Author Archives: CFH

HUDSON FALLS – Gloria Jean Cameron, 74, of Hudson Falls passed away Monday evening, December 23, 2024 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on July 6, 1950 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Weller) Sprague. Gloria grew up in Hudson Falls and was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School. She worked for many years as a manager for Travelers Insurance in Glens Falls.

Gloria and her husband, Michael, enjoyed spending time at their camp in Long Lake with their family and many close friends. She liked the quiet, peaceful times when she could take a few minutes to fish in the lake or put a puzzle together. She especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. Gloria was a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 574 Ladies Auxiliary in Hudson Falls.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael V. Cameron of Hudson Falls; her son, Michael R.L. Cameron of Fort Edward; a daughter, Traci Guay (David) of Longview, Texas; her grandchildren, Haley Lewis (Conner), Courtney Cameron, and Conner Cameron; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte, and very soon to be another great-granddaughter, Lillian; a uncle,  Jimmy Sprague; brother, George Sprague (Maryanne); nieces, Susan Munson (Craig), Lisa Meyer (Robert); nephew, Sean Latham (Terri);  and many, many wonderful cousins and close friends.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. Immediately after services there will be a celebration of life at the American Legion of Hudson Falls.

Gloria will be laid to rest in the family plot at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 Ladies Auxiliary, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

FORT EDWARD – Henry Ross Skeen went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 23, 2024, at his home in Fort Edward, New York, surrounded by his loving family.  

Henry was born on December 8, 1932, in St. Paul, Virginia, to Everette Lawson Skeen and Lake “Bettie” Jessie. A man of deep faith, Henry lived his life guided by the teachings of his favorite book, The Bible. He was devoted to his church, his family, and his community, embodying the values he held dear throughout his life.  

In 1953, Henry married the love of his life, Florence Marion Decker Skeen. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2009.  

Henry proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, stationed in Alaska before receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist for the Rondout Paper Mill for many years and later joined AMETEK Rotron until his retirement.  

Henry is survived by his son David Skeen and wife Doreen, along with their daughter Lauren; and by his daughter Donna and husband Timothy Philbin, her daughter Rachel Vaughn and husband Nicolas, and great-grandson Cullen Henry Vaughn.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Florence Marion Decker Skeen.  

As per Henry’s wishes, there will be no public services or calling hours. A private remembrance and celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2025 in Kerhonkson, New York.  

Henry’s unwavering faith and love for those around him leave a lasting legacy. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. 

FORT EDWARD – Edward K. Beecher, 72 of Fort Edward, passed away Wednesday night, December 25, 2024. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his own home.

Edward grew up in Fort Edward and was the son of the late Kenneth H. and Mary A. (Hurley) Beecher. He was a graduate of Fort Edward High School and worked for several years at the Chronicle Newspaper, where he eventually retired.

Edward was a talented, multi-instrumental musician and played for several area bands. He loved to teach his craft and gave guitar lessons at Triads Music Center in Glens Falls for many years.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by two brothers, Gene and John Beecher; a sister, Ruth Ellis; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wally and Doris Petty.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Beecher of Fort Edward; two sons, Todd Beecher (Jenn Murphy) of Glens Falls, and Eric Beecher (Lauren Ashley) of Queensbury; his sister, Mary Ellen Yovin; two brothers, Michael and Mark Beecher; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

HAMPTON – Brenda E. (Douthwright) VanDeusen, 88, formerly of Hudson Falls, and currently from Hills Pond in Hampton, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Mrs. VanDeusen was born on June 18, 1936, in Fall River Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Cornelius and Myra (Bliss) Douthwright.

In 1954, she graduated from Somerset High School and in 1958 she graduated from Bridgewater State College where she earned her B.S. in Health and Physical Education.

Mrs. VanDeusen taught Physical Education at Fort Ann Central and Hartford Central Schools, eventually retiring from the Hudson Falls School District.

On July 3, 1961, she married John VanDeusen. Before moving to Hampton, they resided in Hudson Falls for over thirty years.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hudson Falls, serving on the Diaconate for many years.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. VanDeusen was predeceased by her daughter, Janet (VanDeusen) Merrill, and her brother Melvin Douthwright and his wife, Betty.

Mrs. VanDeusen is survived by her husband of sixty three years, John VanDeusen of Hampton; her son Gregory VanDeusen (Lisa) of Greenwich; her two daughters, Jill Stimpson (Robert) of Cross Junction, Virginia and Sheila VanDeusen of Hampton; her son in law, Gary Merrill of North Carolina; her six grandchildren, Eric Mylott (Renee), Jessica Mylott (Randy), Megan Dowling (James), Victoria Crupe (Preston), Jackie Hogan, and Brian Hogan. Mrs. VanDeusen is also survived by her three great-grandchildren, Mikenna, Cooper, and Ben; and her three nieces and nephew.

Following Mrs. VanDeusen’s final wishes, there will be no services.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Mrs. VanDeusen’s memory be made to a local organization for animal care.

HUDSON FALLS – Linda Louise (Nicholson) Haessly, 77, of Hudson Falls, passed away Friday December 20, 2024.

Linda was born to Charles B Nicholson and Madeleine (Coates) Nicholson on July 4th, 1947. She graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1966. Linda worked as a bookkeeper for many local businesses throughout her life and retired from her appointment as Deputy Commissioner of Washington County Board of Elections in 2009.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Bill Haessly of Hudson Falls. She and Bill took regular trips to the coast of Maine, where they enjoyed the natural beauty of the ocean together. Linda and Bill enjoyed planting and harvesting garlic each year to share in abundance with family and friends. She started each day with a crossword puzzle and kept many beautiful houseplants. For many years, Linda graciously spent much of her time knitting winter hats for Operation Santa Claus, donating upwards of 400 hats each year for the children of Washington County.

Linda is predeceased by her parents, her sisters Diane Purner (Paul) and Gail Nicholson, her brother Clyde Nicholson (Joan), and her nephew Peter Purner.

Besides Bill, Linda is also survived by her daughter, Michelle Brunelle (James); her son, Thomas Bocchi (Tracy); Granddaughters, Telyn Bocchi (Sebastian), Abbie Brunelle (Zachary), Sarah Bocchi, and Megan Tracy (Joseph); along with two great-grandchildren, Oaklynn and Pierce, who brought her endless moments of joy; her sister- in-law, Joan Nicholson; nephews,  Scott (Crystal) and Tim (Debra) Nicholson and Mike (Brenda) Purner; several cousins and close friends.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Memorial services will follow the calling hours at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, after which A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Hudson Falls.

Linda will be laid to rest at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Operation Santa Claus in Linda’s name.

The family would like to thank the staff at Albany Med ICU that took excellent, compassionate care of Linda following complications from surgery.

KINGSBURY – Christopher Michael Barrett, 54, of Kingsbury has unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024. After several months of medical treatment, his body was too tired to go on.

Born July 22, 1970, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Dennis R. and Elizabeth “Betty” A. (Ritchie) Barrett.

Chris graduated from Hudson Falls Sr. High School. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Chris enjoyed running heavy equipment that he learned at BOCES and operating equipment with his father. He had many jobs as a heavy equipment operator with local construction companies. Chris also owned and operated a firewood business that he did on the side.

On a softer note, Chris took a liking to the stray kitties that wandered to his home. He would take them to the veterinarian, feed them, nurture them and most of all, fall in love with them.

Chris is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” (Ritchie) Barrett, his father, Dennis R. Barrett and his brother, David D. Barrett.

Chris’s family would like to thank the special people who were kind and helped care for and supported Chris over the past few months with his illness.

There will be no calling hours.

Burial will take place at the convenience of Chris’ family.

TROY- Margaret J. Story, beloved sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away on December 12, 2024 at Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy, NY.

Born on September 1, 1941 in Fort Edward NY, she was the daughter of Frederick H. Story and I. Eilleen (McDougall) Story. Margaret graduated as valedictorian of the Hartford Central School class of 1959. She graduated from Cornell University in 1963.

Margaret had a long career with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Rensselaer County, where she made lasting friendships and worked with youth and adult volunteers through the 4-H program. She later worked for the Commission on Economic Opportunity in Troy, NY. Throughout her career and during her retirement, Margaret had a deep commitment to community service. She held leadership and volunteer positions in several community and professional organizations. Among these were the Rensselaer County Historical Society where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees including three years as president. She also volunteered extensively for Vanderheyden Hall and the League of Women Voters.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Story and three brothers who died in infancy. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce LaPoint (David), Gayle Smith (Robert); sister-in-law Deborah; step siblings, Gary Wilson (Emmy) and Linda Bergman (Robert); nieces and nephews, Kari, Jeffrey, Kimberly, Scott, Elizabeth, Adam, and Todd; aunt, Barbara Newton; and many cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was blessed with rich friendships, counting her cherished friends as family.

Margaret was an accomplished quilter, completing beautiful projects for family and friends and teaching others to quilt as well. She also loved to read and garden. For thirty-five years, she was a member of the Moordenier Antique Study Group. In recent years, Margaret could often be found enjoying food and companionship at the Alexis Diner. She enthusiastically attended and helped to plan annual gatherings for her high school graduating class. Margaret loved her grandnieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them and keeping up with their adventures near and far.  She was also a lifelong cat lover and cherished the companionship of her beloved cats.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hart Cluett Museum in Troy in January (date to be announced). 

Friends and family who wish to do so are encouraged to honor Margaret’s memory with a memorial donation to the Rensselaer County Historical Society, 57 Second St., Troy, NY, 12180 or a charity of their own choosing.

HUDSON FALLS – Violet Ruth (Williams) Weatherwax, 76, of Farley Road, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Born on August 17, 1948, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Mary (Hunt) Williams.

Violet was a graduate of Fort Ann High School.

On August 8, 1968, she married Daryl Weatherwax.  He passed away on April 21, 1995.

When their kids were younger, she stayed home and took care of them and helped raise the neighborhood kids.  She was known as being a mom to everyone and her door was always open, and everyone was always welcome.  As a natural caregiver, Violet also worked as a home health aide for Adirondack Home Health Aides for over 25 years.

Violet was a kind, loving and caring person, who loved everyone.  She enjoyed traveling to Maine and visiting the lighthouse.  Violet will be remembered for making the best finger rolls you ever tasted.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Colonel Williams and Inez Smith, her granddaughter, Marissa Weatherwax and her in-laws, Frank and Flora Kingsley.

She is survived by her five children, Michael Weatherwax and his significant other, April Martin, Louie Weatherwax, Lisa Hart and her husband, Edward, Brian Weatherwax and his wife, Nickole and Laurie Weather wax and her significant other, Randy Underwood; 16 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; her siblings, Jerry Williams, Roger Williams, Anson Williams, Ingrid Williams, Mary Williams, Betty Beatty, Donna Williams and Edith Williams; her in-laws, Mert, Brenda, Kim, Peggy, Helen, Una, Linda, Toni and Cindy; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Donations in Violet’s memory may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

HUDSON FALLS – Kevin S. Harrington, 58 of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital following a long battle with heart issues.

Born in Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Elmer and Joanne (Palmateer) Harrington.

Kevin was a 1985 graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington Vermont. Following high school, in 1985 he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for four years until he was honorably discharged in 1989. After his discharge he went to Mildred Elley and received his degree in paralegal services and worked for Washington County Court.

He began working evenings and weekends for Good Times in Hudson Falls where he dedicated twenty years as “a man who wore many hats”. Following the closure of Good Times, Kevin worked for JP Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Glens Falls. He was also employed for Tri County Cab in Glens Falls.

Kevin was a proud member of the Kingsbury Fire Department. He had a knack for fixing just about anything that was broken. Especially if it involved rebuilding rooms in someone’s home. He had the sternness of the military engrained in him and sometimes sounded harsh when he spoke, but he had a heart that truly loved his family, especially his daughter Kass and son Tyler.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is predeceased by his sister Michelle Harrington; Raymond Gallant, his niece/goddaughter, Ashley Ann; and his loyal and faithful four-legged best friend, Keena.

He is survived by his children Kass Harrington and Tyler Harrington of Hudson Falls; Melissa Scheffler (Edward Smith) of VT, Renee Gallant of Vermont, Donna Carlson of Vermont, Marilyn Field of Florida, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Kevin is also survived by the mother of his children, Felicia Brayton of Hudson Falls.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 1pm – 2:30 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30pm, immediately following calling hours.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1pm at the Albany Rural Cemetery, 3 Cemetery Avenue, Albany, New York 12204.

Memorial donations in Kevins name may be made to either the Kingsbury Fire Department, 3715 Burgoyne Ave, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

HUDSON FALLS – Loretta Aileen Dickinson, 86, of Green Barn Road passed away on December 4, 2024, at Albany Medical Center with family by her side.

Born September 23, 1938, in Indian Lake, she was the daughter of the late Loren and Minnie (Moulton) Chatterton.

Loretta married Kenneth J. Dickinson, Sr. on January 31, 1954, in Indian Lake and spent the next forty years together until his passing on January 16, 1994.

She worked for various manufacturing companies in Warren and Washington Counties until she was hired at CR Bard in Glens Falls and worked 30 plus years until her retirement.

When not spending countless hours spoiling her grandchildren, Loretta loved to crochet. She also enjoyed making candy for her family and friends at Christmas. She made the best wedding cakes and colorful, character birthday cakes for family and friends. When her children were younger, Loretta handmade all the chocolate bunnies and chicks for their Easter baskets.

Sunday dinners were especially important to Loretta. No matter what the temperature was outside, she spent countless hours in the kitchen preparing either a turkey, ham or roast dinner. Loretta loved babysitting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They kept her going until she became ill.

In addition to her parents and husband, Loretta was predeceased by her daughters, Mary Ellen Dickinson and Barbara Dickinson, her grandchildren, Ryann and Johnathan Rosick, and Michael Sanders, her siblings Alice Bates, Mavis Blanchard, Reuben Chatterton, Alan Chatterton, and Allan “Bud” Chatterton, her son in laws Mike King, Mike Regan, Lou LaValley, and her daughter in law Georgie Mosher.

Survivors include her loving children Lucille King of Tennessee, Nancy Regan of Queensbury, Lorraine Gregory (Mike) of Arizona, Rose LaValley of Hudson Falls, Larry Dickinson (Lisa) of Saratoga, Garry Dickinson of Fort Ann, Kenneth Dickinson, Jr. (Jackie) of California, Wayne Dickinson (Monica) of South Glens Falls, Rebecca Rosick (Joe) of Hudson Falls, Richard Dickinson (Tina) of Granville, and Jason Hay (Meagan) of Fort Ann. Her sisters Vivian Delong (Ron) of South Glens Falls, Yvonne Flewelling (Pete) of Queensbury. As well as her brother-in-law Dave “Porky” Bates.

Loretta is also survived by her grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Florence, Kenny, Joanne, Darlene, MaryEllen, Cary, Lorraine, Mikey, Crystal, Jeremy, Zandy, Lucas, Cheyenne, Nate, Heather, Nick, Joshua, Cherish, Kassy, Ashley, Dominick, Hope, Quanisha, Jason, and Alex; her forty-five great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

At Loretta’s request, there will be no calling hours.

A private graveside service for Loretta’s family will be held sometime after spring at Moss Street Cemetery in the Town of Kingsbury.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 14th at the South Queensbury Fire House on Dix Avenue in Queensbury at 1 pm.

HUDSON FALLS – David Edward Armstrong, 81 of Hudson Falls unexpectedly passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital due to complications from hip surgery.

Born April 22, 1943, in Old Town, Missouri, he was the son of Van and Martha (Cozort) Armstrong. David was a devout Christian and a minister for over a decade, serving the Lord in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, and Tennessee.

David attended high school in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas and was a graduate of the Arkansas Career Development Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he learned typewriter repair in his first career. He moved the family to Memphis, Tennessee in 1981 where he graduated from the Memphis School of Preaching.

He was an extremely talented woodworker, painter, and often to his family’s dismay, comedian. His dry humor brought both befuddlement and hearty laughter to all family gatherings. David was an expert troublemaker and wisely guided his grandchildren through life with sage advice such as “study until the cows come home” despite there never being any cows that actually came home.

David was an accomplished guitarist, learning to play left-handed as a teenager, with Chet Atkins as his favorite musician, he could perfectly play everything in the Chet Atkins catalog through the last days of his life.

Later in life he developed a love of painting through watching the Bob Ross series on PBS. He became a prolific painter of landscapes which his family treasures.

David married Loretta Bacon of Independence, Missouri, the love of his life, on November 25, 1967, in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas. David and Loretta celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary the week before his death.

He moved to Hudson Falls in February 2023 with his wife Loretta to live close to their daughter. David loved the beauty of the Adirondacks and Lake George, and while only here a short time, he was happiest around nature.

David was preceded in death by his father and mother, Van and Martha Armstrong of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, and nine brothers and sisters, Jeanette Armstrong, Veneda Dillard, Nadine Smith, Geneva Smith, Cleatus Pete Armstrong, Cloyse Armstrong, Wilma Cherry, Elsie Holman, and an infant that died at birth.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Armstrong and three children. Jeffrey Wayne Wealand (Mair) of Phoenix, Arizona, Melissa Dawn Shea (Ken) of Hudson Falls, and David Edward Armstrong II (Michelle) of Hesston, Kansas.

David was grandfather to Robin Alyssa Atwood, Cairen Anne Marie Goree (Tracker), Jordan Dean Huntley (Coral), Brandy Marie Thomas (Bryndan), Austin Reed Sontag (Tayler), Tristan Michelle Armstrong, Hannah Hope Del Monte (Nic), David Riley Armstrong, Eleasah Joy Hatfield (Mat) and great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Marie Wright, Charlotte Kara Thomas, David Wyatt Armstrong, Mason Levi Wealand, Raylan Reed Sontag, Jireh Tarian Goree, Bennett Andrew Sontag, with another great-granddaughter on the way.

A celebration of David’s life will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Queensbury Church of Christ, 357 Aviation Road in Queensbury at 2pm.