Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Margaret L. Slater, 73, of Hudson Falls, passed away on September 14, 2020, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on December 5, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Carl Shaw, Sr. and Sunie Marguerite (Walker) Slater.

Margaret graduated high school in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1968, she married Roger Slater in Atlanta.

Margaret loved crafting and sewing until her eyesight wouldn’t allow her to do it anymore.  She was a wonderful cook and her family and friends looked forward to mealtimes. Most of all, Margaret loved her family, she spent most of her life taking care of them, loving them and spending time with them.  She especially loved spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Stephanie Gilbert and her brother, Ralph Shaw.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Roger Slater of Hudson Falls; her daughter, Marguerite Newton and her husband, Robert of Hudson Falls; her grandchildren, Sarah Newton and her fiancé, Joshua Krywy, Robert Newton, Jr. and his companion, Rebecca Clearwater and Nathan Gilbert; her great grandchildren, Wyatt Krywy and Layne Krywy; her brother, Carl Shaw and his wife, Gayle of Atlanta, Georgia; her son in law, William Gilbert; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a private celebration of Margaret’s life at the convenience of her family.

Memorial Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Eleanor Mae Fischer, 90, lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, died on Sunday, September 13, 2020, with her son by her side.

Born on May 28, 1930 in Hudson Falls, Ellie was the daughter of the late James L. and Beatrice (Stalker) Brennan.

On June 10, 1951, she married Raymond C. Fischer at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.  Ellie and Ray spent 26 years together before his sudden passing on November 20, 1977.  She remained in their family home on Third Avenue for 45 years before moving to Earl Towers and later resided at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility.

Throughout her life she worked at various establishments before ending her working career as head cook at Fort Hudson Nursing Home.  She would be quick to boast about her Macaroni and Cheese and let you know it Never Ever tasted as good as when she made it even after becoming a resident herself. Ellie took great pride in her work and established many lifelong friendships with staff and residents before retiring.

 Ellie’s other enjoyments included playing bingo, puzzle books; scratch offs, shopping at the Dollar store and watching the Mets.  She was helpful to those in need and made it a priority to give of herself whatever she could.  It may have been a ride, loan or a meal when she was younger and then in her later years offering her newspaper/flyers and candy or dropping off an ice cream to a fellow resident.   She had a generous way about her but also had a funny/sarcastic side that many enjoyed.  Known for her one liner’s and acronyms, Ellie had her grandchildren always laughing.  These memories will forever remain with them.  Rest in peace you BAB!!

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sisters, Ruth, Marilyn and Frances and brothers, James and Raymond.

Survivors include her son, Raymond and his wife Darlene; grandchildren, Samantha (Andy), Jared (Marissa) and Derek (Alexa); great grandchildren, Noah, Bryson and Kennedy; sister, Janice; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her beloved grand dog, Harlee.

Services will be private, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in her memory can be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801 or to Fort Hudson Activity Department, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, New York 12828.

Ellie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility (D Wing) for the loving and compassionate care given to her.  You are all Angels.

HUDSON FALLS – Roy K. McKittrick, 72, of Elizabeth St., passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born February 3, 1948 in Saratoga, he was the son of the late Leon and Mary McKittrick.

Roy enjoyed camping with his wife, Josie at Moffitt Beach campground in Speculator.  He enjoyed working with his hands, fixing automobiles and carpentry, farming, NASCAR, tractor pulls and taking long drives through Vermont.

In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his wife, Josephine McKittrick; his brother, Leon McKittrick, Jr.; his sister, Elizabeth Abare and her husband, Donald; and his nephew, Larry McKittrick.

Survivors include his two daughters, Tressa Tardif and her husband, Joseph of Proctor, VT and Kattie McKittrick and her significant other, Jennie Mattison of Hudson Falls; his five grandchildren, Bain and Kwinlan Tardif of Proctor, VT, Camdon McKittrick, Aiden Cook and Selena Mitchell of Hudson Falls, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will follow the calling hour, Friday, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Gansevoort Cemetery in Gansevoort. 

Expressions of sympathy may take form of a donation, in loving memory of Roy, to the American Legion, Post 574, 72 Pearl St., Hudson Falls, New York 12839.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff on Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital, for their care and compassion

HUDSON FALLS – Joyce Koktowski, 65, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, September 10, 2020.

Born October 17, 1954 in Crown Point, she was the daughter of the late Buela (Guyette) and Michael Koktowski.

Joyce lived in the community for almost 50 years and had many friends and coworkers through those years.  She especially loved working with her Walmart family.  A special thank you to the many who made her laugh and kept her company.  She spoke so highly of many of her friends over the years.

Besides her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her nephew, Albert.

Survivors include her son, Bill Koktowski and his wife, Corrinn of Latham; her granddaughters, Ashanya, Sierra, Brianna, Bailey and Jayden; her three sisters, Anna Mosher of Fort Edward, Janice Moulton of Vergennes, VT and Mary Griffin of Sudbury, VT; her brother, Raymond Koktowski of CT; her nieces, Kelly, Heather, Vicki and Cassandra; as well as a nephew, Kevin.

Per Joyce’s request, there will be no services but, her family would like to thank all of you who have them in your prayers.

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

HUDSON FALLS – Samantha L. Salem, 35, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2020 at her home.

Born on February 27, 1985 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Samuel and Susan (Germain) Isaacs.

Samantha graduated from Warrensburg High School in 2003 and then continued her education in early childhood.

On September 18, 2019, she married Matthew Salem in Saratoga Springs.

At one time, Samantha was employed by the US Government in the Census Bureau.   Later, she had the opportunity to work in the field she loved.  Samantha felt very fortunate to have used her early childhood education to have shaped young children’s lives.

The center of her life was spending time with her family. Some of her most cherished moments were taking boat trips on Lake George with her son, Austin.  Samantha was an avid Township video game player, where she made many international friends. In her spare time, she was a talented jewelry and dream catcher creator.

Samantha was brutally honest, always letting her thoughts be known.  Everyone that knew her, would remember Samantha with a cup of coffee in her hand and a smile on her face.

Survivors include her parents; her husband, Matthew Salem of Hudson Falls; her children, Austin Isaacs and Caitlyn Hall, both of Hudson Falls; her three sisters, Pamela Isaacs, Hillary Isaacs and Gabby Isaacs; her in laws, Barbara and Ralph Salem; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Samantha’s request, there will be no services

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to International Research Foundation RSD/CRPS, 1910 East Busch Boulevard, Tampa, Fl  33612.

QUEENSBURY – L. Marguerite Seeley, 95,  passed into the Kingdom of Heaven on September 6, 2020 at Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward.

She was born on July 2, 1925 in Hudson Falls to the late Suzanne (Israel) and Frederick VanTassell.

On May 2, 1942, Marguerite married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Seeley and for 72 years their devotion to one another was an inspiration to all who met them. They resided in Glens Falls for 54 years and then moved to Queensbury, NY. Bob passed in 2017 and she missed him very much.

Marguerite devoted many years at home raising their three children as well as providing daycare for many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She loved them all and treated each one as her own. Mom raised beautiful flowers and always found time for homemade meals; and if we were lucky, she made one of her great strawberry rhubarb pies. She was a founding member of the Assembly of God Church in Glens Falls and served as its treasurer for many years. She also worked as an accountant for Scotty’s Fuel Oil in Glens Falls.

Marguerite and Bob loved the many trips to Maine and visited spots from York Beach to Boothbay Harbor. Her favorite was Ogunquit Beach. Many mornings during vacation, she and dad could be found on the Marginal Way enjoying the beautiful sunrises together.

Besides her husband, Marguerite was predeceased by her two brothers, Raymond and Robert VanTassell and a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Heath.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Judi) Seeley and David (Diane) Seeley, her daughter, Joan (Richard) Parsons, all of Queensbury; nine grandchildren;  14 great-grandchildren;  seven step-grandchildren;  11 step-great-grandchildren; four great- great grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mom dedicated her life to the Lord and always put God first. She trusted God for her daily existence and along with Dad, prayed for each of the family members by name every day. She was an avid reader and could often be found reading the Bible and other religious books any time you visited.

Thank you to the nurses at Fort Hudson Nursing Home, for making Mom so comfortable and treating her so compassionately.   From the supervisors to the aides, although the signs in front of the home recognize them as heroes, they are also angels.

God saw you were weary and did what he thought was best. He came, stood beside you, and whispered, “Come and rest.” Mom you will be always on our minds and forever in our hearts.

Due to Covid-19, a graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Drive, #100, Albany, NY 12205  or the American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza, Suite 505, Albany, NY  12205.

HUDSON FALLS – Casey Michael Cottrell, 26, a remarkable young man left us on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Casey had a passion for women’s wrestling, he ran Squared Circle Sirens since 2014, under the name Casey Michael, he focused on news concerning women’s wrestling promotions and performers.  Casey’s last story posting June 26. Squared Circle Sirens was often cited as a highly reliable source by those in wrestling media.

Casey was an important voice for women’s wrestling so his passing is a huge loss, not only for the people who knew him personally but many in the wrestling business as well.

As news of Michael’s untimely death spread across social media, WWE champion Charlotte Flair simply tweeted, “RIP Casey,” while Impact Wrestling’s Madison Royce wrote, “This hurts. Love and prayers to all of Casey’s friends and family.” Wrestler Killer Kelly tweeted, “He was such a strong person… my condolences.”

Impact Wrestling also recognized Michael’s death on Twitter. Their official Twitter account wrote, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Casey Michael, few have championed women’s wrestling more than he did. RIP.”

Casey’s friends called considered him a mentor, stating “Casey helped shape me into the person I am today, professionally. I followed his lead professionally and reached out to him when I needed advice on what to do, or where to go”.  Another wrote, “Casey was more than a professional mentor, he helped shaped me, personally, too. I went to Casey often with personal issues, issues with friends, issues with direction, anything and everything”.

“You don’t need to know anything about women’s wrestling to see the admiration that Casey Michael’s community had for him. It’s little wonder as to why, everything about him just screams wholesomeness and sincerity.”

Casey had been active on Twitter with his final tweet written August 31, “I have the best people in the world as my friends, I can’t thank you all enough for your kindness. Love you all.”

He leave’s behind his mother and father, Eloy and Lianne Cottrell; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Private graveside services will be conducted at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made https://www.gofundme.com/f/casey-michael-cottrell-memorial-fundraiser.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HARTFORD – Leroy “Squeak” Rivers, 65, passed away after a long battle with cancer.  

Leroy was a 1974 graduate of South Glens Falls High School.  After high school, he went to work at Whiteman Chevrolet as a mechanic and then worked for a stone quarry.

Before becoming sick, Leroy enjoyed hunting, spending time with his family, having cookouts and being outdoors.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Leroy was predeceased by his mother, Gladis Brilya, his father, Laroy Rivers , two brothers, Donald Finster and Fred Rivers and a sister, Debra Smith.

He is survived by his step-mother, Rose Fichtner; his sons, Leroy and Steven Rivers; his daughter, Vanity Marcher; his grandchildren, Chasity, Zachary and Jordan Rivers; one great granddaughter, Jessica; his brothers, Moses and Mike Rivers and Art Finster; his sisters, Shirley Dickson, Nora Stahl, Dianna Smith and Pattie Bolton.

A celebration of life will be celebrated on Monday, September 7, 2020 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at 59 Spring Street in South Glens Falls.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS and FENIMORE – Rosemarie C. Rosati, 81, went into the arms of the Lord peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2020, at the Pines of Glens Falls.

Rosemarie is survived by her two brothers, Dominick Rosati of South Glens Falls and Louis Rosati and his wife, Beverly of South Glens Falls; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

All services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank the Pines for all the wonderful care and compassion given to Rosemarie during her stay there, especially Nurse Amanda.

Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

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

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Elaine M. “Ellie” Godin, 79, a long time South Glens Falls resident passed away September 1, 2020.

On February 25, 1964, she married Daniel B. Godin.

She and her husband were well known in the food and catering business in this area. They owned and operated Lum’s restaurants in Glens Falls, South Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs as well as Ellie’s, the place for Deli in Glens Falls.  They also operated Danny’s Pink Step Inn, formerly in South Glens Falls.  She and her husband were familiar sights at local restaurants and always were ready to chat with anyone.  They made you feel as if you were part of their family.

In addition to her parents, Ellie is also predeceased by six siblings Joan Kelley, Diane Koutouzis, Melvin Couture, Karen Lane, Colette Couture, and John Couture.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Daniel B. Godin of Delray Beach, FL; two children, Joseph Godin and his wife, Ann of Delray Beach, FL and Jodie Godin of Cohoes, her grandchildren, Chandler and Madison Godin and Kayla and Rose Denue; a sister Lynn Belleard and her husband, Robert of Latham and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from Tuesday, September 8, 2020, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. Everyone is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Wednesday, September 9th at 11 a.m., at the St. Michael the Archangel Church with the Rev. Tony Childs, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow the mass, at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

KINGSBURY – Cecile M. “Cemo” Vaughn, 92, of Hebron, formerly of Waite Rd, Hudson Falls, NY.

Born on March 9, 1928 in Massena, she was the daughter of the late Donat and Yvonne (Levasseur) Laneuville.

Cemo graduated from Massena High School in the class of 1947.

On December 26, 1949, she married Frank E. Vaughn in Massena.  He passed away on January 10, 2009, after 60 years of marriage.

For a time, she worked at General Electric Co. in Syracuse and in Fort Edward.  She also worked for 20 years at C. R. Bard in Queensbury, until her retirement in 1991.

Cemo was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. She was in good standing as a member of the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company Auxiliary since 1968. In 1969, Cemo along with Frank became a Founding Member of the Kingsbury Barnstormers Snowmobile Club.

Cemo was a kind, compassionate, generous Matriarch to her family and her many friends that were like family to her.  She enjoyed dancing the night away, making crafts, snowmobiling, completing puzzles and spending time with her ever expanding family. Additionally, Cemo enjoyed traveling with her husband in their fifth wheel camper and had the wonderful opportunity of visiting 47 states.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Wayne A. Vaughn who died Sept. 27, 1988, and Wayne’s wife, Charlene; four  brothers, Paul, Norman, Henry and Albert Laneuville; and two sisters, Theresa Horn and Frances Hope; Son- in law, Jeffery Ferguson.

Survivors include her three daughters, Vicki Ferguson of Fruita, CO, Linda Vaughn of Hartford and her companion, Mike Paige of Fort Ann and Sharon Herrick and her husband, Rick of Hebron; six grandchildren, Tori Vaughn and his wife, Hilary of Hudson Falls, Derek Vaughn and his wife, Carrie Marie of Fort Ann, Melanie Campbell and her Husband, Jack Tracy of Monmouth, Maine, Adam Campbell of Hartford , Christine VanHoesen and her husband, Duke of Hudson Falls, and David Vaughn and his wife, Kristi of Sanford, North Carolina; five step grandchildren, Jamie Deyoe of Georgia, Brian Herrick and wife, Rebekkah of Argyle, Kathryn Payne and husband, John of Queensbury, Kevin Herrick and significant other, Theresa Adams of Niskayuna, Alexis Herrick and fiancé, Brady Rainville of Hudson Falls; ten great grandchildren, Karlisa and her significant other, Dylan Wilson, Tyler and his significant other, Hunter Murphy, Owen, Kole, Talia, Dillon, Isabelle, Charlene, Luke, Ethan, Kaylee; one great-great grandchild, Karter; eleven step grandchildren, Mia, Jack, Bentley, Killian, Gabriel, Kenny, Deklen, Charlotte, Andrew, Evan, Alyssa; three sisters, Marguerite Green and Mary Jeanne Richards, both of Massena and Louise Harvey of Clay; and many nieces,  nephews and cousins.

A private family celebration of life to be held.

Cemo’s family suggests memorial contributions to the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company, Burgoyne Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P. O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Any flowers for the celebration may be sent to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

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

HARTFORD – Thomas Robert Ryan, 50, passed away on August 26, 2020, at home, after a long fight with congestive heart failure.  

Born September 10, 1969 in Englewood, NJ, he was the son of the late Janis Lynn Ryan and Raymond Thomas Many.

Thomas (Jerseyboy) was a devoted papa and enjoyed every minute spent with his family.  He was “Uncle Tom” to many.  He will be forever missed.  He was a die-hard Yankee fan and bragged about his knowledge of baseball.  He worked at various pizzerias in the area.  Thomas attended La Salle School.  He maintained a good relationship with them throughout his life and deeply appreciated the influence they had on his life. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael Allyn Many; his uncle, Robert Eric Ryan; his maternal grandparents, Arlene Larsen Ryan and Robert Allyn Ryan and his beloved grandson, Elijah Jeremiah Clyde Ryan.

Thomas was married to Kimberly A. Ryan on January 11, 1991.  They remained best friends to the end.

He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley N. Ricketts and her husband, Robert J. Ricketts and his son, Michael Scott Ryan and his companion, Tori Haywood; his grandchildren, Arianna, Allayah, Robert, Zoey and Zyra; his maternal aunt, Brenda Ryan; his brother, Ivan Many and many nieces, nephews that he loved dearly.

Friends may call Friday, from 4- 5:30 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.  Due to the current pandemic, 35 guests are allowed in the building at one time, social distancing and face masks are required.

A funeral service will be conducted, Friday, at 5:30 p.m., following the calling hours, with the Reverend Paul Wagner, officiating.

Memorial donations in memory of Thomas may be made to American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr. #100, Albany, New York 12205.