All Obituaries

Mary S. (Tidd) Berry, 80, of Owasco, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born on September 8, 1945, to the late Charles and Mildred (Main) Tidd and graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1963. She was married to her lifelong companion and devoted husband, Louis “Louie” A. Berry, for 58 wonderful years, until his passing in 2022. Together they enjoyed many trips around the country and raised two hardworking sons, ...

Lewis G. Ward, 85 of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the Auburn Community Hospital. He was born July 4, 1940 in the Town of Varick, NY to the late Wilmer and Lenna Hurd Ward. Lewis enjoyed working on cars with his grandsons and also was an avid bowler and enjoyed the game of golf. Lewis loved his job working as a security guard for Wells College for over 20 years. He is survived by, Children:   Susan (Gary Demarse) Ward, Victoria (Shawn Shutter) Guzewicz ...

Gary James Fitzgerald, age 70, of Easton, New York, passed away on February 20, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Gary was born on December 4, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens, to Eileen and Robert Fitzgerald. From an early age, he was known for his intelligence, confidence, dedication, and generous spirit. He was deeply loyal to those he loved and was a steadfast, supportive friend who gave freely of himself without ever expecting anything in return. A graduate of Cornell University, Gary ...

Beverly Sue Besner, age 60, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Beverly was married to her husband, Michael J. Besner, Sr., for nearly 33 years. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and community. She was the proud owner of Quality Café, a coffee shop at Waterloo Premium Outlets, where she found great joy in meeting people and serving others. Beverly had a warm heart and ...

James Albert “Jim” Chase, of Auburn, was called home to heaven and welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Jim was born in Kankakee, Illinois, on April 20, 1947, to Donald and Kathryn (Blissard) Chase—two proud first-time parents who went on to raise a much larger, loving family rich in tradition. He attended Kankakee High School, where he participated in the ROTC program and starred in the school’s musical production of Oklahoma. Jim later ...

Kim M. Whiffen (Wilson), age 55, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Tuesday February 3, 2026. She was born and raised in Auburn NY.  Kim loved to go to family get-together’s and being around family. You could often times catch her on the phone with one of her children. She loved listening and singing along to loud music. Her CD collection is impressive. Kim also loved the summer weather, sitting out in the sun working on her tan.  She was predeceased by her mother Rose ...

Gary Hazlitt Atkins of Auburn, NY, passed away peacefully on February 10 at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in 1934, Gary lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and quiet strength. Drafted into the U.S. Army as a young man, he proudly served his country before beginning a long and dedicated career in corrections, retiring as a captain in 1992. His commitment to serving others continued for decades at Watkins Glen International Raceway, where he was a familiar ...

Sheila Dresser Forsythe, 81, of Fleming, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Auburn Community Hospital after an extended illness. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Berry Dresser. She was a graduate of Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville Florida, Corning Community College and SUNY Brockport. She was a certified teacher for grades K through 9 and taught third grade for Palmac School System and third grade for Saint Hyacinths School in ...

Dolores Sergi, age 77, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, conversation, and devotion to family. Dolores spent most of her adult life in Auburn, New York, where she became well known for her warm personality and friendly nature. She worked for many years at BJ’s Wholesale Club, where she especially enjoyed giving out samples and talking with people — a role perfectly suited to her love of conversation and connection. She was born on April 14, and was ...

Lewis R. Clapper, 81, of Auburn, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Waterville Residential Care Center. He was born on September 14, 1944, in Syracuse, NY to the Lewis and Viva Russel Clapper. Lewis served active duty in the US Navy from 1965 to 1970 and later serviced in the reserves from 1970 to 1992. He enjoyed his time as a Seabee in the military and worked hard at teaching others in his field on weapons and booby traps. He would drive around in the army duce with Jack ...