Margaret K. Mersereau

Wellsville, NY - Margaret K. Mersereau, 98, formerly of 4604 Bolivar Road passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born February 20, 1911 in La Grange, IL the daughter of George E. and Louise (Coleman) Knowles. On April 10, 1946 in La Grange she married John R. Mersereau who predeceased her in 1983.

Margaret had been a resident of Wellsville since 1968 and had previously resided on Long Island. She was employed as a legal secretary in Washington during WW II and later with the B. Altman & Company Department Store in Manhasset, NY. She was member of the Wellsville Business and Professional Women’s Club and was instrumental in organizing the Jones Memorial Hospital Meals on Wheels program. She was a member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Mulberry Twig, elected three times as president of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and served as chairman of the Jones Memorial Hospital Country Fair several times. She was past president of the Allegany County Garden Club and was a member of the Alfred Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

She is survived by three stepsons, J. Mark Mersereau of Springfield, MA, Basil N, Mersereau of Wellsville and Jonathan H. (Lois) Mersereau of Joliet, IL and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, William R. Mersereau, three brothers and one sister.

It was Margaret’s request that her body be donated to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Upon the return of her cremains; a memorial service will be arranged. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include, the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Memorial Fund, 191 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. Local arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville.

Judith Clair Farwell

Belmont, NY - Judith Clair Farwell, 70, of 39 Schuyler Street passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on March 21, 1939 in Wellsville, the daughter of E. Miner and Enid (Snyder) Farwell.

Judi was a 1956 graduate of Belmont High School. She was formerly employed in the sales and accounting departments of Acme Electric Corp. in Cuba for 23 years. She then was employed at the Allegany County Courthouse in Belmont as an Index Clerk for the County Clerk’s Office for 17 years, until she retired. She enjoyed her family, reading, politics and her cat Jenny.

She is survived by one nephew, Michael Healy of Belmont and five nieces, Michele Ross of Stamford, CT, Meredith Healy of Wellsville, Pamela Nicholson of Machias, Sally (Steve) Reis of Richardson, TX, and Anne (Gary) Wight of Cuba, a brother in law, Thomas Nicholson of Cuba and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Jeannine F. Healy and Joyce F. Nicholson.

A memorial service for Judi is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Memorials suggestions include the Belmont Free Library, Park Circle, Belmont, NY 14813 or the SPCA Serving Allegany County, P.O. Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc.

Karen R. Harkenrider

Wellsville, NY - Karen R. Harkenrider, 59, of 4237 Niles Hill Road died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 7, 2009 shortly after arrival at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born January 12, 1950 in Wellsville the daughter of Richard and Velma (Gleason) Neely. On July 16, 1994 in Wellsville she married David Harkenrider who survives.

Karen was a 1968 graduate of Wellsville High School and had attended Alfred State College. She was formerly employed at Serra & Fogarty Law Office of Belmont and Adelphia in Coudersport. She was currently the Chief Surrogate Court Clerk for the State of New York Court System in Belmont. She was a member and past president of the Wellsville Woman’s Bowling Association and had been active with the Allegany County Nitros for many years. She was a former member of the Women of the Moose and was a former Lady Elk.

Surviving in addition to her husband is one daughter, Melissa (Joseph) Blaicher of Memphis, TN, one son, Bradley (Christina Reed) Ostrander of Wellsville, two brothers, Jerald (Linda) Neely of San Antonio, TX and Roger Neely of Wellsville, one sister, Lynne (Kevin) Burke of Fairport, one niece and four nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 8:30 pm Saturday in the funeral home with Rev. Patrick O’Keefe presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial suggestions, in lieu of flowers, include the SPCA Serving Allegany County, The Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department or any charity of the donor’s choice.

Lucille Easton

Wellsville, NY - Lucille B. Easton, of 19 Pine Street passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. She was born on April 29, 1917 in the Town of Willing the daughter of James and Ella (Dwyer) O’Hara. In 1975 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville she married Dan Easton who predeceased her on October 28, 1991.

Lucille was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and Wellsville High School. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, where she served as a eucheristic minister and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Altar & Rosary Society. She was formerly employed at the Benjamin Smith Company in Wellsville for 55 years.

She is survived by a daughter Joanne Hynds of The Villages, FL and a son, John (Ann Coulter) Hollod of Palm Coast, FL, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Marcella Stevens, Margaret Harvey and Helena Sawyer and two brothers, Raymond and John O’Hara.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and Monday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited on Sunday at 3:45 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (May 11, 2009) at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Patrick O’Keefe as Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions, in lieu of flowers, include the Immaculate Conception Memorial Fund, 6 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895.

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Constance M. “Connie” Nagy

Wellsville, NY - Constance M. “Connie” Nagy of Fords Brook Road died peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. She was born November 8, 1939 in Buffalo the daughter of Adolph and Giovanna (Galbo) Camino. On July 4, 1996 in Las Vegas, NV she married Edward J. Nagy who survives.

Connie was raised in the Buffalo area and graduate of Nardin Academy. She was formerly employed as a short order cook at Voskersians Restaurant in Buffalo and Fast Teddy’s in Tonawanda. She was a member of St. Timothy’s Church in Tonawanda and attended the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville.

Surviving in addition to her husband are five sons, Samuel (Tricia) Aquilina and Walter (Nancy) Cook both of Tonawanda, Edward (Tracy) Nagy Jr. of Lewiston, Joseph (Jane) Nagy of West Palm Beach, FL and Brian Nagy of Kenmore, nineteen grandchildren, Bruce and Danielle Aquilina, Giovanna and Anthony DiGesare, Lisa and Bret Hand, Brianna and Autumn Aquilina, Joey, Sammy and Rachel Cook, Danny and Dennis Williams, Jacob and Hannah Nagy, Jacob and Tally Denison, Cole Nagy and Harley Fleckenstein, eight great grandchildren, Tyler, Joey and Sammy Aquilina, Brianna Davis, Kevin Burges, Tori Aquilina, and Bella and Sophia DiGesare as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers Saverio and Joseph Camino.

Friends are invited to call on Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Saturday at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Patrick O’Keefe presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include any Hospice Organization of the donor’s choice.

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Norton

Scio - Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Norton of the Knights Creek Road passed away on Friday May 1, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born in the Town of Burns to Charles E. and Erma L. Thomas Perham. On December 21, 1958 she married Wilfred Norton who predeceased her on February 13, 2001.

Betty was a long time resident of Scio. She worked for the former Beamers Home for Adults and for Mrs. Rigas both in Wellsville. Betty was a wonderful cook who enjoyed cooking for the residents of Beamers. She enjoyed crafting and was a member of the Crafty Bells in Belfast and was also a member of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Betty attended to the Baptist Tabernacle in Belmont.

Survivors include: two sons, Charles E. {Carol Eastman} Speta of Groton and Steven J. [Barbara] Speta of Angelica; a daughter, Donita [Roy] Miles of Del City, OK. and a step daughter, Sandra [Richard] Rahn of East Aurora. seven Grandchildren and sevemteen great grandchildren; two brothers, Charles [Veronica] Perham of Stannards and Donald Perham of Rochester; a sister, Jessie Van Name of Belmont; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Her faithful companion and dancing partner, Lester “Lucky” Mead.

Betty was predeceased by, two brothers Albert and James Perham; two sisters Frances Sekoll and Mary Pluff; a daughter, Henrietta “Jean” Smith.

Friends are invited to call on Monday May 4 from 6 to 8 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11 am in the Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Cook presiding. Burial will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio and memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Scio Fire Department.

John H. Gostley

John H. Gostley, beloved husband of 54 years to Shirley, passed away on April 29, 2009 at Wellsville Manor Nursing Home at the age of 78. John lived a happy life, full of children, grandchildren and enjoying everything outdoors.

Born in 1930 in Wellsville, he was the son of Catherine E. (Fisher) and Lawrence E. Gostley. He attended school for many years in a one-room schoolhouse in Yorks Corners, later attending Wellsville High School, graduating in 1947. In high school, John was active in track, baseball and football and was also a class officer each year.

After high school, he attended Alfred State College and then joined the US Marine Corps, for which he remained proud and loyal his entire life. After the Marines, he worked at Sinclair Gas Station, and began racing stock cars at area racetracks. His passion for racing continued the rest of his life. In 1956, he married Shirley Colligan in Wellsville. John then worked for Joyce Pipeline, and then joined the US Post Office as a rural carrier in Wellsville in 1962, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. Throughout John’s life, he was an avid hunter and trapper, often spending time on Gostley Hill.

John was a loyal member of the American Legion, Elks, and Moose, all of Wellsville.

In addition to his devoted wife, John is survived by his children: Pam Reed, Gregg Gostley, Laurie Gostley-Hackett (Francis), Patrick Gostley, Holly Massengale (Bruce); brother James Gostley (Carol); grandchildren: Beth and Tim Haaf, Christina, Laura and Danny Reed, Todd Green and Kaitlin and Kyle Gostley, Cara and Grady Hackett, John and Brian Massengale: great-grandchildren Quinn and Ava Haaf; also Jake Haaf and Doug Reed; John’s “adopted brothers” Jim (deceased), Art and Bill Gordon. Brother in laws Don and Jack Colligan and Chet Kensek

John was pre-deceased by his parents and daughter Teri Gostley-Haaf.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, May 3 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Funeral service will take place Monday, May 4 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Stannards Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to the Arthritis Foundation of Upstate New York or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.