VEDDER AND SCOTT - Key Persons
Betty Marie Heichel, age 79, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away Thursday July 7th, 2022, at Schuyler Hospital. She was born to Joseph and Dorothy Schaffhouser on June 13, 1943, at Bellville, Illinois Army Air Force Hospital. Betty is survived by her loving husband Dale Heichel I, who she married February 10, 1962; sons, Dale II (Brook), John, Thomas (Tracy), and William; daughter, Denice Markley-Heichel; grandchildren, Timothy Markley, Justine, Abbie, Arden and Benjamin; great-grandchildren Evan and Easton; siblings, Bonnie (Andy) Tanner, Robert (Patty) Stephen, Arthur (Holly) Schaffhouser, and James Capogrossi; and many nieces and nephews. Special friends she would like to remember are Emmy Smith of Lake Placid, NY, Catherine Potter of Yulee, FL, and of course her little dog "Joey". Betty was predeceased by her parents, her brother Joseph F. Schaffhouser, with whom she had a special bond, her in-laws, uncles and aunt from New Jersey. She graduated from Odessa-Montour with the class of 1961, Corning Community College in 1983, Cornell University in 1986, and Marywood College in 1987. In her working years, she was a licensed master social worker, holding various positions in Chemung, Steuben, and Broome counties. After retiring, Betty had several enterprises including the Curiosity Shop in Ovid, NY, Flower and Gifts Shops in Trumansburg and Watkins Glen, NY, and Blossoms Bed and Breakfast in the Village of Watkins Glen. Throughout her life, Betty was involved in community service, especially through her church, Saint Benedict's Church in Odessa. She taught religious instruction and was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Catherine Mothers Club. Betty was also interested in politics and served on the Schuyler County Democratic Committee. She also ran for Schuyler County legislature, Town of Montour and Dix District 2. Betty's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Ben Saks, the nurses, and all of those who cared for Betty throughout her illness and passing. Anyone wishing to remember Betty may contribute in her name to the Meals on Wheels Program at the Schuyler County Office for the Aging, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls, NY 14865. The family will hold a private service at Highland Cemetery, Odessa, NY.
David Zinger, a licensed funeral director for over 20 years, purchased the funeral home from Fred Scott on December 31, 2013. He is a 1995 graduate of Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse. He has spent his career helping people through the grief process with attentiveness and care. He is committed to treating families with dignity, integrity, and a high level of compassion. "I feel fortunate for the opportunity to serve such an inviting community. Families can trust that I will continue to provide the same professional and personalized service that the community has come to rely upon for years to come." David and his wife Tiffany reside in Montour Falls along with their three children.
Dr. Eugene F. Sensel, Jr., 87, of Millport, NY, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 at his home. He was born in Elmira, NY on October 6, 1934, the son of Eugene and Hilda (Combs) Sensel. Gene graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School with the class of 1952 and received his Doctorate from Cornell University. He served with the US Army from 1957-1959. Gene was Principal at Odessa-Montour for many years. He later was a professor at Elmira College, Cornell University and Cazenovia College, where he taught advanced math and science courses to many gifted students. Gene was extremely bright, knowledgeable and always the educator. You would always come away from a conversation with Gene with a new bit of information about whatever topic you were discussing with him. Gene had beautiful gardens that he was very proud of. He enjoyed watching the birds and other wildlife in his yard. Gene also loved antiques. He and his mother bought and sold antiques for many years. Gene traveled extensively throughout his life. He traveled to several European countries, the Caribbean, and the Amazon. He also enjoyed going on cruises and river cruises. Gene was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Mechanics Club and the Corning Country Club. Gene is survived by the love of his life for over 50 years, Sonja Shay; son Patrick (Lorri) Sensel; granddaughter, Makena Sensel; his beloved and loyal companions, Coffee and Teddy; cousins, Tom (Julie) Combs, Bob Combs and by several other second cousins; and special friends, Ella Thompson, Randy Comfort and Ray and Ethel Frost. He was predeceased by his parents, his uncles, Teddy Combs, Glenn (Ruth) Combs, and cousin Joel (Cheryl) Combs. When asked how he would sum up his life, Gene responded, "I lived, I loved, and I died". Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. Gene's funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm followed by burial with military honors in Highland Cemetery in Odessa.
Edward Anson Phoenix, 96, of Alpine, NY and formerly of Oxford, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Seneca View SNF in Montour Falls, NY. Edward was born on October 16, 1925 in Norwich, NY the son of Clinton and Bertha (Hoyt) Phoenix. Edward worked for Great American Market, driving truck for over 40 years. He was the owner of Phoenix's Greenhouse in Oxford for close to 30 years. He was a member of the Oxford Fire Department and Oxford United Methodist Church. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Susquehanna. In 2007, he and Trudie moved to Alpine, NY. Edward was predeceased by his wives, Mae Phoenix and Gertrude Phoenix; stepsons, Hurdon Hastings and Vernal Hastings; and sister, Ethel Weis. He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Robert) Fair of Alpine; stepsons, Kingsley (Cindy) Robinson of Montrose, PA, Ted Robinson of Norwich, NY, Michael Phoenix of Portland, OR; sisters, Gladys (Fred) Toon of Leesburg, FL, and Beverly Brown of Norwich, NY; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Cayutaville United Methodist Church, 3231 County Road 6, Alpine, NY. A calling hour will be held from 1-2 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cayutaville United Methodist Church, 3231 County Road 6, Alpine, NY 14805 or to a charity of your choice.
Fred Scott joined his father in business in 1972, after returning from Vietnam. He received his Associates Degree from Corning Community College and later a degree in Mortuary Science from Simmon's Institute of Funeral Service. Fred and his wife Bonnie have lived in this community for over 30 years, where they raised their daughter and have been active in many community endeavors. Fred spent his entire career committed to continuing the tradition of compassionate service delivered promptly and with the highest degree of professionalism as was established by his father. After the transfer of ownership, Fred has continued to work alongside David to provide a seamless transition into this great community. Fred says, "I'm confident the community will appreciate and embrace David as he carries on the Vedder & Scott traditions and standards."
Shirley Mickel Callahan, 91, of Montour Falls, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2022 after a brief illness. Shirley was born near Philadelphia, PA to Ruth (Congdon) and Stanford Mickel on January 19, 1931. Her family relocated to this area when she was a young girl. Shirley graduated from Odessa High School in 1948 and went on to study business at Keuka College. She married the love of her life, John, in 1949 and started a family. She was a library assistant at OMCS High School in the 1970's. She left that position to travel and live abroad with her husband, John, as he worked for Corning Inc. After he retired in 1984, Shirley returned to library work and was the librarian at the Montour Falls Memorial Library. After retiring from that position, she served on the Board of Directors for the library. Shirley loved reading, watching cooking shows, traveling, and spending time with family. Everyone that met her remembers her bright smile, and warm personality. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth, Jane, and Pat; daughter-in-law, Lisa; 7 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren, sister Fay (Gene) Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John, sons; Matthew and Terry; great-granddaughter Lillian Shirley; and her parents. Memorial donations may be made to the Montour Falls Memorial Library, or Schuyler County Historical Society. The family extends their immense gratitude to the staff of Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility (especially Unit 1) for their kindness and tremendous support of Shirley and her family during her final days. A graveside memorial service and internment will be held at the Montour Cemetery (upper section) on September 17, 2022 at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to join the celebration of life.
Shirley Maxine Griswold age 96 of Watkins Glen, NY entered unto rest on 8/10/22 She was born May 7,1926 to the late Raymond and Celestia Wells Russell from Athens, PA. She graduated from Athens Area High School where she received a scholarship in Engineering. Shirley worked at Westinghouse in Bath, NY for many years. In her retirement she worked as a waitress in many restaurants and establishments until she started working providing Home Health Care. Shirley was a member of the Methodist church and maintained a strong faith. She was the 1945 Class reunion President and coordinated monthly luncheons until 2016 at which time she was predeceased by all her former classmates. Her greatest love was for her family and all her grandbabies. She loved spending time with her family on the farm and having large family gatherings and picnics. Her favorite holiday was Christmas where she made handmade ornaments for everyone. She had several hobbies that included bowling, bird watching, gardening, her flowers, sewing, photography, many crafts, crocheting, knitting, reading books, playing cards, board games, adult coloring books and refinishing furniture. All of which she shared with her family and passed down her skills. She was predeceased by her first husband Eugene Eastham and her husband of greater than 50 years William Griswold. Shirley had 2 daughters Gwyn House predeceased and Gail Fraboni of Watkins Glen, NY. She had 3 sisters Joyce Turnipseed of FL. predeceased, Marcella Brown of Athens, PA and Barbara Muffley of Athens, PA . She had 1 brother Raymond Russell predeceased. Several Nieces and nephews Raymond Turnipseed, Richard Turnipseed, Celestia Young, Roger Brown predeceased, Duncan (GiGi) Brown, Michael (Faboola) Brown, Eva Bob, Billy(Mary) Muffley, Barbara predeceased(Robert)Denno. She has 6 grandchildren 14 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Grandchildren, Tammy (Ed) Honour, Robert (Theresa)House, Mickey (Nancy) Fraboni, Michelle(Earl)Gaylor, David Fraboni Jr., Brenda Fraboni. Great grandchildren Ryan Brown, Brandon Gaylor,Tyler Brown,Thomas Gaylor, Bryan (Shaina)Carrigan, Craig Brown, Michael Fraboni, Neil(Nikki) Planty, Keziah (Keith) Rekczis, Makenna Fraboni, Stephanie Krotz, Ashley House, Jake House, Autumn White. Great great grandchildren Gianna Gaylor, Elijah Gaylor, Jennilee Brown, Harper Carrigan, Sadie Fraboni, Brighton Gaylor, and Maverick Rekczis, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside ceremony for the family only of William and Shirley Griswold per their request at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens, PA. The ceremony will be September 2, 2022 at 11:00 am with a Celebration of life to follow. Memories of Shirley may be shared with her family and friends at vedderscottzinger.com