Obituaries

Jennifer Golden, 52, of Penn Yan, N.Y. passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2022.

Donna Jean Gelder, 77, of Penn Yan, N.Y., passed away on Monday, December 12 at Keuka Comfort Care Home after a brief battle with lung cancer with her loving family by her side. Donna was born June 14, 1945, in Altoona, Pa., to Jessie Carson and Robert L. Hoffman. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Robert C. Hoffman. Donna spent most of her life in and around Dresden and on Seneca Lake. After getting married and following the demanding early years of motherhood, Donna became a school bus driver for PYCSD, driving for 18 years, treating her kids well while also developing a tight camaraderie with her fellow drivers. Under a sometimes-gruff exterior, she had a big heart. She thrived on making connections, with people and for people. Many friends and acquaintances (but not all!) appreciated that she “told it like it is.” A skilled water skier in her day, she loved summers on the lake. She passed along her love of the water while teaching many neighbors and visiting youths to ski. In 2012, she donated stem cells to her younger brother Robert as a treatment for his leukemia, helping to extend his life a number of years. In more recent times, alongside her husband, she served as a volunteer at the Dresden United Methodist Church First Aid Closet, supplying medical equipment to those in need. She was also a longtime member of the Penn Yan Moose Club. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William V. Gelder; daughter, Amy Gelder of Penn Yan; son, W. Evan Gelder of Rochester; sisters-in-law Sheryl Parkhurst, Laurel (Bill) Skellett, and Susan Hoffman; nieces Caitlin (Brady) Hickcox and Lindsay Hoffman; beloved grand-dog Milo; and many dear friends. A memorial service honoring Donna’s life was held Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Dresden United Methodist Church (60 Cornelia St, Dresden, NY) with a lunch reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527; the

Dorla Marie Armstrong Age 93, of Penn Yan, NY, went to eternal rest on Monday, December 5, 2022, after 93 years of life. Dorla was born on September 12, 1929, in Himrod, NY, to Earl Rice (who passed away when Dorla was 9 years old) and Grace Ellis Rice.

Ellen Frances “Fran” Anderson Age 75, of Penn Yan, New York died peacefully December 3, 2022 at 10:15 in the morning at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, Penn Yan, with her husband Ed by her bedside. Fran was born March 30,1947 in Clarksville, Tennessee to Willie and Bessie Tubberville.

Erving H. Schroeder Age 95, of Penn Yan, NY, passed away December 2, 2022.

Rose Marie A. Weller, 88, of Penn Yan passed away peacefully Monday morning November 28, 2022 at The Homestead where she lived for the last 7 years. Rose Marie was born in Scranton, PA on April 27, 1934 to the late Herman and Jennie Layo Martin. She graduated from St. Mary’s of Assumption High School in Scranton on August 31, 1957. Rose Marie married Norman W. Weller of Scranton. Soon they had two children, Lisa and Lori. The family moved from Scranton to Penn Yan in the late 60’s and purchased Roese Jewelers. Over the years Rose worked for Penn Yan Express, Penn Yan Manor and Clifton Springs Hospital as the Activities Director, private home care and retired from Ontario Arc. Rose Marie belonged to many organizations in Penn Yan. She was one busy lady! She loved working, cooking, playing cards, and visiting with friends. Most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. Rose Marie is survived by daughters, Lisa (Clifford) Robinson, and Lori (David) Slomovic; grandchildren, Melissa, Justin, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Rose and Lydia Grace; and siblings, Joseph (Barbara ) Martin and Joyce (Jack) Rader. She was predeceased by her husband Norman, sister Janet, and brothers-in-law Jack and John. Contributions can be made to YC Humane Society and the Activities Department at The Homestead. A special Thank You to everyone at The Homestead for their love, compassion, patience, and creativity you give on a daily basis. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Having a loved one with dementia is devastating for a family as we go through many phases of loss. You Are truly angels. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring and announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.

Chris W. Petersen, age 65, died Saturday November 19, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Gordon Dale Robeson passed away on Tuesday, November 22 at the age of 87. He was born April 30, 1935, in Ithaca, NY to Howard and Barbara Robeson.