Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Graham, 72

Oaklyn, NJ -- Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Graham, 72, of Oaklyn, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with her daughters by her side after a brief, but painful, journey with melanoma. She was born on April 7, 1952, in Wellsville to the late James H. and Mary E. (Cregan) Graham.

Betsy graduated from the Immaculate Conception School as one of the last 9th grade classes with, from what we understand, several other Marys. She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1970 andremained friends with many classmates all these years. She recently enjoyed reconnecting at the class reunions.

Betsy loved spending summers at the lake, Rushford in her youth and more recently Chautauqua Lake. She was the perpetual organizer for the lake weeks and even enjoyed a jet ski ride last summer. She loved to waterski back in the day, but also learned to love slow, easy rides around the lake or watching the kids tubing. She loved to play cards, travel, make Thanksgiving dinner, spend time with family and friends, listen to audiobooks, and go to the movies. She was kind and loving, funny and silly, dependable, and supportive, and truly indulgent as a Nana.

Betsy worked hard all her life in various construction businesses and found value in a job well done.  She was married to Stephen R. Allen of Wellsville from 1974 to 1993, and together they created Albros Builders. Steve and Betsy checked in on each other often in the last few years and made family gatherings easy for their daughters and grandchildren. The Allens embraced her always and she always loved the Allens.  

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Allen (Teresa Love) of Stuttgart, Germany, and Maureen (Paul) Hillen of Oaklyn, NJ, and her grandchildren Lucas Dwyer-Allen, and Benjamin, Jackson, and Claire Hillen. She is survived by her sister Patricia Sweeney of Wellsville, and brothers Richard (Netta) Graham of Westford, MA, Paul Graham of Westfield NY, and David (Wendy) Graham of Westfield NY. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, forever family Tara Dwyer, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law Terry Sweeney, and her best friend of 65 years, Mary Fagan.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 10 – 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Haddon Height, NJ. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Linda Marie Haskell, 72

Belmont, NY – Linda Marie Haskell, 72, of State Route 244, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born May 30, 1951, in Jamestown, the daughter of John E. Farmer and Phyllis Crosson. 

During her childhood Linda excelled in Ballet and began learning the piano, a skill she would hone and become quite proficient in. She graduated from Belfast High School before attending Alfred State College where she became accomplished in typing and shorthand. She worked a myriad of jobs at employers such as: Motorola, Genesee Valley Nuclear Facility of West Valley, Fischer Price Toys, and Allegany County Health Department as an Administrative Assistant. Outside of work, she was an avid member of her community, wanting to help wherever she could, and was a member of both Belfast and Belmont’s American Legion Auxiliaries, Posts 1504 and 808 respectively. 

She is survived by: a son, Troy Lawton of New Market, TN; a sister, Dawn Waldren of Glennville, GA; and a brother Michael (Caroline) Waldren of Yukon, OK. In addition to her parents, Phyllis and George Waldren, she was predeceased by two brothers: George Waldren III and William Waldren. 

Following Linda’s wishes, a celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wanda J. Johnson, age 62

Wellsville, NY - Wanda J. Johnson, age 62, of Madison Street passed away on Friday May 10th at the Highland Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wellsville. She was born on March 26, 1962, in Wellsville to the late Richard and Clara Moore Johnson.

Wanda was a lifelong resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1980. She enjoyed her job with Piece Work Industries and was proud of her work. She was kindhearted, loved to cook and was extremely proud that she was living independently. Wanda also enjoyed the social interaction of the Compeer Program.

She is survived by a sister Michelle [John] Sheridan of Wellsville, a brother Michael Johnson of Ohio as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, a brother, Bruce and her sisters Debbie and Beverly.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday May 14, 2024, from 1 pm until 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. The Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm in the Funeral Home. Memorial Donations in Wanda’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy L. Keib, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY – The friends and family of Nancy L. Keib are invited to a graveside service on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.  Nancy passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023. To read the complete obituary or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Theodore K. Susko, 76

Wellsville, NY – Theodore K. “Teddy” Susko, 76, of O’Connor Street, passed away on May 6, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born November 29, 1947, in Buffalo, the son of Alexander and Helen Sylvia (Cwiklinksa) Susko.

Teddy attended school in Cheektowaga and was employed by Peacework Industries. Outside of employment he enjoyed walking. He had a sense of humor that couldn’t be diminished, he would joke with any and everybody, and always had a quick come back for anything said to him. The people who knew him loved him, and he touched the lives of many.

 He is survived by his stepmother Genevive Susko; several other family members; and his loved ones at the O’Connor Street Residence. He was predeceased by his mother and father in 1960 and 1988, respectively.

 Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 10 to 11 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street. Funeral services will follow at 11 am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Arc Activities Fund, Arc of Allegany-Steuben County, 1 Arc Way, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Carl James Laici Sr., 57

Belmont, NY – Carl J. Laici Sr, 57, of Schuyler Street, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born December 6, 1966, in Wellsville, the son of the late Joseph C. and Elizabeth A. (Blue) Laici.

 Carl was raised in Wellsville. In 1984 he enlisted during the Gulf War with the United State Army and served as a Jumper. Upon his honorable discharge in 1992 he returned to Allegany County and followed in his mother’s footsteps, finding his career in healthcare working for Jan and Bev’s until his retirement; he also previously worked in construction. Outside of his employment, he was a former member of Wellsville’s Fire and Rescue Squads.

He is survived by: his long-time companion, Sandra Sutton of Belmont; 15 children, including Jessica Renee (Dennis) Laici-Thurston, Carl James Laici Jr., Jayden Dawson, Abbie and Michael; four granddaughters; a grandson; three sisters, Louise (Mike) Rotondo of Middletown, NJ, Nancy (Chuck) Clark-Peritone of Frostproof, NJ, and Deborah Dill of Franklinton, NC; a brother, Joseph Laici of Point Pleasant, NJ; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and mother, in September 1994 and August 2000, respectively.

 Following Carl’s wishes there are no services being planned at this time. Please consider memorial donations to your nearest fire and rescue squad. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Frederick Newton Wurster, 87

Wellsville, NY – Frederick Newton Wurster, 87, of Hanover Hill Road passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. He was born March 14, 1937, in Buffalo, the son of the late Ralph and Dorothy (Mayo) Wurster, and brother of Dorothy Fletcher. On September 15, 1962, he married the love of his life, Patricia Walsh, who survives. 

“Newt” attended schools in Buffalo, Tonawanda, Batavia, Olean, and was a 1955 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduating, he entered the United StatesNavy on September 30, 1955; during his service, of which he was very proud, he was aboard the heavy cruiser USS Des Moines. He received his honorable discharge on September 29, 1959. In the civilian work force, Newt was employed initially for six years by Acme Electric of Cuba before finding his 34 + year career at Dresser Rand (Worthington) of Wellsville as a machinist. He served on the Executive Board of the Local #1580 Union for 22 years, the WERA board for 18years, and was past president of Worthing Employee Federal Credit Union. He was a former manager, and coach, of the First Trust Babe Ruth Baseball Team. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, and spending time with their sons and families. 

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Patricia, he is survived by: three sons, Daniel (Kelly), Darin (Lori), and Mark (Rina); many grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Fletcher; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service with full military honors, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 11 am in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 78516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.