May 1, 1951 – October 21, 2024

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Born May 1, 1951 in Buffalo, New York as the first of four children to the late Edna May (neé Cochrane) and Arthur Richard Willman, Dean passed away after a short illness in Delmar, New York late Monday night, October 21, 2024.

Dean was a 1969 graduate of Smithville High School (Smithville, Ohio) and briefly attended Asbury College (now Asbury University) in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Having lived in Wooster, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, and Sandusky, Ohio, he had resided in Saratoga Springs, New York since 2005.

Dean belonged to the Abundant Life Church in Saratoga Springs, New York, where each summer he loved volunteering at their Adventure Camp and attending as many of the church functions as possible.

He loved playing pool at the senior center three times a week and enjoyed his walks around the town.

Dean was predeceased by his parents and grandparents Grace Hattie (neé Rowland) and Archie Len Cochrane and Karolina (neé Trendel) and Josef Willman, along with all his aunts and uncles. 

Dean is survived by his son, Jeremy (Missy) Stillwagner of Jacksonville, Texas; four grandsons (Jeremy Jr., Noah, Daniel, Micah); along with his brothers Don (Teri) of Brooksville, Florida; sister Martha (partner Scott) of Akron, Mentor, Ohio; nephew Christopher Willman-Bunge of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; brother Dale of  Delmar, New York; niece Elana Willman of Troy, New York; nephew Adam Willman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and long term pen pal and friend Tommy Westerlund from Sweden; along with so many more friends and cousins. 

Dean had a big heart, and he meant the world to those left to cherish his memory. He was kind and loving and will truly be missed.

Memorial donations may be made in Dean’s name to your local humane society or to the Saratoga Springs Abundant Life Church, 2 Hutchins Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO — Shirley Alice (Ross) Griffin, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and beloved friend, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.

Born on January 6, 1936, in Glens Falls, New York, Shirley was the youngest of thirteen children born to the late Jeremiah Ross and Harriet (Bessette) Ross. She was predeceased by all her siblings but one, leaving behind her sister, Isabell (Ross) Woodcock.

Shirley’s life was defined by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a proud military wife who, alongside her husband Charles Henry Griffin Jr., embraced the challenges and adventures of military life. Throughout his 21-year career, Shirley moved with Charles to 15 military bases, including an overseas assignment in Japan. Shirley always joined the Family Readiness Groups and taught Sunday schools at each base. Their shared journey was one of deep commitment and service to each other and their country. After Charles retired from the military, they settled in Upstate New York, where they raised their family and established lifelong roots. In 1994, Shirley was treated for and survived breast cancer.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Charles Henry Griffin Jr. Together, they shared a life rich in love, laughter, and memories. She is survived by her children: Charles Mark Griffin (Cheryl), Valerie Griffin Gilchrist, and Gregory Scott Griffin (Joanie). Shirley was the proud and adoring grandmother of twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. Her legacy lives on through them, and she will be remembered as a pillar of strength, creativity, and grace.

Shirley’s compassion extended far beyond her family. She touched the lives of countless friends and acquaintances with her kindness, generosity, and warmth. Her legacy of love and care will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Shirley enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, crafting, painting, sewing, and quilting.

Shirley’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

A memorial and burial service is scheduled on June 21, 2025, with arrangements made by Compassionate Funeral Care. Further details can be found at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

Memorial donations may be made to: www.ToLife.org: a support and education charity that provides for those affected by breast cancer in New York’s Capital Region.

BURNT HILLS — Janelle M. Lisney, 44, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Burnt Hills, where she resided with her loving partner, Steve Hoffman, and their cherished dogs, Quincy and Lacey.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Janelle was the beloved daughter of Paul Lisney and Angela Hether.

Janelle had a creative spirit and found joy in painting, coloring, and spending time with her dogs. Her greatest happiness came from being with her family, especially her beloved children, whom she held so close to her heart.

She is survived by her parents, Paul Lisney and Angela Hether; her children, Joshua Warland, Taylor Warland, and Heidi Warland; her sister, Shelby Lisney; her nieces, Madyson Lisney and Giuliana Gaggi; her nephew, Joseph Gaggi; and her grandmother, Annette Burns. Janelle is also survived by many extended family members across New York, Maryland, and Wisconsin.

A spring burial will be held to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janelle’s name to Friends of Saratoga County Animal Shelter at www.friendsofscas.org.

Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Shirley Bishop (nee Cassard), age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Wesley Health Care as her family kept a vigil. 

Born on August 13, 1931, in Rochester, NY, Shirley was the daughter of the late Earl Cassard and Evelyn Harrod Cassard.

Shirley dedicated her career to education, beginning as an elementary teacher and later serving on the administrative staff of Empire State College from 1973 to 1991. Known for her kindness and compassion, she formed lasting bonds with students and colleagues. She was also a Licensed Real Estate Agent. An avid reader, she belonged to several book groups over the years. When she retired, she and her husband Clay moved to their summer cottage on Lake Ontario and made it their home. The “Cottage” on Sodus Bay had been passed down through several generations. Shirley spent many summers there as a child and the Bay had a special place in her heart. Both on Sodus Bay, and Saratoga, Shirley was often seen walking miles with remarkable energy, never relying on a walker or cane throughout her life. She was a member of Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. 

She is survived by her sons, John Bishop (Anne) and Todd Bishop (Linda); daughters, Kathleen Bishop (James Jones) and Barbara Bishop (Mareky Onyewu); sisters, Elizabeth Davis (Michael) and Catherine Weber (Herbert); grandchildren, Elizabeth Sharts (Eric Lyday), Graham Sharts, Jack Bishop (Kristin), Ben Bishop (Megan), Patrick Bishop (Krystina), Will Bishop (Hunter Salem), Danielle Benedict (Michael), and Jillian Bishop (Kevin Winchester), eight great-grandchildren and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband, Howard Clay Bishop, and her sister, Gayle Schmitz.

All are welcome to a memorial service to celebrate her life which will be held sometime in the Spring, date to be determined. 

Condolences may be shared online at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Pensacola, FL. — Melody L. (Holiday) Jaenisch passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at home after a long fought battle with cancer.

Melody was born in Saratoga Springs in 1959 and joined the US NAVY after graduating high school. She later resided in Pensacola, Florida, and reunited with her loving classmate turned husband John R. Jaenisch. She was an avid Pool player and was a devoted member to Cue and Brew of Fort Edward where she would often escape the chaos of “vacation” life. If anybody knew Melody, she often kept herself very occupied while visiting her hometown and family for summers by holding numerous jobs at SPAC, and The Cool Insuring Arena during hockey season. 

Melody was predeceased by her mother Dawn McMahon, her father John Delmage and her sister Michelle Meisburger. She is survived by her two absolute rays of sunshine daughters, Miranda (Frank) Luman of South Glens Falls, Ariana (Bolt) Scheidt also of South Glens Falls, her two precious grandchildren Brandin and Raygen Luman, her brothers Michael (Robin) Nichols of Wilton, and Mark Holiday of Saratoga Springs, as well as many nephews and nieces and some very cherished friends. 

Her husband and family would like to extend the deepest gratitude to her cousin, Karen Williams of Colorado, and her best friend of 45 years, Denise Kleber of Pensacola, who took the time to be here for her final days and assist in her care, as well as the Community Hospice. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 21 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the ITAM (Italian America War Veterans), 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A memorial service with military honors will be scheduled in late spring or early summer at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville NY. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.