SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stanley Richard Toma, 74, passed away from cancer at Saratoga Hospital on December 16.

Stanley was born on May 7, 1939 in Troy.  He was the youngest son of the late Eustachio and Mary Toma. Stan attended the public schools in Watervliet and studied agricultural sciences at the State University of New York, Cobleskill.

He worked for Garden Way Inc. in Troy and retired after 25 years in the warehouse of the shipping and receiving department.

Stan was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved nature, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.  Even during his illness, he managed to join fellow members of the Champlain Valley Sportsmen Club for deer hunting, and particularly enjoyed traditional black powder hunting.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice (Clueswick) Toma; his four children Pamela Barnes of Longmeadow, Massachusetts , Jeffrey Toma of Ballston Spa, Jill Burton of Virginia Beach, Christopher Toma of Saratoga Springs; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; his brother John Toma and wife Marie of Port Charlotte, Florida as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Raymond, Charles, Anthony, Michael, Joseph and sister Ann Holcomb.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At last Thursday’s “Parents’ Guide to the Common Core State Standards, K-6” Parent University program meeting at the Saratoga Springs High School, Dr. Joseph Greco and Director of Humanities Integration Freya Mercer tried to make the Common Core curriculum a little more clear.

Whether someone is for or against Common Core, there are ways to help the students with work at home and better understand the curriculum’s purpose.

Dr. Greco, K-12 director of math, science and technology integration, helped present parents with the differences between the Common Core curriculum, state assessments and the teacher evaluation program (APPR).

As an example, he asked parent participants to solve the problem “3/4 minus 2/3” and explain their mathematical reasoning. 

“While many parents were able to draw from their grade-school experiences to solve the problem, the difficulty came when they were asked to explain what they did and why they did it,” Greco said. “In the past, students were given a set of rules and procedures to memorize in an effort to answer questions quickly. While parents recognized that they needed to find a common denominator, they were unable to articulate why that was necessary and why their answer of 1/12 made mathematical sense.  Students now are being asked to get their hands dirty with the content and be able to not only solve the problems with accuracy, but be able to explain why the math works.”

The following Saratoga TODAY question and answer session with Dr. Greco further explains the challenges of Common Core’s implementation, the difficulties faced by students and the resources available to further help understand program.

Q. Are there any big misconceptions about Common Core?

A. One of the biggest misconceptions with the Common Core is that students are unable to participate in such high-level conversations regarding mathematics.  While this was initially a challenge, the Saratoga teachers have done an outstanding job of repackaging their instruction to allow students to share their mathematical reasoning with others and work collaboratively to solve complex and real-world mathematical problems?

Q. What have you seen as the biggest complaint?

A. The biggest complaint regarding Common Core has been the accelerated pace of the implementation.  This is a completely new way of instructing students.  This is not the way that parents learned it in school and this is not the way teachers were formally trained.  As a result, teachers from across the state were forced to learn, unlearn, and relearn alongside their students. 

Q. Have more parents been coming around to the idea of Common Core?

A. The Common Core curriculum has become politicized over the past year in New York.  While there has been much debate over the accelerated timeline for implementation, the number of high-stakes assessments, and the linking of these assessments to teacher performance, there has been support from both teachers and parents on what students are learning and how they are learning it.   Now that teachers and students have already had one complete year of Common Core level instruction, we are already seeing an increase in students’ level of understanding.

Q. With Common Core standards currently being limited to English and math, are there any plans of extending to other subjects in the future?

A. While the focus has been on English and mathematics, social studies and science are still very much alive in the Common Core.  The design is to break down the compartmentalization of the subjects and instead inter-mix the content under the umbrella of English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.  For example, students are now reading more informational or non-fiction text as a result of the Common Core shifts.  This is translating to social studies and science being read, discussed and written about during a student’s English instruction.  There is still work to do to ensure students are receiving the hands-on experience needed for deep understanding of Science or Engineering topics, but we are moving in the right direction.

Q. In your opinion, why is there a need for Common Core?

A. The Common Core curriculum in math is critical in providing our students with the skills they need to pursue jobs in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) industries should they choose to do so.  When our instruction focused on the memorization of rules and procedures, students struggled with more complex algebraic questions.  As a result, students began to lose confidence in their ability to do well in math and ultimately chose courses and careers outside of the STEM field.  Common Core focuses on the deep understanding of a focused curriculum.  Students don’t learn tricks—they learn math.  With a deep understanding, students are able to build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and ultimately choose to take more challenging math and science courses as they progress through their educational pathway.

Q. What do you say to a parent who says, “It just teaches kids how to take standardized tests”?

A. The Common Core curriculum is actually very difficult to assess.  In the past, our assessments focused on rote memorization of facts, with little emphasis on deep understanding.  The new assessments are now asking students to design, critique, and infer at a very high level.  There is a high degree of writing that is now being asked of our students.  As a result, students across the state have struggled.  With time, students will improve their level of understanding, their communication skills and their stamina for such focused high-level thinking.

Q. Does it limit a teacher’s freedom to teach away from the statewide curriculum? And do you think that is something that should worry parents of students?

A. Teaching in New York has always been based on a set of standards for each grade level or course.  The Common Core has basically replaced those previous state standards for teachers.  The one difference, however, is that the Common Core has components such as the “8 Mathematical Practices,” which are instructional guidelines to help with the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum. Saratoga Springs has recently assigned trained math coaches to each elementary building to help with this implementation.  These math coaches have been helping to improve the Saratoga math program by working directly with elementary teachers to improve their classroom delivery of the Common Core.

Q. If you could list the top three benefits of Common Core, what would they be?

      A. Less content, more focus. A deep understanding of the math and less reliance on the memorization of algorithms. And real-world application of the math so students understand how these lessons apply to their daily lives.

      Q. Do you agree that Common Core puts added pressure on students? Or is this another misconception?

      A. Although there may be less content to cover, the Common Core curriculum does put more pressure on students.  Students can no longer be passive learners and must now take ownership of their education.  They will need to actively participate in classroom discussions.  They will need to listen to the ideas of others and be able to engage in conversation regarding the course content.  Student will not only have to show their work, but they will now be required to explain their thinking with supporting evidence.  This will be a challenge, but we have strong students, supportive parents and a dedicated faculty that are determined to provide our students with the best possible education.

      Q. Is there anything else that you have either liked or disliked about the curriculum?

             A. While many teachers are supportive of the common core, there is still concern that some topics, especially at the younger grades, are developmentally inappropriate.  Kindergarteners are entering school at vastly different levels of readiness.  As a result, our teachers are working to close any initial gaps while still preparing these students for the rigorous content of the Common Core.

      Q. What have you told parents they can do to help?

      A. During the presentation, parents were given information on the various educational shifts, what their students would be seeing in class, and what parents could do to help support their child at home.  (Greco also referred parents to Engage New York’s website that provides further information for parents: http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/parent_workshop_backpack_guide.pdf

Parents also submitted questions that were answered and posted on the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Website. More information on the presentation and upcoming Parent University events can be seen at www.saratogaschools.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At last Thursday’s “Parents’ Guide to the Common Core State Standards, K-6” Parent University program meeting at the Saratoga Springs High School, Dr. Joseph Greco and Director of Humanities Integration Freya Mercer tried to make the Common Core curriculum a little more clear.

Whether someone is for or against Common Core, there are ways to help the students with work at home and better understand the curriculum’s purpose.

Dr. Greco, K-12 director of math, science and technology integration, helped present parents with the differences between the Common Core curriculum, state assessments and the teacher evaluation program (APPR).

As an example, he asked parent participants to solve the problem “3/4 minus 2/3” and explain their mathematical reasoning. 

“While many parents were able to draw from their grade-school experiences to solve the problem, the difficulty came when they were asked to explain what they did and why they did it,” Greco said. “In the past, students were given a set of rules and procedures to memorize in an effort to answer questions quickly. While parents recognized that they needed to find a common denominator, they were unable to articulate why that was necessary and why their answer of 1/12 made mathematical sense.  Students now are being asked to get their hands dirty with the content and be able to not only solve the problems with accuracy, but be able to explain why the math works.”

The following Saratoga TODAY question and answer session with Dr. Greco further explains the challenges of Common Core’s implementation, the difficulties faced by students and the resources available to further help understand program.

Q. Are there any big misconceptions about Common Core?

A. One of the biggest misconceptions with the Common Core is that students are unable to participate in such high-level conversations regarding mathematics.  While this was initially a challenge, the Saratoga teachers have done an outstanding job of repackaging their instruction to allow students to share their mathematical reasoning with others and work collaboratively to solve complex and real-world mathematical problems?

Q. What have you seen as the biggest complaint?

A. The biggest complaint regarding Common Core has been the accelerated pace of the implementation.  This is a completely new way of instructing students.  This is not the way that parents learned it in school and this is not the way teachers were formally trained.  As a result, teachers from across the state were forced to learn, unlearn, and relearn alongside their students. 

Q. Have more parents been coming around to the idea of Common Core?

A. The Common Core curriculum has become politicized over the past year in New York.  While there has been much debate over the accelerated timeline for implementation, the number of high-stakes assessments, and the linking of these assessments to teacher performance, there has been support from both teachers and parents on what students are learning and how they are learning it.   Now that teachers and students have already had one complete year of Common Core level instruction, we are already seeing an increase in students’ level of understanding.

Q. With Common Core standards currently being limited to English and math, are there any plans of extending to other subjects in the future?

A. While the focus has been on English and mathematics, social studies and science are still very much alive in the Common Core.  The design is to break down the compartmentalization of the subjects and instead inter-mix the content under the umbrella of English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.  For example, students are now reading more informational or non-fiction text as a result of the Common Core shifts.  This is translating to social studies and science being read, discussed and written about during a student’s English instruction.  There is still work to do to ensure students are receiving the hands-on experience needed for deep understanding of Science or Engineering topics, but we are moving in the right direction.

Q. In your opinion, why is there a need for Common Core?

A. The Common Core curriculum in math is critical in providing our students with the skills they need to pursue jobs in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) industries should they choose to do so.  When our instruction focused on the memorization of rules and procedures, students struggled with more complex algebraic questions.  As a result, students began to lose confidence in their ability to do well in math and ultimately chose courses and careers outside of the STEM field.  Common Core focuses on the deep understanding of a focused curriculum.  Students don’t learn tricks—they learn math.  With a deep understanding, students are able to build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and ultimately choose to take more challenging math and science courses as they progress through their educational pathway.

Q. What do you say to a parent who says, “It just teaches kids how to take standardized tests”?

A. The Common Core curriculum is actually very difficult to assess.  In the past, our assessments focused on rote memorization of facts, with little emphasis on deep understanding.  The new assessments are now asking students to design, critique, and infer at a very high level.  There is a high degree of writing that is now being asked of our students.  As a result, students across the state have struggled.  With time, students will improve their level of understanding, their communication skills and their stamina for such focused high-level thinking.

Q. Does it limit a teacher’s freedom to teach away from the statewide curriculum? And do you think that is something that should worry parents of students?

A. Teaching in New York has always been based on a set of standards for each grade level or course.  The Common Core has basically replaced those previous state standards for teachers.  The one difference, however, is that the Common Core has components such as the “8 Mathematical Practices,” which are instructional guidelines to help with the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum.   Saratoga Springs has recently assigned trained math coaches to each elementary building to help with this implementation.  These math coaches have been helping to improve the Saratoga math program by working directly with elementary teachers to improve their classroom delivery of the Common Core.

Q.   Q. If you could list the top three benefits of Common Core, what would they be?

      A. Less content, more focus. A deep understanding of the math and less reliance on the memorization of algorithms. And real-world application of the math so students understand how these lessons apply to their daily lives.

      Q. Do you agree that Common Core puts added pressure on students? Or is this another misconception?

A.    A. Although there may be less content to cover, the Common Core curriculum does put more pressure on students.  Students can no longer be passive learners and must now take ownership of their education.  They will need to actively participate in classroom discussions.  They will need to listen to the ideas of others and be able to engage in conversation regarding the course content.  Student will not only have to show their work, but they will now be required to explain their thinking with supporting evidence.  This will be a challenge, but we have strong students, supportive parents and a dedicated faculty that are determined to provide our students with the best possible education.

A.    Q. Is there anything else that you have either liked or disliked about the curriculum?

Q.    A. While many teacher are supportive of the common core, there is still concern that some topics, especially at the younger grades, are developmentally inappropriate.  Kindergarteners are entering school at vastly different levels of readiness.  As a result, our teachers are working to close any initial gaps while still preparing these students for the rigorous content of the Common Core.

Q.    Q. What have you told parents they can do to help?

A.    A. During the presentation, parents were given information on the various educational shifts, what their students would be seeing in class, and what parents could do to help support their child at home.  (Greco also referred parents to Engage New York’s website that provides further information for parents: http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/parent_workshop_backpack_guide.pdf

Parents also submitted questions that were answered and posted on the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Website. More information on the presentation and upcoming Parent University events can be seen at www.saratogaschools.org.

WILTON — E. Joseph Baldwin Jr., 85, of Wilton, passed away Tuesday, November 26 at home with his loving family by his side.

Born in Detroit, he was the son of the late Elton and Anna Baldwin.

Joseph served in the U.S. Army. While stationed in France, he met the love of his life and surviving spouse, Pierrette Pia Baldwin. They opened Chez Pierre Restaurant in 1964, a local tradition Joseph was able to enjoy operating together with his family up until his recent illness.

Joseph enjoyed many years of family traditions and gatherings, traveling to France with his wife, cooking, gardening and fixing anything that needed to be fixed.

His family will miss his expertise, which they all relied on so frequently, and will continue to prepare many of his personal recipes.

In addition to his wife, Pierrette, he is survived by his son Pierre, who has two daughters, Danielle and Natalie; his daughter Patricia and her husband, Keith Ashby; his son Patrick and his wife, Susan, and their children, Patrick Jr. (his daughter, Adeline), Elizabeth and Kelsey; and his daughter Pia Field and her husband, Lincoln Field, and their children, Tyler, Brayden and Lincoln Jr.

BALLSTON SPA — Linda Mae Krywy, 56, of Ballston Spa, peacefully passed away on December 11, from Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. 

Born in Ballston Spa on February 10, 1957, Linda was the youngest daughter of the late Henry and Frances (Hika) Krywy.  

After graduation from Ballston Spa High School, Linda received various degrees from her studies at Mitchell College in Connecticut, Syracuse University, and the University of Maine.  Her desire for a career in Eastern Medicine led her to the Oregon Center for Oriental Medicine (OCOM) where she completed four years of study and became a Board Certified Acupuncturist after taking her final boards in California. 

While practicing acupuncture in the western US, Linda’s deep Christian faith drew her to Christian College studies. Her church calling was cut short when she returned to Ballston Spa to live with her mother after the passing of her father. She then opened Adirondack Acupuncture and began her career as a New York State licensed acupuncturist. With a generous heart, Linda often allowed her patients to barter for her services— eggs, firewood, maple syrup, etc.  Linda continued her acupuncture business until her brain cancer made it impossible. 

Linda was a very artistic individual.  She enjoyed conversing, and singing and playing several musical instruments with family and friends.  She also enjoyed painting.  Her outside interests included helping others in any way she possibly could and when time allowed, she enjoyed watching the NY Yankees, fishing, hiking and walking her beloved Beagle Patch.

Linda is survived by her brother Donald Krywy of Ballston Spa; two sisters, Mary Ann Baratta of Belmont, Massachusetts and Karen Rush of Scotia; seven nieces; three nephews; one great-niece; and many cousins and countless friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those of the A-3 staff of the Saratoga Hospital who became our dear friends through Linda’s lengthy stay. We also offer our most sincere gratitude to all of the Clergy and personal friends who came to visit and pray with us over Linda throughout her sickness.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life on December 28 at 11a.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 10 West High Street in Ballston Spa. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Linda Krywy may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA  02458 or through their website at www.braintumor.org. 

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the obituary, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Eileen Brophy, 91, went peacefully into the arms of the Lord December 2, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, surrounded by her children: Regina (Jeanie) Tate (Ralph) of Middle Grove; Dennis Brophy (Patricia) of Sag Harbor; Rosemary Brophy of Queensbury; Lauretta (Laurie) Buscaino (Anthony) of Massapequa Park; Kevin Brophy (Kathleen) of Syosset; with some cousins and grandchildren.

Mary was born February 10, 1922 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents: Charles and Eileen Dempsey; her beloved sister Elizabeth (Betty) Rainey; her brother-in-laws: John Rainey, Joseph Knapp, and James Egan; and her sister-in-law Beatrice Brophy, all of New Jersey. She is also predeceased by her beloved husband Vincent, daughter Patricia, and son Joseph.

In addition to her children, she is survived by her beloved sisters Helen Knapp of Boonton, New Jersey and Noreen Ward (Leo) of Little Falls, New Jersey, as well as her beloved brother-in-law Timothy Brophy (Marie) of Little Falls and beloved sister-in-law Eileen Egan of Woodland Park, New Jersey.

Mary left behind 33 nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mary was a deeply religious Catholic and belonged to the Legion of Mary, the Rosary Altar Society, and the Right to Life movement. She was also a member of the Lay Order of Carmelites. She and her husband were founding members of Holy Family Church in Hicksville, where she served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister while living in Westbury. She moved to Leisure Village in Ridge, where she also became a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mark’s Church. She left Ridge to move to Saratoga Springs, where she attended St. Clement’s Church.

Other organizations she was a member of were Daughters of America and the American Legion. Mary proudly served her country as a Technician, Fifth Grade, in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) while her husband served in the Army.

Mary loved to sing and always had a smile on her face. She was laid to rest at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, after a mass of Christian Burial was performed at Holy Family Church. Mass was officiated by her longtime friend, Msgr. Domenick Graziadio of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Plainview, NY. All her children, grand daughters, and some grandsons wore reds scarves in honor of her love for the color red. Her wake was honored with an honor guard from Syosset Volunteer Fire Department, and prayers said by her Carmalite Sisters. Her funeral ceremony included the presentation of an American Flag to her oldest daughter. Her grandson Andrew Brophy in Army uniform, and grandson Michael Dean Brophy acted as Honor Guard. Andrew presented the flag while a representative from the Armed Forces played Day Is Done on the Bugle. Bagpipes played also to honor her deep pride in being Irish.

Anyone who might wish to commemorate Mary’s life may make a donation to St. Clement’s, St. Mark’s, or Holy Family c/o Jeanie Tate, 6302 Jockey St., Middle Grove, NY 12850.

Special thanks to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Staff, for their kind, caring, patient, and thorough care during Mary’s many visits to the Emergency Room.

BALLSTON SPA — Margaret Wellman Roberts Casey, 90, of Ballston Spa, went to be with The Lord on December 13.

Meg was born on September 7, 1923 to Maynard and Nellie (Mansfield) Wellman in Rome. She was the stepdaughter of Sarah (Ferguson) Wellman and grew up in Rome with a large loving family where she developed her love of camping. She was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. She married William “Bill”

Henry Roberts on February 21, 1943 and was his beloved wife for 25 years and had three loving children: Linda, Peter, and Janellen.

Her family was the most important thing to her and Meg was always there for her family and her family always came first. Meg enjoyed her time camping, volunteering in her children's activities, and raising her children. She was President of the Mother’s Club, and a Brownie Girl Scout Leader. As grandchildren were added, she embraced them and loved to spend time with them. She spent countless time with her family at her beloved Raquette Lake.

She worked at Utica State Hospital. Following Bill’s death she went back to school and went on to earn her Associates Degree at Adirondack Community College and became a Registered Nurse. She worked for many years for New York State in the Wilton Developmental Center. Nursing was her passion and expressed her joy in serving and caring for others. She worked there until she retired, but she continued her life of caring with her grandchildren.

She married Paul J. Casey on October 4, 1974 in Inlet and was his wife and companion for 22 years.

Meg was a strong determined person that met adversity head-on. She was always thoughtful, giving and caring. She embodied the principle of putting others first. Meg had a very strong faith and was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.

Meg was pre-deceased by her two husbands, William "Bill" Roberts and Paul Casey.  She is survived by her three brothers: Maynard Wellman (Judy), Ronnie Wellman, and  Bruce Wellman (Pam) and two sisters Eileen Wellman McHale (Ken) and Marion Wellman Raines (Earl, deceased), her three children Linda Roberts Matson (Art), Peter  Roberts (Patricia), and Janellen Roberts Clark (Jeff), and her beloved grandchildren Arthur Matson IV, Christine (Matson) Strack, Emily (Clark) McPhee, Sarah (Clark)Quarles, William Clark, Deanna Roberts, Catherine Clark and Jennifer Roberts.

She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren and was awaiting the birth of her 10th. She is also survived by dear friends including her closest friend Barbara Sorrell.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Margaret at 11 a.m. on December 18 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Friends and family may call from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Sauquoit Valley Cemetery in Sauquoit in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raquette Lake Fire Department.

Online condolences can be made at www.CompassionateFuneralCare.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara E. Lane, of Greenfield Center, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013 of a sudden illness at Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, NY. She was 75.

Daughter of the late Stanley and Elsie (Groll) Lake, Barbara was born on April 8, 1938 in Manhattan.

The Lake family moved to Amityville in 1952 where Barbara graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in 1955. She worked at Glen Cove Hospital as a lab technician. She was married to Gary Meyers Ziegenfelder from 1957 to 1978. She then attended Grumman Data Systems where she received her computer programming certification. She married John Lane in 1986 and they moved to Greenfield Center in 1987. Barbara worked for many years as a computer programmer for Jardine Group Services and Davis Vision of Schenectady, NY.

Barbara was a passionate volunteer for the causes she cared about. She was a Girl Scout leader in her earlier years with her sister Nancy in Amityville, Long Island. In the 1960’s she modeled positive race relations for young people. She spent years working for the Okeanos Ocean Research Foundation as a research assistant. Even as her mobility waned she continued to stay involved by being a patron of a child through PLAN International USA and supporting the arts at SPAC. She traveled in the U.S. and abroad and enjoyed reading, especially philosophy, playing Sudoku, using Facebook, and spending time with her family and friends. She was an enthusiastic animal lover who loved to watch the wildlife traveling through her beloved backyard.

Barbara was not only a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and aunt to us all, she was a confidant and friend. After listening to our thoughts she always counseled us to forgive and love each other. Her warm smile and generous, loving ways will make it difficult for us to say goodbye. Her best loved recipes such as Shish Kabob, Cornell Salad, Barbeque Flank Steak, and Parsley Onion Bread will continue to be enjoyed by us for generations to come.

Barbara was a deeply spiritual woman whose faith in the wisdom of the universe carried her throughout her life. One of her favorite sayings was, “I just trust God to give me what I need.” She took great comfort in nature and private contemplation.

She is survived by her husband, John Lane; her beloved daughters, Lisa Newkirk (Larry) and Susan Castagna (Joseph); grandsons Larry Newkirk, Jr. and Willie Garrett Newkirk. She is also survived by a niece, Erica Peterson Evans, a nephew, Bryan Thomas Peterson (Jeanine) and great-nephew Harrison Peterson, “adopted” grandson Anthony Hall, as well as many relations and longtime friends. 

She was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Peterson (Lake)

Memorials Service will be held on Saturday December 14 at 3 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue (Rte. 9) in Saratoga Springs, where family and friends are welcomed to call from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service at Compassionate Funeral Care.

After the service on Saturday all are welcome to join the family of Barbara for further fellowship and food at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge 161 directly behind the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to PLAN International USA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886. - http://www.planusa.org.

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WILTON — Thomas Martin Fitzpatrick passed away Sunday, November 17, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on December 4, 1928 in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Mary (Karabin) Fitzpatrick and resided in Wilton from the age of 4.

Tom enlisted in the Air Force at 17 and was discharged on December 7, 1948 with the rank of Sergeant. His last assignment was in the Adjutant General’s Section Headquarters in Colorado Springs. He received the World War II Victory Medal.

Tom was a well-respected realtor/builder in the area for many years. He once built homes for three generations of one family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, good humor and life in general.  For over 50 years, Tom supported a little league baseball team and loved watching the children play ball.

He was a member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks and the Glens Falls and Saratoga Builders Association.

Survivors include his wife Janet; his son, Thomas Michael; two stepsons Brian and Jonathan; and several cousins.

Relatives and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 21at St. Clement’s Church, 231Lake Ave. by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia. Burial with military honors will follow at noon  at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Our family is very thankful and appreciative for all the wonderful people who so kindly cared for Tom throughout his illness, his doctors, the professionals from Interim Health Care, Health Care Partners, The Eddy, Saratoga Hospital and all his loyal friends who visited, kept in touch and where always there for him and his family. Tom was truly blessed with so much tender loving care.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saratoga Springs National Little League, c/o Derrick LeGall, 3 Deerleap Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or a charity of one’s choice.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ethel Townsend Cecka, 95, passed away November 16 at her home in Saratoga Springs.
Ethel (neé Lillian Ethel Townsend) was born August 12, 1918, in Lebanon, New Hampshire to Hugh Townsend and Marie Kuhre Townsend. She was a graduate of Lebanon High School and Northampton Commercial College.
In 1945, she married Dr. Terry E. Lilly Jr. and resided in Mission Hills, Kansas, until 1971 when the family moved to Exeter, California and then to Corona del Mar, California.After a divorce, she married William J. Cecka in 1983 and in 1995 she moved to Saratoga Springs.
Ethel worked for the U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission and subsequently as an executive secretary at several professional corporations. She was also a homemaker.
Ethel was a member of the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church.
Ethel is survived by her children, Donna B. Lilly (Gordon Mott) of Croton-on-Hudson and Queretaro, Mexico, and Reginald S. Lilly (Lyndell J. Falconer) of Saratoga Springs; and her grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Mott, Jordan L. Lilly and Owen H. Lilly. She is also survived by her second husband’s daughter, Marilyn Schultheis (Stephen) of Laguna Hills, California, as well as William’s five grandchildren, Brent, Matthew, Arianne, Grant and Lyndsey.
She is predeceased by her son, Terry E. Lilly III, and husband, William J. Cecka.
For their loving care, the family wishes to thank Tatiana Goriounova, Gloria Sutherland, Jonna Lamarco, Jeannine Jeter, Diane and Ray Henderson, Community Hospice of Saratoga, Home Health Care Partners, and Tri-State Care Alternatives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Ethel's memory to Skidmore College’s Filene Music Scholarship Fund, Office of Advancement, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.