Obituaries

We are sad to announce the passing of Michael Paul Hallett, M.D. of Buffalo, New York. Dr. Hallett died at the age 64 on March 14, 2024. Dr. Hallett passed away surrounded by his loved ones who tirelessly supported him during his battle with cancer. He loved his big family, his dogs, and his practice of medicine, where he was able to help so many patients in the community. Dr. Hallett was a proud founding partner of Suburban Psychiatric Associates, LLP in Amherst, New York. Dr. Hallett is...

Sister Linda Lanighan (Sister Mary James) began her life May 2, 1943 in Lockport, New York. The daughter of James and Mildred Erie Lanighan. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Rosemary, James and Eugene. Until the end, visits with her sister Patricia and her friend Nancy remained one of the highlights of Sr. Linda’s life. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She died on March 8, 2024 at the Sisters of St. Joseph’s residence in Clarence. After completing...

Lorraine M. Pickel (nee Balsdon), age 85, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 6, 2024.  Lorraine worked as an LPN at Elma Primary Care. She loved to travel with her family to  Summer Bay, and the gulf coast of Florida. She was a huge contributor to any and all animal support organizations. She was an avid sports enthusiast.  Loving wife of the late Robert W. Pickel, Sr. Loving mother to Robert W. (Kathleen) Pickel, Jr.,  Michael G....

Albert E. Kasbaum, of Tonawanda, on March 4th, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the son of Albert and Leola Kasbaum, and loving husband of Nancy Kasbaum (nee Schultz). Father of Daniel (Nancy) Kasbaum, Joseph Kasbaum, and Jacqueline (Scott) O’Lay. Cherished grandfather of Timothy, Christopher, Sarah and Jacob Kasbaum, and Austin and Aiden O’Lay. Albert graduated from Tonawanda High School, class of 1962. He loved to fish and became one of the founders of the Nomad Fishing Club.

Betty J. Williams, age 92, of North Tonawanda, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024. Loving wife of 57 years to the late J. D. Williams. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army, causing them to travel and move around quite a bit. She enjoyed gardening, walking, and reading. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and going on girl trips together.    Loving mother of Debra...

Judy Ann Paul, age 76, of Tonawanda, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on February 17, 2024. Judy was deeply involved in the Fair Havens Church, as a proud Sunday school teacher, and donated much of her time and energy there. She loved spending her time with family, especially game nights. Judy was a very outgoing individual who welcomed new friends everywhere she went. She was generous with her time and her knowledge. She cared deeply for everyone, and that love...

Edward E. Skibinski, age 79, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024.  Ed, president of the Local Laundry Workers Union Local 168-39. His first union involvement began in 1961 when he took a job at the old Frontier Linen. He worked there for 20 years. In 1981 he became a business agent for the Local 168-39, from Buffalo through Syracuse areas. In 1996 he was elected president of the Local. He continued to work as a business agent until retirement in 2003. He retired as the head of...

Dorothy C. Foels (nee Zitzka), age 99, on February 6th, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Wendell and Barbara (nee Baumgartner) Zitzka. Loving wife of the late Leonard J. Foels (who died in 1986). Mother of Len (Gwenn) Foels and Fredric Foels. Grandmother of Nicholas and Eric Foels. Dorothy was the last of seven siblings; Theresa (Joseph) Mayer, Barbara (James) Butler, Ann (Harold) Gromlovits, Wendell (Theresa) Zitzka, George (Minnie) Zitzka, and Donald Zitzka. She will also be missed...

Sr. Carol Schwartz, SSMN, also known as Sr. Mary Paul, died peacefully at McAuley Residence in Kenmore on Monday February 5 th . She was 91 years old. She was predeceased by her parents Raymond and Florence (Tepas) Schwartz; her siblings Raymond, Jerome, Arthur, Florence Langfelder and Rita Jean Schwartz. She is survived by her brother Donald Schwartz, her nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews, and beloved members of her religious community. Sister Carol entered...

Elaine E. Davis, age 87, of Tonawanda, on January 28, 2024. She was the daughter of R. Walter and Evelyn Lane. Loving wife of the late William Davis. Mother of Scott Davis, Rebecca (Barry) Strauss, Lane (Michael) Richart, Michele (late John) Reif. Cherished grandmother of William Davis, Donald (Tina) Davis, Christopher Davis, Deidra (Jessica) Dooley-Davis, Aerielle Davis, Adriene (Thomas) Bukowski, Walter Richart, Katherine (James McKinney) Lee, Elizabeth (Christopher Muscarella) Reif, and...