Category Archives: Obituaries

WHITEHALL – Lois Verna Barrett, formally of West Fort Ann, passed away at home, with her family by her side, on December 30, 2022.
Born July 18, 1933, on the family farm in West Fort Ann, Lois was the daughter of the late Lester and Verna (Rivers) Wood.
Lois was a graduate of the Hudson Falls School system. During her lifetime she was employed at The Glens Falls Insurance Company, Central Market, Cumberland Farms, General Electric, Whitehall Head Start, and Walmart. At the age of 83, Lois entered retirement so she could relax and enjoy family and friends.
Lois enjoyed spending time with her family and friends which included her church friends and friends at the Skenesborough Harbor. She loved camping and introduced all her children to the experience. Lois’ favorite place to camp with her family was Fish Creek until 2012. She then would go and visit for a day whenever she was able to.
Lois also enjoyed spending time watching her grandchildren. She taught them about farming and raising farm animals. She also enjoyed going to the Washington County Fair with her grandchildren and staying the week with them was a highlight.
She also enjoyed stock car racing, pony racing, walking, bicycling, long rides, picnics, and flowers.
Lois was known for her big heart; she helped anyone that needed it. She gave of herself unconditionally.
Besides her parents, Lois was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Wood and her son, Jeffrey M. Porter.
Lois leaves behind her children, Diane (Tom) Ingleston of Whitehall, Susan (Larry) Blanchard of Hudson Falls, Richard (Bonnie) Porter of NC, Joanne Loveland of Queensbury, Lewis Barrett of West Fort Ann; her 28 grandchildren and their spouses, 26 great grandchildren, all of who will miss her very much.
At Lois’s request, there will be no services or calling hours.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time, by her family.
Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Jean Fay Cruden was born on August 10, 1935. Her loving parents were Walter Cruden, and his beautiful bride, Virgie (Bruso). Jean fondly recalled and told stories about their large extended family growing up in Hudson Falls, NY with her parents and three sisters Joan Hart (Hank), Jacqui Dunn (Carl), and Sharon McCormick (Pete), with many relatives nearby in Fort Edward, NY.   

After graduating, Jean found employment at the First National Bank of Glens Falls. It was here that she met the love of her life, George F. Reger, Jr. They were married on May 29, 1958.  They were blessed with three children: James M. Reger,  Barbara R. Paradis, and a “surprise” a couple years later, Thomas G. Reger. 

George and Jean put hammers in hands and built two wonderful homes together, one in South Glens Falls and the other in Kattskill Bay, on Lake George. These beautiful homes were the focal points of much of their lives and they were grateful to have wonderful neighbors and friends surrounding them. 

Jean was an extremely supportive mother. She was patient and understanding with her children, but most importantly, she made them feel unconditionally loved. Her children could not feel any luckier to have had her as their “Mom”. Jean became “Nannie” with the birth of her two grandchildren, Alyssa and Greg Wetmore. She loved them immensely.  

Jean and George had great adventures together visiting many of North America’s notable destinations. In addition to travel, they enjoyed boating, dining, and time with good friends. But, as with most fairy tales, things slowly unwound as George slowly fell to Alzheimer’s disease. Jean’s love and caring devotion for her husband through these years was endless.

On December 31, 2022, Jean Reger passed away, surrounded, and loved deeply by her family. She will be missed terribly, by her children and grandchildren.  They are comforted knowing that she lives on in their wonderful memories.  

Jim and Tom Reger are forever grateful for the sister Barbara for her selfless devotion to their mother over the years and especially in her final months. All three children would also like to thank Shannon Eustis for the thoughtful and compassionate care given to Jean.  Additionally, heartfelt thanks to the professional, caring and responsive staff for care given to Jean during her time at the Wesley Health Care Center on 2 Hathorne and 2 Springs.

Friends may call, Sunday, January 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

The funeral service will follow the callings hours, 1 p.m., on Sunday, at the funeral home with the Reverend Rich Weihing, pastor of Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, officiating.

Burial will take place 10 a.m., on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a contribution or volunteering with a cause of personal interest.  

BEEKMAN – LaVerne Harold Symer, 93, an area resident since 1963 and formerly of Fredonia, died peacefully at his home on January 4, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Depew on June 13, 1929, he was the son of Orten and Florence (Hoffman) Symer. Verne proudly served our country in both the US Army and the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following a long career, he retired as a foreman for the New York State Department of Transportation. He was a devout, life-long Lutheran. He was also a founding member of the Beekman Rescue Squad, exemplifying his overriding characteristic of being a willing helper to all in need.

On August 22, 1953 in Town Line, NY, Verne married the love of his life, Betty Louise Asmus, who predeceased him on May 28, 2008. Verne is survived by his children and their spouses, Jonathan E. Symer and Nancy Tang, Rebecca L. Post, Timothy and Maryellen Symer, Daniel and Laurie Symer, Andrew and Patricia Symer; his grandchildren, Jeremy Walter, Marc Walter, Julia and Kris Karam, Desiree and Patrick Darbee, Matthew and Melissa Symer, Joshua and Emily Symer, Theresa and Brian Sanna, Adam and Michelle Symer, Michael and Ashlie Symer, Elise and Hobie Fuerstman, David Symer and Daniel Symer; his great-grandchildren, Sakari, Abigail, Rachel, Alexander, Christopher, Grace, Oliver, Theodor, Jake, Ella, Maya, Theo and Fiadhna; his sister, Joan Chongor; and his long-time caregiver, Elaine.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday at 10am at the funeral home followed by interment in the Clove Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Beekman Rescue Squad.

HUDSON FALLS – Robert Alfred Tougaw, 82 of Hudson Falls, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Born on April 18, 1940, he was the son of the late Leonard and Genevieve (Donovan) Tougaw.

Service are private at the convenience of the family. Robert will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

HUDSON FALLS – Owen E. Matte, 89, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.

Born on October 30, 1933, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Young) Matte.

Owen was a graduate of Whitehall Central School.

On November 15, 1952, he married Priscilla Sayers in Whitehall.

Owen was a loving and devoted family man who always put the Lord, his wife, and his children first.  With his warm, outgoing, and loving personality, he easily connected with all people he met.  Owen was a member of the “Fun Band” for over 20 years and that brought joy to all who heard the band. Also, he was a member of the church choir for several decades.  When you met Owen, you left as a friend of Owen, he loved everyone and everyone loved him.  Owen loved to sing and dance and he enjoyed life to the fullest.  If you found yourself at a party with Owen, you know he was always the life of the party, and his exuberant personality shone through!

Owen worked for General Electric Company in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward until his retirement after 47 years of service.

He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and a member of the Fun Band for over 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting and gardening.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Priscilla Matte, his grandchildren, Rachel Wells and Thomas Wells, Jr., and his siblings, Paul, John, Earl, Mark, Carl and Joan.

Owen is survived by his children, Owen (Cindy) Matte, Jr. of Huntersville, NC, Debra (Brad) Bernard of Sandy Springs, GA, Pamela (Tom) Wells of Argyle, Peter Matte of St. Albans, VT, Mary Matte of Queensbury, and James Matte (Christopher Beck) of New York City; 14 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; his brother Joel (Linda) Matte of Hartford, and several, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Owen’s Funeral Mass will be conducted on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury at the convenience of the family.

Owen’s family would like to thank the nurses and all staff on G Wing at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility for the loving care they provided Owen during his time as a resident.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations made to Fort Hudson Foundation, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, or via their website: https://www.forthudson.com/foundation/.

HUDSON FALLS -Elizabeth (Betty) George, 84, passed away on January 2, 2023, at home.

Betty was born on February 25, 1938, at Memorial Hospital in Catskill, NY and was raised on a farm in West Athens, NY only a short distance away. Betty attended schools in Catskills. During the summer months when school was not in session, Betty worked on the farm alongside her parents.

During Betty’s growing up period she enjoyed helping others by volunteering. While in high school, she was involved in many activities and belonged to the high school chorus. After her junior year during the summer months, Betty decided to seek employment to ready herself for when she graduated high school. She became a legal secretary for a new attorney in the village of Catskill. While working at the attorney’s office, Betty was also an assistant to the Police Justice, Confidential Secretary to the County Attorney and was in the political arena. Betty also volunteered her time with the Local PBA with fundraising and was a Notary Public for about twenty years for the State of NY.

Betty enjoyed teaching Sunday school, and singing in a small community church choir in Athens. She was well liked by everyone who knew her.

Betty met and married Edward George and they moved out of the area. She was an Executive Secretary for 5 officials in an underground Atomic Security Storage Corporation and stayed there for 2 years until she gave birth to her son David. Betty thought her job was very interesting and she met several top executives from many businesses and corporations. She missed all her co-workers when she left her position and moved to Hudson Falls with her husband and son.

When Betty’s son started school, she became involved in several activities pertaining to his school functions. She belonged to several groups in the school and usually held an officer position in most of them. Betty was a part of a small group involved in starting Operation Santa Claus.

Betty was involved with Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years. She began as an Assistant Den Mother then working her way up to Den Mother. She eventually held the position as Committee Chairman for Pack 56 in Hudson Falls. Betty served as a Judge for the Boy Scouts at the Washington County Fair for over 45 years. During that time Betty received the highest award in the district as well as in the counsel known as, The Silver Beaver.

Throughout the years, Betty stayed as active as she could until her passing. She met a lot of very nice people along the way and was grateful for their friendship.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, George and Gloria Boyajian.

She is survived by her husband, Edward and son David. Betty is also survived by her sister, Mary Ricci; her extended family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and many cousins.

At Betty’s request, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be private, and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Bettys name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

FORT ANN – Lauren Heather Temple, passed away on November 17,2022  in Schenectady, NY. 

At the age of six months, Lauren was lovingly taken into the Temple family and became their second adopted child. From conception she had struggled to survive abuse, neglect and abandonment by her birth mother. Her new family showed her the care and love she had never known. She was baptized by her Grandpa Temple who was an Episcopal priest in Albion, NY.

Lauren proved her great intelligence with her daily journaling, poetry, and prose. Her words painted a picture of her overwhelming emotional struggle. At one point in her young life she asked, “what is wrong with me?”

She spent the rest of her life fighting the demons that had been planted in her being before birth. 

At 3 years of age, she had her first ride on “Poo Bear,” a gentle schooling horse at Jan-San acres in Kingsbury. From that day on she was devoted to her love of horses. At home Lauren had her own horse, named Rusty. She competed in horse shows, jumping and horsemanship, winning many awards and ribbons. She was fearless on a horse and rode horses that others would not attempt.

In the 4th grade she excelled in math. Her devoted teacher, Jerry Anne Spring, introduced her to tutoring her fellow classmates that were struggling with math. Lauren loved Mrs. Spring who remained a wonderful role model for her.

Lauren married at 16, had her first child Alexis and was subsequently divorced. Over the next 12 years she birthed 3 more daughters and one son. All of whom were adopted by devoted and loving families. Alexis was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Maureen and Robin Temple. With each child, Lauren sought professional counseling from Dr. Rosemarie Amendolia in an attempt to overcome her demons and be a good mother to each. She loved all her children and worked diligently in various programs for many years, never giving up hope that someday she could be part of their lives.

Lauren is survived by her parents, Maureen and Robin Temple; and her five children, Alexis M. Temple, Alycya Dunham, Ceirra Varin, and Nevaeh and Noah Badey; Her sister, Kristen, passed away in April 2020. Kristen’s children are Marley McPherson, Ahayla R. Temple and Arion R. Temple. Marley gave birth to Novaleigh McPherson two months after her mother passed.

Throughout her life, Lauren had many friends who provided her with positive experiences. Often helped her through her most difficult times.

Amongst them, Elizabeth ( Hamblin) Dean), Shanna (Gaulin) Steele, Kaitie (Balsir) Johnson, Kansas Miller and Sherice Dillon.

During periods of wellness Lauren was a wonderful caregiver to her friends’ children.

Calling hours will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc, 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, where a memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm with The Very Reverend Nancy Goff officiating.

Memorial donations in Lauren’s name can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Ernest Ball Brooks, Jr., 68, of Dix Ave., passed away on December 29, 2022, with his husband by his side, after a battle with cancer.

Born October 8, 1954, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Ernest and Florence (Toleman) Brooks, Sr.

On April 2, 2016, he married his best friend, Thomas Ball at the Eagles Club in South Glens Falls.

Ernie held many jobs throughout his life but he most enjoyed helping others, as a private duty caretaker for the elderly.

In his quiet time, you could find him watching HGTV, including shows about home improvement and real estate. He loved to cook, take long rides, and visit Fredericksburg Virginia.

Besides his parents, Ernie was predeceased by his brothers, Paul and Bob Brooks; his sister, Margaret Wood and his mother-in-law, Daisy Ball.

Survivors include his husband, Thomas Ball of Hudson Falls, along with their adopted son, Donald Denmark; his brother, Albert (Louise) Brooks of GA; his sisters-in-law, Mary Jowly and Nancy Jordan, both of Hudson Falls and Robin Valenti of Fort Ann; his brothers- in-law, Donald Ball (Marianne) of VA, Wm. (Joyce) Ball of Saratoga, Richard Ball (Ellen), and Lester Wood of Hudson Fall; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

The family would like to thank High Peaks Hospice for all the care and support they have given, a special thank you to Barbie LeBrun for being there in the family’s time of need, and to the Mott family for always being there.

Memorial donations in memory of Ernie may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Barbara E. Lester, 94, a lifelong resident of the Boulevard in Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, at the Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward.

Born on June 3, 1928, in Northumberland, she was the daughter of the late James H. and Thelma R. (Huntington) Ploof, Sr.

Barbara attended Glens Falls High School. A lifelong seamstress, she began at age 16 and sewed for nearly 7 decades. Even after her retirement, she would do work for family, friends, and neighbors.

Barb had a very strong work ethic. For 30 years, she was a floor manager at Joseph E. Gruber Clothing Factory in Hudson Falls. For the next 15 years she was employed as a seamstress locally at Troy Guild, Embassy Shirt, Singer Sewing Center, where she taught sewing classes, doing alterations for Aroxy Cleaners, Dajon’s Bridal Boutique and Marcia’s Bridal Boutique, where she met a great friend in Ona.  Barb made countless prom and wedding dresses. In 1989 she opened Seams tailoring and alterations on the Boulevard in Hudson Falls with her son. Her business operated until her retirement in 2010.

Barbara had a strong sense of community and gave her time generously. She was a proud and dedicated lifelong member of the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, having joined in 1961. Barb was very active and served as past president of the FERS Auxiliary. She was a member of the Sandy Hill Days committee. A nonprofit corp. established to raise funds, organize the annual village celebration, and fund scholarships to HF high school seniors. Barb served as an active member of the Tiger Trackers Booster Club, attending every Hudson Falls sports banquet, and home game selling photos, 50/50 raffles, bake sales or concessions with her famous hot dog sauce and PB fudge. Barb offered her sewing skills to the Hudson Falls High School marching band for uniforms. She sewed patches and letters on student varsity jackets. “If they earned it, and bring it to me, I’ll sew it on for free”.  She was a member of the Queensbury United Methodist Church. Barbara enjoyed time spent with family, dinner out, ceramics, crosswords, bingo, playing rummy with her great-granddaughters and of course, getting her hair and nails done. She was a very social person who knew and was known by many. A true staple of her community. She was strong, stoic, and told it like it was. You never had to wonder what she was thinking or where you stood. She was funny and had the best facial expressions. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her daughters, Thelma Tidmore and Wilma Usher.

Survivors include her brother, James Ploof Jr and his wife, Jeanette of South Glens Falls; her children, Rev. Robert Lester, and his wife, Pam, of Clayton, NC, Edith Bailey, of Birmingham, AL, Wilmette Combs (David) of Birmingham, AL and Edgar Whaley (Mary) of Clifton Park, NY; her grandchildren, Heidi Jones Halliday (Mike), Jeremy Jones (TJ), Heather Jones, Joshua Jones (Janell), Wayne Jones, Richard Jones, Michael Pliscofsky, Matthew Pliscofsky (Heidi), Lyslie Taylor, (Rusty), Jennifer Rush (Scott), Justin Vice (Suzanne), Stacie Lester, Kathryn Lester, Emilee Baughn, and Jacob Whaley (Izzy); her great-grandchildren, Avary, Mya, Sam, Emma, Jayden, Kayson, Harper, Lenox, Naesha, Dorsett, Razon, Trezon, Kazon, Jesse, Matthew, Trenton, Raelyn, Liam, Morgan, Andrew, Madison, Braylen, Maleah, Caleb, Bryant, Jack, Grey and Gideon.

The family would like to thank the team at Fort Hudson Health System for the care, compassion and dignity shown to our dear mother/grandmother and support to us all. LHCSA – Stacey and Tiffany; Social Day Program – Sandy; Care Management – Allison; and especially the staff of The Sandy Hill Pavilion (S-wing) – Tina, Amanda, Theresa, Carol Jean, Kyle, Kimarie, Nikki, Amylia, Tyla and so many others. Also, to Community Hospice; Amy, Jen and Mary Beth for their care and support. A special thank you to Elaine Williams, NP, Carrie Miron, PA, and Pastor Rich Weihing.

Friends may call Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will follow the calling hours, at the funeral home, at 6:00 p.m., with the Reverend Rich Weihing, officiating.

Interment will take place in the spring, at the Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Her family suggests memorials in the form of contributions to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P. O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828, Tiger Tracker Booster Club at Hudson Falls School or Fort Hudson Health System, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

HUDSON FALLS – Andrew W. Schweers, 61, passed away unexpectedly, December 21, 2022, athis home in Hudson Falls.

Born January 30, 1961, in Ahoskie, NC, he was the son of the late August F. and Dorothy A.(Lawrence) Schweers, Jr.

Andy attended Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver, NJ.

He was a kind, gentle soul. Andy would give anyone the shirt off his back, the shoes off his feet and the gloves from his hands.  He was a very talented, self-taught drummer. Andy played in many bands in which he loved talking about. He was also a diehard NASCAR fan, spending time with his wife, Jill, watching together. Andy was also an avid fisherman and could often be found fishing from sunrise to sunset, whether it be on his kayak or just fishing along the river’s edge.

Besides his parents predeceased by his parents, Andy was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Judy Hensler Schweers; his great aunt, Dorothy Gordon and her husband, Joseph T. Gordon; his aunts and uncles, Virginia Lawrence, Margaret Schweers and her husband, Thomas B. Schweers and Roger C. Power and his wife, Bettie Schweers Powers and his grandparents, Kathleen B. Schweers and August F. Schweers, Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Jill Schweers of Hudson Falls, her children, Allison Siddon and her fiancé, Chris Locke of South Glens Falls and Stormi Beagle and her husband, Phillip Laflamme of Glens Falls; his brothers, August F. Schweers, III, Joseph G. Schweers and Julia M. Woodin, Thomas L. Schweers and Joan Wylie Schweers, Roger G. Schweers and Michele Hadley Schweers; his sisters, Anne Grimes and Meredith Schweers Callinan; his sister-in-law, Robin Renaud and her significant other, Jim Brayman, his brothers-in-law, Harold Beagle and his wife, Angela and Jack Beagle and his significant other, Christina Andrews; his grandkids, Autumn and River Laflamme and Chloe Locke. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and a very good friend, Richard Callinan.

A Celebration of Andy’s Life will be on January 7th, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, 75 Schuyler St., in Fort Edward.

FORT EDWARD – Jeannine (Cahill) Rich, known affectionately as Aunt Neenie, 93, of Fort Edward, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Fort Hudson Nursing Center.

Born February 18, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Noulia (Willette) and John “Jack” Cahill. 

Jeannine graduated from Hudson Falls High School and worked as a secretary at Chase Bag.   

On November 26, 1961, she married a charming widower, Robert Rich, at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  Bob came complete with two boys, who Jeannine welcomed with open arms. 

Jeannine was much loved by all.  No matter the situation, Jeannine found joy and could make the sweetest lemonade out of the most bitter lemons.  She gave a party like no one else.  Christmas was her absolute favorite time of year.  Each year after midnight Mass, Jeannine would throw a marvelous party; complete with food, drink, beautiful piano playing and of course, the singing of many Christmas Carols. Jeannine’s house was always decked out for the season.  It was the definitely the place to be.

In addition to her parents, Jeannine was predeceased by her husband Bob; her stepson, Robert Rich, Jr. (Bobby) and her sister, Joyce Cahill Brennan.

Left to cherish her memory is her stepson, John Rich (Marjorie), his children and grandchildren; her nieces, Susan Brennan Saltis and Stephanie Brennan Peltonen; her nephew, Timothy Brennan; many great nieces and nephews, their children and her cousin, Gail Cahill.

Many sincere thanks to everyone at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, where she received excellent and compassionate care.

A private funeral will be held in the spring.

Donations in Jeannine’s memory may be made to Fort Hudson Foundation, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY  12828 or North Country Ministry 3933 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 12885.