Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Helen L. (Meehan) Staunches, 78, passed away on Monday, July 11,2022, after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. She lived, worked, and played hard, as all who knew her can attest. She loved to be the center of attention, and you always knew where you stood with her, as she didn’t hold anything back.

Helen was born in Cheever, New York, a now-defunct mining settlement. She grew up in the surrounding areas, Witherbee, Mineville, Port Henry, etc. Helen loved to cook and eat, and even more, she loved to share her food with others. With her husband Robert “Bob” and kids in tow, she traveled all over the U. S. and Europe, stationed in various places while Bob was in the U. S. Air Force. Bob was also her first boyfriend, whom she met in Mineville. Later, with her long-time companion Lenard “Sippy” Sipowicz, her favorite pastime was dragging poor Sippy all over the North Country and elsewhere to different shopping venues, restaurants, and to visit relatives (he was just fine staying at home).

Helen enjoyed a long lifetime of working various jobs wherever she lived, but she finished up here in the local area, working many years at the Ciba Geigy plant, and then she worked as a cook at West Mount Nursing Home facility, where she eventually retired. After retirement, she spent several years enjoying good food and traveling. She especially loved going on cruises with her friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Josephine (Walsh) Meehan, her husband of many years, Bob Staunches, and her long-time companion Lenard Sipowicz.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Depew of Plattsburgh; her sons, Chris (Hope) Staunches of Lake George and Robert Staunches, Jr. of St. Petersburgh, FL; her daughter, Kimberlee Staunches of Ballston Spa; her grandchildren, Jessica Staunches, Robert Staunches, III, Crystal (Murad) Bayramov, Caitlin (Shamus) Ordway, Zoe (Jacob) Webster, Wyatt (Erin) Staunches, Lydia Staunches, Josie Staunches and Morgan Staunches; many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren; numerous friends (too many to list here) and her lifetime, always-by-her-side, best friend Sally Stevens, whom she has known since kindergarten.

Friends may call on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 4 to 5 PM at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.  

The funeral service will follow the calling hours at 5 P.M. on Thursday, at the funeral home.

 A reception to celebrate Helen’s life, will follow across the street at the New Life House, 2 Willow Street in Hudson Falls.

The family would like to thank The Pines at Glens Falls, Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, where Helen spent her final years. We learned right away that they loved her, took good care of her, and treated her like family; and she loved them.

Donations in her memory can be given to The Pines, 170 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HARTFORD – Kenneth Russell Purdy, 73, passed away on July 11, 2022 at his home in Hartford, with his family by his side.

Born 1949, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Kenneth H. and Dorothy (Brown) Purdy.  

Kenneth graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1968.

Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving in Vietnam in 1970 as a gunner in a helicopter.

In 1971, Kenneth married Marie Petit at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

He worked as a Class A welder for 46 years at Kadant in Queensbury and Auburn, Massachusetts.  He once claimed to be able to weld the crack of dawn.

Kenneth loved spending time with his sons, bowhunting and fishing.  He was a New York State bowhunter safety instructor.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Thomas Purdy. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie Petit Purdy; his four sons, Brian, Gregory, Adam and Jonathan (Deborah); his eight grandchildren; his sister, Marcia Dwyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth converted to Roman Catholicism on June 23, 2022 in the hands of his Catholic priest son, Fr. Adam Purdy, SSPX. He was fortified by the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church before he died.

Friends may call on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Kingsbury Firehouse, 3715 Burgoyne Ave., Hudson Falls, with his son, Fr. Adam Purdy, SSPX, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Kingsbury.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tedesco, the staff on Tower 3 at the Glens Falls Hospital and High Peaks Hospice for the wonderful care given to Kenneth and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Kenneth may be made to the North American Martyrs Catholic Church, P.O. Box 334, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Elizabeth “Betty’ Bly, 77, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on February 15,1945 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Leon and Helene (LaVoy) Bean.

Betty grew up in Glens Falls and was a proud graduate of Glens Falls High School.

On June 1, 1975, she married the love of her life, Donald Bly at the Hudson Falls Baptist Church.  They have been married for 47 wonderful years.

Betty loved her job as an activities director at Pleasant Valley Infirmary in Argyle.  She made many friends having worked there for over 20 years.

She was an avid bingo player.  Many friends would see her stamping her cards at the Hudson Falls American Legion, the Queensbury VFW, Kingsbury Firehouse and in Wells, VT. Along with Don, she traveled all over the United States, where they visited several casinos.   They had wonderful times on cruises to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, where you guessed it, she played bingo.   Besides bingo, she also loved music.  Along with her husband, she was a member of the Dick Ladd Square Dance Association.  Betty loved twirling on the square dance floor and listening to old time country music. She also was a collector of bells.

Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Bean; her sister, Virginia Case; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Bean and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Liberty.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Bly of Hudson Falls; her daughters, Mariela Bly of Lake George and Amy Barrow and her husband, Joseph of Hudson Falls; three grandchildren, Hannah, Caitlyn and Dylan Barrow; her brothers, Bill Bean and his wife, Iola, of Colorado and Clarence Leon Bean Jr. of Queensbury; her sisters in law, Louise Bean of Ballston Spa and Penny Liberty of Queensbury; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. following the calling hours on Wednesday, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Nancy Goff, pastor of the Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Morningside Cemetery in Hartford.

Following the committal, everyone is welcome the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574, 72 Pearl Street in Hudson Falls.

The family suggests that donations in Betty’s name be made to the charity of one’s choice.

QUEENSBURY- Sherman Emrys Parrott Sr., 84, of Ridge Road, formerly of Catherine St. Hudson Falls, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, July 4, 2022, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on May 10, 1938, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late Ara (Parry) Beckwith and Orvis “Joe” Parrott.

Sherm graduated from Whitehall High School, attended Auburn University in Alabama, and graduated from Adirondack Community College.

Following high school, Sherm enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”

On February 9, 1964, he married Carol Sullivan at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls. They were married 58 wonderful years before his passing.

Sherm was the proud owner of Queensbury Motors in Queensbury, where the employees were like family. He later worked at Della Auto Group until his retirement.

Sherm always enjoyed reading, fishing, boating, NY Giants football, and a big bowl of Stewart’s ice cream. Once he finally retired after 51 years, Sherm spent much of his time tending to his garden and more time with his family and his best bud, Sparky.

He was very involved in his community, donating his time as Past President of Hudson Falls Kiwanis Club, The Hudson Falls Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Lodge #96, F&A.M, Royal Arch Masons, Calvary Commandery Knights Templar, Oriental Shrine, Hudson Falls Board of Education, and the Glens Falls Country Club.

Besides his parents, Sherm was predeceased by his grandparents, Emrys and Elizabeth Parry. He was also predeceased by his sister, Karen Beckwith, sisters-in-law, Judy Dockum and Linda Beckwith, and step father, Frank Beckwith.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Carol A. Parrott of Queensbury; his children, Sherman Parrott Jr. (Patricia) of Wilmington, MA, Sharon Varney (Mike) of Queensbury, Shelly Boucher (James) of Gansevoort, Janice Casey (David) of Queensbury, and Julie Maynard (Mark) of Queensbury; his nine grandchildren, Mike Varney Jr. (Staci), Matt Varney(Morgan), Cassie Schrammel (Tyler), Kelsey Boucher, Emily Boucher, Jason Boucher, Steven Parrott, Caitlin Parrott, and Emma Maynard; first great grandson, Hudson Varney; his twin brother Ray Parrott; his brother, James Beckwith; his sister Jean Mead (Donald), all of Whitehall; his sisters Patty Sikes, Gwen Johnson, and Bonnie Allen, all of Florida; his brother-in-law Peter Sullivan (Mary Ellen) of Plattsburgh; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Sparky.

The family would also like to send a special thank you to Lynn Keil, PA, Neighbors NY, Caregiver Support Initiative, Bay Ridge Rescue Squad, and the compassionate staff on T3 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Friends may call on July 9from 12 to 2 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls, with a funeral service immediately following the calling hours at 2pm.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY.

Pour a nice glass of Crown on the rocks, reach out to a friend and share a memory or two.

FORT ANN – Theodore “Ted” Collette, 79, of Pine Hill Lane, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the Home of The Good Shepherd in Malta, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 11, 1942 in Springfield, MA, he was the son of the late Theodore and Elizabeth (Murray) Collette, Sr.

Theodore graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1960 and continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College.

He served his country in the U.S. Army.

On June 25, 1966, he married Barbara Brownlee at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. 

After working many years, Ted retired in 2000 as the Director of Facilities and Transportation in the Glens Falls City School District.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his niece, Deana Winchell and his brother, Donald Collette. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara Collette of Fort Ann; his four children, Kimberly Foster and her husband, Xavier of Saratoga Springs, Robert Collette and his wife, Karel of Fort Ann, Debra Collette-Sandford and her husband Walter of Gansevoort and Danielle Canterbury and her husband Eric of Ballston Lake; his grandchildren, Jack and Grace Foster, Quinn (Etchie) Noon and her husband Carter, Ted and Cooper Collette, Jonathan and Renee Allen, and Abbie, Paige and Drew Canterbury; his siblings, Marianne Bunker and her husband Seth, Elaine Winchell and her husband, Dana, Ken Collette and his wife Laura, Tom Collette and his wife Jill; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no services.

The family suggest that memorial donations be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 1003 Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047 https://www.alz.org/northeasternny?form=alz_donate or Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, https://www.givetocommunityhospice.org/donate/

HUDSON FALLS – S. Jane Story, 90, of Hudson Falls, died July 4, 2022, at Haynes House of Hope in Granville.

Born in Hudson Falls, Jane was the daughter of the late Harry and Pearl (Wells) Rice of Hudson Falls.  She was educated at Hudson Falls Central Schools. After high school, she worked at Glens Falls Insurance Company for several years.

Jane married Robert J. Story of Smith’s Basin in 1956. Together, they had three children, Brenda Story of Warren, CT; Joel Story of Mount Kisco, NY; and Paul Story of New York City, NY. Jane was a homemaker and a dedicated lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls, where she sang soprano in the choir, served for several years as a Trustee and was a stalwart member of the Women’s Association. In the greater community, she was a longtime member of the Lake George Power Squadron and a founding member of the Glens Falls Fine Arts Club. She also enjoyed singing, line dancing and summers at the family camp on Glen Lake.

A lifetime Hudson Falls resident, Jane was gregarious and took great joy in family and friends, forever cultivating new friendships and making new connections throughout the tri-county region.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Story, her parents and her two brothers, Edward J. Rice and Thomas L. Rice.

She is survived by her three children—Brenda (Thomas Anzalone), Joel and Paul Story—two grandchildren—Matthew and Hope Anzalone—her sisters in-law—Barbara Newton, Mary Beth Rice and Maggie Rice—as well as by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will conducted 11 a.m., on Friday, at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the services, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haynes House of Hope at 7187 Route 149, Granville, NY 12832 (TheHaynesHouseOfHope.org) or to First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls at 5 River Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 (FPCHudsonFalls.org).

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Barbara P. Wornall, 92, passed away June 27, 2022, at the Home of the Good Shepherd in South Glens Falls, where she resided for 2 ½ years.

Born November 15, 1929, in Dobbs Ferry she was the daughter of the late Ernest H. and Rose (Lauck) Pike.

Barbara graduated from Dobbs Ferry High School and after high school attended Green Mountain College where she obtained her associates degree.

On May 6, 1956, Barbara married John W. Wornall at Our Lady of Perpetual Hope in Ardsley.  He passed away on April 20, 2010.

Barbara was a communicant at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls for many years where she taught religious education.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her son, Davis Wornall and his wife, Cheryl; her grandchildren, Kyle, Monica, and Ryan Wornall of Queensbury; her best friend of 50 years, Sharon Thayer; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Home of the Good Shepherd for the compassionate care Barbara received while residing there.

At Barbara’s request there will be no calling hours.

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

WARRENSBURG – Anthony “Tony” Ross, Jr., 61, of Warrensburg passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022, with his family by his side.

Born July 26, 1960, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Anthony Ross, Sr. and the late Frances E. and Wendell Baker.

Tony was a graduate of South High.

On July 26, 1992, he married Cheryl Euber in South Glens Falls.

For many years, Tony worked throughout the area for himself and several contractors, installing drywall.

He enjoyed camping, fishing with his brother, Mark, snowmobiling, four wheeling, riding his motorcycle and most importantly spending time with his family. Tony made many cherished memories with his children, taking them to the river to swim, going on bike rides, and sitting down every night for a family dinner at the table, followed by watching the Simpsons and Seinfeld.  He was the best caretaker to his wife, children and his mother-in-law, Mary.

Besides his parents and stepfather, Tony was predeceased by his brother, Mark Comstock.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Ross; his children, Timothy (Brady) Ross, Tiffany (Hemant) Kasare, Elizabeth Ross, McKynzie Slingerland, Jacalyn Carson, Jessica (Ryan) Carson; his grandchildren, Andrew, Kaylee and Amaya; his sisters, Gail (Patrick) Farrell, Joyce Roselle, Rose (Charles) Perry, Cathy Bishop and Fran Skellie; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Tony’s request, there will be no services.  A celebration of life will take place at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Love, Dr. Burns and the staff at Irongate, as well as the staff at Glens Falls Hospital who provided care to Tony, especially the doctors and nurses of the ICU.

HUDSON FALLS – Arlene Plude, 62, of Hudson Falls passed away on June 27, 2022, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born December 16, 1959, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Teresa (Wever) Plude.

Arlene was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.   After high school, Arlene went on to become a licensed cosmetologist and traveled to many cities and states teaching and learning new techniques.  She then went into the healthcare field and worked at Wesley Healthcare Facility and the Glens Falls Hospital where she enhanced the lives of those she cared for with her compassion, kindness and smile.

 Arlene had a green thumb and grew the most beautiful plants.  She enjoyed long rides throughout Washington County with her dogs, raising her Rhode Island Reds’ and cooking.  When hunting season came around, she could process any wild game that came through her kitchen. She made many memories camping, taking impromptu road trips and shopping Christmas in the Country with her best friend, Mags.

Besides her parents, Arlene was predeceased by her sister, Pamela Edwards.

Survivors include her brothers, John Plude of Argyle and Robert Plude of Glens Falls; her nephew, Thomas Plude and his wife, Katie of Argyle; her brother-in-law, Joe Edwards of Hudson Falls; her longtime companion and friend, Brian Thayer, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no services.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Jessie May Passino, 98, of South Glens Falls, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, June 27, 2022, two weeks shy of her 99^th birthday.

Born on July 14, 1923, in Brandon, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Ellen (Rowe) Varney.

After graduating from high school, Jessie attended courses and obtained her certificate as a Nurse’s Aide.  Born to be a caretaker, even after retiring from Hallmark as a longtime CNA, she continued to care for her family.  She spent many hours behind the wheel taking family from here to there. 

At the age of 18, in 1941, Jessie married her soulmate, Arthur Passino. They spent many wonderful years together.

Her family and faith were important in her life.  She was a long- time dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, where she developed many lifelong friends.

Jessie had a long and interesting life and many wonderful memories.   Besides her faith, her family and her friends, the Yankees held a special place in her heart.  She never missed a game and while watching, Jessie could never be interrupted, nor would she answer a phone call.    Jessie was a beautiful person and very generous, always doing for those she loved.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Donald Passino and her daughter, Audray Humiston.

Survivors include her children, Anita Phillips, Arthur Passino, Cynthia Simpson and her husband, Frank, Roger Passino and his wife, Debra, Marie Drinkwine and her husband, Richard, Carl Passino and his wife, Pamela and Walter Passino and his significant other, Ginger Wallace; 28 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many loving family members, too numerous to list.

Friends may call on Friday, July 1^st, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Chaffin, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, officiating.

Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza, Suite 202, Albany, Ny 12205 or Make a Wish Foundation, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY  12205.

KINGSBURY – William Henry Kenny was born in Glens Falls to Grace (Whittemore) and Frank Kenny, on June 29^th, 1947.  He passed away on June 25^th, 2022, after making it very clear that he wanted a chocolate mayonnaise cake with vanilla frosting for his birthday.

A reminder that we are promised nothing.

We only have today.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Kenny, who he told stories about right to the end.

Those who write obituaries, know too well how difficult it is.  Trying to remember all the important things to be said, while grieving.  Not an easy assignment.

Bill Kenny was a public servant.  He loved Glens Falls, he loved being Supervisor of the 5^th ward, which he did for many years.   He told it the way he saw it.   He was a straight shooter who took pride in sticking with his convictions, even if his stand was unpopular.   He was a proud Democrat, and an even prouder Red Sox fan.

He was a 28-year liver transplant survivor.

He was tough, honest and he fought a long, hard battle.

His life can’t be condensed to a page.  Whose can be?

His family and his friends knew his character, and will hold him dear, and won’t forget him.

How we are remembered, by those who love us, is what we have, in the end.

He is survived by his wife, Hilary Cooper-Kenny; his son, William Kenny, (Sarah), his daughters, Melissa Achterburg, Kelly Dewall; his step daughters, Brooke Blaise, Holly Blaise, (Spencer), Morgan Blaise, (Andre); his grandchildren, Austen, (Chelsea), Sophie, Lily, Zach, Katie, Maggie, Wille, Nevinn, Gabby, Logan, Ava, Dale, Cooper and Aiden; his sister in law, Carol; his nieces, Lisa and Shannon; his nephew, Rick; his good friends, Jim Tracy, Bill Hamelin, Tom Ives, Cory Granger.  Lastly, he leaves behind pups, Naya and Willie, “the white team”, who are still looking for him.

He is not here to remind me, so I may have forgotten to include someone.

There will be no service, per his request.   The family will have a celebration of his life, at a later date, with chocolate mayonnaise cake, as ordered.

HUDSON FALLS – Timothy Jay Bailey, 51, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, June 17, 2022.

Born April 1, 1971, in Rochester, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Paul and Carolyn (Demeritt) Bailey.

Tim worked in carpentry and construction with various builders in the area. He enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.

Besides his parents he was a predeceased by his brother, Peter Bailey and his sister, Rebecca Bailey.

Survivors include his fiancé, Lillian Caprood of Hudson Falls; his siblings, Paul Bailey, Jr. of Farmington, New Hampshire, Deborah Smith of Zephyrhills, Florida, Philip Bailey of San Diego, California, David Calvin Bailey, Sr. of Little Falls, and Mark Bailey of Alton, New Hampshire and Joel Bailey of Zephyrhills, Florida; as well as many nieces nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, July 1, 2022 from 10 AM to 12 PM, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, following the calling hours, 12:30 PM, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.