SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pearl Louise Frantz went home to her Lord, Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 88 in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the Wesley Community Center. Born at home, April 12, 1936, in Perkasie, PA. the only daughter to Walter H. (d. 1967) and Erma S. (d. 2005) Frantz. She lived in Bucks County until 2020, then moved to Saratoga Springs, New York to be near her brother and his family for assistance.

Pearl graduated, class of 1955, Pennridge High School. She enjoyed her class reunions. Upon graduating she worked at the telephone company as a phone operator for 39 years. She was greatly valued for nights, weekends, and holidays, since she never married. She participated in the Pioneers Club, the phone company’s service organization.

As a long-term member of the Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church, Pearl volunteered on several committees to help with the Lord’s work. She generously donated to many organizations during her life. Some of her pastimes: watching TV and knitting; reading and music; traveling across the United States and abroad; concerts and dinners with friends; and recording her experiences in her diaries with photos.

Pearl is survived by her brother, David Leroy (Carol) Frantz; 2 nieces, Karen (Frank) Lyons and family, and Kathy Frantz Weaver, along with great niece, Kelsey Weaver; all of Saratoga Springs, New York. There are several cousins living in Pennsylvania.

Her cremated remains will be brought home and laid to rest with her parents in the family plot at St. Andrews Union Cemetery, Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Relatives and friends are invited to Repast, on Monday September 16, at one’s own expense. We will be meeting at the Washington House Hotel and Restaurant, 136 North Main Street, Sellersville, Pennsylvania at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church (New Britain).

The family is grateful for the excellent care that Pearl received from home health aides, community hospice and The Wesley Community, Thank You.

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

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

BALLSTON SPA – Gerilyn Kancyr went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on July 25, 2024,  joining her beloved daughter Merideth, her mother Shirley, and her various “fur babies.”Those that knew her knew she was as tough as nails, but the most giving and loving person underneath.  

She leaves behind her sister Priscilla Malloy, affectionately known as “Poochie;” her sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick Pipino (Rebecca), John Lopiano (Jennifer); her four precious grandkids Merideth, Isabelle, JJ, and Sarah; her nieces (particularly Kara); nephews; her best friend Denise; and her faithful companion, Rosie the dog.

Geri was a cook at The Purple Pub in Maplewood for over 25 years. 

Never one to sit down, she worked as hard in retirement as in her working years, volunteering at the LifeWorks Soup Kitchen in Saratoga most days; helping out with the Backstretch workers at Saratoga Racecourse; and delivering meals to those who needed them.

The family is eternally grateful to the nurses and medical staff of Albany Medical Center who were so kind to her in her last weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that interested parties consider a donation to LifeWorks Saratoga.

A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Polaris Pavilion in the Saratoga Springs State Park for family, friends, and interested parties.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Beverley M. Smith, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 22, 1938, the daughter of the late Herbert Eckstrom and Edythe Tyrell Eckstrom.

Beverley dedicated many years of her career as a Medical Records Clerk at Wilton Developmental Center before retiring. She was a vibrant member of the community, actively participating in the Ladies Bowling League and serving for 40 years as a member of the Maple Avenue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Beverley had a passion for travel, a love she shared with her husband, Michael. Their adventures began in a fifth wheeler and eventually led to journeys in their motorhome. In her spare time, Beverley was an avid reader, but her greatest joy came from spending cherished moments with her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Michael J. Smith; her sons, David Smith (Marcy) and Mark Smith (Catherine); her daughter, Lynn Butterfield (David Gardner); her grandchildren, Sheila Smith-Pierone (Matthew), Jhackleen Boychew (Raymond), Desiree LaFountain, Kelly Jutsum (Alfred), and Rebecca Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, McKinley Boychew, Madisyn Boychew, and Fox Strong. Beverley also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Beverley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Patricia Petel; her brothers-in-law, John (Jack) and Jerry Smith; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Garnsey and Patricia Ryall; and her grandchild, Lorraine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 10,  at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

A graveside service will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 at a later date.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Delmonte and the staff at 3 Care Lane, Suite 300, Saratoga Springs, for the compassion and care they showed our family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Beverley’s honor to Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joseph Alexander, 84, found eternal peace surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Joseph was born on April 15, 1940 in Ticonderoga, NY, the fifth son of Guy and Blanche Alexander. He grew up in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in North Creek, NY. He attended Johnsburgh Central School District and later attended SUNY Potsdam where he played collegiate basketball and received his BA in Elementary Education in 1962. He then went on to earn two Master’s Degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh; MA in elementary education and MA in education administration. He taught the lion’s share of his 37-year teaching career at Greenfield Elementary School in the Saratoga Springs School District. The students that had the pleasure of sitting in his classroom remember his warmth, kindness, and charismatic personality. His students remember him reading to the class; the bobsled run in the winter and the annual backyard pool gathering in the summer.

In June of 1964 he married Donna Taberski, and they would be by each other’s sides for another 60 years. He is survived by his daughter Christine Alexander-Decker, MD (Edward) and his two grandchildren Hannah and Sarah. He adored watching his granddaughters grow into the women they are today. 

He is also survived by his older brother Jack Alexander (Hilda) of North Creek, NY and his younger sister, Nancy Choppa of Virginia Beach, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Mary Ann Johnson of Scotia, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was known as the Adirondack Guide to his family and friends due to his love of the outdoors and specifically the Adirondack Mountains. He was known to weave a tall tale or two in his time. He was a member emeritus of the Moose Pond Club of Minerva, NY where he spent many of his childhood summers exploring the pond and leading his friends through adventures in the woods. 

In his free time, he most enjoyed skiing the trails of Gore Mountain, where he learned to ski as a young boy. His favorite trail, hands down, was Showcase. He had the most beautiful form and natural flow on skis. He and Donna loved to travel and visited many sites in the US and abroad in retirement. They were active parishioners of St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY. 

Joseph was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a dependable, honest and an upstanding member of the Saratoga Springs community. He was a true family man, and he exuded a loving personality that stayed with him until his passing. 

Joseph fought a long hard battle with Colon Cancer for ten years. He quietly endured his situation without complaint. His family would like to thank his team of incredible doctors who fought alongside him and kept him comfortable during his time of need. Special thanks to Dr. John Pezzulo and Dr. John Mongan along with the dedicated and compassionate staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5-8 p.m. on Friday August 30 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY on Saturday, August 31 at 12 noon, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joseph to Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com