Blog Archives

Margaret Anita Palmer Major

9/30/2017

A life well- lived! It is the only way to describe Margaret Anita Palmer Major. Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Peggy, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on September 30, 2017 surrounded by her family.
Peggy was predeceased by her parents, John and Laura Palmer. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, the Honorable Charles T. Major; her brother John Palmer (Sue);her brother-in-law, Father Peter C. Major MHM; her 8 children Michael (Mariann), Mary, Margaret (Jeff), Mark (Martha), Matthew (Susan), Martha (Michael), Martin (Beth) and Mitch (Kristen); 26 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Peggy was a 1952 graduate of Skaneateles High School, where she was a student athlete involved in all five sports available to girls. She also graduated from the Eastman School of Dentistry. She worked as a dental hygienist before becoming a full-time, loving, stay-at-home mother to her eight children. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother (Nana), Peggy was a joyful, gentle and generous contributor to her lifelong community of Skaneateles, NY. She was a devoted supporter and fan of Skaneateles Hockey, while volunteering for others, including Meals on Wheels. She was a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church.
Peggy left a loving mark on the lives of so many people in the community of Skaneateles. We are all better for walking with her through life.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Peggy will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday October 5, in St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Following the services the family will greet family and friends at The Lodge at Welch Allyn, 4355 State Street Road, Skaneateles Falls, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the People of South Sudan, through Fr. Peter C. Major MHM at 27 East Austin Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Please make checks payable to Father Peter C. Major MHM.
Condolences at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Dorothy Holbein Foster

9/29/2017

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Dorothy Holbein Foster
At age 87, Dorothy Holbein passed away on September 29, 2017.
She was the middle child of Chris and Betty Leubner of Baptist Corners , Owasco. Dorothy married David Holbein and eventually, they bought and farmed the property that became their home, a half mile from her childhood home.
She raised 7 strong children: Eileen (Peter) Winne, Chris ( Rick – D) Fesko, Mike (Diana) Holbein, Teri ( Richard) Wise, Gwen Holbein, Tim ( Amy) Holbein, and Walter ( Tania ) Holbein. They blessed her with 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren .
Dorothy graduated from Skaneateles High School as Salutatorian and also from Auburn Community College at age 49 in accounting .
She was involved in the community as a 4-H leader for many years, at Cayuga County Farm and Home center fund raisers, Owasco Reformed Church and SAVES.
Dorothy enjoyed so many things, but mostly her family , her pride in her gardens, and Halloween /holiday parties. She was skilled at sewing , playing her organ, farming the fields and animals, which was her favorite. She and David enjoyed dancing, traveling the country, and went to three out of four corners of the country.
Her employments included housekeeping, waitressing, manufacturing and assembly, selling real estate and tax preparations.
Later in life , Dorothy married Warren Foster, and then Arbie Hatfield became her last companion.
Her sister Evelyn Riggall and best friend , Jane Smolak, also survive her.
Even in her last years , with dementia, she still had strength and was the social butterfly in the Commons on the 2nd floor, helping where she could and keeping many entertained with her humor. We thank the staff at the Commons for their care and support , during her last months .
We honor her for her amazing abilities, accomplishments in life and the love she shared with many. A memorial service will be held in the future at the Owasco Reformed Church.

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Bonnie Murphy

9/23/2017

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Bonnie Murphy, 73, of Skaneateles, NY passed away peacefully on September 23, 2017 with family by her side.
Daughter of the late June and Don Collier, Bonnie grew up in Norwich, NY where she was a highly-regarded athlete. She was attending SUNY Cortland when she met her future husband, Dennis Murphy. The couple married the day after Christmas 1964 and were nearly inseparable for over 52 years.
Residing with her family continuously in Skaneateles from 1973, Bonnie was well-known as a competitive tennis player in TACNY. She was a long-term tennis instructor for the Town of Skaneateles, and a JV tennis coach for Skaneateles Central School.
Bonnie is survived by her husband and her four children, Mike, Erin, Tim, and Kathy; her four brothers and sisters Phil, Donna, Kurt, and Tom; her five grandchildren Breanna, Kaylee, Trevor, Ryan, and Finn; Stuart and Collier families; and longtime neighbors and friends.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 28th from 11am to 1pm with a service to follow at 1pm, at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Bonnie will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to SAVES or to the Skaneateles Fire Dept.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Vivian Slater

9/23/2017

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Vivian H. Slater, 96 of Jordan passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2017 with her loved ones by her side. A native of Cooperstown, NY born on September 12, 1921 by the late George and Zula Olmstead. Vivian was a woman of strength and wisdom. Her age never stopped her from enjoying life. Her memory was extraordinary. She never forgot anyone’s birthday. Vivian was the rock of our family. Along with the deep love for each and every one of us, she was a lover of animals. She had a huge heart of gold. She was always there for everyone, and never wanted anything in return. Vivian had a deep passion for baking and crocheting. Family members often got phone calls telling them not to cook dinner because she had tried a new recipe and made a dish for them. Let’s just say they were always delicious. Hands down best cook ever. Vivian enjoyed her daily lunches at Burger King, along with her Friday night auctions with friends. We could go on forever with stories of how wonderful she was, and the love she gave. Our rock will be missed, but will forever live on inside each and every one of her pebbles. Vivian is predeceased by her loving husband Daniel Slater in 1995, Kent Wheeler and Esther Slater. Surviving are her 9 children Darlene (Walt) Smith of Florida, Daryle (Donna) Pickering of Skaneateles Falls, Darwin Pickering of Jordan, Raymond Pickering of Conquest, Donna (Bruce) Seamans of Jordan, Dennis Pickering of Memphis, Donald (Tina) Slater of Kentucky, Debby (Link) Green of Auburn and Duane (Colleen) Slater of Jordan. She is also survived by her 113, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren with 2 more grandchildren on the way. Vivian was also survived by her step-children Martha Wheeler of Camillus and Raymond Slater of Skaneateles. Several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday September 27th from 11am to 1pm with a service to follow at 1pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Vivian will be buried in Highland Cemetery, Marcellus. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Outreach Program of Skaneateles at 819 West Genesee Street Road
Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Francis E. Sheehan

9/19/2017

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Francis E. Sheehan, 92, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. Frank grew up in Floral Park, Long Island. He was a veteran of World War II and following the war, graduated from Syracuse University. He then joined the family hardware business in Jamaica, Queens, and in 1953 moved to Skaneateles. Frank was a manufacturer’s representative for many years before founding S&B Tech Sales, Inc. In his retirement, Frank was involved in developing several subdivisions in the Village. He particularly enjoyed working with Dan Brown on developing the Whitegate subdivision, where they both resided with their families.
Frank was a skilled “shop king” and no home improvement project was beyond his abilities. He also enjoyed hosting his Friday night poker group, he was a voracious reader of history, and an all around “good skate” with a great sense of humor.
Frank believed in community service, serving as a Village of Skaneateles trustee and deputy mayor for many years. He also was a founding director of the Skaneateles Housing Authority, which developed senior housing in the village, and served as its chairman for over 30 years.
Surviving are his loving wife, Sally; four daughters, Marie (Greg) Doench, Martha (John) Stewart, Jenny (Sean McDonnell), and Mary (Tom Cummins); five sons and a stepson, William (Dolores), Francis (Sarah), Timothy (Pam), Peter (Marge), Bob (Kathy), James Darrow; 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Frank is also survived by his sister Jean (Dick) Feibusch and many nieces and nephews. His first wife, Margaret Ludington, his brother, William, his sisters, Florence Cronin and Kay Mackesy, predeceased him.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, September 24th, from 1-2 p.m. at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to SAVES (Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Service), 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Rev. Clark J. Horan III

9/14/2017

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Rev. Clark J. Horan III, 67, of Honolulu, Hawaii passed away peacefully on September 14, 2017, after a long illness. A native of Syracuse and a graduate of Bishop Ludden High School, he attended the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada and received his Master of Divinity in Theology at the St. Peter’s Seminary, University of Western Ontario. Fr. Horan was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on May 1976 and had numerous assignments in Ontario and in Hawaii where had resided for over 25 years. In 1987, he was created a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem by Pope John Paul II. Fr. Horan was predeceased by his mother Joan Kelsey Bergin and a sister Sheila Mary Bergin. He is survived by his father Clark J. Horan Jr. and step-mother Mary Elizabeth Horan; step-father Leo P. Bergin Sr.; siblings Aimee H. Fletcher, Martha H. Radford and Leo P. Bergen Jr.; aunt Mary Patricia Ziegler; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral Mass and burial will be held on September 25, 2017 in Honolulu. There will be a local memorial service at a later date.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Sally C. Snyder

9/11/2017

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Sally C. Snyder, 83, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully Monday, September 11, 2017 at The Commons at St. Anthony. She was born February 16, 1934 to Elizabeth and Kenneth Cook. She grew up in Skaneateles and continued to live there until recently. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of St. James Church.
Sally graduated from Skaneateles Central School in 1951. After graduating, she attended Catherine Gibbs School in Boston and then worked for Kemper Insurance in Syracuse. Sally then went on to work for Skaneateles School District. There she worked as both a library aide and in the State Street office until she retired. She also worked part time for the Town of Skaneateles as a secretary to both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Skaneateles Town Court. Sally is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard “Duke” Snyder; their children Mary (Jim) Dries, James (Heather) Snyder and grandchildren Ashleigh and Matthew; sister-in-law Tully Cook and nieces Cammy and Jodi along with their families. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Larry Loveless, and his family.
Sally is predeceased by her parents and brother, Kenneth Cook, Jr. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 15th, at 11:00 am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to SAVES Ambulance Service: 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152, in Sally’s memory.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Walter Robert Holloway

9/10/2017

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Holloway – Walter Robert, 78
passed away in Syracuse, NY on September 10th. Known as Bob, he is survived by his wife, Barbara Holloway, his two children, Marcus & Robyn Holloway, and his first wife, Lynn Knebels Holloway. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Alex and Madeline Holloway, along with his stepson, Michael Metz, and his dog Charlie.
Born in Bridgeport, CT on May 16, 1940, Bob attended P.S. DuPont High School in Wilmington, Delaware, followed by Columbia College in New York City, and graduate school at Boston University. He was a member of the Columbia University Ivy League Champion football team. After college, Bob rose to the rank of Captain in the US Marine Corps. He served in numerous executive positions in his long professional career.
In retirement, Bob was treasurer of the Skaneateles Gun Club, was a member of the Rotary Club, and was a frequent volunteer for Laker Limo.
A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles on September 22nd at 1PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Skaneateles charities, Saves or Laker Limo.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Mary Anne (Doyle) Trompeter

9/7/2017

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Mary Anne (Doyle) Trompeter died Thursday, September 7, 2017 at home, comforted by family and friends. Mary Anne was 90 years old. She was born in Rochester, NY, the eldest child of Grace and Nicholas Doyle, sister of Ellen and brothers Jack, Jim, Bob, Bill and Patrick. She attended Holy Apostles grammar school and Nazareth Academy. As a child of the Depression, and a bright student, she saw a way to relieve the suffering of others by enrolling in the Cadet Nurse Corps program at Nazareth College. She was a member of the second class of the Nurse Corp, became an RN in 1947 and was hired by Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester as a staff nurse. Four years later, while working, she completed a bachelor degree in nursing at Nazareth College. Mary Anne married Richard Trompeter, the love of her life, in a Valentine wedding in 1955. She retired from Strong as the Instructor/Supervisor of the Pediatric Nursing Department in 1956 to raise her three children. The family moved from Rochester to Camillus in 1967. Mary Anne returned to nursing in 1968 as a faculty member of the Associate Degree Nursing program at Onondaga Community College (OCC). She twice served as Chair of that department and helped develop a new curriculum which remains the basis of today’s program. In 1981, Mary Anne and Dick fulfilled their dream of moving to Skaneateles Lake. She retired from OCC in 1987 as Professor of Nursing Emeritus.
In Skaneateles, Mary Anne was a parishioner at St. Mary’s of the Lake, an active member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women), the Skaneateles Garden Club, and the Skaneateles Country Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge, bowling and later the Red Hat Ladies. A lifelong learner, Mary Anne was an avid reader of many subjects, especially books on spirituality and religion. She displayed her keen financial acumen and to-do lists on the back of envelopes throughout the house. Her most cherished memories were time spent hosting her children and beloved grandchildren at the Lake and visiting their homes in Albany, New Jersey and Connecticut, preserving many family traditions over the years.
In addition to her years of learning, practicing, and teaching nursing, Mary Anne made two final gifts to the profession. She established a scholarship for nursing students at her alma mater, Nazareth College, in memory of her mentor Sister Margaret Mary Townsend. Mary Anne also arranged for her body to be donated to the Strong Memorial Hospital/University of Rochester Medical School for research so that others may continue to learn.
Mary Anne was predeceased by her husband Dick in 2016. She is survived by her brothers Jack Doyle and Jim Doyle (Marge) and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children Chris (Rosemary), Bill (Cheryl), and Ellen (Dennis) and her grandchildren Grace, Luke, Daniel, Emma, James, and Oliver. Mary Anne cultivated many friendships, some life-long, and was blessed to the end of her days with dear friends and wonderful neighbors.
Calling hours with Mary Anne’s family will be held on Friday, September 15th from 4 to 7 pm, at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 10 am, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church -- 81 Jordan Street – Skaneateles, followed by a luncheon reception in the Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of Mary Anne’s charitable interests: Sister Margaret Mary Townsend Endowed Scholarship Fund, Nazareth College, (4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, or online: www.naz.edu/makeagift , check “Memorial Gift” and note Mary Anne Trompeter and Sister Margaret Mary Townsend in the comments); Catholic Relief Services, and the American Indian College Fund.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Mary L.B. Nickerson

9/6/2017

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Mary L.B. Nickerson, of Skaneateles and Sennett, passed away at her home on Wednesday September 6th. Born January 16, 1937 in Rutland, VT she was the daughter of Edward & Elizabeth Butterfly. Mary is pre-deceased by her loving husband of 60 years Gerald W. Nickerson in 2015. Surviving are her son, Christopher (Tracy) Nickerson of New Hampshire; daughters, Lisa M. (Rick) Willis, of Sennett and Colleen Nickerson of Auburn; eight grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Her sister Betty Gilman of New Hampshire. She enjoyed reading, traveling, knitting being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, being with family and friends. She volunteered at St Joseph Thrift Shop and Skaneateles Creamery.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 9:30am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Mary will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Springfield, VT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, or Breast Cancer research.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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