SARATOGA SPRINGS — Constance M. Foley (nee Burns), 90, died December 2, 2021.  In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you cherish your loved ones and aid those who are less fortunate. Mass 10 a.m., December 17, 2021 Church of St. Peter, followed by burial in Greenridge Cemetery. burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Charles A. Carlson, 98, passed away on December 10, 2021. Calling hours were December 14. Mass took place December 15 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial in St. Peter’s cemetery. Memorial donations to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Carmen Estrada Contento (nee Maria de Carmen Estrada Aceituno) died on September 25, 2021 at home in Saratoga Springs with her devoted husband Ed at her side. Carmen was born October 15, 1936 in Palin, Guatemala. The only girl among three brothers, she grew up caring for others.

She came to the US in her twenties to work as an au pair to the family of a professor at Purdue University in Indiana. Then she went to New York City to work in the fashion industry as a hatter, dress designer, and Jill of all trades. Carmen studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology but was unable to graduate due to lack of funds. Sewing continued to be a way to express her delight in colors and fabrics both for herself and for others.

Carmen began her dance studies in Guatemala and continued in NYC. She studied all forms of dance: ballet, tango, belly, flamenco, but mostly folk dances of Central and South America, the Middle East, Spain, Africa and India. At one point she studied with Alicia Alonso, the prima ballerina from Cuba.

Carmen loved dancing and worked in all kinds of venues. She worked for the NYC school system during Mayor John Lindsay’s administration in the 1960s, teaching both dance and Latin culture. She even performed in a few NYC nightclubs. Eventually she became a naturalized US Citizen. Carmen performed with her husband at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Crandall Library, and Ballston Spa High School, and they had a year-long exhibit at the National Museum of Dance: Dance Culture of Guatemala.

Carmen was a multi-talented person in dance, textile, cooking, and loving her fellow humans. She was a selfless person who would give a stranger shelter, food, clothing, and Christian love, never thinking of her own needs. Her powerful Christian faith was both strength and solace for her. Chapter 53 of the Book of Isaiah was her favorite.

Travel with her husband to Europe, China and Central America filled vacations, but Carmen and Ed particularly enjoyed visiting her family in Guatemala. She even smuggled Bibles into China when they were forbidden.

Carmen will be painfully missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Edward Contento; a brother, Carlos Aceituno, as well as many nephews and nieces in Guatemala; nephews and nieces in the States; and several god-children. Please do not send flowers to mourn her. Celebrate her life! If you wish, please donate in Carmen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

QUEENSBURY — Dr. Hyung Rin Kim, 94, peacefully passed away on December 4, 2021, with his family by his side. Dr. Kim (as most knew him) fought a long fight against Alzheimer’s. Every day of this fight, his wife of 65 years, Eleonora Pallante Kim, was at his side. His last words to her were “I love you.” Their devotion to each other is everlasting.

Dr. Kim, born on October 30, 1927, in Pyungannam-Do, Korea, was the son of Ki Woo and Num Ei Kim. His parents, his younger sister, Hyung Sook Kim, who he believed predeceased him during the chaos of the Korea War, were all medical doctors. He carried on this legacy of medical care when he graduated in 1949 from Severance Union Medical College, aka Yonsei University Medical School. While he was completing his surgical residency, the Korean War broke out and he served from 1950 to 1953 as a battlefield surgeon, attached to the 101st Army Division of the Republic of Korea (South). During his service, he was taken prisoner by Chinese troops, but eventually was able to escape. In 1953, Dr. Kim immigrated to the United States, eventually becoming an American citizen on December 21, 1961. Dr. Kim was a general surgeon for more than 50 years, many of those at Glens Falls Hospital and the former Corinth Hospital. He was a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and International College of Surgeons. He loved his work taking care of people, healing them when he could and consoling them when medicine and science were inadequate.

Dr. Kim is survived by his wife, Eleonora Pallante Kim, his children: Paul (Sandy) of Paris, VA, Ron (Jennifer) of Saratoga Springs, Ellen “Ellie” of Corinth, Andrew (Rebecca Riley) of Los Angeles, CA and Beverly (Jim) Turner of Hudson, NY. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Harrison (Kayla) Kim of Austin, TX, Melissa (Brandon) Whitehead of Reston, VA, Rebecca (Jake Griffin) Kim of Boston, MA, Elizabeth (Shawn DePasquale) Kim of Los Angeles, CA, Stephen Kim of Saratoga Springs, Riley Kim and Carlo Kim of Los Angeles and Jordan Turner, New York, NY and Jenna Turner, Guilderland, NY. 

Relatives and friends gathered to remember him Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home at 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY, 518-793-4459. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Our Lady of the Annunciation, 448 Aviation Road, Queensbury, followed by a graveside service at Pine View Cemetery, 21 Quaker Road, also in Queensbury. The family would like to thank Dr. John Myers, Lowanna Ayers, Maura Huntz and the entire staff of High Peaks Hospice for their support and compassion over the months and years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Highs Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY at www.higpeakshopisce.org     

Those who wish may make online condolences by visiting sbfuneralhome.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mrs. Gina Scala Bachner, 94, passed away peacefully in Saratoga Springs on December 1, 2021, where she had been a resident for the past six years. She was predeceased by her brothers, C. George Scala and James M. Scala, who passed away in November 2007 and January 2021, respectively.

Gina Maria Scala was born on June 8, 1927, in Utica, the only daughter and middle child of the late Carmine George and Mary Jane (Ferlo) Scala. Raised in Clinton, NY, Gina spent her childhood with many extended family members from the surrounding areas of Rome and Utica. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1945, and in 1949, received her BS degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego (formerly known as Oswego State Teachers College) where she was an active member of the Arethusa Sorority, and excelled in field hockey, soccer, basketball, and softball.

Wanting to make a difference in the lives of young children, Gina was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a teacher. During her senior year of college, she accepted a first-grade teaching position at the former Kingsboro Elementary School in Gloversville, NY. Gina remained in Gloversville, raised four children, and returned to teaching full time, initially at Park Terrace Elementary and subsequently at McNab Elementary School. She was an active member of the Gloversville PTA, Troop Leader for both the Brownies and Girl Scouts, member of St. Mary’s Church, Sacred Heart Church, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. She served as a tutor and mentor for many children of various ages during her tenure as a schoolteacher.

Gina retired from her teaching career in 1989. In retirement, she became an adoring “Nana” to her ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished above all. Gina was devoted to college and professional basketball, football, and youth baseball, and any sport in between season. Regular visits and phone calls from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the highlight of her life. 

Gina touched the lives of many with her compassion, care, and kindness. An accomplished athlete and avid sports fan, especially anything related to Syracuse basketball, she was a talented knitter, seamstress, and needle pointer, leaving behind many treasures for future generations to enjoy. She was a devout Catholic, who placed her faith in God above all. Gina is to be forever remembered for her wisdom, indomitable spirit, spunk, sense of humor, positive, optimistic, and cheerful disposition, and most importantly, her willingness to offer her physical, mental, and emotional help and support to those in need, including her former students, her many friends, and her beloved family.

Gina’s spirit lives on through her four children and their spouses, including her son Mark (Karen) Bachner of Cicero, NY, and daughters, M. Lynn Bachner of Saratoga Springs, Suzanne Bachner (Hugh Davis) of Saratoga Springs, and Amy Hartwell of Billerica, MA; her ten wonderful grandchildren, Jonathan and Timothy Bachner, Jameson and Cameron Toole, Peter and John Davis, and Sara (Aubert) Ndjolba, Bobby, Kelsey, and Abigail Hartwell; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Amelia, and Isaiah Ndjolba; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Historic Church of Saint Peter, located at 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery located in Clinton, NY in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/give.html, Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at www.helpfightra.org, or Rheumatology Research Foundation at www.rheumresearch.org.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elizabeth “Betty” N. Ponessa, 89, passed December 3, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Calling hours  9-10:30 a.m. at Burke Funeral Home, Friday December 10, followed by Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. St. Clements Church, and burial St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga. burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS –— William “Bill” Andrew LeRoux Jr., 82, passed November 25, 2021. Calling hours 9:30, Saturday, December 11 at Church of St. Peter followed by Mass at 10 a.m. and burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306. www.burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Maggie M. Hillman, 93, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s in Albany. A private service was held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, officiated by Fr. Marty Fisher. Maggie is buried in Park Cemetery on Sacandaga Rd. in Scotia, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. For online condolences visit   tunisonfuneralhome.com.

BALLSTON SPA — Jennifer Nicole Conroy (Green), devoted wife of Mark Christopher Conroy and loving mother of Donovan Thomas James Conroy, entered into eternal life on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. Calling hours were Dec. 5 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass took place Dec. 6 at St. Clement’s followed by interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. www.burkefuneralhome.com

GREENFIELD CENTER — Kathleen (Kathy) Marie Moore Ruhmel, 50, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 28 surrounded by her loving family and cherished dog, Gracie. Kathy passed due to a lengthy illness with cancer. She valiantly and tirelessly attempted to defy her illness while never wanting to be defined by it – per Kathy, that would be giving her illness too much attention.  Kathy loved animals, especially dogs, and was known to stop and offer treats to other dogs while out on frequent walks with her collies and golden retriever. Her interests included traveling, cooking with her husband, and spending time with her friends and family. Kathy’s warm infectious personality brought so much love to many.  She strived to live her life having those that interacted with her come away feeling better and happier for it. She was such a beautiful and unique light in our world.  She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Kathy was born in Schenectady, NY to Mary & Sherman Moore on December 31, 1970, and was raised in Saratoga Springs, New York. A graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic School in 1989, Kathy formed many life-long friendships with her dear Spa Catholic classmates and cherished those lasting relationships. Kathy went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oneonta and her Master’s in Education from the State University of New York at Albany. In keeping with her helping spirit she had a fulfilling twenty-four-year career in education as a Kindergarten teacher in the Saratoga Springs City School District enriching the lives of her ‘little friends’ at Greenfield Elementary School. 

Kathy is survived by her loving husband and best friend Joseph F. Ruhmel II, her adoring parents Mary & Sherman Moore of Saratoga Springs, NY, her brothers Michael (Alison) Moore of Wilton, NY and Joseph (Theresa) Moore of Apex, NC, her mother in-law Janet Ruhmel of Horseheads, NY, her brothers in-law Jeffrey (Ammie) Ruhmel of Oneida, NY and David (Kimberly) Ruhmel of Horseheads, NY and her beloved nieces Amanda Moore, Riley Moore and nephews Ryan Moore, Derek Moore in addition to many aunts, uncles, and cousins to whom she loved dearly. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). Appropriate face coverings will be required for all in attendance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on December 7, 2021, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. followed by a graveside service at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave, Saratoga Springs NY. 

The family would like to thank Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, and the Saratoga Community Hospice Teams for their compassionate & loving care of Kathy.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either in remembrance of Kathy:

Dana Farber Cancer Institute Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at danafarber.jimmyfund.org (Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284) or The Community Hospice Foundation at www.givetocommunityhospice.org/donate (The Community Hospice Foundation 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com