Obituaries

Lila Park Sprole, of Ithaca, NY, passed away on October 29, 2006, at Hospicare of Tompkins County following a long battle with illness. She was born December 30, 1936, in Plant City, FL, the only child of the late William J. and Pauline Park, both lifelong Plant City residents. She was a graduate of both Plant City High School and Lakeland (FL) Business College, which led her to a position as the executive secretary to the founders of Florida Tile Industries, Inc., of Lakeland, FL, during the company’s formative years until she left to begin raising her family.

She is survived by her husband of more than 46 years, Robert R. Sprole, II; her children Robert, III (Linda), James, and Lila Westberry; her beloved granddaughters, Melissa and Jessica Sprole and Vanessa Westberry, all of Ithaca. She also leaves behind an extensive, extended family in New York and Florida, including her “adopted” daughter, Leila Miller (Paul) and her children Cassondra and Cera, of Locke. Her family also wants to extend our unending gratitude to her caregivers Evelyn Conway and Dorothy Graham, who provided so much companionship, comfort and assistance to her during her long illness.

ITHACA - Louise Ford Jackson, wife of the late Dr. Kenneth Kendall Jackson, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, October 19th, 2006. She is survived by her daughter, Judith Jackson Elliot; her son, Kenneth Edward (Ted) Jackson, both of Baltimore, MD; her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are with Lansing Funeral Home. www.lansingfuneralhome.com

ITHACA - Edith Marion (nee Wallace) Poppensiek, of 32 Horizon Drive, Ithaca, passed away at the Hospicare Residence on East King Road on Saturday, September 30, 2006, surrounded by her family and following a short illness. She was 85.

Edith was born on March 17, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Marion Graham (nee Allen) Wallace. She was raised in Bala Cynwyd, a suburban Philadelphia community, where she attended Lower Merion Township public schools. In 1941, she graduated from Drexel University and began work in the Dean's office, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband, Dr. George C. Poppensiek. They were married on July 3, 1943 in Philadelphia, and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this summer.

LANSING - Doris J. Teeter, 84, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2006, at Beechtree Care Center, Ithaca, NY, where she had been residing. She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton Teeter, on September 2, 1956; and her granddaughter, Tammy Wolfe, who was born on September 17, 1965; she was also predeceased by her grandson, Scott Parker; and special grandson, Mark Wandall.

Doris is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Claone and Morris Wolfe, Lansing, Rose Teeter, Groton, Lori and Chris Parker, W. Groton; her two sons, Edward Teeter, Lansing, and Edwin Teeter, Lansing; her seven grandchildren, Melissa, Philip, Shani, Daniel, Richie, JR, and Katie; her three great-grandchildren, Madison, Brandon, and Clayton; several nieces and nephews, including her favorite niece, Barb Barron; and her extended family, Peachy and Judy. Doris was born in Lansingville, NY, on July 23, 1922, the daughter of the late Bion and Mae (Inman) Grover, and lived her entire life in the Lansing area. She worked for Ithaca Gun, the Pocketbook Factory, and also for the Lansing Central School system.

LANSING - In loving memory of William C. Wright 21, of Lansing, NY, who passed away on Monday, October 16, 2006, as the result of a vehicle accident.  He is survived by his fiancee, Karen Bartlett; his son, Allen; his daughter, Alexandra; his biological father, William Zimmerman; his adopted father, Carl Wright; his adopted mother, Catherine Small; his grandparents, Avery and Caroline Zimmerman, John and Betty Brake; his brothers, Bryan Zimmerman, Caleb Wright; his sisters, Crystie Zimmerman, Renee Wright; his several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many good friends; and his faithful companions, Damarah and Quayden.

He was predeceased by his sister, Kimber Lee Zimmerman; and his nephew, Zavien Amelly-Egipciaco. Billy was born in Ithaca, NY on October 13, 1985. He attended Lansing Schools, where he enjoyed playing football and wrestling. Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman, and always lived the adventurous life. He especially cherished his family. His outgoing nature and passion for life will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

NEWFIELD - Donna Conover-LeGro, age 61 of Newfield, a creator of stain glass design, died at Hospicare on Tuesday (October 24, 2006) morning. Ms. Conover-LeGro was born August 21, 1945, a daughter of the late Miner D. & Lorraine K. Hughes LeGro.

Donna will be best known for keeping “things simple” and not being caught up in the materialistic things in life. She found great joy just sitting by the water, listening to the waves and watching the spring migration and new life being created. She always helped other people and was very generous in giving her time, talents and treasures.

ITHACA- Vera M. Klingle, age 96, of Ithaca, passed away on Friday morning (October 20, 2006) at Lakeside Nursing Home. Mrs. Klingle was born on September 25, 1910 in Ithaca, a daughter of the late Frederick and Lulu Boom.

Mrs. Klingle enjoyed cooking and her favorite dish was rolled cabbage. To pass time, Vera also enjoyed watching television and playing cards. For the past ten years, Vera looked forward to her yearly trips to Florida to spend time with her granddaughter.

Kirk D. ShreveShreve, Kirk D., of 512 Cayuga Heights Road, Ithaca, NY died at 9:09am on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Mr. Shreve was born August 30, 1957 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the third and youngest son of James R. and Dorian (nee Lloyd) Shreve. Mr. Shreve’s career in the funeral industry began at age 13 when he secured a position with the Farone and Son Funeral Home in Syracuse. He maintained that position throughout High School, graduating from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 1975. During the summer months he remained employed at Farone’s until his graduation from SUNY Canton, NY. In 1977 he moved to Forest Hills, Queens, NY to obtain a residency with Fox Funeral Home. In 1978 he became a Licensed Funeral Director and secured a position with Conway Funeral Home in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. In 1980 he moved to Ithaca and had been employed part time at a local funeral home and was employed in the travel industry. In 1991, he realized a dream he had as a child and opened and established his own funeral home in Lansing, NY; now Lansing Funeral Home, Inc.

ITHACA - Herma S. Moiseichik, age 96, of Ithaca, died Tuesday morning at Hospicare. Herma was born in Nazareth, PA on May 18, 1910, a daughter of the late Edwin and Stella Kern.

She was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle Auxiliary #1253 and a member of the Moose Lodge #592, VFW #961 in Ithaca and the American Legion of Trumansburg. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed traveling and having a good time with family and friends. She will be always remembered as an excellent homemaker and cook who enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. With her little three wheel cart, she would walk daily behind Titus Towers and feed the ducks. Prior to her retirement she was a cook at Immaculate Conception School for many years.

Pamela Gillespie passed away on the evening of Tuesday, August 29, 2006. Pamela was born on March 26, 1958 in Reigate, Surrey, England to Oliver William and Euteen Khoo Wolters. She moved with her family to Ithaca in the early 1960s when her father accepted a position at Cornell University. Pamela attended Ithaca schools until age 13, when she enrolled at Walthamstow Hall, Kent, England. She received her diploma in 1976 and returned to Ithaca to attend Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Upon graduation in 1980 with a B.A. degree in Geology, she moved to New York City. There, she worked for the civil engineering firm of Mueser, Rutledge and DeSimone, performing geotechnical analysis and fieldwork on many notable projects for the Northeast Corridor Transportation Development, Battery Park City and the South Street Seaport.

Pamela returned to Ithaca in 1983 to marry Graham Gillespie and raise a family. Her son Graeme MacPherson was born in 1985 and daughter Heather Khoo in 1988. While the children were young, Pamela retrained as a nurse, completing the curriculum at Tompkins Cortland Community College in 1993 and receiving her RN. She has been employed in the Intensive Care Unit at Cortland Regional Medical Center from that time.

GROTON: Eugene Philip Moon, Jr., fondly known as "Charlie", age 22 of 601 Auburn Road, Groton, New York died suddenly Tuesday morning, August 29, 2006 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Friday at The Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing, NY. Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding will officiate. The family will receive friends at The Lansing Funeral Home, Inc., 32 Auburn Road, Lansing on Thursday, between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm.

Marian Edith Thaine Thompson, 89, of Lansing, New York passed away on August 24 at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York from heart and lung failure.

Marian had lived most of her life in the Ithaca and Lansing areas. She was active in the North Lansing Grange serving many years as Secretary and Musician as she played the piano. While living the past 25 years at Woodsedge Senior Home in Lansing she was the LOAP bus dispatcher for several years and was honored for her service in that volunteer position. She also helped her friend Eileen Cundy and her daughter-in-law Helen Thompson make many bonnets for cancer patients. She was an avid letter writer and crossword puzzle fan. She enjoyed the many painting and ceramics classes provided for residents. She was a member of Lansing United Methodist Church where she enjoyed Bible study.

HOMER, NY - Our beloved mother, Isabelle McCraine passed away peacefully to be with our Lord as she was surrounded by family at home on Saturday, August 5. Born in Gourock, Scotland, July 4, 1921, she emigrated with her family to the states in 1928 as her Dad, a naval architect and an emissary at the United States Embassy was relocated. She grew up in Staten Island, went to school for broadcast journalism. During World War II, Belle worked as a nurses aide for the American Red Cross. Later on, she took a job with WMEL Radio in Washington, DC.

Isabelle married Peter Young and settled in Copaigue, Long Island to raise a family. Isabelle then moved up to Cortland in 1963 and began working for SUNY Cortland in the Admissions Office, where she remained for twenty years until her retirement in 1983. After retirement from the college, she remained active with her children, volunteering for the Red Cross, and working part-time at several jobs, including Park Communications and Treeforms. In 1985, Isabelle made it back to her beloved Scotland for a visit with family members.

GROTON: Stephanie Ames, 77 of 674 Van Ostrand Road, Groton, New York, died Sunday, June 25, 2006 at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Stephanie was born in Tampa, Florida on May 22, 1929, the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (nee Kurej) Sinda. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Spencer, the Order of The Eastern Star, Spencer, and the Tropical Fruit Club, Melbourne, Florida. Stephanie loved gardening, camping, fishing, and the many cruises she and her husband took throughout the years. The Ames family has resided in the Groton-Lansing community since 1971 and had previously resided in Spencer, New York, for 20 years.

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina: Helen H. Kelly, 76 of 243 Tindall Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, a former Lansing resident ,died suddenly, Sunday morning, June 18, 2006 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center, North Wilkesboro, NC.

Born in Ithaca, New York on January 5, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Ivan and Alice (nee Whiting) Harris. Mrs. Kelly was a lifetime Soldier in The Salvation Army and was active in the brass band and the Songsters. She and her husband owned and operated B. Kelly and Sons Carpet Company, Lansing for many years and while residing in North Carolina, she was employed as a Receptionist at Our House.

ITHACA - Joel Porte, 72, Ernest I. White Professor of American Studies and Humane Letters, Emeritus at Cornell, died of esophageal cancer on June 1, at the Hospicare residence in Ithaca. An internationally renowned scholar of American literature and Emerson specialist, Professor Porte came to Cornell in 1987, and retired in 2004. He spent his earlier career at Harvard, where he resigned as Ernest Bernbaum Professor of Literature and Chair of the Department of English to join Cornell as the Frederick J. Whiton Professor of American Literature. In 1989, he became Director of American Studies and Ernest I. White Professor. This year, he received the national Emerson Society's Distinguished Achievement Award.

Professor Porte earned his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1962, when he also was awarded the coveted Bowdoin Prize (established in 1791) for an essay on Emerson. In 1969, at the age of 36, he became one of the youngest persons in the history of the English department to be promoted to full professor. He was appointed a Rockefeller Scholar in Residence in Bellagio, Italy (1979), and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow (1981-82). He served as a visiting scholar and lecturer around the world; as scholarly consultant for publishing companies, universities, professional associations, and media groups; and on the editorial boards of key academic journals.

Caissa Joan Willmer, 75 of North Aurora Street, Ithaca, New York died at 1:06am., Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Born December 10, 1930in New Rochelle, New York,she was a daughter of the late William C. and Carin (nee Bismark) Weber and the wife of John Willmer of Cortland, NY.

STEPHEN ELWOOD GARNER
January 21, 1946 – May 27, 2006

Steve Garner was a man of utmost honesty, integrity, and commitment. He was a dedicated family man, a passionate business leader, and a friend and mentor to countless people. Steve was a tireless worker and was committed to building relationships with his family, within the organizations he worked with and supported, and throughout the communities he served. He had a playful spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor. Of Steve’s many gifts, he will be remembered as a remarkable leader. He cared deeply about the personal and professional development of his family, friends, and business associates. Nothing made Steve as happy as seeing the people around him grow to their full potential. Steve also possessed a competitive team spirit. When asked by a reporter how to “beat the competition,” he responded by saying that first you must “respect the competition.” From the basketball court to the boardroom, Steve always had a deep respect for both his competitors and his teammates. Steve was also a gifted communicator, individually, and in front of the many groups with whom he spoke. His humor, presence, and genuine affection for others will be dearly missed.