Dundee: Irene G. Nowak, age 101.5, of Dundee, NY passed away on Monday January 12, 2026. Devoted wife of Richard Nowak (1916-1999); Mom to Patty Nowak and Andrew Comens, Nancy Nowak and Jon Leach, and Lois Nowak and (Mary) Lou Guthrie, as well as “bad son” John Lamping; sister of Alfred Zebrowski and Raymond Zebrowski; Godmother to Linda Susens Jackson and Wayne Zebrowski; Aunt Irene to Barb Zebrowski and aunt/great aunt to other loved nephews and nieces. Born in Greenpoint, NY, in 1924 to father Edward Zebrowski and mother Anna Scheaver, Irene grew up in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island, where she was a gifted student and record-setting athlete at Port Jefferson High School. An important presence later in her life was her stepdad Vernon Waldron. Irene and Richie Nowak married on August 3, 1947, raising their family—which through the years included many rescue cats and the canine prodigy Buster Gerald—in Bellmore, Long Island. Her daughters fondly remember the wonderful home life Irene created as she organized rainy-day scavenger hunts and summer Kamp Kawon events, baked from scratch, planned day trips and longer travels, and at the end of the work-filled week, set up the Scrabble board for her and Richie’s Saturday night game. In 1979, Irene and Richie moved to Dundee, NY, where she participated in many community activities and for several years served as pastor for the Starkey United Methodist Church. Irene was an enthusiastic photographer, a devoted dog and cat mom, and a skilled gardener whose homegrown veggies enhanced many dishes she cooked. An avid reader, she was fascinated by works of history, especially books about the life of Lincoln. Irene maintained her passion for travel, enjoying trips with family members to Europe, Canada, the West Coast and Alaska, and even along the Devil’s Highway. Irene Nowak felt she was blessed with a loving family and many helpful, caring neighbors and friends, above all Deb Parkhurst, all of whom were blessed by her presence in their lives. ‘Twas a great race, Biscuit! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Shelter of Hope/Humane Society of Yates County, PO Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (www.yateshumane.org). A visitation and viewing will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm. on Friday January 23, 2026, at Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, N.Y.; Burial will be private in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee, N.Y. A celebration of Irene’s life will be take place in the spring of 2026. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Penn Yan: Samuel W. McElwee, age 87, of Penn Yan, NY passed away following a short illness on Wednesday December 31, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester, N.Y. At the request of the family, there are no calling hours; inurnment will be private in Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, NY. Samuel was born July 16, 1938 in the town of Milo, NY, the son of the late Samuel A. and Esther Ann (Cummings) McElwee Jr. He grew up helping his father on the family farm. His experience turned into a lifelong passion for farm equipment. He was best known for selling and setting up mobile homes being the owner of McElwee Sales & Service, in Penn Yan, NY. He also did lawn mowing and backhoe work; sold Snapper lawnmowers, Deutz tractors and tools, Steiner tractors and lawn mowers. “Bill” as he was known by all his friends, loved watching tractor pulls and demolition derbies, he had a liking of Billy goats, and slow dancing. For years, he traveled to Zephryhills, Florida for part of the winter and enjoyed driving around the area to see friends and how the area was changing. Mr. McElwee was a member of several clubs and organizations, including the IH Tractor Club, the Penn Yan Loyal Order of the Moose #2030, the Cushman Motor Cycle Club, the Steam Pageant Association, and the Yates County Fair. He is survived by his brother David (Deb) McElwee of Penn Yan; a sister Nancy Hockensmith of Cherry Valley, CA; a foster daughter Esther Wilson of Newman, GA; nieces and nephews, James McElwee, Daniel (Ruth) Hockensmith, Karen Hockensmith, Jeff (Debra) Hockensmith and Joseph Hockensmith; Gregory Nelson, and Laurie Nelson; and his long term helper and friend Sara K. Hansen of Penn Yan. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Doris Jean Nelson. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Himrod/Nichols, NY: Susan M. Field, age 66, of Himrod, formerly of Nichols, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 5, 2026 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, in Elmira, NY. Honoring her wishes, there will be no calling hours; and private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may direct memorial contributions to CareFirstNY, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Corning, NY 14870, www.CareFirstNY.org. Susan was born April 30, 1959 in Sayre, PA, the daughter of the late William M. and Betty Jane (Wood) O'Connell. She was raised and lived in Nichols for most of her life. Susan was employed by Sanmina, of Owego, NY, where she was a circuit board welder in AOI Inner Layer for twenty years, retiring in 2014. She was a very active former member of ROKI in Nichols. A Dunkin junkie who loved French Vanilla iced coffee; she enjoyed sewing, Diamond Paint, and her faithful dog. She is loved will be forever missed by her daughter Brandy S. (A.C.) Dobson; grandson Alex Dobson; a brother Raymond (Ann) O'Connell; sister Judy (Thomas) Toot; her beloved significant other Rickie Martin; and her fur baby “Ann”. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

February 16, 1942 – December 30, 2025 Gareth “Gary” P. Fishbaugh, 83, of Waneta Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. Born in Rochester, NY on February 16, 1942, to Willard and Helen Fishbaugh, Gary lived a life rich in creativity, music, curiosity, and love. Gary’s artistic spirit carried him across the country to Los Angeles, where he spent his career with the Walt Disney Company as a digitizing camera operator. His work helped bring beloved animated stories to life, and his pride in that chapter of his life was matched only by the joy he felt sharing Disney magic with others. After retiring, he took his best friend—his brother Richard—and Richard’s family on a cherished trip to Disneyland, a memory held close by all who were there. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Melissa Shrek Fishbaugh, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond. Gary is survived by his three daughters, Thaya Brook Knight (Brian), Samantha Harlowe (Erik), and Valentina Campos (Andrew), who each carry forward his love of learning, humor, and music. He was also the proud grandfather of three grandsons. He is survived by his brother and lifelong best friend, Richard Fishbaugh, and by Richard’s wife, Angela, whom Gary affectionately and consistently called his “favorite sister‑in‑law.” His nieces and nephew held a special place in his heart: Adele Fishbaugh, his Disney movie partner with whom he saw every new release after retiring; Holly Fishbaugh, who visited him often in the nursing home and brought cheer not only to him but to other residents as well; and Matthew Tarlach, whom Gary taught to lay down music tracks in his home studio. His family was his greatest joy, and he poured his time, talents, and curiosity into each of them. Music was woven through every chapter of Gary’s life. His first lead role—Billy Bigelow in Carousel—came during his high school years and sparked a lifelong passion for performing. After graduating, Gary served in the U.S. Army with the 7th Army Chorus from 1966–1968. Following his service, he joined the internationally renowned New Christy Minstrels, touring the world, including performances for troops in Vietnam during the war. His musical journey continued with the trio FF&Z (Fishbaugh, Fishbaugh & Zorn), which signed with CBS Records in the UK from 1972–1974 and opened for the legendary band The Kinks. At family gatherings, Gary would recite a Jewish prayer he memorized while working at a Jewish camp in the Adirondacks during his high school summers. After the prayer, he would sing the doxology—his voice warm, rich, and unmistakably his. His music was a gift he shared generously, whether performing solos as a tenor with the Penn Yan Community Chorus or singing “The Wedding Song” at his brother Richard’s wedding and again at Richard and Angela’s son’s wedding. Gary was endlessly curious, delightfully witty, and famously knowledgeable. Before the internet—and even after—family and friends would say, “Call Gary, he’ll know.” Whether the question was about history, astronomy, politics, movies, science, or some obscure fact no one else could recall, Gary almost always had the answer. And on the rare occasion he didn’t, he would find it and call back—because the conversation mattered as much as the information. He loved bad puns, good stories, and making himself laugh with his signature booming “HA!” He was a gifted storyteller, a lover of sports, a student of new technology, and a man who found fascination in nearly everything. When Gary talked, people listened—not just because he was interesting, but because he was interested. Above all, Gary was entertainment. He was warmth, humor, music, and memory. He was the keeper of stories, the finder of facts, the singer of songs, and the heart of every gathering. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at his family’s home, 5785 Pre‑Emption Road, where loved ones will gather to honor his extraordinary life, share stories, and remember the joy he brought into the world. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org, in support of research, care, and hope for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY; online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee/Tyrone: Sherry Lynn Dixon, age 64, of Dundee, NY gave up her 14 year fight after the 5th round and peacefully passed away on Saturday December 27, 2025 in the comfort of her home with her family around her. Honoring her wishes, there will be a Celebration of Her Life at the convenience of the family in the spring. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Campbell American Legion Post 1279, 8458 County Route 333 Campbell, NY 14821; flowers may be sent to her daughter Rachel Sipley, at 3991 State Route 226, Dundee, NY 14837. Sherry was born July 31, 1961 in Montour Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Lee Leslie, and Faith Inez Sisson McCann. Sherry had a multi-talented career history, having worked in the Winery and Lodging field in the housekeeping division, for the Inn at Glenora, Seneca Lodge, and Logan Ridge. She had been the manager of the former Gardner Sunoco, in Dundee. She was the founder of “Dixie” Auction House on Seneca St. in Dundee. She loved her position at Water St. Pharmacy, and unfortunately, never got to truly enjoy her bus driving qualifications, before her diagnosis forced her to retire in 2011. Sherry was known for her sense of humor and her strong will to take on battles and challenges. She was a race car fanatic, enjoyed drag races as often as she could. She also loved camping, going to the casino and most of all spending as much time with her family as possible. She leaves behind her beloved children, son Nicholas A. (Rosalina) Dixon of Elmira, daughter Rachel L. (Patrick) Sipley of Dundee, stepdaughter Tara L. (Jim) Ameigh of Watkins Glen; 7 grandchildren Marie & Aden Dixon, Adrienne & Delilah Sipley, Amber, Bradley, & Joelene Ameigh; her loving companion & best friend who has now “lost my best girl”, Billy Leverentz, “Thank You for taking such great care of her in her final days”. Her very loved cats “Simon” & “Haddy”; siblings Les (Bobbie) McCann of Hammondsport, Richard McCann of Dundee, and Karen (Bob) Marshall of Townsend, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her uncle Dale Sisson in 2024, and her sister Judy Knapp in 2025. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences and memories can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Age 82, of Tyrone, passed away in the peace of her home on December 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 20, 1943, in Portsmouth, NH, Judy was the cherished adopted daughter of the late Edward and Grace Crotty. She met her future husband, Harold Gordon Shafer Jr. while spending summers on Lamoka Lake. They were married in 1963; their love forming for a loving family. Together, Judy and Gordie raised two beloved daughters, Debbie (Jeff) Cupps of Pasadena, MD, and Beth (Thom) Woods of Lamoka Lake, NY. They are proud grandparents to three grandchildren, David, Jonathan, and Leah, and great-grandparents to three great-grandchildren, James, Eleanor, and Ava Marie Grace. Each of them carries a piece of Judy's vibrant spirit and warmth. Judy dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family while also serving as a Pastoral Assistant at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen for many years. Her compassion extended beyond her family. She was actively involved in her community through the Stephen Ministry and as a devoted 4H Leader, where she inspired countless young people. Judy spent her days cooking, canning, reading, gardening, and enjoying the beauty of nature first in Elmira, later on the homestead in Altay and finally on Lamoka Lake. She embraced each moment with grace and gratitude, leaving a legacy of love and kindness to all who knew her. A time for remembrance and celebration of Judy's life took place at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, January 2nd, from 4 PM to 6 PM. A Funeral Mass honoring her life was celebrated at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY, on Saturday, January 3rd, at 11:00 AM, followed by her burial at Tyrone Union Cemetery. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to her church. The family invites those who wish to share their condolences and memories to visit her obituary guestbook at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. Your kind words will provide comfort during this difficult time.

Penn Yan/Dundee: Carol Louise Cadwell, age 82, of Penn Yan, NY passed away Friday November 28, 2025 at Geneva General Hospital, Geneva, N.Y.. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5) at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; where her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Semans officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Carol was born July 14, 1943 in Montour Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Martin and Esther (Radka) Andrews Jr. She married early in life, raising a family and working alongside her first husband on their family dairy farm. A caregiver at heart, she chose a different path in life, and became a home health aide, working for a local agency. On Dec. 3, 1983 she married Leo F. Cadwell Jr. Carol was a beloved aide, and quickly transitioned into private duty caregiving, serving numerous clients over a 25 year career, retiring in 2003. She and her husband both enjoyed their retirement and going to the Penn Yan Moose Lodge, until he passed away on Feb. 15, 2009. Mrs. Cadwell loved the fashion industry, giving new meaning to the term “Diva”, she loved to have her hair done, and shop for the latest of styles. Her favorite time of the year was always Christmas, with all the traditions, and decorations, and chances to dress up for the holidays. She is loved and will be missed by her 2 daughters, Ruthann L. Schenck, and Debra J. Litchfield with whom she had made her home; a granddaughter Debra (Tommy) Banach of Penn Yan; 3 great grandchildren; a brother James Martin (Myrna) Andrews of Dundee; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, and husband Leo, she was predeceased by the father of her children James Joseph Tuttle Sr. in 2013, and her only son James Joseph Tuttle Jr. in 2023. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dona Lee Teske, 82, formerly of Catharine Court in Montour Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, acceptance, and unwavering thoughtfulness. Born in Clifton Springs, NY, Dona graduated from Dundee Central School in 1961 before attending the Rochester, Minnesota School of Cosmetology. Dona was the devoted mother of two daughters, Shelly Teske Delio of Bath, NY, and the late Lorrie Teske Newman of Painted Post, NY. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Horton of Penn Yan, NY, and Mary Jane Cloutier of Clark Grove, MN, and by her brother, Jame Gaston of Pittsford, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marian Welch Gaston and Charles Gaston; her brother, Gary Gaston; her sister, Gwen Allen; her daughter, Lorrie Newman; and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Delio. After settling in Savona, New York, Dona became well known as the neighborhood Avon lady throughout the 1980s and 90s. She later owned and operated Acreage Antiques in Savona, NY, a business that reflected her appreciation for the stories behind treasured objects. After 15 years raising her granddaughter, she ventured west, spending 20 joyful years living in Arizona before returning to New York in 2021 to retire in Montour Falls. Dona was a member of Odessa Baptist Church, where she happily volunteered as a dishwasher for community dinners—never one to shy away from helping where she was needed. She was an avid letter writer, faithfully sending cards and notes to friends near and far; if you didn’t receive one from her, it was only because she didn’t have your address. Dona accepted everyone as they were, finding joy in the simple act of sharing four-leaf clovers she found with friends—small tokens of luck and love she offered freely. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages you to honor Dona’s spirit by sending a card to a friend and bringing a bit of sunshine to their day. As we close out her final square dance, she would sing, “’Tis sweet to be remembered on a bright or gloomy day. ’Tis sweet to be remembered by a dear one far away.” Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com

Dundee/Barrington: Mary C. Morehouse, age 85, formerly of Barrington, NY passed away on Sunday November 23, 2025 at The Manor, in Penn Yan, NY. Mary was born on February 3, 1940 in Syracuse, NY. She was the only child of John Hamilton and Clara Marion (Peterson) Covell. She graduated from Dundee Central School in 1957. She continued her education at Boston University graduating in 1959 with an Associate’s Degree in Commercial Science. On June 20, 1959 at the Dundee Baptist Church she married Philip Lee Morehouse. Mary had a very unique life growing up in Saudia Arabia from 1945 to the summer of 1956. During those same years, she and her mother spent many of their summers with family in Rock Stream, NY. Mary started her working career at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in medical records. After taking five years off to raise her children, she worked at Dundee Central School in the Guidance Office from 1967-1991. She was the financial secretary for Morehouse Construction for many years. Phil and Mary built their forever home in Barrington, NY in 1965. In 2002 they purchased a home in Magnolia Village, Edgewater, FL where they spent the winter months each year. She was a member of the Dundee Baptist Church for many years, a member of Home Bureau and Red Hats. Many people had the benefit of Mary’s favorite hobby…sending cards for any and all occasions. Her favorite thing in life was to get together with her family and friends that always included a snack or a meal. She is loved and will be dearly missed by her son, Lee Michael-Mike (Chris) Morehouse of Penn Yan, NY; daughter, Cathy (Sam) Marusarz of Dundee, NY; four grandchildren, Amanda Morehouse of Rochester, NY, Brooke (Travis) Filson of Lorraine, NY, Chelsey Marusarz of Dundee, NY, Mitchell Morehouse of Penn Yan, NY; and one great grandson, Cooper Philip Filson of Lorraine, NY. A niece, Karla Newberry of Roswell, NM and a nephew James Sisson of Albuquerque, NM. Heartbroken survivors also include countless cousins and friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Philip L. Morehouse on January 12, 2019. Friends are invited to calling hours from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday (Nov. 26) at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday (Nov. 28) at the Dundee Baptist Church, 20 Seneca Street, Dundee with Pastors David Semans and Lew Ann Giles officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee. Memorial contributions may be made to Dundee Baptist Church, 20 Seneca Street, Dundee, NY 14837; or The Manor Crest Foundation, 655 Liberty St., Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527 The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Clinton Crest Manor and the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home for their love and care given to Mary. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Christine L. Schoonover, 70, passed away on October 22, 2025, at her home in St. Petersburg, Florida after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family. She was born September 18, 1955 in Montour Falls, N.Y. She graduated from Dundee Central School in 1973. She is survived by sisters, Annette (Tom) Wahl of Bloomfield, NY, Joyce Mills of Ocala, Fl. , Lynda Schoonover (Wayne) of Pinellas Park, Fl. Brothers, John (Wendy) of Wellsville, NY and Layne (Pat) Schoonover of Clearwater, Fl. as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Lyle and Delma Schoonover, sisters Judi Robertson, Nanci Magee, Norma Millard and a brother James Schoonover. A celebration of life will take place in Florida at a later date.

Dundee: Jane Irene Miller Cadwell, was born in Dundee, NY on March 12, 1924 and passed Friday November 14, 2025. She was married to Robert Cadwell for 56 years until his death in 1999. Jane will be remembered for her work in banking for 35 years. She enjoyed time with family at their Seneca Lake Cottage, traveling, bowling, dancing and golfing. Jane was predeceased by her sister Helen Swarthout Peterson. She lost her granddaughter Kerri Cadwell in February of 2025. Jane will be forever loved and missed by her daughter Terri Cadwell; granddaughter Kellin (Josh) Spearman; and great granddaughter Kallista Cadwell. Honoring her wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be private in Hillside Cemetery in Dundee. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Hammondsport/Himrod: Lester Monroe Travis, 76, most recently of Wayne, NY, died on November 3, 2025, at FF Thompson Hospital, with his loving wife Robin at his side. His family will be receiving friends and loved ones on Tuesday, November 11th from 3-7pm, at Milo Center United Methodist Church, 1415 Milo Center Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Light refreshments will be served. A Celebration of Life will be held in spring 2026 with Reverend Anne Waasdorp officiating, with a date and time to be announced. Lester was born in Penn Yan, NY to Howard M. and Beulah Travis on May 30th, 1949, where he grew up on an active dairy farm overlooking Seneca Lake. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Cornell University. He served as a specialist in the United States Army from 1971-1973, after which he returned to work on his family’s dairy farm. In 1977, he began working as a 4-H agent for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Steuben County and later Yates County. He later served as the district manager for the Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District for 20 years, where he was the recipient of the William F. Croney Distinguished Service award. He continued to work at a regional level for NY State Ag and Markets, before retiring in 2011. Lester was an avid gardener, known for his beautiful flower beds. He was also skilled at needlework, creating many treasured family heirlooms. He was involved in 4-H youth development throughout his life, as a member, leader, and agent, and has always attributed his leadership skills to his experience with the organization. He was an active member of Milo Center United Methodist Church, a volunteer at Keuka Comfort Care, and served on the Grove Mount Cemetery board. He and Robin spent 14 winters in Florida and were very active in their 55+ community. Lester is survived by his wife of 45 cherished years, Robin; his son Adam, his favorite East Coast daughter-in-law Natalie, and his treasured grandson Landon; and his son Seth and his favorite West Coast daughter-in-law Emma; as well as his siblings Diane (Rich), Alan (Peggy), Brenda, and Claudia (Doreen), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Beulah. Memorial contributions may be made to Milo Center United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 299, Penn Yan, NY 14527, or to Keuka Comfort Care, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Lester lived a life of service and was a faithful Christian. His warmth and generosity of spirit was felt by all who knew him, even through his final days. Lester was a loving husband and father, deeply committed to his entire family, and he will be deeply missed. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home Dundee, N.Y. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.