, First Special Forces and the American Embassy in Rangoon, Burma. Col. Merritt was the recipient of the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Cluster, and the Bronze Star with Cluster. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, at St. Mary's Church, 62 Warren St., Glens Falls, with the Rev. James Mackey, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls, with full military honors. Local arrangements are under the direction of Radloff Funeral Home, 136 Warren St., Glens Falls. Published in the Post-Star from 3/18/2005 - 3/20/2005. Pratt, John M. BOLTON LANDING -- John M. Pratt, 81, of Lake Shore Drive, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Born on Aug. 17, 1923, in New York City, he was the son of the late Leroy and Nora (Gilmore) Pratt. John graduated from Bolton Central School, Class of 1942, and attended Cortland State Teachers College prior to enlisting in the service. A U.S. World War II and Korean Conflict veteran, John served in the Marine Air Corps as a pilot, retiring as a Marine Corps Major. He married Barbara Ross on April 18, 1944. As the owner and operator of Adirondack Builders of Bolton Landing until the early 1960s, John constructed several lake shore motels including Marine Village and the Bonnie View, which was built with the first swimming pool on the Bolton road. John was then employed by the Lake George Bowl as the pro until his retirement in 1985, making appearances on the 'TV Tournament Time' show. He was a member of the Lake George American Legion Post 374. John played the fiddle all of his life and later added the banjo and mandolin to his accomplishments. He and his wife, Barbara, who played the keyboard, frequently entertained at square dances and various other social functions. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home and spent winters in Florida for many years. John also enjoyed playing golf at many area golf courses. In the 1950s, John started the first little league baseball in Bolton Landing. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, Thomas Pratt, who died July 20, 1998. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Barbara (Ross) Pratt of Bolton Landing; two sons, Stanley "Cobber" Pratt of Bolton Landing, and Andrew Gilmore Pratt and his wife, Lynn, of Bolton Landing; one grandson, Logan Andrew Pratt of Bolton Landing; one sister, Sarah "Sally" Weller of Bolton Landing; and several nieces and nephews. At John's request, no calling hours are scheduled and burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Stafford Funeral Home, Inc. of Lake George. Published in the Post-Star on 3/18/2005. Roewer, Waldemar H. SHUSHAN -- Waldemar H. Roewer, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2005, at The Home in the Country in Shushan. Waldemar was born on Aug. 19, 1914, in Northport, Long Island. He was the son of German immigrants, Otto and Emma (Wenger.) He attended Northport High School and in 1950 graduated from Cornell College with a BA in science. Before going to Cornell, Waldemar and his younger brother, Eric, traveled extensively as hired hands on private yachts owned by rich moguls. He also spent several years working as a miner in Death Valley. From 1941-1945 Waldemar joined the Merchant Marines, where he proudly served in World War II. In 1946, he married Dorothea Baker from Queens. The couple lived in Ithaca and Constableville, where they owned and operated a small farm. In the early 1950s, the couple moved to the village of Cambridge, N.Y., where they resided until 1972. At this time, he and his wife purchased land on the Ashgrove, where they designed and built their home. When Waldemar moved to Cambridge, he began his teaching career as an agriculture teacher at Cambridge Central. When the agriculture program ended, he taught shop and then later became a junior high science teacher until his retirement in 1975. He was very active within his community as a member of the Masonic Temple, Eastern Star, the Lions Club, and the Presbyterian Church. He volunteered at Mary McClellan Hospital, the Skilled Nursing Facility, an active member of the Senior Citizens Center and delivered Meals on Wheels. Waldemar also served his community as a member of the town board and also was Town Justice for many years, He enjoyed traveling and getting lost. He would engage anyone he met in active conversation, never without leaving them with a word of advice or wisdom free of charge. He loved the outdoors and always looked forward to the spring time and the arrival of Snow Drops. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories of his life, while helping them plan theirs. Waldemar was predeceased by both his parents; eight siblings; and his wife, Dorthea. He is survived by a son, David P. Roewer of Oklahoma; a daughter, Alma L. Helsel and her husband, Kevin of Chicopee Mass.; and a son, Eric E. Roewer and his wife, Marian, of Cambridge; six grandchildren: Scott M. Roewer, Tiffany M. Roewer, Ryan W. Roewer, Ciara R. Roewer, Chantelle L. Roewer and Christian C. Roewer; two great-grandchildren; Jacob and Vitoria Roewer; one nephew, Lincoln Anderson; and one niece, Barbara Harris. A man of honor, integrity and good intentions, he will be missed by all the lives he touched. Good-bye dad, grandpa and friend, we all have loved you dearly. At Waldemar's request there will be no services. The family request that any donations be given in memory of Waldemar to a favorite charity. Cremation is being handled by Hanson and Walbridge Funeral Home in Bennington,Vt. Published in the Post-Star from 3/18/2005 - 3/19/2005. Stutz, Eric L. STILLWATER -- Eric L. Stutz, 42, of County Road 75, died suddenly on Monday, March 14, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital, after being stricken while ice fishing at Kattskill Bay, Lake George. His death was attributed to natural causes. Born Jan. 3, 1963, in Cambridge, he was the son of Mrs. Helga Stutz Miller of Lake George and Jacksonville, Fla., and the late Robert Stutz. A 1982 graduate of Schuylerville Central School, Eric also attended college in Maine. For more than 20 years, Eric worked for the New York State Department of Transportation's Saratoga County District in Saratoga Springs as the building maintenance supervisor. He also worked part-time for Allerdice Express Hardware store in Saratoga Lake. An active member of the Sons of American Legion Post 490, Stillwater, Eric also was a former Elk and a former volunteer fireman in Schuylerville, Stillwater and Cossayuna. A sportsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling with his wife and friends, loved to cook and was known to be a "jack of all trades," who could fix and repair anything for anyone. Survivors, in addition to his mother include his wife, Margaret Cobb Stutz, whom he married July 23, 1994; a son, Geoffrey Pashley; a brother, Robert Stutz of Waterford; his stepfather, Charles Miller; his mother-in-law, Cathy (William) Cobb D'Ambro of Stillwater; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Belmonte of Clifton Park; his brother-in-law, William Cobb of Clifton Springs; and nieces and nephews, Patricia, Chelsea, Nicholas, Jeremy and Courtney. A funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Friday at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 South Main St., Mechanicville. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), Post 490, Lake Street, Stillwater, 12170, in fond memory of Eric L. Stutz. Published in the Post-Star on 3/18/2005. Usher, Linda (Lemery) QUEENSBURY -- Linda (Lemery) Usher, 64, passed away onto her new life with Jesus on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at home surrounded by her loving family after an 11 year battle with cancer. Born Dec. 27, 1940, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Anthime Joseph and Margaret (Ross) Lemery. She graduated from Glens Falls High School. She married her best friend, Paul A. Usher, on July 12, 1974. She was a religious education teacher at St. Alphonsus for nine years and was commissioned in Formation for Ministry Program, becoming a youth minister for St. Alphonsus Church. With the help of six other members of F.M.P., she helped start the Parish Retreat program at St. Alphonsus Church where she was also a Eucharist Minister. Linda worked for 26 years at Ciba Geigy and upon the plant closing, she changed careers to child care, caring for many area children including her special friends, Peter and Nicholas Imperiale, whom she loved as if they were her own grandchildren. Her life was her family. She loved giving advice to her children and grandkids and going to lunch with her sisters. She loved the trips taken with her husband and sister, Carol, and brother-in-law, Frank. She enjoyed taking spontaneous car rides, and spending time with her St. A's family. Her wit and humor will be sorely missed. However, her first priority always was her grandchildren and attending their functions. Linda was not only predeceased by her parents but also her sister, Lorraine Stark and niece, Margaret Wilson. Linda is survived by her husband, whom she loved and laughed with for more than 31 years, Paul A. Usher of Queensbury; her daughter, Connie Crannell Fish and son-in-law, Peter, of Queensbury; her son, Mark A. Crannell of Glens Falls; son-in-law, Randy Cone of Queensbury; her stepchildren: Nichola P. Cone of Queensbury, and Paul A. Usher of Chicago, Ill; her grandchildren: Jennifer Combs and her husband, Christopher of Queensbury, Rebecca Fish, Megan Fish, Matthew Cone, Alexis Cone and Nicholas Usher; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Rose Combs and Destinni Lynne Combs; and soon to be great-grandson, Brenden Christopher Combs. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Usher and her husband, Frank of Queensbury; and several nieces, nephews and special friends from the Mary Francis Prayer Group. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday March 19, at St. Alphonsus Church, Broad Street, Glens Falls, with the Very Rev. James Barry Lonergan officiating, with the homily to be given by her dear friend, Deacon Bill Bazinet. Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, Friday, March 18, at Singleton Healy Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury Burial will be in the spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Even thou Linda loved flowers, her main goal was to give to others, so please in place of flowers make donations in her memory to: American Cancer Society, 959 Route 9, Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804; St. Alphonsus Retreat, 4 Crandall St., Glens Falls, NY 12801; or High Peaks Hospice, 286 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 1280 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN 38119. To our Angels here on earth, the family of Linda Usher would like to thank Dr. Weinhold and his staff as well as the nurses on 3B for their loving and compassionate care, for the friendships we have formed and the laughter we all shared. Published in the Post-Star from 3/17/2005 - 3/18/2005. Warner, Mary J. Queensbury -- Mary J. Warner, 71, a resident of Luzerne Road, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2005, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born Sept. 2, 1933, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Agnes (Sanders) Bannon. Mary loved being a mother to her children. She always wanted and enjoyed being with them. They took family trail bike rides, with "Mom and Karen eating everyone's dust," loving every minute of it. She played a big part in their lives that carried over to the grandchildren. She insisted on baby-sitting her grandchildren. She recorded herself reading children's books so that they always had Grandma to read to them. Her cherished things in life were her family, but then again, anyone who came to their house to visit was family. Besides Mary's parents, her husband of 54 years, Harold D. Warner Jr., who passed away on Dec. 25, 2000, and her brother, Samuel Bannon, predeceased her. Mary's survivors include her children, Chris Warner of Queensbury, Karen Hamell and her husband, David, of Queensbury, Billy Warner Sr. of Queensbury, Johnny Warner and his girlfriend, Mary Shear, of Queensbury, Arthur L. Warner and his fiancee, Gerry Lynn Johnson, of Queensbury and Scott L. Warner of Queensbury; grandchildren, Jean, Christine, Mark, Todd, Eric, Joshua, Jennifer, Billy Jr., Brittany, Amanda and Zachary; five great-grandchildren; a brother, David Bannon of South Carolina; and a sister, Betsy Bannon of Corinth. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., with her service taking place at 7 p.m., on Monday, March 21, 2005, at Regan & Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Published in the Post-Star from 3/18/2005 - 3/20/2005.