June Audrey Petri LaForge

Wellsville, NY - June Audrey Petri LaForge, at the age of 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior as the dawn broke on Saturday, August 13, 2016.  Due to failing health, she had resided the last few years at the Wellsville Manor Care Center.  June was born on April 22, 1926, at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Buffalo, NY.  She was the daughter of William P. and Merriam B. (Stone) Petri.  On August 18, 1951 she married F. Stanley LaForge in Belmont, NY.  

June graduated from Wellsville H.S. Class of 1944.  In 1948 she graduated from Albany State Teachers College (SUNY Albany).  She obtained graduate degrees from Alfred University in education, and from St. Bonaventure, in counseling.  She worked as an elementary teacher in the Scio and Wellsville School Districtsand after raising her two sons she worked in several area districts as a substitute.

“June Bug”, (her husband’s nickname for her), enjoyed antiques, genealogy, and painting.  She was a long time member of the Wellsville First United Methodist Church.  Other affiliations include:  The American Association of University Women, the Jones Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, Allegany County Board of ElectionsInspector, and a former member of the Past-Time Painters of the David A. Howe Library.  She was an accomplished oil painter.  Additionally, she served on numerous church committees throughout the years.  In her heyday, June was a real terror on the local auction and tag-sale circuits!  It is true – there was no one like her – always willing to offer her opinion – never shying away from confrontation.  However, to her credit she had a very compassionate side often donating time and resources to many local charities – most often behind the scenes.   She was especially fond of animals, including her dogs Rocky, Amber, Lucy-Des and her cockatiel, Joshua.

June was pre-deceased in 1992 by her husband, F. Stanley LaForge; her mother, Merriam Stone Petri 1994; her father, William P. Petri 1974, and infant granddaughter, Francine Marie LaForge 1995.  

June is survived by two sons; Kevin S. LaForge (Ginny) of Wellsville, NY, and William R. LaForge (Alisha) of Belmont, NY.  Also, three grandchildren Renee LaForge Johnson (Jeremy) of Wellsville, and Merriam and Stanley LaForge of Belmont, NY – still at home.  She is also survived by her two brothers:  William Arthur Petri (Ann) of Pompano Beach, FL; and Richard M. Petri (Delores) of Bellevue, WA, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a great-great nephew.  

Arrangements are under the care of Embser’s Funeral Home.  Calling hours will be at Ember’s of Wellsville, on Friday, August 19, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.  On Saturday, August 20, at the Wellsville First United Methodist Church at the corner of Maple and Madison Streets, from 10-11 am there will be visitation.  A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 am at the church.   A grave-side service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.  A lunch will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.   

Memorials may be made to the Wellsville First United Methodist Church, the David A. Howe Library, or the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.