Author Archives: CFH

FORT ANN – On Saturday, February 11th, Gerald “Jerry” Ward Washburn passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family following a four-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born June 20th, 1936 to the late Lester and Althea (Hitchcock) Washburn, Jerry spent his childhood in Bakers Mills, NY. He attended Johnsburg Central School. As a young man, Jerry took a date to the movies where he met his date’s friend, Marilla Bartlett, and fell instantly in love. After many, many attempts to convince Marilla to go out with him, she finally relented. Jerry’s charm eventually won her over and the pair married in 1954. During their marriage they raised six children, four boys and two girls, surrounded by love, laughter, and music.

Jerry enlisted in the army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. His tenure in the army was cut short when he sustained a broken leg while on the baseball field. After more than a year in a hospital in Japan, Jerry was honorably discharged from service and returned home. He was very proud that he was able to serve his country and continued to support Veterans causes throughout his life. This spirit of giving was extremely important to Jerry and he habitually donated to countless national and local charitable organizations. Following his service, Jerry worked as a plumber around the north country before taking a job with Finch and Pruyn where he rose to superintendent of the pipefitters before retiring after 30 years of service.

Jerry never met a stranger. His magnetic personality and his charm drew people to him and after a five-minute conversation, he made you feel like you had known each other your entire lives. Jerry loved music. Whether recording CDs with his friends or singing and playing guitar for his family, music was always close to his heart. One Christmas all of the furniture was moved out of the living room to accommodate and impromptu square dance, and boy could Jerry dance. At weddings you could always find Jerry on the dancefloor, two stepping with whatever partner he hadn’t already exhausted. After retirement, Jerry also took up painting and filled the house with beautiful paintings of lighthouses for his beloved wife. Jerry loved to tinker, with just some hand tools and a roll of duct tape, he could fix anything. MacGuyver, one of his favorite tv shows, had nothing on him. While universally adored, Jerry held a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren. He could often be found towing a gaggle of grandchildren around the back field with his lawnmower or taking them on motorcycle tours through the countryside.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and he was the last remaining sibling in his family. Gone before him to meet him in heaven were his beloved siblings, Donald Hitchcock, Alberta Mosher, Robert Washburn, Vonda Engle, Kenneth Washburn and Wilda Martin. Jerry was also predeceased by his beautiful daughter, Brenda Fallon and his infant grandson, Rory Gerald Fallon, with whom he is now reunited. Left to cherish his memory here on earth are the love of his life, Marilla “Skipper” Washburn; his sons, Gerald “Cub” (Vicki) Washburn Jr, Terrance (Donna) Washburn, Richard (Bonnie) Washburn, Michael (Tammy) Washburn; his daughter, Pamela (Richard) Ross, and son in law, Kelly Fallon. Jerry is also survived by his grandchildren, Tara (Dave) Copeland, Jerry (Jessica) Washburn, Terrance (Nikki) Washburn, Heather (Peter) Olesheski, Hilary (Mike) Liuzzi, Adam Washburn, Robert Ball, Ashleigh (Tim) Lawrence and Ciara and Mathew Fallon. As the family took to heart the call to go forth and multiply, Jerry also leaves behind great grandchildren, Josh, Justin, and Brooklyn Copeland; Justice and Sean Smith; Madelyn, Cassidy, and Cooper Washburn; Peyton, Colton and Kinleigh Lawrence; and Rowan, Ryder, Rhys and Hollis Olesheski who were so blessed to have their Papa G.

During his final days, the family found great comfort and support from Ruth Fish at the Glens Falls Hospital Neurology Center and from the wonderful people at High Peaks Hospice. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to High Peaks Hospice in Jerry’s name or an organization of your choice.

HADLEY – Timothy “Tim” Archambault,64, passed away after a strong battle with an illness on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Bridgewater Nursing Home. 

He was born on March 30, 1958, in Glens Falls, to the late Gerald Archambault.

Tim attended the Adirondack Day Hab after his health declined and he retired from the Fort Edward Day Hab, where he worked for many years.  At the Adirondack Day Hab, he enjoyed playing instruments and singing to music.  Tim enjoyed socializing with everyone he met.

Tim was a fun-loving guy, who enjoyed music, coffee, coloring and playing cards (especially Garbage).  Most of all he enjoyed attending the Bills and Yankee games with one of his preferred staff Wil.  Tim was always up for a van ride, always had a smile on his face and was always in good spirits.  He was quick with a joke and a “Hey Bub”, he would do anything to make you smile.  Mos of the time, you could see Tim listening to his CD Player with his sunglasses on, no matter what the weather was.

Tim will be deeply missed by all that served him.

We want to thank all the staff that were apart of Tim’s life and were able to bring a smile to his face.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Services will follow the calling hours on Thursday at 12 noon.

Graveside services will be in the spring at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

HUDSON FALLS – Ernest A. “Tim” Heydrick, 69, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the Glens Falls Hospital, with both of his daughters by his side.

Born on July 24, 1953, in Glens Falls, to the late Morton and Myla (Stimpson) Heydrick. Tim grew up in Fort Ann and was a long-time resident of Hudson Falls.

He owned and operated Peggy’s Irish Pub for over 20 years.  Tim also worked as a self-employed Master Carpenter and Roofer.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and mechanics.  Tim meticulously restored a 1979 Firebird and loved riding his Harley Davidson.  He was a talented musician, playing the guitar and the harmonica. He was an amazing cook, and every fall he could be found canning the vegetables he grew in his garden.

Tim could always be found out in the “Wannabe” with either a Budweiser or a Stewart’s Coffee in his hand.

Tim is predeceased by his longtime companion, Cindy Belgrade, who passed away in October of 2021; and his brother, Scott Heydrick.

He is survived by his children, Amanda (Alex) Warrington of Queensbury and Sheena Heydrick (Andrew Derway) of South Glens Falls; his grandchildren, Cheyenne Warrington (Michael Wilson), Dyami Warrington, Dean Warrington, Kyle Warrington and Derrick Warrington; his siblings, Fonda Stoddard (Bruce), Robin  Heydrick (Sandy), John Heydrick (Mary), Terry Heydrick (Cindy), Nancy Heydrick (Jerry), and Chris Ann Heydrick; his many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends too numerous to list.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Tim’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Glens Falls Hospital, Floor T-6, especially Xania, Nicole, Rick, Dr. Chaudry and Dr. Labban.

HUDSON FALLS – Joyce Pearl Eldridge Maynard, 96, formerly of Hudson Falls, eagerly flew into the arms of her Lord and Savior on February 9, 2023.

Joyce was born January 20, 1927, to Clara (Hopkins) Eldridge and Edward Howard Eldridge in Glens Falls, she was one of 6 children.

Joyce grew up in Glens Falls and graduated from Glens Falls High School. Growing up she loved to ice skate, read, fish, write, and paint. Her mother said that she was born with a paintbrush in her hand. She continued her love of reading, knitting, crocheting, writing and painting throughout her life, and became an accomplished artist selling several of her paintings.

In 1945, she married Roger Maynard. Roger passed away in 1986. She loved the Lord and wanted to make sure everyone knew that God loved them. She prayed for all of her family’s salvation, so that they could all be together for eternity.

Joyce fulfilled two of her lifelong dreams. She was able to publish a book she had written entitled, “Rose’s Angel”.  A second book containing articles, poems, short stories, and photographs of her paintings was being printed at the time of her passing.

Joyce loved vacationing at Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine.

She was a nurse’s aide for many years at Glens Falls Hospital and Fort Hudson Nursing Home. She was a member of Ridge Road Wesleyan Church and loved singing and listening to hymns.

Joyce was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Skellie, and her son, Michael Maynard, a daughter-in-law, Tracey Maynard and is predeceased by all of her siblings.

She is survived by her children, Stephen Maynard (Alyce) of South Carolina, Richard Maynard (Darla) of South Glens Falls, Mark Maynard (Deborah) of Hudson Falls, Virginia Waddington (Gary) of Hudson Falls, Shirley Demers (Rick) of Fort Ann, Jeff Maynard (Paula) of Jacksonville, FL, Bill Maynard (Maria) of South Glens Falls, and Tim Maynard (Ellen) of Jacksonville, FL; a son-in-law Joe Skellie of Georgia; 22 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and 27 great-great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 11 am to 12 noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Loren Gage, will follow at noon at the funeral home. A zoom meeting has been created for those wishing to view the service remotely, Meeting ID:755 1627 4129 Passcode: rV7KZw

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75516274129?pwd=nrD1PzRbOaKJluwIJwKPauf7Ytb6lM.1

Burial will be in the spring at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice of North East Florida who took such amazing care of Joyce for years. Also, consider a donation to The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Carol A. Yemans, 70, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly at her home in South Glens Falls on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

Born February 19, 1952, Carol was the daughter of the late John and Vera (Backus) Rainbow.

Carol was a 1969 high school graduate of Hudson Falls. Following high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany.

In 1978, Carol married Earl Yemans at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Hudson Falls.  Earl passed away in September of 1980.

Earlier in her life, Carol taught music at St. Mary’s/St. Alphonsus School in Glens Falls. Carol also worked at several churches in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Maine. Carol worked as a secretary to the president at the Zion Bible Institute, finishing her occupational career at BOCES in Saratoga.

Carol enjoyed playing the piano and loved sitting by the ocean and listening to the waves. She also enjoyed the beauty of all flowers, especially cut flowers to have in a vase in her home.

Survivors include her siblings, Diana Race, Ricky Rainbow and John Robert Rainbow; her nephews, Sheridan Race (Marcy) and their son, Dana Race (Celine) and their children; Ricky; her nieces, Heather, Rachel, Reba, Ruthie, Reanna, and their families; as well as numerous cousins.

Per Carol’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

QUEENSBURY – Sherri Lynn Pattee, 55, of Queensbury passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at Saratoga Hospital after a long struggle with her health, surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 24, 1967, in Tucson, AZ, Sherri was the daughter of the late Susan Reynolds.

Sherri was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School. Later in life, she attended Adirondack Community College and then The College of Saint Rose, where she obtained her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.

She was known for being crafty and would make anything and everything she could.  Her many skills included making jewelry, crocheting, beadwork, cross stitching and working with clay, often times gifting items such as blanket and scarfs for her family and friends. Sherri took great pride in her Facebook page called, “The Little Room of Treasure” where she loved sharing her talents with others and selling her masterpieces.

Sherri was an authentic, genuine caring woman. She was loved by everyone she met, always placing their needs before her own.  Before her passing, Sherri shared the following, “I just want you to remember the fun we used to have and that I love you all very much.”

Besides her mother, Sherri was predeceased by her stepfather, Michael Aubrey; her grandparents, Laura and Earl Bessette; and her uncle, Doug Bessette.

Survivors include her children, Amber Barrisford and her husband, Bobby of Queensbury, Zepplin Murphy of Fort Edward; her favorite grandson, Colin Barrisford; her brother, Scott French of Jacksonville, FL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who became family over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in Sherri’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – It is with great sadness, that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barbara Cummings, who passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023, after a long struggle with her health.

Barb was born to Letitia and Thomas Fisher in Hempstead, on September 12, 1936.

She graduated from Sewanhaka High School (go purple and white!) in 1955.  She met the love of her life, Richard Cummings, Sr, and they married in 1958.  They settled first in Flushing and in 1964, they moved here to the North Country.

As a young woman with small children, she focused on them.  She gave back to her community by teaching religious education at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church and as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts.  Summers were filled with time at her and the in-law’s lake house on Loon Lake, swimming, boating, laughing, playing card games and endless fish fry’s (always including “freshwater shrimp”).

After her husband passed away, she enjoyed a career as a home health aide, where she could cook, chat and keep busy.

In her later years, she devoted time to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In addition to that, she spent many summers keeping track of everyone at Country Haven Campground, while enjoying a “Not Your Father’s Root Beer”.  On nice days, she could be found fishing on Brant Lake on her beloved pontoon boat, the S.S. Bucky Lee.  Nothing would make her happier than a day filled with boating, swimming, bingo and family!

The last five years found her at the Glens Falls Center due to a bad fall.  Once there she quickly became first the “Mayor” of the Rehab Wing and then the “Queen Bee” of the center, always flitting from activity to activity, she was always at the middle of everything!

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, son, Richard Cummings, Jr. and her two sisters, Letty and Arlene Fisher.

Left to remember her (usually as “Buck-a-Luck” or “Whispers”) are her son and daughter in law, Thomas and Denise Cummings; her daughter in law, Karen Cummings; her grandchildren, Joseph (Ginger) Cummings, Christopher (Sarah) Cummings, TJ (Jen) Cummings, Elizabeth (Ryan) Wild and Ray (Megan) Cummings.  She was blessed with eight great grandchildren, Ellie, Parker, Myka, Kelsie, Riley, Everett, Matthew and Hanna; she also leaves behind her wonderful friends, JoAnn Mercurio and Theresa Bombard; as well as many nieces and nephews; She was also survived by Pamela and Lyndi, who held a special place in her heart.

As per her request, there will be no calling hours and a private service for her immediate family will be at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be announced in the spring with a Celebration of Life open to all.

In both her memory as well as the memory of her favorite pups, Gemini, Crystal and Charmin, we ask that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to, donate to your local SPCA.

GLENS FALLS – Edward William Staunches, 76, of Glens Falls, went into the arms of his family and God on February 4, 2023, at the Pines Nursing Home with the amazing staff and his family by his side.

Born January 4, 1947, in Ticonderoga, he was the son of the late Edith (Knights) and Jerome F. Staunches, Sr.

Following Edwards education at Mineville School, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and the Army National Guard.

For many years, Edward was employed at General Electric as a crane inspector and retired in 2007. He also worked with his best friend, Bill Rogers at B & B Roofing.

Edward enjoyed listening to country music and was a huge fan of Johnny Cash. He would travel anywhere and everywhere to enjoy fishing, hunting, and camping trips. Most of all, Edward loved spending time with his family.  Edward was artistic when it came to drawing, wood burning and wood carvings.

In addition to his parents, Edward is predeceased by his siblings Jerome Staunches, Jr., Robert Staunches, Joan Thomas, Leo Staunches, Thomas Staunches, and Gloria Swinton.

Survivors include his children, Stephen Staunches and his wife, Tatum of South Glens Falls, Stacey Samoei of North Carolina, Christina Schlaeg and her husband, John of Charlton; his grandchildren, Ashley, Jonathan, Ryan, Matthew and Tyler; his siblings, Gerri Yasment of Keeseville, Nancy Bell (David) of Glens Falls, David Staunches (Cindy) of Glens Falls, Sue Swinton (Lee) of Queensbury, and Mary Hobbs (Terry) of Glens Falls; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. All are welcomed to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Queensbury VFW, 32 Luzerne Rd., Queensbury.

Memorial donations in Edwards name may be sent to the Queensbury VFW, 32 Luzerne Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 1003 Loudon Rd., Cohoes, NY 12047.

HUDSON FALLS – Albert G. Thaxton, 71, of Hudson Falls, passed away after a long illness on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on June 23, 1951 in Manhattan, New York City, he was the son of the late Bernie Thaxton, Sr. and Bernette (Laye) Thaxton.

Albert was a graduate of Nanuet High School. He worked for many years as a security guard for several companies and also was a cleaner, working for the Glens Falls National Bank. Albert loved the outdoors and nature and enjoyed fishing. More recently, his family turned him on to camping which he also enjoyed doing in the summer. Albert was an avid sports fan. He loved to draw and was a talented artist.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a daughter, Nicole Thaxton; and a son, Anthony Thaxton.

He is survived by his loving companion of 45 years, Debra Conklin of Hudson Falls; his children, Bernard Thaxton and Bernette Thaxton, both of South Carolina, James Conklin of Queensbury, Karim Thaxton (Rachel) of Hudson Falls, and Annie Thaxton-Colombe (Jerry) of Fort Edward; a daughter in law, Lisa Leibold; son in law, Gerald Taylor; grandchildren, Anthony and Ryan Conklin, Lanyia, Serenity and Keke Taylor, Zane and Kshawn Thaxton, and Karim Thaxton, Jr; a great grandson, Josiah Thaxton; his brother, Bernie Thaxton, Jr.; sister, Joanne Thaxton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.