SARATOGA SPRINGS —Margie Helm Van Meter passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, surrounded by her family at her longtime residence in Saratoga Springs, NY.  Margie was born on September 7, 1932, the youngest of four children of John Blakey Helm and Catherine Burge Helm. Margie grew up in Louisville Kentucky and attended the Louisville Collegiate School.  She graduated from Wellesley College in 1954.  Soon after graduation, Margie married her husband of 70 years, Robert Van Meter.  Margie and Bob were blessed with two children, Bob and Nancy.  

After her children left for college, Margie earned a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Albany and embarked on a new career.  She served for two decades as a senior staff member in the New York State Senate focused on childcare issues, including many years working for Mary Goodhue, who chaired the Senate childcare committee.  Margie took great satisfaction from her success working across the aisle to pass over a dozen bills improving child welfare and expanding childcare for New York families and children.

Upon retirement, Margie deepened her lifelong commitment to community activism.  She served on the Saratoga Springs Charter Commission and was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Concurrently, Margie was a board member for the Planned Parenthood for Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery counties. She was also active in the Westside neighborhood and for several years she led neighborhood tours for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.  Margie mentored young women who were first-generation college students at Empire State College.  Margie was a leader in the League of Women Voters, for more than fifty years starting in 1961 in Green Bay Wisconsin.  Margie was an active member of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Saratoga Springs and served as an Elder of the church. 

Margie was always interested both in her community and the larger world around her. As an adult learner, she took a variety of courses and participated in numerous book clubs. She also enjoyed traveling.  Among other places that she visited with her children and grandchildren were Beijing, China, Paris, France, Havana, Cuba, Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. 

Margie is survived by her husband, her son Bob Van Meter and his wife Pam Nourse, her daughter Nancy Van Meter and her husband Jeff Eagan, grandchildren Becky Dowgun and her husband Neil, Patrick Eagan-Van Meter and his wife Rebecca Salzman, Abby Nourse Van Meter and her husband Ian Benton, Ben Eagan-Van Meter and his wife Fabiola Gutierrez, Margie’s brother Joe Helm and his wife Sissy, and her brother-in-law Woodford Van Meter and his wife Dorothy. In addition, Margie is survived by great-grandchildren Valerie, Jesse, and Silas, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Margie is predeceased by her parents John Blakey Helm and Catherine Helm, her sister Kitty Hartnett, and brother Jack Helm.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian-United Church of Christ, 24 Circular St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 with a reception to follow.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, www.lwvsaratoga.org

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

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

WILTON — With great sadness, the family of Carl L. Conklin of Wilton, New York, share the news of his passing. Carl passed away peacefully by the side of his loving wife of 64 years, Carol, on November 18, 2024 at the age of 83.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Carol; his children: Carl Conklin (Nancy), Jeff Conklin (Allyson), Jennifer Nichols (Michael), Debra Schubert (Richard); grandchildren: Tiffany, Zachary, Kristen, Rinnieco, Katie, Erika, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Cheyenne and Joshua; great-grandchildren: Marnie, Dane, Isabel, Sebastian, Gavin, Bella, Ziggy, Ryder, Gerah, River, Ezrah, Wesson, Journie, Oliver, Kieran, Declan, Imogen; his sister-in-law Donna Conklin and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother William Conklin and his parents Carl and Ruth Conklin. 

The family would also like to acknowledge his life-long best friend, Jack Nichol (Pam), whom he shared countless adventures with and long walks and coffee in his later years.

Born in Amsterdam, New York, he was known for his silly humor and unwavering devotion to his family, always offering his vast knowledge of everything to everyone. He enjoyed playing golf, sudoku puzzles, watching sports and eating.

Carl retired from Saint-Gobain at the age of 75 as a Mechanical Engineer.  

A celebration of Carl’s life is scheduled for December 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Italian American War Veterans Club, 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

TOWN OF SARATOGA —Joseph Peck, a beloved retired dairy farmer, storyteller, and author, passed away peacefully at 85 on November 24, 2024. He dedicated his life to farming, family and community, with the philosophy that service to others is the price you pay for your time on earth.

Born March 29, 1939, Joe was the third son of Schuyler and Viola (Haas) Peck.  He grew up in the house where he was born on the family farm in the Town of Saratoga. He attended the Wagman’s Ridge one-room schoolhouse then graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and Cornell University (1960), where he met his wife Pat (Dunn). Married for 62 years, they built a life together that was filled with family, community, and agriculture. Joe and Pat raised three children. Their son David now operates their Century Farm. Joe joked that he could fix most things with bailing twine and duct tape.

He was a longtime leader in Saratoga County Farm Bureau and 4-H, NYS Agricultural Society, Hudson Valley Farm Credit, Academy for Lifelong Learning, Schuylerville Community Theater, Chair of the Town of Saratoga Planning Board, Resolutions Committee for AgriMark Cooperative, and a charter member of Saratoga JayCees and Thoroughbred Toastmasters. He was awarded the Cornell Outstanding Alumnus and the NYS Governor’s agriculture citation.

A gifted storyteller, Joe captured the humor and humanity of farm life through his three books and columns in agricultural publications. He spoke nationally sharing his humorous farm stories.

Joe also had a zest for life beyond the farm. He traveled extensively, exploring countries across Europe, and relished simple pleasures like visiting capitol buildings, county fairs, garage sales, and ice cream or root beer places.

Joe is survived by his wife, Pat, their three children, David, Deborah (Sean Kelleher), and Sharon, his four grandchildren, Henry and Erin Kelleher, and Asa and Schuyler Peck, as well as numerous extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Louis Peck.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Flynn Bros. Funeral Home Schuylerville, NY on Friday, November 29 with visitation from 1 – 2:30 p.m., service at 2:30 p.m., followed by burial at Prospect Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa.

Joe’s family finds comfort in knowing that his stories, laughter, and contributions to the community will live on for generations to come. His positive spirit, wit, and deep love for his family and the farm will never be forgotten. He was a man who truly made life richer for all who had the privilege to know him.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Audrey J. Ball of Saratoga Springs passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, she was 94.

Audrey was born on May 10, 1930, at Glens Falls Hospital. She grew up in Wilton, NY, graduated from Saratoga High School in 1948, and was the daughter of Kenneth and Caroline (Loveland) Petteys. Audrey worked at the Glens Falls Insurance Company where she met the love of her life, Edward C. Ball. They married in 1952 at Bethesda Episcopal Church (Saratoga Springs) and spent 53 joy-filled years together.

Audrey was a homemaker and fulltime mother to their two beloved children, Nancy and Jeff. She was always available after school to hear about their day, and was an excellent cook. She volunteered for numerous causes, often visiting and spending time with the elderly. Wherever Ed and Audrey lived, she was always an active member and volunteer at their Episcopal church. Audrey will be remembered for her easy laughter, kind and gentle ways, and for always looking out for the underdog. She will be sorely missed.

Audrey spent the last year residing at Woodlawn Commons Assisted Living (Wesley) where she received excellent care and compassion. Audrey’s family is grateful for the staff who took such good care of her.

In addition to her parents, Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Edward. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy J. Kuhl and her husband Lawrence, of Wellesley Island, NY; her son, Jeffrey E. Ball and his wife Beverly, of Hagaman, NY; four grandsons and their spouses, Eric L. Ball (Cortney) of Fonda, NY, Justin M. Ball (Danielle) of Middleburgh, NY, Jonathan L. Kuhl (Scott) of Washington, DC and Stephen G. Kuhl (Shreya) of Manhattan, NY; five great-grandchildren; and her sisters Barbara Cook of St. Louis, MO and Carolyn Cook of Corinth, NY.

Relatives and friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, 518-584-5373.

A Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, at Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, by the Rev. Charles Wallace. Burial will follow in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Memorial donations may be made in Audrey’s honor to Bethesda Episcopal Church, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=STY8KSL99JXVJ

WESTFIELD, MA — Roland Joseph Denoncourt, known affectionately as Rol, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on November 5, 2024, at the age of 67. Born in Springfield, MA, Roland was the cherished son of the late Roland E. Denoncourt and Jeannette L. Denoncourt (Deblois). Rol grew up with a love for sports, excelling in football, baseball, and ice hockey. A graduate of Agawam High School’s class of 1975, Rol went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Paula, in 1977. Together, they built a loving home in Westfield, MA, where they raised their three children. 

Rol began his career in construction at a young age, gaining hands-on experience while working alongside his father and uncles at Denoncourt Construction Company.  In 1984, Rol and his brother, Dan, co-founded Denoncourt Brothers Construction Company, and later his son Marc joined the crew. The three generations had the unique privilege of working side-by-side throughout their lives. Over the years, Rol left a lasting impact on his community through the countless homes he built in Western Mass. and beyond, earning a reputation for his meticulous craftsmanship and ability to develop relationships with homeowners, which turned into lasting friendships. 

Rol was an amazing son, protective brother, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Those who knew him enjoyed his infectious smile, quick wit, and sense of humor. He loved to spend quality time with family and friends. His home and garage were always open for drinks, grilling, great stories, and working on equipment. Sports have always been a big part of Rol’s life. He enjoyed many years of coaching his three children and playing ice hockey in multiple adult leagues in the area. He was a fixture at his children’s games and, later in life, proudly cheered on his grandchildren at theirs. Rol loved his toys, whether he was out on the water boating, hitting the trails on his ATV, or tearing through the snow on his snowmobile, he always remained youthful at heart. He also enjoyed listening to his friends’ band, watching Fox News, cheering on the Boston Bruins, rooting for the New England Patriots, and following NASCAR. 

Rol was predeceased by his loving wife, Paula M. Denoncourt (Manchino), his sister Lorraine and his granddaughter Audra. He is survived by his sisters Denise Denoncourt of Feedings Hills, MA, Susan Collins and her husband Ted of Saratoga Springs, NY, and brother, Daniel Denoncourt and his wife Lorraine of Southwick, MA; his three children, with whom he adored; Beth Denoncourt and her husband Jason Hanscom of Agawam, MA, Janine Denoncourt and her husband Brian Parent of Mooresville, NC and Marc Denoncourt and his wife Madeline (Bergeron) of Westfield, MA; his cherished grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pepe”, Angelina, Madden, Parker, Will, Kyla, Julia, Rylan and Cameron and his beloved German Shepard, Rogie who was his faithful companion and protector. He also leaves behind many cousins, beloved nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends who have become family. Liturgy of Christian Burial was held at Blessed Sacrament Church prior to Thanksgiving. To express condolences to the family, and to share photos or memories, please visit Roland’s memorial page at https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Roland-Denoncourt