Mary E. Briggs
January 1, 2013

Mary E. Briggs, 55, of Canajoharie passed away at home, on the morning of January 1, 2013, after a brief battle with lung cancer. Mary had her loving family at her side.
Mary was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 16, 1957, the daughter of Ann (DiPrimio) Staley, and the late Gilbert Staley.
Mary was a proud Registered Nurse, for the last 20 years, working in several area nursing homes and    hospitals. Mary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Point Park College in 1979. However she found her true calling in helping others through nursing, and was a proud 1992 graduate of St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Utica, NY. For the past approximately 12 years, she was an Assistant Unit Manager (Registered Nurse) at Baptist Health System Nursing and Rehab Center in Scotia, NY.  
Mary was the loving wife of Alan R. Briggs of Canajoharie, NY; and mother of: Daniel J. Whalen of Waldorf, MD, Julie A. Briggs of New York City, and Keith J. Briggs, of Canajoharie. Mary had two sisters, Elizabeth DeFrain and Elizabeth Decker, both of Pennsylvania, and a 6-year old grandson, Owen Whalen, of Waldorf, MD. Mary would also want mention of her three 20+ year dear friends, Kelly Priddle, of Gloversville, and Ann Hogue and Alice Smith of Canajoharie; all who were constantly visiting Mary, bringing her food, or taking her to the hospital for her chemotherapy.
Mary’s hobby was doing medical research with the aim of being the most professional and knowledgeable at the limits of her profession. Mary would sit up at evenings, doing internet research on the latest treatments in wound care, and geriatric care and management. She was proud of her half-Italian heritage, and refused to buy any tomato sauces in a jar, or cake mixes in a box. She was definitely old-school on making cakes the way her Italian grandmother taught her. She was an excellent both flower and vegetable gardener, and our house is the much better for it, with many flower beds of extravagantly beautiful perennial flowers.
Most of those who worked with Mary loved her, both for her wry sense of humor, and sense of kindness and fairness, for those who worked for her. Everybody who worked with her respected her for her formidable logic and intelligence, especially if they were caught on the other side of a medical debate or patient treatment issue with her.
Mary’s family will be scheduling a celebration of her life party in about 3 to 4 weeks. Donations may be made, in Mary’s name, to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of her neighbors at Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.
Please visit Mary’s guestbook online at www.brbsfuneral.com.

Helen A. Muehleck
January 2, 2013

Mrs. Helen A. Muehleck, 89, of Center Street, Fort Plain died suddenly on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at her home. Born in Cohoes, NY on April 14923 she was the daughter of the late Frank and Emma Ares.
In the 1960’s she moved to Fort Plain and was united in marriage to Kenneth A. Muehleck. She worked shortly for the bank before        becoming a homemaker. Helen was a member of the former St. James Catholic Church. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, embroidery and taking care of her home. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by husband Kenneth; three sisters, Millie Appleton, Beatrice Fitzpatrick and Gabriel Laranjo; and two nephews, Edward and Danny Fitzpatrick.
Survivors include her only son, Brian K. Muehleck and his wife Vicki of Fort Plain, NY; one granddaughter, Courtney Palmeri and her husband Jon; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Isabella; nieces, Jill Donohue, Priscilla Driscoll and Mary Reed; nephews, Julio Laranjo, Jack and Thomas Fitzpatrick.
A Service of Remembrance took place on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 6 o’clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY.
Relatives and friends were invited to call prior to the service        beginning at 4 o’clock. Interment will take place in the Fort Plain Cemetery, in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Muehleck’s name may be made to the Fort Plain Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 374, Fort Plain, NY 13339.
Please visit the online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.

Lillian Herb
January 4, 2013

Mrs. Lillian Herb, 83, of Fort Plain, New York passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Palatine Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.
Lillian was born on August 15, 1929 to Roy and Jennie Ferguson. She attended Fort Plain School and went on to work at Luxuray Mills for 46 years.
Lillian loved to go to Turning Stone for the slots and had even been on several trips to Las Vegas. A special part of her life was devoted to her beloved cats and dogs.
She was predeceased by her husband, Sherman Herb in 1973 and a very special friend, Tom String in June of 2012.
Mrs. Herb is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Leon) Douglas and Terry (Mike) Pettit. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stacey (Dan) Neznek and Ryan, Breanne and Aaron Pettit. Lillian also had two beloved and enjoyed great-grandchildren, Holley and Nolen Neznek.
According to Lillian’s wishes there will be no calling hours. There will be a Service of Remembrance at Fort Plain Cemetery in the Spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mrs. Lillian Herb may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Herb at                www.houghtalingandsmith.com.

Thomas (Tom) J. Lee
January 5, 2013

Thomas (Tom) J. Lee, 57 of St. Johnsville passed away on Saturday January 5, 2013 at his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born on April 1, 1955 in Stamford, Conn., the son of the late Robert E. and Barbara A. (Swanson) Lee and was educated in Stamford Conn.
His marriage to Judith Wisniewski took place on April 11, 1987 in Stamford, Conn.
Mr. Lee was a United States navy veteran.
He was last employed at the former Central Hotel in St. Johnsville. At one time he was owner and operator of the Sunshine Cab Company in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Tom’s life was centered around his family proving himself a loving and caring husband father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  To all who knew him, Tom was a big man with a big heart. He had a special love for all animals including all his pets.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Judith (Judy) of St. Johnsville; a son, Brian Lee of Ponta Gorda, Florida; a daughter, Tracey Croy and husband Henry of Porta Gorda, Florida; a brother, Robert E. Lee, Jr., of St. Johnsville; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Little Henry, and Kayla Croy, several nieces, one nephew and several cousins, and special friends, Patrick and Beth Scanlon of St. Johnsville.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of Tom’s life on Friday January 11, 2013, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY 518-568-7040.
Committal service will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
All memorial contributions may be made to Ayres Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.
To add to Tom’s on-line memorial please go to                            www.vincenteneafuneralservice.com on the Internet.

Gerald O. Keller
January 3, 2013

Gerald O. Keller 81, formerly of the Fultonville area, died Thursday, January 3rd at the Albany Medical Center. He had been a resident of the Palatine Nursing Home for the past 2 years.
Mr. Keller was born August 20, 1931 in Cobleskill, a son of Murrell and Mary (Oliver) Keller.
He attended the former Cobleskill High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army serving in Korea as a tank driver.
For many years he drove milk truck before working for the Glen & Mohawk Creamery as a milk inspector until retiring in the 1990s. Gerald was elected Town Supervisor for the Town of Glen serving     several terms.
He collected coins, enjoyed working with horses, and bowled in the Cobleskill and Amsterdam Lanes where he joined the 300 club.
Survivors include his children, Randy (Audumn) Keller, of Duanesburg, Daniel (Kathy) Keller of Atoka, OK, Stephen (Cheryl) Keller of Sharon Springs and Connie Flanagan, of Jacksonville, NC, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and also his first wife, Vivian (Beroff).
Gerald was predeceased by his siblings Karold, Charles, Murrell, Jr., Earl, Archie, Carleta, and Nina and his second wife, Marcia (Thompson) who died on October 16, 2006.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Keller to the Fonda-Fultonville United Methodist Church. The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and Central Bridge and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill are assisting the family.
Further in formation is available at www.langanfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn E. Hayes
January 3, 2013

Mrs. Evelyn E. Hayes, 91, of McEwan Road, Canajoharie, New York died Thursday, January 3, 2013 at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with her family by her side.
Born on July 13, 1921 in the Town of Minden, NY, she was the daughter of Charles Swartz and Minnie Radley Swartz. She was educated at Fort Plain Schools and lived in the area all her life.
Mrs. Hayes most recently worked as a nurse’s aide in Palatine Nursing Home. She worked with her father and her husband on their family farms and also worked at the former Luxuray Mill while raising her family and working on the farms. She purchased the adjoining farm to her father’s while her     husband was in the army and she worked it with her father.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Hayes was a member of Ames Fire Department and President of the Auxiliary; as well as being a member of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidering along with taking care of her grandchildren.
Evelyn was married in Gloversville, NY 1940 to Willard Hayes. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2006. She was also predeceased by several brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Hayes is survived by seven daughters, Charlotte E. and Leonard Perry of Cherry Valley, NY, Joan M. and Douglas Smith of New Hartford, NY, Janet C. and Kenneth Clouthier of Palatine Bridge, NY, Carrie B. and Alan Cunningham of Ballston Spa, NY, Donna Juanita Laymon of Cherry Valley, NY, Dorothy E. Johnson of Cherry Valley, NY, Kimberly A. and George Yerdon III of Cherry Valley, NY; son, David W. and Donna Hayes, Sr. of Canajoharie, NY; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and her dog, Marley.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013at 1:00pm at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family received relatives and friends on Monday, January 7, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00pm at the funeral home.
Burial will take place in Cherry Valley Cemetery in the Spring.
Contributions in memory of Mrs. Evelyn E. Hayes may be made to the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 28, Canajoharie, NY 13317, Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078, the local ambulance service of your village or to St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center’s Resident Activity Fund, 7 Timmerman Ave., St. Johnsville, NY 13452.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Evelyn Hayes at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.

Brandon E. Killmeier
January 1, 2013

Brandon E. Killmeier 37, of Little Falls, previously of Canajoharie died Tuesday, January 1st at his residence.
Brandon was born January 21, 1975 in Albany, a son of the late Dennis James Killmeier and Donna Lynn (Lawyer) and attended the former Cobleskill High School. Survivors include his mother, Donna L. Killmeier of Canajoharie, his sister Carrie Vincent of Weedsport, NY, his niece Giada Vincent and nephew Lincoln Vincent, his         maternal Grandfather, Donald Lawyer of Central Bridge along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A gathering of friends and family was held Sunday January 6th at the Cobleskill Fire Department at 11AM. The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and Central Bridge and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill area assisting the family. Further information is available at www.langanfuneralhome.com.

Donald E. Heiser
January 7, 2013

Mr. Donald Elmer Heiser, 91, of Clinton Road, Canajoharie, New York died Monday, January 7, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare of Amsterdam following a short illness.
Born on May 21, 1921 in Canajoharie, NY, he was the son of Elmer Heiser and Caroline Appell Heiser. He attended Round Top School on Seebers Lane and was a lifelong area resident.
Mr. Heiser was a forklift operator for Beech-Nut in Canajoharie for many years. He had also worked for Arkell Bag and Sack Factory in Canajoharie.
Mr. Heiser was a Veteran of the US Army Air Corp. serving during World War II with Company “B” 846th Engineer Battalion obtaining the rank of Private First Class.
He was a member of the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275 and served as Honor Guard for many years. He enjoyed        hunting and being outdoors.
On September 28, 1946 at the Catholic Rectory in Canajoharie, NY Donald was married to Petronella M. Palmen. They met in Holland while he was serving in the Army Air Corp. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2008. He is also predeceased by his siblings, Clinton, Leland and Catherine.
Mr. Heiser is survived by his daughter, Odilia and son-in-law, Helmut Deeg of Schenectady, NY; five grandchildren, Christopher (Jackie) Deeg, Petra (David) O’Clair, Marisa Walter, Sarah (Brian) Demers, Laura (Scott) Belcastro; six great-granddaughters, Marra, Emily, Hannah, Isabella, Jenna, Natalie; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to Kathy, Robin, Carol and the rest of the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and St. Mary’s Hospital for all their kindness and help.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 10:00-11:00am at the funeral home.
Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery in the Spring with full Military Honors by the US Army and the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275 Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Donald E. Heiser may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mr. Heiser at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.