Lexi lost her battle with addiction on May 23rd, 2023. She leaves behind the love of her life, her son Corbin Paul.
Donations accepted in her name at Casa-Trinity, 86 River St., Hornell, NY 14843
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Hornell, New York
Lynn Anne Sulyma passed peacefully into eternity on May 19, 2023.
She was the daughter of John and Irene (Werzechowski) Sulyma, of Hornell, NY, and proud to be born in Brooklyn, NY on January 29, 1954. Survivors include her brother Jonathan (Pat) of Almond, NY; her sister, Stephanie Sulyma of Rochester, NY; her niece, Marisa Mauro of Bee Cave, TX; her nephew, Nick Mauro of Fairport NY; many cousins, friends, and her dear friend, LuAnn Di Paglia.
Lynn was predeceased by her wife of sixteen years, Beth Lumsden, with whom she had a holy union at the Metropolitan Community Church in Washington, DC.
Her childhood was spent on both coasts, a large portion of it in San Jose, Ca. Her family relocated to Hornell, NY where she attended her last year of high school, graduating in 1972.
Upon graduation from High School, Lynn enlisted in the US Navy and trained at Naval BSIC training in Orlando, FL. She was then assigned to Ft. Benjamin Harris to the Military Joint Journalism School. Her permanent station was at the Public Affairs Office and the headquarters for the Naval Air Force at Norfolk, VA. Her enlistment lasted from April 27, 1973, until April 26, 1977.
Upon discharge from the military, Lynn matriculated at Old Dominion University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Independent Studies, with a specialization in Japanese history and culture. She was a lover of Japanese culture and spoke Japanese.
Lynn attained her black belt in karate from her Shihan, Hiroshi Hamada, a 24th-generation Samurai, while at Old Dominion University and later taught women’s self-defense classes.
On her second trip back to the West Coast as an adult, she worked for the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA where she was a journalist. Lynn was proud to be a shop steward for her fellow customer service union workers at the Washington Post where she worked for twenty years. Her people skills were also employed for a time at ARC in Hornell where she was a Direct Support for clients.
Lynn had an intense curiosity and nimble fingers and began restoring furniture when she was only thirteen years old. She also sewed and once made her sister, Stephanie an entirely new wardrobe. Her other talents and interests included quilting, writing, drawing and painting, playing her guitar and singing, bird watching, and camping. vHer intelligence was brilliant and she possessed a sharp wit and great sense of humor.
Relocation to her family’s hometown happened following the death of her spouse and the care of her mother-in-law and father-in-law in Maryland who passed on after her wife’s death.
Lynn was a friend to many and was passionately involved in numerous political causes and candidate campaigns from a young age. Causes that were important to her included marriage equality, equal rites for women, LGBTQ rights, human rights, and ecological causes. Her focus was on promoting a healthy democracy through activism. Bertha the Bullhorn and Lynn were frequent participants in marches including the Women’s Rights March on Washington, DC in 2017.
Part of Lynn’s inquisitiveness was her studies of various religions. She had a deep and abiding faith in God and believed that God had a deep and abiding faith in ALL of His creation.
She loved nature and was an avid birdwatcher and camper. One of her favorite places was Shenandoah National Park where her and her wife’s ashes will be scattered.
There will be no memorial service but there will be a Celebration of Her Life in mid-July at a local location. Details will follow via various social media platforms.
Donations may be made in her memory to your local Indivisible Group, Planned Parenthood, or Multiple Myeloma Patient Support Group.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
North Hornell, NY
Susan S. Lockwood (68) of Heather Heights, North Hornell, passed away at St. James Hospital, following a courageous 5 year battle with stage IV brain cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hornell on January 8, 1955, at Bethesda Community Hospital, she was the daughter of Fred & Jeanne (Kame) Schwartz of Almond, NY.
Susan grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973). While in high school, she was employed as an office worker at the former Bethesda Community Hospital where she was exposed to the world of computer technology. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Alfred Sate College (SUNY Alfred) and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
In the spring of 1973 she met the love of her life and best friend, Ronald “Ron” Lockwood of Hornell and on June 5th, 1976 they married. They moved to Rochester the following year. She was first employed at Wegmans and later by the Fairport School District. In 1979, Susan & Ron moved back to Hornell and designed her dream home where their family have lived ever since.
She began her career working at Genesee Valley BOCES in Mt. Morris, teaching Computer Science & Computer Programming. She was a gifted and caring teacher for 30 years. Susan was highly respected by her colleagues and loved by her students. She also served an advisor to the DECA Club where her students won many awards. She retired in 2010.
Susan’s greatest joy was simply being the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend that she could possibly be. Throughout the years she loved attending her children’s school and sporting events and was always there for her family. Susan would welcome all of her children’s friends who would come over to swim, play basketball or just hang out. Her happiest times were spent with her family. She loved her three dogs, Onyx, Opal and Pearl.
Following her retirement, Susan loved traveling with her family, visiting all but 10 states. Her favorite was watching the sunset at Siesta Key Beach. She enjoyed traveling to each of her children’s homes around the country. Her children will treasure her wisdom, guidance, humility, kindness and love and will miss her dearly.
Susan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ron Lockwood; 3 children, Jason (Meredith) Lockwood of Charlotte, NC, Jaimee (Darcy Macdougald) Lockwood of Nashville, TN and Justine Lockwood of Tulum, Mexico; 3 grandchildren, Solara Rosas Lockwood, Lyla Lockwood and Weston Lockwood; her parents, Fred & Jeanne Schwartz of Almond; her sister, Chris (Larry) Drumm of Almond; and her niece Julie Barrett of Jacksonville, FL.
At Susan’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends will be invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” at a time and place to be announced later, where memories & stories will be shared.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Susan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alfred Almond Alumni Association or the American Cancer Society.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Gladys M. Drone – 96 – a resident of The Jewish Home of Rochester, formerly of 23 Church St., Hornell, NY, passed away early Monday morning (May 15, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.
Born in Canisteo, NY, on August 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Carl & Cora (Call) Oakes.
Gladys grew up in Canisteo and attended Canisteo Central School. She briefly lived in Angelica, NY, and Salamanca, NY, before settling in Hornell, where she resided for most of her adult life.
She was employed as a seamstress at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation in Hornell for several years and for over 20 years served as a seamstress at the former Marion Rohr Corporation in Hornell, retiring in the late 1980s.
Gladys was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the Rosary daily. A true “homemaker,” she loved flowers and tending to her flower garden. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting, cooking, baking, singing and dancing. Gladys also enjoyed spending time working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles and walking her beloved dogs, Bo and Sadie.
Throughout the years, Gladys loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. She always looked forward to hosting family dinners, especially to celebrate holidays together.
Gladys was married on September 14, 1946 to John F. Drone who passed away October 19, 1978. She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Howard Oakes, Robert Oakes, Carl Oakes and Charles Oakes; 4 sisters, Mildred Strobel, Catherine Racalto, Ruth Watt and Frances “Frankie” Oakes VanZyle Mackey; her step-son, John F. Drone, Jr.; her son-in-law, Joseph J. Ganz.
Surviving are 3 sons, Robert “Bob” (Doris) Drone of Boynton Beach, FL, Steven Drone of DeBary, FL, and Mark (Helen Ratliff) Drone of Hornell, NY; 3 daughters, Catherine “Cathy” (Bruce McLeod) Ganz Rohan of Webster, NY, Cora Lynn New of Hornell, NY, and Lorie Downey of Pittsford, NY; 1 sister, Mary Lou Laruche of Buffalo, NY; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
The family of Gladys M. Drone will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 (noon) – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Gladys’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Arkport, NY / Canaseraga, NY
Donald L. “Don” Butler – 79 – formerly of the Arkport / Canaseraga area, died Saturday (May 13, 2023) at Maple City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (formerly Hornell Gardens), where he has resided for the past 5 months.
Born in Canaseraga on May 6, 1944, he was the son of Curt & Iva (Barrett) Butler.
Don grew up in Canaseraga and attended Canaseraga Central School. During his high school years, he also worked on the Butler Family Farm. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Vietnam era.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Don returned to the Canaseraga area and lived most of his adult life in the Arkport / Canaseraga area.
He was employed for many years as a bus driver for Canaseraga Central School and also owned & operated Butler Transport Service, transporting Amish for work and other appointments.
Don loved sports and especially enjoyed watching College Basketball & College Football on TV. He also had a deep appreciation for classic vintage cars and throughout the years owned several. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 9 brothers & sisters.
Surviving are 2 sons, Roy Butler of Livonia and Brian (Teresa) Becker of Texas; 1 daughter, Brandy Clark of Arkport; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
At Don’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Don’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Campbell, New York
Ellen E. VanLuvanee – 68 – of Green Meadow Acres South, Campbell, NY, died Friday morning (May 12, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.
Born in Bath, NY on September 25, 1954, she was the daughter of Abel & Marion (Travis) Stinson.
Ellen grew up in Bradford, NY and attended Bradford Central School. While living in Bradford, she worked several jobs including baby-sitting. She resided in Rochester for a time and was employed as a cashier at a local grocery store.
A resident of the Campbell area for nearly 50 years, Ellen served as a waitress at a local diner and for many years worked for USDA Farm Service Agency, helping farmers throughout the area. She retired about 15 years ago. Following her “retirement”, Ellen was employed as a cashier at Kings Grocery in Savona, NY.
In her younger years, Ellen enjoyed crocheting & gardening.
She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John Stinson, Robert Stinson and Paul Stinson; 3 sisters, Sharon Klock, Donna Taylor & Theresa Hatch.
Surviving are her husband, Herbert VanLuvanee; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” (Michelle) Salisbury of Bath and Tige (Jennifer) Salisbury of Bath; 1 brother, William (Catherine) Walters; 3 sisters, Debbie Stinson of Penn Yan, Barbara Buckley of Savona and Janet (David) Mendez of Bradford, NY; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews and her beloved Pug, “Rollie.”
At Ellen’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Ellen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
Hornell, New York
Anne Livingston Gemmell – (80) – of 62 Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon, May 12, 2023 at her home, following a long illness.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 14, 1943, she was the daughter of Thomas & Josephine (Lockhart) Livingston.
Anne grew up in Glasgow. On October 6, 1962 she married Matthew Gemmell and in 1964 they moved to the United States. They resided on Sands Point, Long Island for a time, both working as “domestics” — Anne as housekeeper & cook and Matthew as a butler & chauffeur.
For several years they lived in Queens, NY where, for a time, Anne was a “Stay At Home Mom” raising her family. In 1973, they moved to Central Islip, Long Island and in 1975 Anne began volunteering at the St. John of God Catholic School. She was eventually hired as school as school librarian where she worked until her retirement in 1996.
While living on Central Islip, Anne was a communicant of St. John of God Catholic Church and had been a member of the Christian Mothers, St. John of God Home School Association as well as Clan McDuff.
In 1996, they moved to Hendersonville, NC where they resided for several years before moving to Hornell in 2005. Anne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed volunteering at Turning Point Catholic Charities and also volunteering at Hornell Gardens where she recited the Rosary every Thursday. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Liturgy Committee. She was an avid reader and also loved the time spent watching and taking care of her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Gemmell who died July 26, 2009.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Joanne (Deacon Mark) Clark of Hornell, Suzanne (Ed) Riss of Ronkonkoma, NY and Dianne (Sean) O’Neill of Hornell; 3 brothers, Robert (Betty) Livingston of England, Andrew Livingston of Scotland and Thomas Livingston of Ireland; 1 sister, Josephine Margey of Scotland; 6 grandchildren, Jackie Clark, Tom Clark, Allie (Kevin) Pullyblank, Matt Riss, Molly Riss and Jade Reynolds; 1 great-grandson, Carter Pullyblank; many nieces & nephews.
At Anne’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM St. Ann’s Church.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Anne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
HORNELL, NY
Shirley M. Spillane, 91, of North Hornell, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Shirley was the daughter of Eugene and Laurel Liston.
Shirley married Robert M. Spillane at St. Patrick’s Church in Dunedin, NZ in 1955, and together, they enjoyed extensive travel and raising their 4 children all over the world. Shirley chose to be a dedicated homemaker providing a loving home to her family while living in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indiana, Mexico, New York, New Jersey, and (for the last 28 years in) Hornell, NY.
Family was Shirley’s purpose and interest, enjoying nothing more than spending time with her family whom she treasured – especially her grandchildren who brought her so much joy – as well as her many friends from all over the world. Her warm smile and unlimited generosity for helping others were known everywhere she went, leaving a lasting impression with all those she met. She will be missed tremendously.
She is a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Suzanne (Hector) Hoyos, Robyn Spillane and Michele Spillane of Hornell; grandson, Gregory (Dajaneé) Hoyos of Rochester; granddaughter, Dr. Elisa Hoyos (Aaron Marshall) of Voorhees, NJ; great-grandson, Reuel Gregory Hoyos and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nephews & friends in New Zealand, Mexico & the U.S.
To honor Shirley’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass to be held at 10am on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY. Final interment will be next to her loving husband, Bob and beloved son, Brent in Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.
Hornell, NY Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Columbus, IN Funeral arrangements are in care of Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 25th St., Columbus, IN.
To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, NY / Almond, NY
Virginia M. Benson – (97) – a resident of Updyke’s Willow Ridge, formerly of Almond, died late Monday evening (May 8, 2023) following a brief illness.
Born in Hardy, OK on August 15, 1925, she was the daughter of Benjamin & Margaret (Hoback) Thomas.
Virginia grew up in Winfield, KS and was a graduate of Winfield High School (class of 1942). She resided in Susquehanna, PA from 1944 – 1954. She moved to Almond in 1954 and spent the bulk of her time there before moving to Hornell in 2011.
During WWII, Virginia served as a volunteer with the USO. She had been employed as a telephone operator for AT&T for about 2 years and for 25 years worked in the cafeteria at the Alfred-Almond Central School. Throughout the years Virginia also worked at the former Richmeyer’s Grocery, Tuttle & Rockwell Department Store and served as a hostess at the former Big Elms Restaurant.
Virginia was a member of the Almond Community Church and had also been a member of the Almond Historical Society and the 20th Century Club Library in Almond.
She was married on November 3, 1944 to George Benson who died in 1984. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Evans; brothers-in-law, Richard Jones and Jerry Evans; sister-in-law, Erla Shaw.
Surviving are her daughter, Margaret “Peggy” (James) Smith of Palm Coast, FL; 2 sons, Leo “Tom” (Vickie) Benson of Almond and George (Sue) Benson of Almond; 1 sister, Mary Ellen Jones of Derby, KS; 5 grandchildren, Angela Smith, Kari (Dale) Devendorf, Kellie (Joe) Bossie, Lisa Summers and Jennifer Benson; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Virginia M. Benson will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Rev. Scott Dumund officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.
Virginia’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Almond Union of Churches, Main St., Almond, NY 14804. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
Hornell, New York
James J. “Jim” Beaver – 73 – of 16 Pine St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Friday morning (May 5, 2023) shortly after being admitted to St. James Hospital after being stricken at home.
Born on June 14, 1949, he was the son of John & Loretta (McCarthy) Beaver.
Jim, affectionately known as “Beav,” grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School. He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1967).
Following high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps and, after graduating from Boot Camp in Paris Island, SC, served 13 month in Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. While serving in the Marines, he toured the world and was stationed in such places as Thailand and South Asia. Returning to the United States, Jim was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC for several months before being honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Jim was always proud of the fact that he joined the military at the same time as his high school buddies, Mike Crooks (US Army) and Mike Coogan (US Army).
Returning to the Hornell area, Jim began his 45 year career working construction for Local Laborer Union #1358 of Elmira, NY. Throughout the years, he worked on many major projects including the State Office Building in Hornell, construction of Route 36, countless bridge repairs, Hornell Middle School & Hornell High School additions & renovations, Arnot Ogden Hospital renovations, St. James Mercy Hospital addition & renovations and most recently the Windmill Project in Cohocton-Wayland just to name a few. He retired in 2014.
Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He had also been a member of the Hornell VFW, Hornell American Legion, Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association. He enjoyed rooting FOR the New York Yankees and AGAINST the Buffalo Bills and also enjoyed driving around in his truck looking at new construction sites in the area. Jim loved amusement parks and visiting his brother, Frank, to go to Hershey Park and ride the roller coasters.
He always knew the people in charge of local construction.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Francis “Fran” Beaver, Joseph “Joe” Beaver and John “Jack” Beaver, Jr.
He was married on July 12, 1975 to the former Mary K. Witzman who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Jeanna (Rob Crosby) Beaver of Bel Haven and Bridget Loretta Beaver of Hornell; 1 son, James “Jim” (Lauren) Beaver, Jr. of Almond; his “brother,” Mike Crooks, with whom he was raised; 8 grandchildren, Lily Crosby, Ella Crosby, Oliver Crosby, Gavin Beaver, Jayla Beaver, Cooper Hanchett, Colton Hanchett and Brook Beaver (with whom he helped raise); several nieces & nephews.
At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment at the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Hospital Activities Fund, 76 Veteran’s Ave., Bath, NY 14810.