Author Archives: CFH

HUDSON FALLS – Lorrie Jane “Ma” Rivers, 63, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Lorrie was born on July 15, 1957, in Glens Falls to the late Jeannette Mary (St. John) Rivers and William Moses Rivers of Queensbury.

Lorrie grew up on a small farm with her five siblings, Michael Eggleston, Shirley Eggleston French, Monica Gagne, Jessie Carpenter and Billi Jo Rivers.

She was an animal lover.  Lorrie was particularly close to her horse, Rusty and her squirrel Monkey JoJo.

In 1975, Lorrie graduated from Queensbury High School.  In 1978, she gave birth to her first daughter, Elizabeth Ann Rivers, one of her greatest achievements.

Lorrie’s eccentric and bubbly personality was a natural fit for the restaurant business.  She worked for the late “Doc” Joseph at Joseph’s Restaurant from 1984 to 1990, When she gave birth to her second daughter, Rebecca Rose Rivers.

Lorrie had a heart of gold and truly enjoyed caring for others.  In 1993, she obtained her CNA and worked for many years caring for the elderly at both the Stanton and Fort Hudson Nursing Facilities.  In 1996, Lorrie lost her father to cancer.  In 2004, she had the privilege of taking care of her very last and most beloved “patient”, her mother.

Jeannette lived with Lorrie until she passed in 2007.  The loss of her parents had left a hole in her heart, blessedly now filled. In 2014, Lorrie’s health took a decline and she could no longer care for herself.  She moved in with her oldest daughter and son in law Christopher Luce, who lovingly cared for her until 2019, when she moved to the Elderwood Nursing facility in North Creek.  Her sociable personality and natural ability to turn any situation into a party thankfully allowed her to truly enjoy her time at the nursing home.

Lorrie had a wild and free spirit.  She loved music, singing, dancing and making others laugh, and she was damn good at it.  Lorrie was always the life of the party with an exceptional personality unlike no other.  Lorrie was kind but she was always down for a fight.  She fought hard until the very end.  Now her fight is over.

Lorrie passed peacefully with her loving daughters by her side, late Saturday evening at the Glens Falls Hospital. 

Other than her daughters and siblings, Lorrie is survived by multiple nieces, nephews and countless friends; She was genuinely one of a kind and will be missed by many.

There will be no service,

Burial will take place in the spring at Southside Cemetery.

A celebration of life is planned for when it is safe for us all to be together.

A special, heartfelt Thank You goes out to the staff at Elderwood for making our mother feel at home.

Arrangements have bee entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – John E. “Jack” Newton, 88, of Terry Drive passed away on January 19, 2021, at Glens Falls, Hospital.

Born November 21, 1932, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Alfred and Helen (Murley) Newton.

John graduated in 1951 from Hudson Falls High School.

In May of 1956, he was united in marriage to Nancy Gray at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. Nancy passed away on December 3, 2018 after 62 years of marriage.

John worked as an airport customer service agent for 32 years. He began his career in the Glens Falls Airport with Eastern Airlines, and Mohawk Airlines for 10 years, before working another 22 years in Albany for U.S. Airways.

Survivors include his sons, Thomas Newton of Woodstock, GA, and Steven Newton of South Glens Falls; five grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Per John’s request, there will be no services.

Donations in John’s name can be made out to American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza Suite 505, Albany, NY 12205.

Mary Cornelia “Connie” McKenzie, 102, formerly of The Oaks in Fort Edward, passed away on January 23, 2021 at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau, NY. 

Connie’s life overlapped two pandemics, 19 American presidents, and most of the significant social, scientific, and technological advances of the 20^th century.  Throughout her life, Connie demonstrated remarkable resolve, fortitude, and resilience in how she met challenges and set new directions.

Born on September 8, 1918, in Norlina, North Carolina Connie was the daughter of Robert and Nellie (Beardsley) Register.  Connie had loving memories of childhood spent with immediate and extended family at her grandfather Grant Beardsley’s millpond for Sunday fish fries. She was from a tightly knit extended family and was especially close to her cousins, with whom she played on many summer days.  At the age of 20, she left Norlina for New York City, where she served as an executive secretary at CBS radio for four years.  She met her husband, Bernard D. McKenzie, in Flushing, New York, where they raised their four children. 

Connie had a lifelong love of plants, flowers, and gardening.  Her expertise was largely self-taught and she knew the Latin name for virtually every plant. While shopping at Keil Brothers Florist and Greenhouse in the late 1970’s, she had a conversation with a staff member in which she identified by proper name many of the most obscure plants in the store. That prompted the staff member to introduce Connie to the owner who offered her a job on the spot.  During her years at Keil’s, she oversaw the purchase and sale of exotic plants.  As an avid and talented gardener and floral arranger, Connie participated extensively in her local communities and was a two-time president of the Flushing Garden Club. 

Upon her husband’s death in 1982, Connie demonstrated her tenacious spirit by learning to drive at 63 years of age. This required determination and resilience, which were hallmarks of Connie’s inner strength. Being able to drive afforded greater independence and the ability to spend entire summers at her beloved family camp in Indian Lake (NY), a place that had been a source of peace and joy throughout the life she shared with her husband and children. After moving to Queensbury, NY in 1984, Connie continued to nourish her interest in gardening, floral arrangements, and wreath-making.  In addition to working part-time as a designer at Evelyn’s Florals, she began her own business, Country Florals, and regularly participated in juried craft shows where she won numerous 1^st place blue ribbons for her designs.  Her love of plants was nurtured at her summer residence in Indian Lake.  In addition to creating natural plantings and hummingbird habitats, she made beautiful terrariums using native plants and ferns from the nearby woods.

In later years, Connie moved to The Oaks in Fort Edward, where she resided until June, 2019.  At that time she moved to her final residence, the Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau. Connie’s life and love are captured in an excerpt from The Sacred Garden by Patricia Barrett:

            “Connection with gardens, even small ones, even potted plants, can

become windows to the inner life. The simple act of stopping and looking at the beauty around us can be prayer.”

Connie’s children encourage her friends and other loved ones to honor her memory and engage in the prayer that surrounds us by buying a flower or plant, or planting a small garden, or nourishing one they have. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Katherine Rodwell, Helen Mack Larson, brother Robert Register, daughter-in-law Mary J. McKenzie, grandson John McKenzie, and granddaughter Lisa McKenzie.

Survivors include her children, Neil McKenzie and his life partner, Sandra Beare of Sitka, Alaska, Grant McKenzie and his wife, Katie of Lexington, Kentucky, Nancy Virgil and her husband, Ernest of Lake Pleasant, New York, and David McKenzie of Selkirk, New York; three grandchildren, Jessica McKenzie, Daniel Virgil, and Christopher Virgil, seven great grandchildren, Gianna, John, Orion, Maya, Luci, Emmett, and Silas; and, numerous nieces and nephews.

Connie’s children extend their appreciation for the love and support provided by the caregivers during her years at The Oaks and the Home of the Good Shepherd.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Indian Lake Volunteer Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 39, Indian lake, NY 12842.

Connie enriched the lives of many and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Due to COVID-19, the family will arrange a private memorial service.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net

HUDSON FALLS- Julie A. Cronin “Mimi”, 77, of Hudson Falls, passed away January 28, 2021.

Born June 6, 1943 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Fran Cole.

On August 17, 1963, Julie married Robert J. Cronin, Sr. at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.  Together they enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing on October 20, 2008.

Mimi enjoyed her many years working in real estate.  The light of her life was her family.  She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even her 4 grand pups.  Mimi will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children, Wendy Diamond and her husband, Randy, Mary Legault and her husband, David, Stephanie Lemery, Robert Cronin Jr., and Jessica Cronin; her eight grandchildren: Tara Legault, Michael Legault, Kelsey Walker, Myranda Lynch, Kayleigh Porter, Caitlyn Lemery, Victoria Moon and Robert Cronin III; her great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lilly, Jack, Alanna; her 4 beloved grand pups;  her brother, Patrick Cole and his wife, Janet, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will take place in the spring, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in memory of Mimi may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza Suite 505, Albany, NY 12205 or the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

KINGSBURY – Katherine “Kathy” Amy Loveland, 57, of Kingsbury, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.

Born on November 7, 1963 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Louise (Stevenson) Bean and  the late Francis Loveland.

Kathy attended educational programs through Saratoga Bridges. She loved listening to upbeat music and enjoyed participating in singalongs.  Kathy was a happy go lucky girl, always laughing and such a joy  to be around.  Her favorite food was all flavors of ice cream and to work it off, Kathy practiced yoga.   With help, she enjoyed creating ceramic gifts for her family.  She had the innocence and purity of a child and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Besides her father, Katherine was predeceased by her stepfather, Raymond Bean.

Survivors include her mother, Louise Bean of Ballston Spa; her brother, Dennis Loveland and his wife, Linda of Newport, TN; her sister, Doraine Miller and her husband, Patrick of Ballston Spa; her stepmother, Regina Loveland of Hadley;  her step-siblings, Richard Bean and his wife, April of Fort Plains and Terry Drake and his wife, Jennifer of Hadley; and her nephews, Daniel Miller and Aaron Miller, both of Ballston Spa.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in memory of Kathy may be made to Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12203.

MOREAU – Ruth M. Chandler, 89, of the town of Moreau, passed away from COVID -19  on January 22, 2021, at the Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Born on March 21, 1931, at Lake Luzerne, she was the daughter of the late William and Mamie (Scoville) Rooney.

Ruth worked as a waitress for many years at Howard Johnson’s in South Glens Falls, Dunkin’ Donuts in Queensbury and at Little Acres in Moreau. She then joined the staff of Housekeeping at Glens Falls Hospital, where she worked for 17 years, retiring in 2002.

In her free time, Ruth loved going to garage sales and tending her beautiful flower gardens.  She loved fishing in the Adirondacks with her son, Robert and watching “Wheel of Fortune” with her sister, Alice also watching the series,” In The Heat Of The Night”.   Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her beloved cat, Midnight.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two sisters, Alice Rooney and Barbara Bosley; her two grandchildren, Ian Alkire and Ashley Chandler, her special nephew, George Gebo and niece, Kelly Gebo and several aunts and  uncles.

Survivors include her children, Robyn Chandler Brown of Moreau, Richard Chandler and his wife, Erica of Fort Ann, Rochelle Maestas and her husband, John of Kent, Washington, and Robert Chandler and his wife, Kathie of Queensbury; her grandchildren, Courtney Converse, Wesley Converse, Andrew Powers, Stephen Powers, Ricky Chandler, Kristina Finlayson, Tosha James, Tonee James, Gabby Chandler, Angelique Parker, Cheyenne Maestas, Jeffery Hermance, Casey Russell, Corey Russell, Robynne Helm and Calib Chandler; several great grandchildren; one niece; one nephew; many family and friends.  Ruth had many loved ones that she held dear to her heart, including Linda Sue and Ed Wood.

Ruth’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her friends and neighbors who through the years have taken such wonderful care, have given a helping hand and much love to Ruth.

Graveside Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Lake Luzerne Cemetery.

Donations in Ruth’s name may be made to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave. Queensbury, NY  12804.

HUDSON FALLS – B. Jane Edgerly, 89, of River Street passed away on January 19, 2021.

Jane was born March 27, 1931, in Lake George, the daughter of Clifford and Althea Hart.  After the passing of her mother, Jane and her brother Stanley were adopted by her grandparents, Charles and Jennie Ross.

In 1950, she married Eddie Edgerly. Jane owned and operated Jane’s Sewing Shoppe in her home for over 50 years, where she made lifelong friends.  Jane enjoyed camping, crosswords and coffee with her friends at Stewarts.

Beside her parents and grandparents, she is predeceased by her husband, Eddie; brother, Stanley and grandson, Jarrod Fenton; very special aunts and uncles, Ed and Mid Benway and Charles and Gladys Ross, as well as several in-laws.

Survivors include her children; Lynn Havens of Glens Falls, Clifford Edgerly and wife, Donna, of Greenfield, Alton Edgerly and his wife, Bonnie, of Hudson Falls, Lori Harrington and her husband, Jay, of Fort Edward, Patti White and her husband, Chas, of Hudson Falls, and James Edgerly and his wife, Annalee, of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren: David Havens, Mark Havens, Sarah Havens, Jason Havens, Stan Edgerly, Jamie Moynihan, Joe Fenton, Jessica Burnham, Jackie Harrington, Charlee Anne Martin, Ethan White, Leon Carney and Matthew Washburn; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Marilyn); sisters-in-law, Thelma Edgerly and Mary Edgerly; and a very special friend, Joanna Marine; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid19, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Jane’s family expresses their special thanks to the Washington Center.

BALLSTON SPA – Jacquelyn Anne Royal, 73 of Ballston Spa, passed away January 16, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.

Born February 1, 1947 in Morristown, NJ, she was the daughter of Thomas J. and Louise Anne (Yaccarino) Royal.

Jacquelyn held multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in both the arts and sciences. She was a world-renowned textile artist, concert quality organist and pianist, published author, college professor, über existentialist and consummate eccentric. Her work in textiles has been exhibited and published internationally.

Survivors include her children: John Szot, Robert Szot each of Brooklyn, NY, Simon Moody of St. Simons, GA and one granddaughter as well as her sister Jeanne Royal and brother Pate Royal each of Pensacola, FL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church 167 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, New York 12020.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc, 68 Main St in Hudson Falls, NY.

FENIMORE – Elaine M. Bortell, 70, of Fenimore, passed away into the arms of the Lord, Sunday, January 17, 2021, at her home with her loving companion by her side.

Born October 17, 1950 in Plattsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Mary (Norton) Bushey.

Elaine graduated from college in Plattsburgh

She enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, knitting, camping and reading.  Elaine was a member of the Ace Car Club.  She was a good-hearted woman.

Besides her parents, Elaine was met in heaven by her son, who passed away at the age of 3 from Reye’s Syndrome.

Survivors include her companion 36 years, Leon Ure and his family; and her sister, Betty of Texas.

Friends may call Tuesday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Following the calling hour, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – John E.”Baracuda Jack”  Armstrong, 86, of North Street, passed away on January 13, 2021, with his family by his side, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.

He was born on June 20, 1934, the first born of the late John and Marie (Baldwin) Armstrong.

On July 29, 1956, he married Patricia Stephenson.  They shared 24 years of marriage, before her passing on August 9, 1980. 

Jack was a record-breaking big game hunter and a trophy winning deep sea fisherman.  He loved wildlife and always had a treat on hand for his four-legged friends.  Jack’s favorite things were Myers Rum, Cossayuna Lake and the Florida Keys.  He will long be remembered for his love of life, friends and a good day of fishing. 

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bud” and his sisters, Jane Webster and Kathy Packer.

Survivors include his companion of 40 years, Patricia Laclair, who never swayed when it came to Jack’s needs; his daughters, Jill Collette and her husband, Tom of Cape Canaveral, Florida and Julie Stroughton and her companion, Don Welch of Hudson Falls; one son, John III and his wife, Carla of Queensbury; his four legged princess, Penny; his grandchildren Tricia (Matt), Todd (Karen), Carla (Russ), Eric (Jessica) and Jill (Anthony); and eight great grandchildren, who called him Great Pa. Jack’s words of wisdom to his grandchildren were, “Change is bad and poverty sucks”.  He also is survived by his four brothers, Jerry, George, Pete and Tom; his four sisters, Carol, Marie, Sharon and Helen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thanks to his buddies, Eddie Lapan, Bill West, Carey and Dennis Whitney.

The family also wishes to thank Glens Falls Hospital ICU Unit, especially, Kristen Canini.

Dad, enjoy fishing in heaven with Bill and Lester.  PEACE

A graveside  ceremony will be conducted at Moss Street Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, followed by a celebration of Jack’s life at the Cossayuna Lake Association.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Parkinson Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York NY  10018 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 200 Bessey Street, 28^th floor, New York, NY10281.

QUEENSBURY – Reverend Dr. Gurney O. Gutekunst, Jr., 96, of Queensbury, NY passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital, from Covid-19.

Beloved and devoted husband of Dorothy; son of Gurney and Clara Gutekunst; father of Ann Valanzuolo of Longview, WA, David Gutekunst of Marina Del Rey, CA, and Claire Perlman Gutekunst and her husband Arthur Perlman of Yonkers, NY; grandfather of Kristin and Devon Gutekunst, Brian Valanzuolo and Jason and Jeremy Gutekunst Perlman; brother of Erath Matheson; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and friend and companion to his devoted dog, Pal. 

Gurney was born in Buffalo, New York, on October 27, 1924 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from high school in 1942, he enlisted in the Army and undertook an accelerated program of study in chemistry at the University of Michigan, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in two and a half years. He then was assigned to a team of chemists working on atomic energy for the Manhattan Project, rising to the position of Team Leader in Dayton, Ohio.   

Though his interest in science continued throughout his life, Gurney’s greatest passions were of the spirit. After receiving an M.A. in humanities at the University of Michigan, he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he received an M.A. in Theology.  He continued his studies in theology at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge, writing his Ph.D. thesis on John Milton. 

In 1959, Gurney became pastor of the United Methodist Church in Rowayton, CT, before moving to Amityville, NY in 1964. He then became the Senior Pastor at Christ Church in Glens Falls in 1967.  

After leaving Christ Church in 1976, he taught creative writing at North Country Community College. He returned to the ministry in 1983, serving as pastor at the Hartford Yoked Parish and North Granville Congregational Church for 18 years. After his retirement, Gurney was honored to be called upon as a guest preacher throughout the North Country, from Hudson Falls to Warrensburg.

While known for his illuminating and inspiring Sunday messages, for Gurney, faith was never confined to a book or a building. He found great joy and meaning in nature and music, passions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In high school and college, he played piano in dance bands and throughout his life enjoyed performing jazz standards with an enthusiastic band of family members.

Family was central to Gurney’s life. With Dottie, his beloved wife of sixty-four years, he organized frequent family times. These included hikes in the Adirondacks, fishing and boating on Lake Chautauqua, skiing at Whiteface, canoe camping in Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada, and reading aloud books ranging from Winnie the Pooh to The Odyssey. The family bond continued throughout the years, with regular reunions at the family farmhouse in Western New York. 

Gurney’s curiosity and zest for life remained boundless until the end. Even in later years, he found joy and contentment in reading spiritual, literary, and scientific texts and listening to and playing music. Those fingers at the keyboard are now stilled, but Gurney’s passion and joyful music will live on in parishioners, students, friends and, of course, his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Friends may make contributions in memory of Gurney to The Nature Conservancy (online at https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/ or by mail to 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Attn: Treasury, Arlington, VA 22203) or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (online at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/donate-now or by mail to 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Il 60611).

HUDSON FALLS –  Shirley Louise Bristol McKernon, 100, formerly of Union Street, died on January 13, 2021, at Granville Center.

Born on May 29, 1920, in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. George Fairbanks and Grace Faith (Peck) Bristol.

Shirley was a 1938 graduate of Hartford Central School.  She then attended Oneonta State Teachers College and graduated in 1941 from Mildred Elly Business School in Albany.

On July 10, 1942, she married Kenneth W. McKernon in Pawlet, VT.  They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing on December 13, 1985. They worked together as a team.   She enjoyed a good, comfortable and loving life with her soulmate.  As a couple, they not only shared their life, but also all jobs in running a smooth household.

Shirley was employed at the Post Star, in the printing department, for 10 years as an estimator and proofreader. After her husband returned from the war, they both began their career at Hollister’s Plumbing and Heating Corp. in Hudson Falls. She worked diligently as a secretary and estimator for 15 years.

Her faith was a central part of who she was. Along with her husband, Shirley was a member of the Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls, where they both taught Sunday school and helped organize the Christ Church Nursery program in the early 1950’s.  She also was a member of the Glen Star Chapter #95 Order of the Eastern Star.

Being a wife to Kenneth and mother to Kendall was her first priority.  She allowed her son to be creative, gave him a firm moral compass and instilled in him a strong work ethic.   Shirley was very happy to live the life she had.  She was kind to all those she met and always willing to give of herself in a gentle way to those in need.

Survivors include her devoted son, Kendall Fairbanks McKernon and his wife, Cindy;  her loving granddaughter, Kathleen Kendall McKernon; David Putnam, whom she thought of as her second son; her former daughter in law, Mary Putnam; her good friend, whom she shared many wonderful experiences, Romayne Gilliland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At a later date, she will be laid to rest, next to her husband, at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205