WILLIAM MORGAN
MT. UPTON - William I. Morgan, “Bill,” 61, of St. Highway 8, Mt. Upton, and long-time South New Berlin resident, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 18, 2003 in Wilson Hospital of Johnson City. Bill was born Dec. 1, 1941, in Johnson City, the son of Robert and Ina (Gates) Morgan. Bill moved to South New Berlin when he was six, and attended and graduated from the South New Berlin schools. He also attended the U.S. Maritime School in New York City. On Nov. 3, 1962, in South New Berlin, Bill married Gwendolyn Stanton. In his early working career, Bill was employed by Bendix Corporation of Sidney as a lathe operator. He subsequently moved to Silver Springs, Maryland, and worked for four years as a computer programmer for the Leasco Company of College Park, which worked on government contracts. Bill then moved back to South New Berlin. For the next 15 years, he worked as a data processor for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals, starting in 1970 and leaving in 1985. At that point, Bill and Gwen moved to Gilbertsville where Bill followed one of his dreams and bought a dairy farm. He and Gwen worked the farm for eight years until his health required him to sell the herd, but they continued to live there until moving to Mt. Upton in 1993. Bill was currently working as a substitute mail carrier for the Unadilla Post Office and was also employed part-time by McLaughlin’s Department Store of Norwich. Devoted to his family, Bill found contentment in time spent with them, especially his grandchildren. He was passionately interested in genealogy, and by hard work had traced both families back to the Mayflower. Bill also was an avid basketball player. Bill is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, of Mt. Upton; by his sons, Robert Morgan and wife Christine of Binghamton, and G. Daniel Morgan of South New Berlin; and his grandchildren, Taneeka, Justin, and Kody of Binghamton. He is also survived by his brother, Harry J. Morgan and wife Janet of Athens, PA, and his sister-in-law, Nancy Nuss. Bill was pre-deceased by his father, Robert, on May 20, 1955; by his mother, Ina, on Jan. 3, 2002; and by his brother, Thomas Glenn Morgan, on March 26, 1991. Funeral services for Bill were held today at 11 a.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, with Kurt Funke of the South New Berlin Baptist Church officiating. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin. Friends called at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 until 4 p.m. Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

MARY MARTIN
NORWICH - Funeral services for Mary M. Martin were held on Friday, July 18, 2003, at St. Paul’s Church with Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor, celebrating a mass of resurrection. Mass began with Mary’s daughter, Theresa, and her family, husband Jeffrey and daughters Kate, Trish and Colleen placing the baptismal pall upon the casket. Granddaughter Trish placed a statue of St. Anthony upon the pall. The readings were proclaimed by Mary’s granddaughter, Kate. Presenting the offertory gifts were Trish and Colleen Spring, and Trish also served as eucharistic minister. At Mary’s request, Mike Carnrike sang “40 Shades of Green” following communion. The organist for the service was Susan Ticknor, and family friend Brian Hyland was vocalist. John Tiquin was the altar server. Serving as casket bearers were Jay Whipple, James, Tom and Mike Carnrike, Bob Jeffrey, Don Marcellus and James Downey. The arrangements were under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.

MILDRED BUSH
NORWICH - Mildred H. Bush, 94, of Peacock Park Apts., Norwich, passed away Saturday evening, July 19, 2003 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital. Born in McDonough on July 25, 1908, Mildred was the daughter of Leon and Addie (Gates) Pike. She grew up in McDonough and lived for a time in East Pharsalia before making her home in Peacock Park Apartments in Norwich. In February of 2003, Mildred’s health required her to move to the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford. Her husband of 36 years, Clyde Bush, whom Mildred married in 1949, had passed away on June 23, 1985. During the 1940’s, Mildred began her working years with employment at the Norwich Pharmacal Company. She went to work as a cook at Preston Manor in 1952 and worked there for 30 years, retiring in 1982. After retirement, she continued to work at Preston Manor on a part-time basis, doing mending. Mildred is survived by her children and their spouses: Charles and Pat Hathaway of South Otselic, and Judy Hathaway, Hayden Bush, and Madelyn and Tony Magistro, all of Norwich; by eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law, Doris Pike of Lafayette. Besides her husband, Mildred was pre-deceased by her son, Robert Pike, in 1977; and by her sister and brother, Gladys Howe and Hayden Pike. Funeral services for Mildred will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Mark Fazio of the Calvary Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment in East Pharsalia Cemetery will follow the service. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tues. from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions in Mildred’s memory may be sent to the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Program, 5 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815, marked “donation for home-delivered meals.”

MILDRED BUSH
NORWICH - Funeral services for Mildred Bush were held on Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at 1 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Mark Fazio of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich officiated. Interment followed in the East Pharsalia Cemetery with Rev. Fazio offering the committal prayers.

CORRINE HAGEN
NORWICH - Corrine J. “Corky” Hagen, 73, of Graceview Manor, Norwich, passed away Saturday morning, July 19, 2003 in the NYS Veterans’ Home of Oxford, where she had made her home for a short time. Born in Oneonta on April 29, 1930, Corky was the daughter of William and Beatrice (Kelly) Reihl. She grew up in Oriskany Falls and attended their schools until the age of 12, when she and her family moved to Norwich, and Corky finished her education in the Norwich schools. Her working career began with a two-year employment with Norwich Knitting Mill, then she went to work for the F. W. Woolworth Company in Norwich. Corky retired from the store after 30 years, and became interested in doing home-care for the elderly through Hospice of Chenango County. For a time, she worked in the cafeteria at NBT, and her last employment was with McDonald’s in Norwich. Corky always loved a good game of Bingo, and had been very involved in the activities of her church. She was an active member of the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club for many years. Corky is survived by her daughter, Sharon Lester of Oxford; by her grandchildren, Marcy, Albert, and Crystal Lester; and by one great grandson, Tyler Lester; by her sisters: Betty Biviano, Marlene Davis, Beatrice Heath, Bernice Whispell, Kathleen Drawdy, and S. Jean Loomis; and by her brothers: Wallace “Keith” Reihl, Leonard Reihl, Ronald Reihl, and Robert Sherman. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest H. Hagen, and her son, Ernest C. Hagen; by her sister, Carlene Snyder, and her brothers, Charles, William and Carl Reihl. Funeral services for Corky will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Rebekah Sweet, pastor of the Broad St. United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions in Corky’s memory may be sent to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.

CORRINE HAGEN
NORWICH - Funeral services for Corrine (Corky) Hagen were held on Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at 1 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Rebekah Sweet, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, officiated. Corky’s granddaughter, Marcy Lester, offered special thoughts and memories of her grandmother. Interment followed in the Mt. Hope Cemetery with Rev. Sweet offering the committal prayers.

CATHERINE SHOEMAKER
NORWICH - Funeral services for Catherine Shoemaker were held on Saturday, July 19, 2003, at St. Paul’s Church with Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor, celebrating a mass of resurrection. Mass began with Catherine’s sister, Mary Mueller, and niece, Catherine White, placing the baptismal pall upon the casket. Catherine’ long-time friend John Tiquin proclaimed the Old and New Testament readings. Marie Dykstra served as eucharistic minister, and John Tiquin was altar server. Susan Ticknor was the organist, and the vocalist was Nick DeSalvatore. Interment followed the service in St. Paul’s Cemetery. The arrangements were under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.

VICTORIA EGNACZAK
NORWICH - Victoria “Vickie” Egnaczak, 86, passed away peacefully at her home with her family on Friday, July 18, 2003. Born on Oct. 2, 1916 in Olean, she was daughter of the late Maxmillan and Eva (Sczurmanski) Wepasnick. On Sept. 21, 1946 she married Chester B. Egnaczak in Olean. He predeceased her on April 29, 1984. She retired from Bendix where she worked for several years in the molding department. She was known for making delicious and beautiful cakes and she loved to work in her flower gardens. Vickie was active in the McDonald Hose Ladies Auxiliary. Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Monica (Thomas) Jensen of Norwich, Mary (Richard) Cicotta of Fairport and Vicki (Bill) Hood of Sidney; one son and daughter-in-law, Bernard and Susan Egnaczak of Fayetteville; and eight grandchildren, Andrea Zurbruegg of Liverpool, John Zurbruegg of Tempe, Ariz., Katherine Jensen of Norwich, Brian Hood and fiancée Amanda Frederick of Raleigh, N.C., Danielle Hood of Lewisburg, Pa., and Jaime, Erin and Alexander Egnaczak, all of Fayetteville. Vickie is also survived by one sister, Wanda Korba of California; a sister-in-law, Corda Wepasnick of Maryland; a good friend, John Gallagher; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Alexander Zurbruegg, and two brothers, William and Leonard Wepasnick. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Gordon Polenz, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. Friends may call today as the family will be in attendance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820, the Sidney Emergency Squad or the Sacred Heart Church.

ROBERT KIEVIT SR.
PITCHER - Robert Joseph Kievit Sr., 58, of Cook Road, Pitcher, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2003, at the Cortland Memorial Hospital, Cortland. Born on Feb. 14, 1945 in Patterson, N.J., he was the son of the late John T. and Evelyn Christopher Kievit. He retired from the Cincinnatus Central School in 1985 where he had worked as a head mechanic and bus driver for over 15 years. Prior to that he had worked as a milk truck driver for Don Wight which later became Coventry Transport. Bob also spent a great deal of time cutting and selling firewood. Surviving are his loving wife of 37 years, Marie E. Kievit of Pitcher; his children, Robert J. (Lori A.) Kievit Jr. of Pitcher, Christopher R. Kievit of Michigan, and Kimberly M. (Jonathan A.) McKee of Cincinnatus; four sisters, Nancy (John) Otto of Smithville, N.J., Jean Strysko of Mahwah, N.J., Doris (Dutch) Munster of Midland Park, N.J., and Judy (Jim) Jeager of St. Simons, Ga.; a sister-in-law, Eleanor (widow of Jack Kievit) Grieder of Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.; his mother-in-law, Lucille Behrens of Clifton, N.J.; four grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Kievit. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Delbert Wemple officiating. Burial will be in Taylor Rural Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Black Funeral Home, Cincinnatus. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be directed to the Cincinnatus Emergency Squad, c/o Elaine Oros, 5771 McFarlane Road, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.

JOHN D’AMBRA
NORWICH - A Mass of Resurrection for John D’Ambra was held on Friday morning at 11 from St. Paul’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor, officiated. The gifts were presented by John’s brother Andrew, his sister Molly and his sister-in-law Rosemarie. The reading were given by John Tiquin. Organist for the service was Susan Ticknor and the soloist was Bertha DeFonzo. Interment with full military rites followed in Mt. Hope Cemetery with Rev. Cunningham offering the committal prayers. The military rites were provided by members of local veterans organizations, all under the direction of Commander Harold Funke. Members of the color guard were Dick Pratt, Ron Palmer and Mark Caldwell. Firing Squad members were Bill Ballin, Pete McGowan and Bob Kappauf. The flag was folded by Ron Palmer, Pete McGowan and Harold Funke with Mr. Funke presenting the flag to John’s son, Anthony. Buglar for the service was Nick Natoli. Arrangements were by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

WILLIAM MORGAN
NORWICH - Funeral services for William Morgan of Mt. Upton were held on Monday morning at 11 from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Kurt Funke of the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin officiated. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin with Funke offering the committal prayers.

ROSE LORIMER
NORWICH - Rose S. Lorimer, 85, formerly of West Midland Drive, Norwich, passed away Monday afternoon in the Gilmour Health Care where she had made her home for the past two years. Rose was born Aug. 19, 1917, in Norwich, the daughter of Angelo and Nunziata (Saltalamachia) Magistro. In December of 1945, she married Duane Lorimer, who passed away May 2, 1986. A life-long resident of Norwich, Rose had attended the Norwich schools but left school early to help with her family. She first went to work for the Norwich Knitting Mill and subsequently worked for the Norwich City Schools in their cafeteria. Following her retirement, and finding she did not like retirement, Rose went to work as a cook for the Chenango County Sheriff’s Dept. She also cared for several Norwich residents in their homes. Rose was a life-long and very devoted member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, and was a member of the church’s Ave Maria Guild and the Rosary Society. She spent countless hours working for the church in its activities, especially the spaghetti suppers. In keeping with her love of cooking, she would always be cooking a meal for somebody, be it family or friends, and it would without doubt include meatballs. Rose was a member of the American Legion Post 189 Auxiliary and also the VFW post 2782 Auxiliary, of which she was Past President and Chaplain. Rose always had a smile for everyone she met and was always ready to help with all she could. She enjoyed music and, over the years, had knitted many items for her family. Rose is survived by her children: Richard Lorimer and his wife Virginia of Norwich, Elaine Burton and her husband Robert of Norwich, Mary Neadom and her husband Charles of Norwich, Joseph Lorimer and his wife Michelle of Norwich, and Lianne Sprague and her husband Denny of Guilford; her grandchildren, Kristen Lorimer, Keith Lorimer, Rick Burton, Robert Burton and his wife Joan, Israel Lorimer, Adam Sprague, Joshua Neadom, Curtis Neadom, Brett Lorimer, and Kyle Lorimer; and 6 great grandchildren: Alexa and Jensyn Burton, Riley Marie Burton, Colin Grandstaff, Jenna Hitt, and Ayden John. Also surviving are her sister, Mary Annesi of Norwich, and brother, Anthony Magistro also of Norwich, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rose was predeceased by her son, George A. Lorimer, on April 7, 1980; her sister, Nunziata Dain; and her brothers, Joseph, James, Angelo, Jenerine and Charles. A Mass of Resurrection for Rose will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. from St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Bartholomew’s Church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass at 1 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the church, and members of the VFW Auxiliary will conduct a memorial service at 11 a.m., also at the church. Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815, or to the activities fund at Gilmour Health Care Facility, 88 Calvary Drive, Norwich NY 13815.

DORA COOPER
OXFORD - Dora Cooper, 92, of Guilderland, formerly of Franklin Street, Oxford, died on July 14, 2003, at the Guilderland Center Nursing Home. Born on May 9, 1911 in Coventry, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Mattison) Hughes. On Dec. 25, 1932 she married Philip Cooper, who died on Nov. 23, 1999. She was a long-time member of the United Church of Oxford, the Home Bureau, the East Side Literary Club and the Church Women United of Oxford. Surviving are her children, Richard and Robin Cooper of Fort Wayne, Ind., Barbara Dorato of Albany, and Anita and Donald Sheldon of Oxford; her sister, Margaret McLaughlin of Interlaken; her grandchildren, Pam and Ken Berg of Kendallville, Ind., Judy and Dennis Thompson of Fort Wayne, Ind., Dennis and Chris Cooper of Crestwood, Ky., Kelli and David Szoltysik of Fort Wayne, Ind., Tom and Patricia Dorato of Albany, Mike and Ellen Dorato of Albany, Sue and John Heaney of Fort Lee, N.J., Cathy and Thaddeus Lalley of Redmond, Wash., Erica Sheldon of Oxford, and Geoffrey Sheldon of Oxford; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Skyler Hughes and Floyd Hughes, and her sisters, Beatrice Benjamin and Ethel Tracy. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m. from the United Church of Oxford, Main Street, Oxford, with the Rev. Allen C. Lang, pastor of her church, officiating. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Oxford.

GERALD VANDERBUNT
GREENE - Gerald A. VanderBunt, 66, died on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2003, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City. Born on June 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Anthony and Victoria (Lund) VanderBunt. Gerald was a graduate of Oxford Academy, class of 1955. He did electrical line work most of his life, as a member of IBEW Local 1249 and several years with the Village of Greene Electric. He enjoyed driving and showing his 1927 Pontiac in local shows and parades. He also enjoyed sharing his morning coffee with his friends at Sweets N Eats and his pitch playing abilities with his buddies on Wednesday and Friday nights. He was an active snowmobiler for years and member of the Greene Drift Riders and Smithville Center Night Owls. Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Scott and Holly VanderBunt, and Shawn VanderBunt, all of Greene; a daughter and son-in-law, Tammi and Bob Eccleston of East Greenville, Pa.; four grandchildren, Wyatt VanderBunt, Matthew, Elizabeth and Victoria Eccleston; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara VanderBunt of Greene; two sisters, Lori Sterling and her companion Dennis Waldron, and CarolAnn Turtura, all of Constantia; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. from the Root Funeral Home with The Very Rev. Ralph E. Osborne, rector of the Zion Episcopal Church, Greene, officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford. Friends of the family may call tonight from 7 to 9 at the Root Funeral Home, 23 North Chenango St., Greene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society, 401 North Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13203.

WILLIAM BRESEE
NORWICH - William Bresee, 66, of Starke, Fla. died unexpectedly in Norwich on July 2, 2003. Mr. Bresee was a retired machinist from Hercules Manufacturing. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Starke, Fla. Mr. Bresee is survived by his brother Arlen Bresee of Norwich; his mother Pearl Bresee, also of Norwich; four sons: William P. Bresee of New York, and David E. Bresee, Theodore T. Bresee and Jonathon A. Bresee of Florida. There were no formal funeral arrangements, at his request.

ROBERT DENYSE
COVENTRY - Robert S. DeNyse, 83, of 130 Owlville Road, Coventry, died on Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at his home. Born on April 16, 1920 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Simon and Catherine (Downey) DeNyse. On March 31, 1979 in Greene he married Priscilla Young Morris, who survives. Bob was a United States Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Fort Hill Post 376, American Legion in Oxford. He moved from Brooklyn to the New York State Veteran’s Home in Oxford in 1973 and left in 1979, residing in Coventry since. Besides his wife, Priscilla, he is survived by his children, Judy and Fred Martinez of Yuma, Ariz., Kathy and Craig Sebring of Valdosta, Ga., Robert and Mary Morris of Avon, and Jim and Dawn Morris of Attalla, Ala.; his grandchildren, Makaylia Roberts, Cassidy and Bryan Decker, Jason Sebring, Rob Morris, Lawrence Morris and Ken Morris; his beloved great-granddaughter, Kylie Rae Decker; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Kathy and Joe Cronin, William and Susan Rhatigan and their children, Christine, Brian, Loren and Kathleen, Patty Hadgkiss, Thomas Maragni, Pattie Rhatigan, and Ken and Eleanor Maragni; and his beloved pets, Brownie, Sam and Sammy. Funeral services will be held on Sunday at the Behe Funeral Home, Oxford, with Valeda Banta, pastor of the Coventry United Methodist Church, officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by members of Fort Hill Post 376. Inurnment will be in Vest Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the Behe Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coventry United Methodist Church, 2569 state Route 203, Greene, or to Hospice of Chenango County, 28 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.

HUGH SWERTFAGER
NORWICH - Hugh J. “Bob” Swertfager, 75, of County Road 33, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at his residence. Born on March 8, 1928 in Norwich, he was the son of John and Eva (Frink) Swertfager. Hugh was educated in the Norwich Schools and worked for a short time for the former Victory Markets before serving with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge from active duty, Hugh rejoined Victory Markets-Great American in their East Main Street warehouse and remained there for 41 years until they closed in 1992. Hugh was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished gardener and will be fondly remembered for his roses and strawberries. He also loved to bowl and had been a member of the former Mercantile League and the Saturday Night Strikers. Hugh was a big fan of NASCAR. In 1951, Hugh married the former Louise Miller, who survives. Additionally he is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Bonnie and Kevin Diefenbacher and Mary Jane and Jeff Courtney; a step-daughter, Sherie Warner; six grandchildren, Eric Diefenbacher, Alan and Cheri Hess all of Norwich, Virginia “Jinny” Ostrom of Sherburne, Barbara Fleming of Silver Spring, Nev. and Clayton Ostrom of Eugene, Ore.; a great-grandchild, Jordan Hess of Norwich; two brothers, Leland Swertfager of Norwich and Edward Swertfager of Bakersfield, Calif.; two sisters, Mary E. Genung of Oxford and Matilda Myrick of Tucson, Ariz. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by three brothers, Frederick, Charles and James Swertfager and a sister, Dorothy Dolan. Memorial services for Hugh will be held on Monday at noon at the Wilson Funeral Home at 68 South Broad St, Norwich. Burial will take place in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home web site at www.wilsonfh.com.

EMILY TOOPES
NORWICH - Emily M. (Bates) Toopes, 82, a retired switchboard operator, went to be with the Lord from Summerfield Suites, Summerfield, Fla. Born on July 5, 1921 in Plymouth, she was the daughter of Jay and Gaynel (Ingham) Bates. She was a loving and caring person, doing crafts for Hospice, and cooking and baking for neighbors and friends; especially sending cookies to her step-grandsons. Surviving are her sisters, Lucille (Claude) Cole of Plymouth, and Georgia Brown, Alice (Perle) Beckwith, Flora Bates and Dora Bates, all of Norwich; her brothers, Robert and Viola Bates of North Norwich, and Bradley and Marjorie Bates of Sherburne, a brother-in-law, George Pollock of Springfield, Mo.; a step-son, James A. (Anne) Toopes Jr. of Ridgewood, N.J.; two step-grandsons, Joshua and Jonathan Toopes of Ridgewood, N.J.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and two beloved dogs, Tasha and Yokum. She was predeceased by her husband, James A. Toopes on Nov. 11, 1996; a sister, Carol Pollock; two brothers, Lawrence and Byron Bates; and a brother-in-law, Dick Brown. Memorial services were held July 14 at the First Methodist Church Chapel, officiated by Hospice Chaplain Rev. Warren Thompson. Burial was in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla. There will be a memorial service for family and friends on Saturday at 1 p.m. from the Smyrna Baptist Church with the Rev. Dale Sanders officiating. Contributions can be made to Hospice. God bless to all. Arrangements were with the Hires Funeral Home, Ocala, Fla.

ROSE LORIMER
NORWICH - A mass of resurrection for Rose Lorimer was held on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 1 p.m. from St. Bartholomew’s Church. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor, officiated. The mass began with the placement of the baptismal pall on Rose’s casket by her children, Richard, Elaine, Mary, Joseph and Lianne. The readings were given by Sister Alice and Sister Rose. The General Intercessions were read by Sister Sheena. Joan Burton, Nan Magistro and Chrissy Lorimer presented the gifts. Mary Ann Bodiot was the eucharistic minister and George Zieno was the altar server. Organist for the service was Susan Ticknor and soloist was Antoinette Perkins. Members of the Ave Maria Guild provided an honor guard following the mass. At 10:30 a.m., members of the Ave Marie Guild and Rosary Society recited the Rosary with the family led by Sister Jackie and Mary Ann Bodoit. At 11 a.m., members of the VFW Auxiliary conducted a memorial service at the church. Interment followed in St. Paul’s Cemetery with Rev. Cunningham offering the committal prayers. Pall bearers were Robert Burton, Rick Burton, Brett Lorimer, Kyle Lorimer, Keith Lorimer, Israel Lorimer, Josh Neadom, Curtis Neadom and Adam Sprague. Arrangements were by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.