Category: Obituaries

Lucretia Marie Campagno McGowan Davie Chase passed away March 24th, 2023. She was born August 31, 1929, in Rochester, NY to Stephen & Minnie Campagno. She attended Sacred Heart Academy & Lake Forest College. In 1951, she married Charles J McGowan. While living in Pittsburgh, pregnant for her fourth child in 1961, Lucretia was widowed when Charley was in a fatal car accident. Now the mother of 3 sons and a daughter, Lu moved to Pittsford, after finishing her master’s degree in art education, to be closer to family. In 1966, Lu married Francis Davie, a widower with 3 children, making a blended family of 7 children, follow by 2 more children in 1967 & 1970.

Most people who knew Lucretia knew her as a creative, enthusiastic, and productive fiber artist. Her home and closets were filled with many works of art, including rugs, bedspreads, tapestries large and small, fiber screens and numerous dresses, coats, skirts, and tops. She had as many as 12 looms along with several spinning wheels and a room filled floor to ceiling with all colors and types of yarns. She taught lessons, trained apprentices and spoke at length about weaving and art to anyone in close proximity. She was a member of the Weavers’ Guild both in Rochester and later in Massachusetts and participated in numerous shows, including the Clothesline Festival. Her work was hung in hotel lobbies, corporate board rooms and church altars, including Glastonbury Abbey, in Hingham, MA where Lu became a regular at Mass & many retreats. Her passion for her craft continues in the art world and education as her former apprentices work in the arts and teaching.

After a divorce, Lu took up real estate and joined Rotary, along with continuing her weaving. She also spent a good deal of time on Nantucket, visiting her children. She gathered many friends during her stays and also produced many island inspired landscape tapestries that incorporated natural elements such as grasses & dried flowers. It was also there where Lu met Freeman Chase. She & Freeman were married in 2003 and Lu settled in Scituate, Ma. She continued with her weaving and had a studio near her home. Freeman passed away in 2012. In 2018, Lu returned to Rochester and resided at Valley Manor. Her artwork filled her home and was shown on many occasions in her building.

Lucretia had her pilot’s license and liked to tell stories about racing cars in Watkins Glen. She was gregarious and loved to socialize. She leaves behind many friends and admirers spanning her high school years to present day.

She is survived by 6 natural children: Steven McGowan (Trisha), Portland, Or; Kevin McGowan (Emily) Houston, Tx; Marty McGowan (Holly) Nantucket, MA; Mary Catherine McGowan (Pat Gillespie), Buffalo, SD; Bruce Davie, Rochester, NY; Andy Davie, Rochester, NY. Her devoted Niece and Nephew, Patty Schmid (David) Phoenix, AZ Steve Camp (Linda) Coconut Creek, FL 6 grandchildren and 2 great grand daughters.

Private interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester. A Celebration of Lucretia’s life will be held later in the year. In Lucretia’s honor and in gratitude for the great care of her son Andy, donations may be sent to Heritage Christian Services of Rochester, NY.

Michele J. Foster “Cookie”
Passed away on Monday, April 3^rd, 2023, peacefully surrounded by family after a long hard fight at her end of life.

Predeceased by her mom and dad, Nunny and Pappy; brothers Winks (Donna) and Butch; sister Toots; and nephews Timmy and Jeff.
Survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Charles Foster; daughters Sharri (Daniel) and Cindi (Christopher); grandchildren Tony (Katie), Nick (Victoria), Cara, Carli, Aley, and Christa; great-grandchildren Lucas, Aubrey, Gabriella, Benny, and Bailey; sister-in-law Nancy; and nieces and nephews Angie (Steve), Craig (Pam), Traci (Steve), and Jodi (Santos).

Michele was born on March 2, 1944, at home in North Belle Vernon, PA. She was known as “Cookie” by all of her family and friends in PA where she lived until she moved to Irondequoit, NY with her husband and 2 daughters at the age of 30. Michele was married before she graduated Belmar High School while her husband was on a leave from the Air Force Base in Lincoln, NB. After graduation she joined him and lived on the Air Force Base until his service was completed. They moved back to North Belle Vernon and were reunited with family and lifelong friends until her move to Irondequoit. Michele’s family continues to grow in New York where her immediate family resides.

Family and faith was the most important part of her world. Many car rides back to PA to visit extended family were made. She was the center of the “universe” for her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She lived for her family and they all knew that with all of their hearts. She was the most loving, selfless, caring, non-judgmental, beautiful human being everyday of her life; not only to family but to anyone that she met. She was the easiest, most comfortable person to spend time with and talk to. She preferred to spend time with family and friends more than anything! She knew everyone’s favorites and made sure all were content. She opened her home to others in need. She lived the perfect example of faith and unconditional love that all human beings should be to one another. She will be missed terribly and her family feels such a deep pain in their hearts for their loss, but they also know how very blessed they have been to have her in their lives. Her beautiful legacy will be in the hearts of all who knew her and imprinted forever on the hearts of her family. We love you! You gave us all so much to miss.

From Michele to her family (as found on handwritten notes in her personal prayer box):

Heavenly Father,
In you, my family is in good hands.
I pray for your wonderful blessings upon them
and for each one to feel your presence, strength, and love.
I ask you to protect my family emotionally, spiritually,
mentally and in every way.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Calling hours will be held Friday, April 14^th 4-8PM at Dierna Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be Saturday, April 15^th at 12PM at Dierna Funeral Home. Interment Irondequoit Cemetery.

Beverly Ann Schenk, a beloved wife with a sweet soul, an abundance for life and a
beautiful smile passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023.
Beverly was the daughter of the late Henry and Marion Lathrop. On July 28, 1979, she
married the love of her life who survives, Thomas G. Schenk. She is also survived by
her sister, Nancy M. Crandall, sisters-in-law, Paula Schenk and Ann Sharp, brother-in-
law, Paul (Sherry) Schenk, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
She was adored and loved by all who knew her.
Beverly graduated from Bradford Area High School and came to Rochester at the age
of 22. She loved the Rochester area and it became her home. Beverly worked for many
years at Kodak and retired from there in 2004.
In honor and celebration of Beverly’s life, calling hours will be held Friday May 5th from
4 pm – 7 pm at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Road Rochester, N.Y.14609. A
funeral mass will be held at St Kateri Parish (St Cecilia Church) at 2732 Culver Road,
Rochester, N.Y. 14609 on Saturday, May 6th at 11am. A luncheon will be held at the
church immediately following the funeral mass. All in attendance are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Advent House at 1010 Moseley Road, Fairport, NY 14450 where
Beverly received compassionate and loving care in her last days. Information on making donations can be found on the Advent House website.

Frank Lanzafame

Passed away on March 26, 2023, born February 4, 1941 to Nancy and Joseph Lanzafame in Rochester, NY. He was happily married to the girl next door for 60 years. He married Helen (Cupolo) Lanzafame in 1962 and together they had four children – Anne Marie, Joseph, John (Mary Olsen-Lanzafame) and Mary (Todd Braaten). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Jo Cupolo and many cousins including Dorothy Pecoraro, Rita and Mike Rose and family, and the Lipari and Lanzafame families. He graduated from Saint John Fisher College in 1962 and received his PhD from the University of Rochester in 1968. He taught chemistry at Monroe Community College for over30 years. He enjoyed Italian movies, classical and jazz music. He enjoyed his retirement watching and sharing Italian movies at the Casa Italiana and the IACC.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 10am at Peace of Christ Parish at St. James Church. Private Interment.  In lieu of flowers, he requested that mourners listen to Mozart’s Requiem in silence.

Gerald John Balonek
November 22, 1950 – March 4, 2023
Gerald “Jerry” Balonek passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at age 72. Fondly known as “Dr B”, Jerry earned his Veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1975. When he came to Rochester he worked for the Pittsford Veterinary group, then at Midtown Veterinary Hospital where he became involved with the care of animals at the Seneca Park Zoo. In 1987, Dr B purchased East Ridge Animal Hospital where he treated dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets, and various exotic animals. He created an environment where injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife could be treated, cared for, and hopefully rehabilitated. There was never a charge for that. Dr B not only won the hearts of his clientele, but he was also awarded for his service and
commitment to the veterinary community. The GVVMA awarded him a lifetime achievement award. Dr. Balonek created a family at East Ridge Animal Hospital with his guidance, wisdom, dedication, and unsurpassed generosity. He was passionate about providing affordable veterinary care for all pets. Dr B was known for his humor and love of practical jokes. He leaves us with a lifetime of memories and knowledge. Jerry loved hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting with his bird dogs, deer hunting and in his earlier years, duck hunting. He also enjoyed helping wildlife and domestic pets survive… thus his vocation as a veterinarian.
He is predeceased by his parents John and Norma Balonek. He is survived by his brother Thomas Balonek (Barbara Hoopes), and cousins David Meyer (Linda Converse), Michael Kelly, Stephen (Carol) Kelly, and Christine (Kenneth) Tomasek.
Calling hours will be Friday, March 24th, 4-7pm and Saturday, March 25th, 12-3pm with a brief remembrance service at 3pm at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Rd., Rochester, NY 14609. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Wild Wings Inc. Bird Sanctuary or the National Kidney Foundation.

Jose Maldonado

Passed away peacefully on March 13, 2023, at age 76. Predeceased by his beloved wife Donna and his parents Alejandro and Eva. He is survived by his children Aydalis (Christian), Maritza (Reinaldo) De La Cruz, Jose (Carmen) Maldonado, Leyka Maldonado, Nancy Maldonado, Cecilia (Samuel) Avila-Rijo and Adriana (Edgardo) Guzman, 22 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Calling Hours will be Friday from 11am-1pm followed by his Funeral Service at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Jeri Lee Bettinger

Passed on 2/14/23, at age 69. Predeceased by his mother Rose, father Joseph Leo, Uncle Art, sister Ruth, brothers Joseph, Jamie, and Joel.

Kellie Nicole Sabon Bennett Carrier

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones at age 42.
Predeceased by her mother, Martha Lagasse; and sister, Angel.
Survived by her children Amaris & Liam Carrier; father Ed Bennett; siblings Anissa (Brian) Hart, Ed (Mary) Bennett, Dan Bennett, James Carpenter Jr.; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kellie loved the Green Bay Packers, was addicted to CNN, enjoyed music & writing, and loved her children, nieces, & nephews. She was outgoing, outspoken, warm, and energetic. She was always looking for her next “Goonie” adventure. Kellie also embraced her Ba Hai Community and loved living in a spirit filled home.
Her family would like to thank Tom Tanchick and all of her caregivers for their many wonderful years of service and care.
A service will be held on Saturday, March 11^th at 10:00AM in The Chapel at Riverside Cemetery.
She will be greatly missed. So duck.

Loida Soto

Passed away on March 1, 2023. Predeceased by her daughter Taisha Marie Ayala, sister Sarah Soto and brother Ruben Soto. She is survived by her daughter Tanya (Jose Javier) Figueroa, grandchildren Jose Javier Jr., Joshua and Anthony Figueroa, Daniella Marie Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Brenda-Liz Santana and Catalina Gonzalez, 7 brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

Calling hours will be Saturday March 11th from 2-4pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Road Rochester, NY 14609.