SARATOGA SPRINGS — Linda Margaret Legg (nee Kempkes), 81 passed 4/30/2024, in Mount Pleasant, surrounded by her daughters. Visitation was 5/9/24 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated 5/10/2024, 11 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church. Burial at a later date. Memorial donations: American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jean Eschner passed away peacefully on April 21 at the age of 94.
Born on November 22, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Edwin Scheuerle and Helene Siegel Scheuerle, Jean led a life dedicated to family and friends, sports, and community service.
After graduating from Kensington High School in Buffalo, Jean earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Syracuse University in 1967. She married Arthur Eschner on August 25, 1951, embarking on a marriage that spanned 64 years until Arthur’s passing in 2015. Jean lived in Fayetteville, DeWitt, and East Syracuse, NY, for over 60 years. Her final two years were spent at the Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, NY, near her son Andrew.
Jean’s passion for physical education led her to a 20-year career as a part-time girl’s physical education teacher in the Jamesville-DeWitt school district. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and cross-country skiing, among many other physical pastimes. She participated for many years in the CNY Folksmarch, and competed in the New York State senior games. Jean also was an avid Bridge player, and in her later years she enjoyed games of MahJong with friends.
Jean enjoyed deep and abiding friendships, and in the summer months could often be found, glass of wine in hand, with friends on their docks on Hatch, Cazenovia, and DeRuyter Lakes. Regardless of the season, she always had coffee brewing. Jean and Art often exercised and socialized together at the local fitness club, and then rewarded themselves with a coffee or breakfast with friends. Jean loved to travel and, along with Arthur, went on many trips and cruises with dear friends to the American West, Alaska, Hawaii, and abroad, including much of Europe, Turkey, New Zealand, and beyond.
Jean was an active member of the DeWitt Community Church (DCC), particularly the church’s Women’s Association where she was quite involved, participating in projects, working the Thrift Shop in the day, serving in the church’s Women’s Circles and as Deacon, along with her late husband. She volunteered often at the Everson Museum and the Samaritan Center, and helped to deliver Meals on Wheels with Art.
Jean is survived by her children Stephen (Rebecca Knowles) of Scotland, Thomas (Marie) of Scarborough, ME, and Andrew (Suzanne), of Gansevoort, NY, her grandchildren Adam, Emily, James, and Rachel, her great-grandchildren Eleanor, Rhys, and Phoebe, as well as beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces, and friends who will deeply miss her presence. Preceding her in death were her husband, Art, her son, Karl, who passed away as an infant, and her sister Lois Krall. Jean’s life and legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her spirit of fun and devotion to friends and family.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the DeWitt Community Church on June 22 at 11:00 a.m., at which the family looks forward to greeting friends and sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Samaritan Center of Syracuse (samcenter.org) or the DeWitt Community Church Women’s Association (www.dewittchurch.org). The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Woodlawn Commons as well as The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, NY for their support over the last two years, and to her friends and visitors who sustained her spirit.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Frank J. Capano, Jr., peacefully passed away May 1. Calling hours were 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. May 8 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Warren R. McManus passed April 27 after a brief illness with his beloved wife, Patty and loving son, Scott, by his side. Calling hours were Thursday, May 2 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial at St. Peters Cemetery, West Ave. For full obituary and online remembrances please visit: www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Eugene (Gene, Gino) Anthony Sevi, dedicated family man, humanitarian, inspiring educator and avid outdoorsman, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on Friday, April 26, 2024. He was 78.
Gene’s earliest memories were on the family farm in Martin’s Creek, PA, surrounded by his parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles. Close family ties, hard work, education, animals and farm life remained a theme throughout his life. After his family moved to NJ, he met his future wife, Jane Holjes, at North Hunterdon High school, where he excelled in both scholastics and athletics.
Gene always said that the biggest break of his life was receiving a full Naval ROTC scholarship to Brown University, where he received his degree in civil engineering. He then completed a master’s degree at the University of Colorado, before entering the Navy. He ultimately was able to combine his insatiable love of learning and his military background. He went on to be a well-loved educator of 38 years in civil and environmental engineering at Norwich University, a small military college, serving as department chair and dean for part of that time. Characterized by a calm demeanor and a diplomatic approach Gene also served four terms-12 years- as selectman and commissioner of roads in his hometown of Roxbury. Despite his many professional accolades and awards, Gene preferred to focus on his students. He was a humble man who was never one to talk about his many recognitions.
Gene’s military active duty started in the United States Navy, but after moving to Vermont he transferred into the Vermont Air National Guard. It was then that Gene’s military focus and outstanding leadership abilities were used to organize and lead humanitarian and peacekeeping missions around the world. Assignments included coordination of disaster relief in building schools and clinics in impoverished areas of Jamaica, Mali, West Africa, and Panama. During the Kosovo crisis in the late 1990’s, he acted as chief of the military liaison team in Macedonia, where he coordinated with NATO command and aid groups to respond to the influx of 300,000 refugees flooding into Macedonia. After September 11, 2011, he served a year coordinating air space security over US cities. When speaking of his military career, he often spoke of his respect and admiration for his compatriots who accompanied him on these missions. He retired as a Brigadier General in 2004.
During his forty years in Vermont, Gene’s interest in training and driving carriage horses became a treasured hobby. He was trained as a farrier, so he could shoe his own horses. He and Jane vacationed with their horses and often offered rides to friends and neighbors. His many interests included all things outdoors, including moonlit cross-country ski trips, training hunting dogs, archery, chess, basketball during lunch breaks at the university, bike riding and gardening. He was a voracious reader, and had the ability to retain even the most minute facts. He entertained all those who knew him with his wonderful stories and funny quips. After retirement, tennis and bicycling with Jane and family became his main athletic outlets. Gene was often also found at his grandchildren’s sporting events, enthusiastically watching every move.
He is remembered lovingly by his wife, Jane Sevi, son, Adam Sevi and his daughters Sophia and Elizabeth, daughter, Rachel Sevi and her son, Joseph, and Rebekah (Chris) More and their children, Nate, Bryce and Luke and his faithful brothers and sister, Al Sevi (Tommie), Chris Sevi, and Peggy (Pat) Quadrini and their families, numerous other relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred Sevi and Margaret (Lucrezi) Sevi.
Spiritually, always a churchgoer, but not one to talk about religious things, he instead lived his faith. He and his wife were a team couple with the Catholic Marriage Encounter group and he grew in his faith in his final years. He will be remembered for his outgoing, gentle, kind and generous spirit and life of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the American Cancer Society.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ the King Center, in Greenwich, NY, on May 22 at 3 p.m. with dinner to follow.
For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Anne Jurgens, Grannie Annie, as she was also affectionately known, left us on Thursday, May 2 and went to reconnect with her Freddie in Heaven.
Born an only child to Robert and Martha Porter in Keswick, Cumbria England, Anne spent her first 14 years surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Lake District. Much to Anne’s delight, for five of her childhood years during WWII, Anne’s family provided a safe home for a girl from London, who was the same age. Anne always credited The Church of England for providing a solid foundation of faith and a guiding light throughout her lifetime.
In 1948, Anne immigrated to Canada with her parents where she completed her schooling and attended Business College. She was employed by the Royal Bank of Canada and The Province of Ontario Savings Bank for several years in Hamilton, Canada. During that time, Anne met her future husband, Fred, who had immigrated to Canada from Germany. After they were married in 1954, they moved to the United States where they obtained their citizenship and began their family. They eventually settled in Saratoga Springs in 1962.
Over the years, Anne dedicated herself to raising her family. She continued her hobbies of reading, writing, drawing and painting as well as earning her Real Estate License in the 70’s. “Grannie” also enjoyed teaching Sunday School lessons for a time in the 90’s. Her fanciful penmanship was a work of art, so receiving a card or letter from Anne was always special. She usually included a newspaper or magazine clipping along with some words of wisdom. Anne was an avid reader of anything health related. She was known for her many home remedies and did her best to keep herself and her family healthy. She was insightful and ahead of her time with many of her theories. She became interested in politics and world events later in life.
Yearly family vacations in Maine were a cherished tradition. She enjoyed preparing family dinners and baking homemade apple pie. Anne shared her opinions with family and friends, and she would listen to theirs, while sipping a cup of tea or coffee with honey. She loved music, had a beautiful voice and was a natural drummer as well. She contributed to numerous charities. She was a very strong woman with a compassionate heart. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her and loved her.
Anne leaves behind her five children, Kathy Gregory (Dan), Nora Reed (Gene), Ron Jurgens (Soni), Bill Jurgens (Kelly) and Julie Jurgens as well as seven grandchildren, Ryan Reed (Keily), Robert Jurgens (Amorette), Kasi Jurgens Gallagher (John), Chelsea Reed Pierce (Pete), Meghan Gregory, Lauren Chrisman, Max Choi, and five great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to gather and pay their respects in memory of Anne on Sunday, May 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. preceding the service, which will commence at 3:30 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, located at 402 Maple Avenue (Route 9), Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. To share condolences online, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jean Eschner passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024 at the age of 94. Born on November 22, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Edwin Scheuerle and Helene Siegel Scheuerle, Jean led a life dedicated to family and friends, sports, and community service. After graduating from Kensington High School in Buffalo, Jean earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Syracuse University in 1967. She
married Arthur Eschner on August 25, 1951, embarking on a marriage that spanned 64 years until Arthur’s passing in 2015. Jean lived in Fayetteville, DeWitt, and East Syracuse, NY, for over 60 years. Her final two years were spent at the Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, NY, near her son Andrew.
Jean’s passion for physical education led her to a 20-year career as a part-time girl’s physical education teacher in the Jamesville-DeWitt school district. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and cross-country skiing, among many other physical pastimes. She participated for many years in the CNY Folksmarch, and competed in the New York State senior games. Jean also was an avid Bridge player, and in her later years she enjoyed games of MahJong with friends.
Jean enjoyed deep and abiding friendships, and in the summer months could often be found, glass of wine in hand, with friends on their docks on Hatch, Cazenovia, and DeRuyter Lakes. Regardless of the season, she always had coffee brewing. Jean and Art often exercised and socialized together at the local fitness club, and then rewarded themselves with a coffee or breakfast with friends. Jean loved to travel and, along with Arthur, went on many trips and cruises with dear friends to the American West, Alaska, Hawaii, and abroad, including much of Europe, Turkey, New Zealand, and
beyond.
Jean was an active member of the DeWitt Community Church (DCC), particularly the church’s Women’s Association where she was quite involved, participating in projects, working the Thrift Shop in the day, serving in the church’s Women’s Circles and as Deacon, along with her late husband. She volunteered often at the Everson Museum and the Samaritan Center, and helped to deliver Meals on Wheels with Art.
Jean is survived by her children Stephen (Rebecca Knowles) of Scotland, Thomas (Marie) of Scarborough, ME, and Andrew (Suzanne), of Gansevoort, NY, her grandchildren Adam, Emily, James, and Rachel, her great-grandchildren Eleanor, Rhys, and Phoebe, as well as beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces, and friends who will deeply miss her presence. Preceding her in death were her husband, Art, her son, Karl, who passed away as an infant, and her sister Lois Krall. Jean’s life and legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her spirit of fun and devotion to friends and family.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the DeWitt Community Church on June 22 at 11:00 a.m., at which the family looks forward to greeting friends and sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Samaritan Center of Syracuse (samcenter.org) or the DeWitt Community Church Women’s Association (www.dewittchurch.org). The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Woodlawn Commons as well as The Wesley Community in
Saratoga Springs, NY for their support over the last two years, and to her friends and visitors who sustained her spirit.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
MECHANICVILLE – Ellen M Stiles-Calabrese, 79, of Mechanicville passed away on April 21, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a retired Rural Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service out of Ballston Spa and then Malta Branch; after retirement she worked a few summers at the Saratoga Racetrack betting windows.
Born on September 17, 1944 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Stuart Stiles and Virginia White Stiles.
Ellen was a proud member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 for almost three years. Ellen was an Inner Guard, an appointed position, and was recently chosen as the “Officer of the Year” a well-earned honor. She loved being a member and was proud of the support and help the Elks gave our community. She was current President of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 Ladies Auxiliary, as well as a member of the Principessa Elena Society and the Eagles Club of Saratoga Springs. In her leisure she enjoyed gardening, reading, and she cherished spending time with her family and her many girlfriends; often going out to lunch. She took pride in organizing many of her class reunions for Saratoga Springs High School Class of 1962. Prior to COVID she volunteered at the Saratoga Casino and the Military Museum both in Saratoga Springs. She was a past president of the Wa-Sa-Wa Association of Dowsing. Dowsing is a type of divination employed in attempts to locate ground water, buried metals, ores, or gemstones.
Ellen is predeceased by her husband Genarro Calabrese, brothers and sisters-in-law Edward (Pat), Stuart (Janet) and Robert Stiles and a sister Monica Lee; and her stepson Gerry Calabrese.
Survivors include her daughters Melissa Racine (Brian) of Scotia, and Jenna White of Wilton, her sons, Michael Frasl (Paula) of Broadalbin, and Nick Dean (Kim) of Round Lake, a stepson, Peter Calabrese (Renee) of Hartsdale, NY, two step daughters, Christina Devaney (Tom) of Rensselaer, and Sherri Calabrese of Feura Bush, NY, brother Malcolm Stiles (LaVerne) of Wilton, and sister-in-law Orpha Stiles of Saratoga Springs. Grandchildren Grayson Racine (Ashton), Gavin Racine, Gage Wille, Aaron Dean, Kaitlyn Dean, Lucas McDermott (Lauren), Drew White, Gabriel Calabrese, Julien Calabrese, Jared Calabrese, Cooper Devaney and Violet Devaney; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday May 13, 2024, at the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge will hold a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Auxiliary’s Service. Elks will attend together at this hour. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs following the calling hours.
Ellen did request that people celebrate her life not, mourn her death, by wearing bright colors to her funeral.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Cerebral Palsy of NY State; the Elks major fundraiser. Ellen was working on The Elks Spring Fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy at the time of her passing. Donations in Ellen’s name should be sent to CPNYS; 3 Cedar Street Extension, Suite 2; Cohoes, NY 12047. Phone: 518-235-1880
WILTON – Janice Marie O’Brien, age 92, passed away April 12, 2024. A service was held on April 22 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours were held prior to the service followed by a graveside service at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Charlotte “Sugie” Collins died April 25. Calling hours were May 2 and were followed by a service at Compassionate Funeral Care. A graveside service at Maplewood Cemetery will be at a later date. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
