Obituaries

Sharon (Strickland) McMillen, 74, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away April 24, 2023, at The Homestead Nursing Home Facility. Sharon was born August 10, 1948, the daughter of Lawrence and Rena Strickland.

Home, Penn Yan. Leo Kenyon, 91, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away May 15, 2023.

Jeffrey Spencer died May 18, 2023, treated with extraordinary care by the nurses and technicians on floor 3 east, Thompson Heath, Canandaigua, N.Y., with long visits by family and friends as he passed the last days of his life. There was always a distant look in his eyes, as if he were seeking the far horizon of a yet unknown place.

Janice Scott Castner, 91, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Keuka Comfort Care. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Janice Castner will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m.

Patricia A. Fox (Bassett), 80, of Penn Yan passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the home of her daughter Michelle. Patricia was born in Montour Falls, N.Y. on June 30, 1942, the daughter of the late Gerald and Anna (Larsen) Bassett. Patricia was employed for many years doing vineyard work, was the owner of Mom’s Doghouse, cooked at Hayes Auction barn, and served as a driver for the Mennonite community for 20+ years. Patricia was a very strong but simple woman. She enjoyed spending time with family and being outdoors. Pat had a love for animals that led to her taking in many strays over the years. The last few months of her life was spent surrounded by her family. She will be dearly missed by many. Patricia is survived by her daughters: Theresa (Robert) Halbert of Elizabeth City, N.C., Tina Fenton and Michelle Meeks, both of Penn Yan; sons, Dustin (Jennifer) and Jason Fox of Penn Yan; sisters Pauline Jamison and June (Chuck) Stanton; brothers Roger (Sheila) and Jim Bassett; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by her husband Donald, daughter Trudy Fenton, grandson Matthew Halbert, and greatgrandson Gavin Ortiz. Honoring Patricia’s wishes there will be no services. Those wishing to remember Pat may make a donation in her name to the Humane Society of Yates County, PO Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to a charity of their choice. Memories of Pat may be shared with her family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com.

Patricia Marchant Curtin, 81, of Leesburg, Fla., passed away on April 28 after a lengthy illness. Patricia was the most beloved wife of John Claude Curtin. They met in Paris in the 60s, married and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 56 years. They lived most of their lives in Penn Yan, N.Y., on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region. Patricia was born on October 17, 1941, to John and Gladys Marchant in

 Leo Kenyon, 91, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away May 15, 2023. Leo was born in Shinglehouse, Pa. on November 8, 1931, the son of Lawrence and Ona Kenyon. He honorably…

Dresden, N.Y. - It is with heartfelt regrets to announce Grandma Jennie, Jennie (Smith) LaBarr, 100, passed away April 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born April 4, 1923, in Apalachin, N.Y., the daughter of Frederick Smith and Ella (Dressing) Smith. Jennie lived with the Coffin family in Bellona as a teenager. Jennie graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1942. She married William R. LaBarr on November 1, 1942. They settled in Dresden where they raised eight children. Jennie was a member of TOPS and celebrated being a KOPS with the support of the other members. She joined the Seneca Lake Chapter of Eastern Star. She had a love for the teaching at Good Samaritan Baptist Church and remained an active member since the 1900s. Even at 100 she could be found knitting or crocheting and would never sell her beautiful works of art but gave them away with love. In addition to her parents and stepparents Charles Mathews and Isabel Smith, she was predeceased by her husband, brothers Frederick Smith, Orris Smith, sisters-in-law Lois (LaBarr) Tillotson, Barbara LaBarr, and Wescena Smith and brother-in-law John LaBarr. Others who predeceased her were daughter Luana and sons William, Jr., and Leon LaBarr Sr., grandchildren Daryl Parkhurst, Bruce LaBarr, Jr., and Michael LaBarr and nephew Robert Smith. Surviving children are Yvonne Thomas; Lyle (Karen) LaBarr Sr. of Dundee; Carolyn Ames of Dresden; Bruce LaBarr Sr. of Douglas, Ariz.; and Alonzo (Pamela) LaBarr of Himrod; and daughter-in-law Jackie LaBarr. She leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews all of which she

Kenneth W. Hale, 87, of Penn Yan passed away April 24, 2023.