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Denise A. Simmons, 64, of 943 Plymouth Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 25, 2025 at her residence with her sister-in-law, Beth Nissel, by her side.

She was born May 14, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Ronald and Nancy Gleixner Nissel.  She was a resident of the area for most of her life but spent many years in Virginia.  She was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1980.  On February 14, 2007, in Virginia, Denise married, the late Durk Simmons, who preceded her in death on November 11, 2018.

Denise is survived by three sons, Ray Erich (Elizabeth) of St. Marys, Adam Erich (Christina and her son, Kane) of Virginia, and Tyler Erich of St. Marys; a step-daughter, Jessica Gotta (Mike) of Virginia; two grandchildren: Everett and Rosie Erich; two step-grandchildren: Mikayla and Mikinly; four siblings: Lou Ann Largey (Joseph) of Kersey, Jim Nissel of St. Marys, Mark Nissel (Lisa) of St. Marys, and Bob Nissel (Beth) of St. Marys: three nieces: Krystal Fordoski, Tiffany Largey, and Ashley Nissel; a nephew, Kevin Nissel; two step-nieces: Marissa Lenze and Shawna Lenze; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Virgil Paul Harrison – March 1, 1943 ~ December 25, 2025

Virgil passed away very peacefully in the early hours of Christmas Day, on one of two of his favorite holidays, the 4th of July being the other. He had weeks worth of different 4th of July related shirts. He would decorate his scooter and drive it proudly in the Memorial and 4th of July parades in Galeton, PA. He served in the Vietnam Era, just as all his older brothers did. Thru ancestry Virgil was related to Leonard Harrison who founded Harrison valley and the Grand canyon.

He loved to fish, especially fly fishing, and loved to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to do either. His favorite place to fish was Pine Creek. He was a diehard fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Bodine Brothers, plus Denny Hamblin. His collection of Hess Trucks includes the very first one made to the latest. He was like a little kid when he received a new one and had it out on display for everyone to see.

Virgil is survived by his son, Timmie P. (who took him fishing several times over the years and for his last season) and his son, Seth and fiancée, Emily Smith. His sister-in-law, Celesta Harrison and her children, Lafron, Patrick and Julia Ann Rider – who he played an important role in their lives growing up; as well as, Tina Rider – who he treated like his daughter. He showed their families his love of camping – which they loved to do.

Virgil leaves behind 4 generations of nieces and nephews, the morning coffee club at the Galeton Nittany, the Lancenese Family, The Upper Pine Creek Sportsmen Association Club (which he helped start with his buddy Fred), several friends he made in many years from his days at the formally known Kenshire Kampground and his dear friends, Janine and Bobby, who looked after him.

December 30, 1936 — December 29, 2025

Mary Ann Hannibal, 88, formerly of Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. John Specialty Care in Mars.

She was born on December 30, 1936, in St. Marys, PA, a Daughter of the late Francis and Anna Krug Eberl.

On April 27, 1957, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Ronald Hannibal, who preceded her in death on October 11, 2011. Together, they were blessed with more than 54 years of marriage.

Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central High School. She was a member of the CMF Club. In her free time, Mary Ann enjoyed golfing and bowling. She also loved hosting parties and getting together to play cards with friends.

She is survived by her beloved granddaughter; Rachel Rafaniello, and her husband, Matthew of Valencia, PA, and by her great-granddaughter; Haley Rafaniello.

Donna Chapman, 75, of Dawson St. in Kane, passed away Saturday (Dec. 27) in UPMC-Presbyterian.  Born Dec. 16. 1950 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Alden and Mary (Joshnick) Chapman.

Whether you think you know Donna or not, you probably did.  She worked at the Texas Hot for over thirty years.

She is survived by one daughter, Brooke (Steve) Raymondo of Kane; one son, Jason Chapman of Salt Lake City, UT; one brother, John (Patty) Chapman of Kane; one sister, Judy Mickle of Edinboro; a half sister, Katheryn Kielman; a granddaughter, Xandra Raymondo; two grandsons, Anthony and Ayden Raymondo and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Daniel (her twin brother), Robert, and Wayne.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna M. Chapman, please visit our floral store.

November 28, 1932 — December 23, 2025

Allegany

Sr. Margaret Mary McManus, OSF

November 28, 1932 – December 23, 2025

Born: Margaret Mary McManus, November 28, 1932, in New York City, NY

Died: December 23, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Thomas and Bridget (McGoey) McManus

Sister Margaret McManus entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1950, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1950, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1957. For over 75 years, she faithfully lived her vows to God through her ministry and life in community.

Margaret graduated from Good Shepherd Elementary School in 1945 and Sacred Heart Academy in 1949, both in NYC, NY. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, she pursued further studies at the University of Minnesota, earning a Master of Science Degree in Hospital Administration.

Violet E. Gerber, formerly of John Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Jefferson Court in Brookville.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

May 4, 1929 — December 20, 2025

Allegany

Sr. Mary Catherine Conboy, OSF

May 4, 1929 – December 20, 2025

Born: Mary Catherine Conboy, May 4, 1929, in Drumhubrid, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Died: December 20, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Patrick and Margaret (Kelleher) Conboy, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Sister Mary Catherine Conboy entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 25, 1952, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1953, and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1960. Committed to the Franciscan Charism for 72 years, Sister Mary shared her life, gifts and talents within the community and beyond to all whom she served.

Hope M. COOPER, 56, of Belmont, NY, died Thursday, December 25, 2025 in UR Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.  Born January 3, 1969, in Cuba, she was the daughter of James D. and Sandra L. Brown Cooper. 

A graduate of Belmont High School, she was employed by Glenn O. Hawbaker, Rochester Gravel, and Howlett Farms in Avon.  

Surviving are: her parents, Jim and Sandy Cooper of Belmont; a grandson, Zachery Hockenberry of Emporium, PA; and a sister, Sherry Cooper of Belmont.  

She was predeceased by her daughter, Courtney M. Clark.  Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, Belmont, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoustembser.com.

Barbara Ann Vecellio, 86, formerly of Drowney Road, Gifford, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born November 19, 1939, in Clarion she was a daughter of the late Edward and Miriam (Dean) Krafton. Barb graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1957.

On June 6, 1963, in Lewis Run, she married Ronald M. Vecellio who preceded her in death on September 4, 1997.

Barb was first employed at Forest Oil Company, later for Hounds & Hunting Magazine for 17 years and later at the Guidance Center from where she retired in 2005 after 28 years. After she retired, she continued in a part time capacity until 2009.

Barb was a former member of the Gifford United Methodist Church for many years until it closed, she then joined the Custer City United Methodist Church. She was a former member of the Bradford Area Women’s Club, a volunteer at the Friendship Table and the YWCA.

Kathleen R. Derrick                     “services slated”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Visitation for Kathleen Ruth “Kathy” Derrick, 77, of Shinglehouse, will be held from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, 1127 Rt 44, Shinglehouse, PA. A celebration of her life will follow at 1pm with Pastor Alan Mertsock, officiating.

Kathy passed away on December 16, 2025,

Kathy’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

James C. McMichael                 “faithful servant of the Lord”

OLEAN, NY—James C. “Jim” McMichael, 86, of Olean, passed away unexpectedly with his loving family by his side on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean.

Born on Thursday, October 5, 1939 in Tamaqua, PA, he was a son of Paul and Effie Jones McMichael. On August 2, 1959 in Valois, NY, he married Clara M. Williammee, who passed away on October 15, 2025.

Jim honorably served in the US Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. Jim would say “I served for the love of my country”. After serving his country, Jim was employed making dynamite at Atlas Chemical and later transferred to a plant making Glycerin. He also enjoyed driving tractor trailer and driving a city bus in Auburn, NY, where he also was a driving instructor. His favorite job was driving milk trucks picking up at the local farms where he would visit with the farmers.

A very faithful person, Jim was a longtime member of the Ceres United Methodist Church in Ceres. One of his favorite pastimes was mowing his lawn and his neighbor’s lawns. He also enjoyed “keeping an eye on the neighbors and those driving up and down the road. He also enjoyed watching the deer in the neighborhood and enjoyed visiting Allegany State Park. Jim loved his family and enjoyed picking on them and playing jokes on them…they in turn returned the favor. He loved trying to put a smile on people’s faces in the stores.