Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

HUDSON FALLS – Michael Vetrano, Jr., 42, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Born on December 6, 1980 in Nyack, NY, he was the son of Loretta Conklin and the late Michael Vetrano, Sr.

Mike had a creative passion for drawing and writing poetry. He also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family. Mike began a love affair with art at an early age, which led to his career as a talented tattoo artist. He leaves behind a piece of himself imprinted in the lives of others and will forever be missed.

Mike is predeceased by his father, Michael, Sr.; his grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his beloved dog, Kaine; his wife, Ashley Vetrano; his stepchildren, Kole and Sophie Hotte; his mother, Loretta Conklin and her companion, Don LaCroix; his sisters, Melissa Vetrano and her children, Tatyana, Cameron, and Anthony, Amanda Sprauer and her daughter, Hayley, Aurelia Holden, her husband, Rodney, and their children, Rodney, Jr., Samuel, and Sora, and his brother, Erik Sprauer, his wife, Colleen, and their children, Patrick, Michael, and Matthew; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS – Emma Boynton Nelson, 92, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, December 16, 2022.

Born on July 14, 1930, in Jay, NY, she the daughter of the late Sheldon and Mary (Chabbot) Boynton.

Emma married Andrew “Bud” Nelson on January 2, 1954.  They were married for 27 years until Andrew’s death.

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s/ St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Emma spent many years as a Teacher’s Aide in the Hudson Falls Central School District.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Andrew; her sister, Mildred Hartpence; her brothers, Edward and Sheldon Boynton; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Nelson; and her stepmother, Laura Boynton.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Tomashefsky (Paul); and her son, Michael.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan and Katy Tomashefsky, Tess, Margaret, and Wyatt Nelson; along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and Rite of Committal will take place in the spring at a time to be announced.

The family would like to thank the staff of Glens Falls Hospital for their care and compassion and would also like to give a special acknowledgement of gratitude to her niece, Sue Curren, who provided amazing care for Emma.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America. 375 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 5550 Executive Drive, #200, Tampa, FL 33609.

You can honor Emma’s memory today by providing one single act of kindness toward someone.

KINGSBURY – Gary M. Quinones, 57, of Kingsbury, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

Friends may call Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS – Roy E. Stone, 48, of Hudson Falls, passed away December 13, 2022, at Glens Falls Hospital, after fighting a battle of cirrhosis of the liver. 

Roy was predeceased by his sons, Roy Edward Stone, Jr. and Gerald Edwin Stone; his siblings, Marianne Stone and Jonathan “JJ” Stone. Roy loved his brother, “JJ” and his family, Rose Marie Stone and their children.

Born on December 27, 1973, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Cynthia and Gerald Walkup of Queensbury and John Stone of Hudson Falls.

He is survived by his children and their families, Kayla Stone-Marcotte and her husband, Joseph Marcotte, Jr., and their children, Joseph Marcotte III, Nicholas Marcotte, Hunter Marcotte, Ebony Stone, Carmella Stone of South Glens Falls; his son, Roy Edward Stone, II, and his children, Grace Stone and Annalise Stone of South Glens Falls; his sister, June Stone and her daughters, Destiny and Korena and their families, of Queensbury; his brother, Christopher Stone of Queensbury.  He also leaves behind his former wife, mother of his children and lifelong friend, Maria A. Stone of South Glens Falls and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, whom he also loved very much.

Roy’s proudest moments in life was being a father and grandfather.  He had seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly.  A major accomplishment in his life was receiving his GED.  Roy was a happy soul who loved everyone and would do anything for anybody.  He enjoyed riding his bike around town and visiting all his many friends and his relatives.  He also enjoyed having a few “cold ones” and socializing with his friends.  He loved listening and singing along to country music and had a passion for playing the guitar. In his younger days, he was also an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed collecting NASCAR coats.  He loved watching football with his dog, Cowboy, by his side cheering on his favorite team, the Redskins.  Roy was well known and loved by all.  He had a very close friend by the name of John Mount, whom he nicknamed “Blackie”.  Roy is at peace now up in the Heavens with his sons, his brother, ‘JJ” and his other beloved family members. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Roy’s children would like to extend their thanks to the Mount Family for all of their love, support and prayers, and to all of his friends who prayed for him.  A special thanks to the nurses at the Glens Falls Hospital for the care they had given to Roy. 

Friends may call, Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS – Daniel Edward Lord, 52, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday, December 16, 2022.

Born on May 26, 1970, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Lynne (Morency) Lord and the late Robert Lord, Sr.

Dan enjoyed riding his motorcycle, building, construction, the outdoors and camping.  He was known as a talented jack of all trades.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Lord, his stepson Tyler Hayward his paternal and maternal grandparents.

He is survived by his children, Brittany, Brandon, Brookelyn, Alyssa, Brienna, Angelina, Tammy and Rylie; his stepdaughter, Tori Hayward; his grandchildren, Layla Hoffer and Phoebe Parisi; his mother, Lynne Lord; her brother, Robert Lord; her sister, Debra Caprood and her husband, Walter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Friday, December 23, 2022, from 10 to 12 noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Donations in Dan’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.

Randolph – Doris (Frink) Stone, 102, formerly of Coldspring Road, and more recently of the Randolph Manor, went home to the Lord on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Born on August 2, 1920, in the family home in Red House, she was the daughter of the late Clarence “Mike” and Bessie Fuller (France) Frink.

Throughout her life, Doris has seen many changes. She went from living in a world of Model T’s, rudimentary electric fixtures, and no phones, to space travel, the internet, and smart phones. 

Education was always a priority for Doris.  Even as a young girl, she was bound and determined to go to college and become a teacher.  She kept her promise to herself and graduated from Fredonia Normal School in 1940 with a degree in teaching and later received her master’s degree in Education from SUNY at Buffalo in 1946.  Using her degree, Doris first taught in a one room schoolhouse in Red House and then later embarked upon her 30-year teaching career at Randolph Central School.  

While in college, Doris met her future husband, Robert “Bob” E. Stone.  They were married on November 27, 1947, and started their farm life together on Coldspring Road.  After retiring from teaching, Doris and Bob made many wonderful memories traveling throughout the country.   This all ended on a sad day in August of 1984, when Bob was killed in a horse accident on the farm. 

Doris never stopped making memories with her family and friends.  She loved reading and taking painting and quilting classes with her friends.  During her later years, Doris created beautiful paintings and intricate quilts that will always be treasured by her family.

She was life-long member of the Fidelity Chapter of Randolph Order of the Eastern Star, the East Randolph United Methodist Church, the New York State Retired Teachers Association, and National Education Association.

Doris enjoyed the last years of her life at the Randolph Manor – a home she loved.  The staff treated her like family, and she enjoyed spending wonderful moments with them and with her friends. Doris’s family is so thankful for all the love and compassionate care that she was given at the Manor.

If you were to ask Doris the secret to a long life, her answer would be to always exercise, eat right, drink tea, and have faith in God.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Thomas Stone, great grandson, Wyatt Palmer, and two brothers, Donald Frink, Clayton Frink and Clayton’s wife, Olive.

Survivors include her two daughters, Karolie Lerow (Donald) and Doneen Nikas; her grandchildren, Jason (Randy) Stone, Tyler (Barry) Stone, Sarah (Chris) Cranston, Luke (Nadine) Nikas, Karen (Ken) Palmer and Alex (Brittany) Nikas; great grandchildren, Christopher and Scott Cranston, Eli, Jack, Claire and Ethan Nikas, Quinn and Vivian Palmer and Calla and Burkley Nikas; her sister-in-law and best friend, Phyllis Frink; her “adopted daughter,” Elaine Sluga, who took wonderful care of Mom during her stay at the Manor; her daughter-in-law, Linda Stone; several step-grandchildren, including Joe and Matt Crosson; Chuck, Chris and Scott Pontti and Jane Tingley; and several step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Van Rensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street in Randolph.

Funeral Services will follow the calling hours at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Randolph Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and son.  Reception will be held at the East Randolph United Methodist Church following the graveside service.

Because of her love of reading, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Randolph Library, 26 Jamestown Street, Randolph, NY  14772.

HUDSON FALLS – Elaine P. Wall, 77, of Hudson Falls, passed away on December 12, 2022, after a battle with COPD and RSV.

Born on October 16, 1945, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ovaline (Perlier) Jones.

Elaine married the love of her life, Walter “Bud” Wall.  Together they shared 50 wonderful years and had three children, Sonja, Walter “Butch” and Aaron.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Walter Wall, her son, Butch Wall, and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Sonja Matteson and her husband, Thomas, Aaron Wall and his significant other, Alice; her daughter in law, Melissa Wall; her grandchildren, Mariha Bailey and her husband, Dillon, Amanda Smith and her husband Will,  Megan Matteson, Nicolle Blair and her husband, Jay, Shawn Wall and his significant other, Hailey, Corey Wall and his significant other, Alisia, Zachary Wall and his significant other, Alyssa and Caitlin Wall; her great grandchildren, Ellie Ball, Annie Bailey, Kai Wall and soon to be, Alayna Bailey and Zalana Wall and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 p.m. on Wednesday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be 2:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Following the Rite of Committal, the family invites you to join them at the Turnbull Residence at 37 Division Street in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers, with Elaine not really liking flowers and loving Christmas, we ask that you bring or send an ornament to decorate a tree in her memory.

HUDSON FALLS – Phyllis Farley, 74, of Hudson Falls, passed away on November 29, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was the widow of Chuck Farley and was born March 4, 1948 in Glens Falls to the late Ernest and Sabra (Vanderwarker) Eastman.

Phyllis enjoyed making her awesome, loaded baked ziti in her big ole’ stockpot and having her family all over. She loved Bingo, scratch offs, and pull tabs and loved her junk food, specifically Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups She drank coffee until the end, and loved her steak that David would bring to her when she would visit. Phyllis loved her boiled hot sausages with mustard and Diet Mountain Dew.

She enjoyed her crossword puzzles, loved her magnets as well as collecting knick knack salt and pepper shakers. She loved to watch Criminal Minds, Law and Order, and American Idol. Phyllis enjoyed driving when she could and loved spending time with her friend, Betsy Stewart. She kept track of everyone’s birthdays and all her great grandchildren’s births and times in her tiny notebook. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Phyllis was the mother of four children; David Eastman, Sr. (Valentina) of Gansevoort, John Eastman of Fort Ann, Sabrina Rivers of Hudson Falls, and Sandy Keech of Fort Edward; and so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by her brothers, Eugene Vanderwarker and Ernest Eastman; and her sisters, Ernestine Eastman, Geraldine Coleman and Barbara Harpp.

There will be no public services.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Slate Valley Center for the wonderful care and compassion given to Phyllis and her family during her time there.

GLEN LAKE – Margaret P. (Morency) Berrigan joined her beloved husband of 57 years, Daniel Berrigan, in eternal rest on December 12, 2022.

Margaret was born the youngest child of Catherine (Holmes) and Peter Morency of Hudson Falls on March 23, 1932.

On May 17th, 1952, she married the love of her life, Daniel E. Berrigan, at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. 

She worked in Marketing and Sales at General Electric for over 20 years. 

She was most proud of and passionate about her family.  Margaret was truly the perfect wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  There was no burden that could not be lessened by her loving words and a meal at her table. Margaret was a wonderful homemaker and cook.  There was never a better bottle of chili sauce or apple pie than hers.  She loved jigsaw puzzles, the Sunday crossword and boat rides on Glen Lake.  Her happiest moments were those spent with family, her kitty cats and all her babies.

Besides her husband, Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Catherine Morency; her mother-in-law, Marie Berrigan; her brother, William Morency and her sisters, Helen Cain, Marie Northrup and Kathleen Morency.

She is survived by her children, Daniel Berrigan, Jr. and Diana (Mattison) Berrigan of Hudson Falls and Debra Berrigan of South Glens Falls; her grandchildren, Steven Joiner, Peter and Amanda Berrigan and Katie and Michael Leggett; her great-grandchildren, Paige and Abbie Leggett and Daniel and Alivia Berrigan; her great granddog, Dax; her sister-in-law, Betty Berrigan, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of the Landing in Queensbury for their compassion and loving care.  Margaret loved you all.

At Margaret’s request, services will be private.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1003 Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047 or a charity of your choice.