Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Suzanne Veronica Fagan, 69

Wellsville, NY – Suzanne Veronica Fagan, 69, of 90 Johnson Street, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born October 30, 1954, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Francis “Frank” and Madeline (Padden) Fagan.

Sue (Suzie) attended ICS and was a 1974 graduate of Wellsville High School. She grew up on Hanover Street and East State Street with her six siblings and a close-knit group of family and friends including the Hart and Padden (Cooper) cousins. Sue cared for many neighbors in need and was a great friend who will be missed by many. 

Sue was formerly employed at Howard’s Restaurant and Highland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center in Wellsville. She was a member of the Elks Lodge 1495, Moose Lodge 601 Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 702, Jones Memorial Hospital Cardio Rehab program, a 40-year volunteer in various departments at Jones Memorial Hospital as well as a member and Eucharistic Minister at the Immaculate Conception Church.

She is survived by her loving companion, Tom Slavin; her sister, Frances Baham of Fairport, NY; a brother, David Fagan of Scio, NY; sister-in-law, Sandy Fagan of Concord, NC; a brother-in-law, Lorne LeBere of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, John Fagan; three sisters, Helen LeBere, Mary Fagan, and Brenda Fagan; and brother-in-law, Clifford “Cliff” Baham.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, and on Friday, May 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 3:30 pm. The Legion Auxiliary and Elks memorial service will follow visitation Thursday at 7:00 pm. Please consider memorial donations to the Jones Memorial Auxiliary, the Legion Honor Guard, or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Justin W. “Red” Davis, 43

Wellsville, NY -- Justin W. “Red” Davis, 43, of 3356 Andover Roadpassed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, shortly after arrival at Olean General Hospital. He was born March 17, 1980, in Wellsville.

He attended Northern Potter Central School. He formerly resided in Florida, Colorado, and Harrison Valley, PA before moving back to Wellsville. He was employed at a variety of jobs over the years and enjoyed tinkeringLichtenberg Wood Burning, and was gifted with an artistic flair. Red was a local character who will be missed by his many friends.

He is survived by two uncles, Martin G. Aldrich of Wellsville, and James (Diane) Aldrich of Vestal, an aunt, Jo Fenske (Mark Mattison) ofWellsville, his loving companion, Lori Slocum of Allentown, several cousins, and his dog, Olive. He was predeceased by his mother, Ginnie L. Davis, his grandmother, Josephine Keyser, and two aunts, Julie Bundschuh, and Roberta Prahler.

A gathering of friends and family is being planned and will be announced later. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Joyce Family Catholic Charities Food Panty in Wellsville. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Graham, 72

Oaklyn, NJ -- Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Graham, 72, of Oaklyn, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with her daughters by her side after a brief, but painful, journey with melanoma. She was born on April 7, 1952, in Wellsville to the late James H. and Mary E. (Cregan) Graham.

Betsy graduated from the Immaculate Conception School as one of the last 9th grade classes with, from what we understand, several other Marys. She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1970 andremained friends with many classmates all these years. She recently enjoyed reconnecting at the class reunions.

Betsy loved spending summers at the lake, Rushford in her youth and more recently Chautauqua Lake. She was the perpetual organizer for the lake weeks and even enjoyed a jet ski ride last summer. She loved to waterski back in the day, but also learned to love slow, easy rides around the lake or watching the kids tubing. She loved to play cards, travel, make Thanksgiving dinner, spend time with family and friends, listen to audiobooks, and go to the movies. She was kind and loving, funny and silly, dependable, and supportive, and truly indulgent as a Nana.

Betsy worked hard all her life in various construction businesses and found value in a job well done.  She was married to Stephen R. Allen of Wellsville from 1974 to 1993, and together they created Albros Builders. Steve and Betsy checked in on each other often in the last few years and made family gatherings easy for their daughters and grandchildren. The Allens embraced her always and she always loved the Allens.  

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Allen (Teresa Love) of Stuttgart, Germany, and Maureen (Paul) Hillen of Oaklyn, NJ, and her grandchildren Lucas Dwyer-Allen, and Benjamin, Jackson, and Claire Hillen. She is survived by her sister Patricia Sweeney of Wellsville, and brothers Richard (Netta) Graham of Westford, MA, Paul Graham of Westfield NY, and David (Wendy) Graham of Westfield NY. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, forever family Tara Dwyer, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law Terry Sweeney, and her best friend of 65 years, Mary Fagan.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 10 – 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Haddon Height, NJ. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, May 13, 2024

Linda Marie Haskell, 72

Belmont, NY – Linda Marie Haskell, 72, of State Route 244, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born May 30, 1951, in Jamestown, the daughter of John E. Farmer and Phyllis Crosson. 

During her childhood Linda excelled in Ballet and began learning the piano, a skill she would hone and become quite proficient in. She graduated from Belfast High School before attending Alfred State College where she became accomplished in typing and shorthand. She worked a myriad of jobs at employers such as: Motorola, Genesee Valley Nuclear Facility of West Valley, Fischer Price Toys, and Allegany County Health Department as an Administrative Assistant. Outside of work, she was an avid member of her community, wanting to help wherever she could, and was a member of both Belfast and Belmont’s American Legion Auxiliaries, Posts 1504 and 808 respectively. 

She is survived by: a son, Troy Lawton of New Market, TN; a sister, Dawn Waldren of Glennville, GA; and a brother Michael (Caroline) Waldren of Yukon, OKIn addition to her parents, Phyllis and George Waldren, she was predeceased by two brothers: George Waldren III and William Waldren. 

Following Linda’s wishes, a celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations tan animal shelter of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Wanda J. Johnson, age 62

Wellsville, NY - Wanda J. Johnson, age 62, of Madison Street passed away on Friday May 10th at the Highland Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wellsville. She was born on March 26, 1962, in Wellsville to the late Richard and Clara Moore Johnson.

Wanda was a lifelong resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1980. She enjoyed her job with Piece Work Industries and was proud of her workShe was kindhearted, loved to cook and was extremely proud that she was living independently. Wanda also enjoyed the social interaction of the Compeer Program.

She is survived by a sister Michelle [John] Sheridan of Wellsville, a brother Michael Johnson of Ohio as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, a brother, Bruce and her sisters Debbie and Beverly.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday May 14, 2024, from 1 pm until 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. The Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm in the Funeral Home. Memorial Donations in Wanda’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy L. Keib, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY – The friends and family of Nancy L. Keib are invited to a graveside service on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.  Nancy passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023. To read the complete obituary or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Theodore K. Susko, 76

Wellsville, NY – Theodore K. “Teddy” Susko, 76, of O’Connor Street, passed away on May 6, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born November 29, 1947, in Buffalo, the son of Alexander and Helen Sylvia (Cwiklinksa) Susko.

Teddy attended school in Cheektowaga and was employed by Peacework Industries. Outside of employment he enjoyed walking. He had a sense of humor that couldn’t be diminished, he would joke with any and everybody, and always had a quick come back for anything said to him. The people who knew him loved him, and he touched the lives of many.

 He is survived by his stepmother Genevive Susko; several other family members; and his loved ones at the O’Connor Street Residence. He was predeceased by his mother and father in 1960 and 1988, respectively.

 Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 10 to 11 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street. Funeral services will follow at 11 am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Arc Activities Fund, Arc of Allegany-Steuben County, 1 Arc Way, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.