Helen V. Edgreen, 100, of Fairport, NY, formerly of Port Allegany, PA passed away Sunday (Dec. 11, 2022) in Crest Manor Nursing Home, Fairport, NY.

She was born September 6, 1922, a daughter of Maude “Mae” Groom Gaines.  On January 11, 1941, in Olean, NY, she married Walter “Squawk” Edgreen, who died June 24, 2000. 

Helen was a resident of the area for many years, graduating from Olean High School, Class of 1940.  She worked at K-Bar Knives and later was a bus driver for Bowen Bus Co., Port Allegany, before she retired.  

She was an avid reader who enjoyed sewing and knitting. She also loved to bake. 

Surviving is a daughter, Venetta M. “Vee” (Daniel) Nelson of Rochester, NY; a son, Steven W. Edgreen of Norfolk, VA; five grandchildren: Craig (Diane) Nelson, Kirk (Christine) Nelson, Kristin (William) MacDonald, Kimberly Edgreen, and Mathew Edgreen; five great-grandchildren: Collin and Cassidy Nelson, Larissa, Lily, and Liam MacDonald.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Walter, and a baby son, Leslie W. Edgreen. 

Friends will be received from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 18, 2022) in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, where a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Garen Smith, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Port Allegany, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.

Memorials can be made to the Port Area Ambulance or S.W. Smith Library.

Condolences can be made to:  Venetta Nelson, 2500 East Ave., Apt K6, Rochester, NY. 14610 

Sandra L. “Sandy” Freer of Austin, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 13^th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home.  Sandy, a lifelong resident of Austin, was born to Myrtle and William Enstrom on March 31^st, 1937.  After the passing of her father she was raised by her mother Myrtle and her stepfather Alton “Bud” Crosby along with her sister, Karen.

Sandy graduated from Austin Area High School in 1954.  A proud veteran she served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1957.

On July 22^nd, 1960 she married John D. Freer in Austin, PA.  Sandy, a homemaker, was a loving and devoted wife and she and John celebrated 62 beautiful years of marriage.  Together they enjoyed a lifetime of happiness camping, enjoying the outdoors, and watching their family grow.  A lover of animals, especially dogs, she and John adopted numerous pets through various pet rescues.

Known as “Oonnee” in her family Sandy was a collector of teddy bears which she later enjoyed passing on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  These items remain treasured memorabilia of a loving mother and grandmother.

Anyone that knew Sandy knew that she was a great cook and an avid baker often spending days preparing numerous dishes and desserts for family gatherings and holidays.  She was especially known for her cookies, pies, and cakes which filled the house with incredibly delicious smells; often sending second helpings home with her family to be happily enjoyed later.  Her love of cooking and baking continued well into her final years with her knowledge and recipes passed on to those she loved.

To say she will be greatly missed is an understatement.

In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her sister Karen as well as many aunts and uncles.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Robert Freer and Alton “Buddy” (Marea) Freer, along with five grandchildren:  Eryn (Eric) Fiebig, Heather (Michael) Postlewait, Casey (Klaus) Puck, Amanda (Greg) Wehler, and Hunter (Kelsee) Freer.

Along with her children and grandchildren she was also a wonderful great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to Aedrik and Axeton Fiebig, Pam Crants and Willie Postlewait, Claudia Puck, Madison and Abel Langfitt, Olivia Wehler, and Sutton and Micha Crants.

She is also remembered by her niece Kristen Hynds and nephew Kurt Hynds along with their families.

There will be no public visitation or funeral.  A private family memorial will be held at the family’s convenience.

Memorial donations may be made in Sandy’s name to the Austin Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720 and/or Teachers Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.

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

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Sandy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

“beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother”

BOLIVAR, N.Y.—Robert A. “Bob” Brewer, 71, of Bolivar, NY, a former longtime resident of Cuba, NY, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Born on Friday, July 27, 1951 in Olean, he was a son of Robert W. and Laura M. McKeel Brewer.  On March 31, 1973 in Little Genesee, he married Maureen Mesler.

Bob attended Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse.  He was employed by the former Dresser-Clark in Olean until a work related injury forced him to retire.

Bob liked to fish and enjoyed tinkering on lawn mowers.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife; a son, Matthew Brewer of Bolivar; a granddaughter, Brianna Brewer of Friendship; two sisters, Susan A. (Victor) Safford of Port Allegany and Terri VanWhy of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a son, Chad Brewer; a brother, Steven William Brewer; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Bob, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Shirley Ann Ostrander, 83 of Smethport, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2022 at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, with family by her side and her favorite opera music filling the room.

Born February 23, 1939 in Bradford, PA as the first of four bundles of joy to her proud parents, Paul and Mary Vicic Ostrander.  Shirley would become the apple of her grandfather’s eye and the leader of the adventure seeking, mischief finding farm girls that are the four Ostrander girls.  Shirley was followed by the birth of her sisters Betty, Ellen and Mary.  Hard work, a thorough job and pride in what you do were key traits instilled in Shirley and her sisters while taking on all of the tasks of the farm.

A graduate of Port Allegany High School’s Class of 1957 is where learning and music became two of Shirley’s lifelong loves. While in high school Shirley was a member of the National Honor Society, played clarinet in the orchestra, marching band and sang in the chorus.  Shirley then went on to graduate from Lycoming College with degrees in sociology and education.  But don’t be fooled, as hard as Shirley studied, she had equal amounts of fun.  This was evident anytime peers and friends gathered and her infamous laugh could be heard from all corners of the room.  Storytelling and entertaining friends came very naturally to Shirley.  She went on to have a forty year long career educating many students as a respected and beloved teacher, Miss O!  She filled the minds and hearts of students in Elmira and Rochester, New York while spending the majority of her tenure in Sarasota Florida.

 A testament to Shirley’s spirit, after two years of teaching, coworker friends asked her if she wanted to ride motorcycles across the USA.  Shirley, of course, said YES!  The group traveled all over the states with a final destination of San Francisco.  During this trip the group slept on a Judge’s bench, drove their bikes onto the set of a morning tv show and spent the night in a garden shed.  The adventure did not stop once they reached their destination.  A coworker then asked her if she wanted to go to Paris France FOR A YEAR!  Shirley proceeded to pack her bags and head to France.  While there she polished her French, was a nanny and traveled throughout Europe. 

Shirley would find the love of her life, Jeanette Weber, while living in Florida. They shared a love of opera, travel, dining out, cocktails and most importantly, laughing.   Shirley and Jean loved doing life together so much that they then added two “fur babies” to their family, “Bernard” and “Bijou” (deceased), a brother and sister pair of Papillions.   Followed by two Chihuahuas, “Byron” and “Panda Soleil” (surviving) all four brought such great joy to their moms.  She could often be heard singing around the house and speaking to her beloved puppies in French. 

Life would bring Shirley back home in her retirement.  This is where she truly enjoyed taking in all of the flora and fauna of the McKean County back roads.  This is where she would cook, write, garden and meticulously maintain her home, all things she greatly enjoyed.

 Left to enjoy the memories are her partner, Jeannie of Smethport, two sisters, Ellen (Larry) Power of Mesa Arizona and Mary (John) VanMarter of Port Allegany, nieces Christine and Kathline of Arizona along with several great nieces and nephews and cousin, Eddie Vicic of Port Allegany, many other cousins as well as special friends as ‘family members’, Amber and Debby Nelson and Denise Campbell for being a part of Shirley’s journey through life.

In addition to her parents, Paul and Mary Ostrander, Shirley is preceded by her sister, Betty Ostrander, her grandparents, Martin & Anna Vicic and Byron & Ellen Ostrander.

Keeping with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.  Take a moment, share a memory and have a deep belly laugh in her honor. 

Memorials may be made to the Hamlin Memorial Library of Smethport or any woman supporting charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com

 Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc of Smethport.

Shirley E. James, of 107 Edgar James Street, Kane, PA, passed on December 12, 2022. Shirley was born on January 8, 1931, in Sheffield, PA, to the late John and Vera Champion Evan. On December 27, 1952, in Warren, PA, she married her beloved husband, Edgar D. James, who preceded her in death on January 7, 2001.

A 1949 graduate of Warren High School, music was a great part of Shirley’s life. At the age of 14, she became the organist for her family’s roller-skating rinks in Warren, Sheffield, Bradford, PA, and the summer rink at Cuba Lake, NY. At the age of 15, Shirley was featured in Skate Magazine as the youngest roller-skating rink organist in the country. Later she taught organ lessons in her home to many students.

In 1980 the family purchased the Temple Theater building, and after two years of renovations, “Shirley’s Temple” opened for family roller-skating. Shirley taught skating lessons to young and old and on Sunday evening “Adult Night”, played her wonderful style of music on her treasured Hammond organ. She cared for and watched over each young skater that came through the doors, many who became like family. In 1990, “Shirley’s Temple Shop”was opened next door to the rink, specializing in unique gifts and antiques.

Shirley was honored in 2008 as Business Person of the year. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a 50 plus member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a past member of the Kane Hospital Auxiliary, for whom she co-chaired many fund-raising dances at the Kane Country Club and at Shirley’s Temple. After her retirement, Shirley created over 100 beautifully knitted afghans for family, friends and charity fundraisers.

“The greatest joy in my life was my beloved husband and family.” Along with “Jesse”, Shirley was joyously greeted in Heaven by three of her grandchildren, Tiera Linn Asel, Edgar D. James III and Adam Paul DeSio; her two brothers, John and Robert Evan, and sister-in-law, Joyce Evan.

Shirley is survived by her son, Edgar D. (Tamie) James, Jr., three daughters, Becky (Bryant) Lucia, Kathy (Jerry) DeSio, and Laurie Farnsworth (Rick Young, Jr.); one sister, Doris Hungiville, and one sister-in-law, Diane Evan. Also her cherished grandchildren, Tonia (Dean) Kaufman, Travis (Allison) Asel, Trisha (Brian) Wright, Tessa (Tom) Boschert, Jessica (Matt) James-McGuire, Amanda (Chris) DeSio-Whitehouse, Allie (Alex) Fadenholz, Joe (Cher) Farnsworth, Kasey (Mike) Dales, and step granddaughter, Jocelyn Lucia. Also surviving are her precious great- grandchildren, Raisa, whom took such special and gentle care of her “Big Nana”, Rainee, Rosstan, Raegan, Trevor, Tysin, Terin, Mackenzie, Edgar, Elle, Addison, Jack, Ben, Sam, Aria, Stella, Natalie, Landen, Blake, and step great grandchildren, Ryton, Camille, Nic and Rose.

Friends will be received at the Cummings Funeral Home on Saturday (Dec. 17) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 with Cherie Booth, niece of Shirley, officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kane Cemetery Association for their continued efforts in restoring the Historic Forest Lawn Cemetery, c/o Tiffany Danielson, 293 Old Mill Road, Kane, PA

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

Bemus Point, NY – Nancy L. Evens, 78, of Bemus Point, formerly of Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (December 9, 2022) at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Erie.

She was born December 23, 1943 in Coudersport, the daughter of Isabelle (Haskins). On May 16, 1964, in Port Allegany, PA, she married Glenn S. Evens, who died July 28, 2020.

She attended Coudersport schools and it was during that time that she developed the work ethic that she would carry with her the rest of her life. She always told the story of a particularly disagreeable run in with one of her teachers, who teased her for having bad teeth. Her response back to the teacher was, “Well, at least I’m not a homely old shovel tooth, like you”. Then she proceeded to get a job waiting tables at the local texas hot restaurant to earn and save up enough money to buy her own false teeth, at the ripe old age of 14 years. That scrappy fighter, take no BS from anybody, attitude would serve her the rest of days and she instilled that in her children.

She worked as a waitress in various restaurants in the area. She also worked for DeMott’s True Value in Port Allegany, where she was friendly to everyone she met. Once her children were out of school, to stay busy, she took an interest in buying real estate rentals and at one time owned over 10 properties. In her later years, she was a proud, albeit passive, supporter of the Seneca Nation of Indians and as such, she would travel to Salamanca as often as she could to “donate” at the casino.

Nancy, or “Nannie” as she was known to family and friends, loved her kids and enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table with them, catching up on all of the latest gossip. Her house was always a soft place to land for her children, as well as her children’s friends. She loved them all equally.

Surviving is one son Brian Evens of Bemus Point, NY, and two daughters; Jennifer (Nathan) Briggs of Bemus Point, NY and Debra (Torrey) Daniels also of Bemus Point, NY.

Four Grandchildren; Jack Briggs, Luke Briggs, Alex Daniels and Payton Daniels.

One sister; Betty “Bobbi” Bray (David), and two nieces, Heather Graham (Justin) and Colleen Bray, along with several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother and her husband.

There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held at a later time and date to be announced.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Star Hose Company #1 – Port Allegany Fire Department.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

George D. Reed, 90, of Beechwood Rd., Emporium, PA passed away at his residence on Monday evening (December 12, 2022). He was born December 21, 1931 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Raymond and Barbara Mahovlich Reed. On September 28, 1957 in St. Mark Catholic Church he married the late Nancy Schwab.

George served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict were he received a Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star. He was a self employed building contractor. He loved vegetable gardening, hunting, trapping, chopping wood, and could repair just about anything he was given.

George is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Fisher (Bob), Duncan, SC; Donna Gentile (Frank), North Augusta, SC; Carrie Crane (Rob), North Augusta, SC; a son, Michael Reed (Michele), Emporium; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; a brother, Stephen “Bruce” Reed (Sandra), Rathbun.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by sister, Rose Wilk and a nephew, Rick Wilk.

There will be No Visitation. A Graveside Service will be held at Newton Cemetery in Emporium, PA on Monday (December 19, 2022) at 11:00 AM with Military Service accorded by the Cameron County Memorial Detail.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 N. Broad St., Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Domenic Pete DeMatteis, 81, of 284 Charles Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 11, 2022, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born July 7, 1941, in Boyers, PA, son of the late Peter U. and Anna Marterella DeMatteis.  Dom was a graduate of Moniteau High School, Class of 1959.  He served in the United States Army for six years and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Dom was a committed and driven entrepreneur who owned several businesses.  He owned JoDe Pizza in Butler, PA, Sunbeam Coal Company in Boyers, PA, and Shaliston Enterprises and BevEnergy in West Sunbury, PA.  After he retired, Dom consulted for BenHal Mining in Grove City, PA.

On July 1, 2011, in Ford City, Dom married Beverly Reed Crissman, who survives.

Along with his loving wife, he is survived by his daughters: Shari DeMatteis (Eric Chapman) of Charleston, SC and Lisa Littlejohn (Steve) of Butler, PA; and by his stepson, Glenn Crissman (Roseann) and stepdaughter, Justine Crissman (Dino Dinsmore), both of St. Marys.  Dom had many grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Mario Conti, Merritt Penrod, Brendon and Hayden Littlejohn, Noah and Gavin Crissman; and by a great-granddaughter, Calli.  Also surviving is his sister, Gertie Andreassi, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Dom is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jo, and by a brother-in-law, Tony Andreassi.

Dom was a family man and had many close friends.  He was a mentor and touched many people’s lives by encouraging them and always saw the best in everybody.  He captivated people with his ability to tell stories and was an avid golfer and sports lover.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 3:00 until 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dom’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105-9959.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Rose M. Scutella, 94, of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Ridgway, PA passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Pinecrest Manor.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.

Shirley Ann Ostrander, 83, of Smethport, PA passed away on Monday (December 12, 2022) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

A full obituary will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Judith E. Chamberlin, 77, of Main St., Kersey, PA died on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Krise Funeral Home of Kersey.

Christine F. Martin, 100, of Akeley, PA, died Tuesday morning, December 13, 2022, at her residence. 

She was born November 28, 1922, in Chesterfield, Clearfield County, PA.  Christine was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Rapasky Molner.  She was a former resident of Smith Mills, Clearfield County, PA., and has resided in Russell, PA., since 1956.  She was employed with Blair Corporation for 11 years, retiring in 1987.  

Christine was a member of St. James R.C. Church, Jamestown, N.Y. and a former member of Our Lady of Victory R.C. Church, Frewsburg, N.Y. She was an avid walker, cook, gardener and enjoyed canning.  She loved the outdoors and was known to have her home always open to friends and family. 

She is survived by her children – John Martin of Youngsville, PA., Roy Martin and wife, Laura of Russell, PA., Elizabeth Blyth of Youngsville, PA., David Martin and wife, Karen, Sharon Thompson and husband, Denny, all of Russell, PA., Christine Harden and husband, Jim of Warren, PA., George Martin and wife, Trudy of Russell, PA., Irene Funk and husband, Michael of Abilene, TX., several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Martin who died August 28, 1973, whom she married September 26, 1942, in Ramey, PA., 6 Brothers – John Rapasky, George, Jack, Steve, Mike and Joseph Molner, 5 Sisters – Jane Semon, Susan Granger, Catherine Day, Ann Klett, Irene Weikart, 1 Granddaughter – Renee Martin, a Daughter-in-law, Sherryn Martin, a Son-in-law, Brian Blyth.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 5 to 7 P.M. where a funeral service will be conducted Friday, December 16, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Michael Lennon, officiating.  Interment will be in Hale Cemetery, Akeley, PA. 

Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Russell Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Perrrigo Lane, Russell, PA. 16345. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhommeinc.com