Martha L. Gannon (Lewis) – August 3, 2021

 

Conesus, NY:  Peacefully, with family by her side, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at age 85.  Martha was born on February 11, 1936 in Rochester, NY to the late Francis and Elizabeth (Duncan) Lewis, Sr.  In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband of 58 years, William E. Gannon, son William F. “Kat” Gannon, her brother Francis “Jerry” Lewis and sister Anne Kasiske.  Survived by daughters; Mary (Vincent) McKeown, Jr. of Geneseo, Bridget Gannon of Geneseo, and Maureen “Murphy” (John) Gilsenan of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Vincent (Shannan) McKeown, Amanda McKeown (Alexander Kunkel), Dylan Gilsenan, and Shane Gilsenan; great-granddaughters, Evelyn, Kelly, and Colleen McKeown.  Also survived by several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Music was Martha’s passion and she enjoyed her time as a church organist and pianist for many years in the community.  She was a member of the American Guild of Organists, served as a Town Councilwoman on the Conesus Town Board, was a past Officer of the Peo Bay Association in Cape Vincent, NY, and was a long-time member of the Conesus Legion Post #1779 Auxiliary.  Martha and her husband Bill were recognized as the Conesus Senior Citizens of the Year, which made them smile.  She was affectionately known as “Marvelous Martha” by her family and for possessing a great sense of humor.  She truly loved living on Conesus Lake, her home of 50 years.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, August 8th, from 1pm-3pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY where a Service to Celebrate Martha’s Life will be held at 10am on Monday, August 9th.  Rev. Sue Forsythe will be the celebrant.  Burial will follow at Arnold Cemetery Conesus, NY.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Morgan Estates Memory Care Unit Activities Fund, 4588 Morgan View Road, Geneseo, NY 14454 or the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Memory Care Unit Activities Fund, 11 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510.  To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:  www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com

Gary Watkins ~ August 3, 2021

Dansville: On August 3, 2021 at age 74, Gary passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Dansville. He was born in Woodhull, NY to the late Harold and Verda Watkins. Survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Jennifer L. Watkins, his children; Amy (Richard) Neumann, Jennifer (Ryan) York, Adrianne (Brandon) Wilber, Burton (Megan) Price III, and Collin Price, his brother Douglas Watkins, and his grandchildren; Cody, Jacob, Jordyn, Cooper, Chase, Juniper, and Maddilyn, along with many loved foster children, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends Judith Guiles and Randy Dieter.

Gary spent his 46+ year career following his passion for all things railroad. He traveled the U.S. building and maintaining railways and creating many long-lasting friendships along the way. His incredible work ethic couldn’t go unnoticed. His co-workers looked to him for his wisdom, his guidance, and occasionally for dates. Turns out he was a pretty good matchmaker too. (By the way Brandon, you still owe Dad a goat.)

Always ready with a witty remark, his sly smile gave away his playful nature. He lived to make those he loved happy. No family gathering was complete without an unexpected comment followed by fits of laughter from all in the room and Gary grinning from ear to ear over his accomplishment. His positivity was invaluable as he faced an onslaught of medical issues lasting years. He fought through them all with grace and an amazing strength seldom seen.

Most importantly, to Gary family was everything and everyone was family. Never was there a time where Gary would not interrupt his own task to help another in any way needed, whether it was fixing the broken down car of a stranded stranger on the side of the road, or having a long sit down with any one of the many people he held close. All deserved his time, attention and kindness which he gave freely, abundantly and without judgement.

Anyone who knew Gary was aware that they knew someone special. They say that a man is measured not by how he dies, but how he chose to live, not by what he gained, but what he chose to give. By this measure, and all others, he was one of a kind.

Friends and family are invited to come from 5-8 PM to celebrate Gary on Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Dansville Fish and Game Club (upper clubhouse), 79 Gibson Street in Dansville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to: Ronald McDonald House Charities, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.

Patricia Dehmler Willis “Pat” – August 2, 2021

Lakeville, NY:  Pat passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 2, 2021 at age 84. Predeceased by her husband George F. Willis and daughter Kathleen L. Piccone.

Survived by her sons, Thomas “Tom” (Vicki) Willis and Theodore “Ted” (Connie) Willis; son-in-law Perry Piccone; 7 grandchildren, John, Jessica, Stephanie, Jacob, Christopher Willis, and Nicholas, and Anthony Piccone; as well as 4 great-granddaughters, Kylee, Lilly, Malayah, and Ellia.  Also survived by many other loving family and friends including the Rogers family who after the passing of her husband loved her as one of their own.

Pat retired from Rush-Henrietta Central School and was always a caregiver throughout her life. Taking care of her father, mother, husband, and daughter during their illnesses. She loved to play golf and was always available for friends and family many times putting their needs ahead of her own. She always had a smile on her face or gave you the Pat wink when she was near you. Her friends loved her. Her family adored her. She will be sadly missed by everyone that she ever touched in her life.

Family and friends may call on Friday, August 13th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY.  A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 14th, at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 1120 S. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:  www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com