John Whalen
The family of John W. Whalen Sr. is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, November 23, 2025. John’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his kindness, infectious smile, and sharp wit will be cherished by family, friends, and the community forever.
Born on September 24, 1940, in Ogdensburg, New York, John was the son of the late John Leo and Mary (Lenney) Whalen. On August 8, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Julie Travis, and together they shared 61 years of love, laughter, and friendship.
John was the proud owner and operator of Whalen Insurance Agency in Massena for many years. A man of great character, he was dedicated not only to his family and his business but also to his community. John was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Charities and Marriage Encounter. He also contributed significantly to the development of Trinity Catholic School and volunteered with St. Peter’s Outreach. His service extended to the Rotary Club, where he had the honor of serving as president. In all these roles, John’s generosity, warmth, and sense of humor left a lasting mark on all who worked with him.
Beyond his many roles, John’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His quick wit and generous spirit were the heart of every gathering, and his smile had a way of lighting up any room. John had an undeniable way of making those around him feel valued, and his presence will be missed more than words can express.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, his children, Rebecca and her fiancé Fearghal of Donegal, Ireland, and Bill “John” Whalen of Tully, NY, as well as his three grandchildren, Riley, Karley, and Kassidy Whalen.
Loyola Valade
Loyola C. Valade, age 96, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at North Country Nursing and Rehab. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena.
Born in Massena, on July 11, 1929, to Arthur and Emily (Peets) Hammill. Loyola graduated from Massena High School. On June 5, 1947, she married Lomer Valade at St. Lawrence Church with the late Rev. Wilfred Nugent officiating. He predeceased her in 1992. Loyola was a waitress working at many area establishments, including Fishman’s, and Woolworth’s. Loyola was an avid reader, loved to crochet, and liked to travel. To Loyola, her grandchildren were the “light of her life”, and would certainly remind people near and dear, that you have to laugh once in a while.
She is survived by her children, Marlene and William Clark of Canton, NY; Diane and Ricky Burns of Canton, NY; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, a special niece Nancy LaRue of Massena. She was predeceased by two sister and two brothers.
Keith Bain
Keith W. Bain, 85, peacefully passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Massena Hospital, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.
Keith was born December 26, 1940 in Massena, the son of the late John “Jack” and Stella (Dufresne) Bain. He attended Massena Central Schools, graduating in 1958. Following his graduation, at the age of 17, he entered the US Navy, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1962. On July 27, 1963, he married Marilyn Oney at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Oehler, officiating.
For 28 years, Keith continued serving his community as a New York State Trooper, serving a Zone Sergeant in Canton. He was a member of the American Legion and the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, trips to the casino and cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; his sons and their wives, Dr. Brian and Hope Bain of Colorado Springs, Colorado and John “Jack” and Jane Bain of Massena; his grandchildren, Jack Bain of Malone, Jeffrey (Katherine) Bain of New Hampshire, Ellen (Andrew) Fiske of Brasher, Natalie Hurlbut (Mike) of Buffalo, and Rachel Hurlbut (Nick) of Canton; his great grandchildren, Scarlett, Benjamin, Hazel, and Oaklee; and his sisters, Julie Bain and Cynthia Bain (Debbie) of Massena.
Dr. Robert Smith
Dr. Robert Macfie Smith passed away on February 4, 2026 in Massena, NY, at the age of 95. He was born on October 28, 1930 in Fort Covington, NY, to the late Dr. Bruce T. Smith and Elin Macartney Smith.
Bob graduated from Fort Covington High School in 1947 and Cornell University in 1951 before earning his Doctor of Medicine at McGill University in 1955. Following his medical internships, he served for two years as a medical officer in the United States Navy, mostly aboard aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean. This sparked a lifelong joy of traveling. He spent a year as a surgical resident at the University of Colorado in Denver, where he developed a passion for the Rocky Mountains.
He returned to Fort Covington in 1960 and spent three years in general practice, the final two years in partnership with his brother, Dr. Bruce T. Smith. At the same time, he was the medical director at the GM Central Foundry in Massena.
Bob married the love of his life, Carolyn (Callie) Smillie, on July 20, 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Covington.
Bob returned to Montreal in 1963 as a resident in radiology at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He became the radiologist at Massena Memorial Hospital in January 1967 and remained in this position until March 1989. He was a dedicated physician who was instrumental in introducing ultrasound and CT scanning to the hospital, innovations that brought modern diagnostic capabilities to the region and reflected his lifelong interest in learning and progress.
Bob was a man of exceptional intellect, curiosity and vitality. He loved learning and sharing his knowledge with others. His mind was always active, engaged and eager to understand the world more deeply. At one point, he taught himself ancient Greek so that he could read Homer in the original language before traveling to Greece.
Equally important to Bob was physical fitness and the outdoors. In the 1970s, he was a nationally ranked whitewater kayaker, routinely beating competitors 15–20 years his junior. He was an enthusiastic windsurfer, starting in 1979 in the sport’s early days. He also loved hockey, downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking and mountaineering (especially in Colorado and the Swiss Alps).
A testament to his determination and discipline, he once ran a marathon on the cinder quarter-mile track at Massena Central High School. He was also noted for dragging his windsurfer across the ice at Wilson Hill in the spring in order to find open water. With legendary coach Stan Moore, he co-coached the 1975 state-champion Massena Squirt A hockey team, sharing his enthusiasm and leadership with young athletes.
Bob found deep joy at the cottage that he and Callie built along the shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, a place that reflected his love of nature, water, quiet reflection and time with family. In later years, one of his greatest pleasures was sharing camp with his grandchildren, through swimming, tubing, water skiing and kayaking.
Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was a devoted father to Bruce P. Smith (Beth Robischon) of Denver, CO, Amy S. O’Malley (Michael O’Malley) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Ian G. Smith of Wilson, WY. He was a proud and deeply loving grandfather to Charlie and Fraser Smith, Liam and Owen O’Malley, and George and Chase Smith.
Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Douglas.
Adele Hunkins
Adele M. Hunkins, 89, passed away peacefully at the Highland Nursing Home on January 27, 2026, comforted by her family.
She was born in Tupper Lake, on August 25, 1936, to the late Albert and Cecile (Michaud) Lalonde and attended Tupper Lake High School.
She found companionship and joy in her life partner, Richard Pearl, who brought her happiness and support throughout their relationship for over 40 years. Richard passed away on August 13, 2022.
Adele dedicated her life to providing for her family and meeting the needs of others with unwavering love and support.
She began her career as a housekeeper at Bob’s Motel in Massena, where her strong work ethic and kind spirit shone through. Fueled by her desire to make a difference, she pursued further education and became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. After successfully passing her exams—an achievement of which she was particularly proud—Adele took on her role as a CNA with the Community Development Program in Canton. There, she extended her compassion and care to those in need, bringing comfort and kindness to countless families. Lastly, she was employed at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena.
Adele was a remarkable woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for knitting, often crafting beautiful pieces for her loved ones, and she cherished the world of literature, losing herself in the pages of countless stories.
Adele is survived by her three daughters, Cathy King, of Indiana, Cheryl and Floyd Mitchell of Brasher Falls, and Candy and Joe Majors of Massena; grandchildren, Carla and Robert Russell, Wayne Stevenson, Cherie and Robert Clark Jr., Curtis Mitchell, Elaina Mitchell and husband Austin Learned, Tori Mitchell, Jamie Lynn and Charles ‘Chaz’ Herne, Jeramy Johnson, Justin Johnson and Daniela LaVoie, Katie Snyder and Mike Borrelli, Emily Snyder, Alissa Hunkins and fiancé Max Szarka, Char Bloss, Joseph Hunkins, Brittany Horton, and Amber Hunkins; a legacy of many great – grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Always close to her heart is the memory of her son Christopher Hunkins who passed on April 19, 1996, as well as her siblings who predeceased her, Violet Hues, Pauline Leonard, Albert Lalonde Jr. aka ‘SeaBoy’, Gloria Curry, Monica Leonard, and Melvin Lalonde.
Adele’s gentle spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Adele’s name to a local library or knitting charity, reflecting her passions.
Gertrude Sainola
Gert Sainola, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on February 28, 2026. Born on the shores of the Great South Bay, living there on the water’s edge, Gertrude graduated from high school in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart, Peter Sainola, on April 25, 1954, and together they welcomed two beautiful children, Mary Strong of Sangerfield and Peter J. Sainola Jr. of Massena. They were happily married for 45 years until Peter passed in 1999. Gertrude is survived by her two children and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Ednamae Nordby in 2021.
In May of 1953, she inherited a small beach house off the ocean parkway near Jones Beach. The house was located on a place known as Oak Island. There, her husband Pete spent time fixing up the place while she wrangled their children. Many memories were made there such as swimming, playing, crabbing, clamming, and enjoying the simple gifts of life by the water.
Peter Sainola worked for the NYS Department of Parks and Recreation on Long Island before moving their family to Massena in 1973, where he became the Superintendent of Robert Moses State Park until his retirement. Gertrude built a career of her own at the Massena Public Library, where she worked for 20 years. During that time, she also volunteered with the local hospice and Massena’s Meals on Wheels. A member of St. John’s Episcopal Church since 1973, she made many cherished friendships within the local community. Gert was a proud fan of Massena High School hockey and football. She often listened to the games on her hometown radio station, WMSA, texting her good friend Mark, sharing every big moment in real time.
She enjoyed watching NASCAR and faithfully followed her favorite driver each season. She also loved watching hockey, golf, and other sports, and placed her annual horse racing bet during the Kentucky Derby.
Gert liked to travel and wasn’t afraid to travel alone. After the passing of her husband in 1999, for many years she made a special trip to Saranac Lake during the Christmas season, attending a church service and enjoying time people-watching in the town. In later years, her destination became Lake Placid, where she stayed at the Golden Arrow overlooking Mirror Lake. She would take the shuttle up to Whiteface, where she’d enjoy a cup of her favorite chili, a glass of wine, and the secondhand joy of the season while watching the families who spent their holidays there.
Her adventures took her even farther from home, including trips to Greece and Nova Scotia and Hawaii, visits with family in Texas and Washington State, and vacations in the Outer Banks. She also spent months at a time visiting her sister in Florida. Among her travels, she cruised the Danube River through several European countries, visited the Von Trapp Lodge in Vermont multiple times, and traveled to places such as Colorado, Mississippi, and Nevada.
Gertrude greatly enjoyed nature. Her fine feathered friend (Pretty Bird) brought great comfort and companionship to her. She also loved feeding the birds at her home and spending time at the Nicandri Nature Center, a place she felt deeply connected to and that was well known to those closest to her. In her younger days, you might have spotted her rowing her small boat up and down the Grasse River behind her home.
If you’ve ever seen a full moon, you may think of Gert, as she often messaged friends and family from coast to coast asking if they could see it too, wanting to share in its beauty together.
She bought her first cell phone at RadioShack and greatly enjoyed the connectivity it provided. When her son offered to buy her a smartphone, her initial response was “absolutely not.” Eventually he convinced her to make the switch-though she insisted on keeping her old phone as a backup. At one point she threatened to throw the new smartphone in the river, but it never made it there, and she soon became quite attached. She used it to Google and text anything and everything – she loved to find just the right emoji. Paint-by-numbers became a favorite way to pass the time. She made videos, took pictures, played solitaire, and most importantly stayed connected to the people she loved.
Soft-spoken but formidable, those who knew her will remember her independence, curiosity, and the warmth she brought to everyday moments. She lived a full and adventurous life and will be deeply missed by the many people fortunate enough to have known her.
David Lord
David F. Lord, age 78, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Friends and family may be received at the Phillips Memorial Home, located at 20 Church St. Madrid on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2:00 pm to the time of the service at 4:00 pm, with Pastor Donna Fitchette presiding. Burial will be held in Hoose Cemetery in Duane Center, NY, at the convenience of the family.
David was born on July 16, 1947, in Malone to Rev. Kenneth and Evelyn (Garland) Lord. After graduating from Lowville Academy, he attended Utica College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. He enrolled in graduate school at the University of Columbus in Ohio before enlisting in the US Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1976. He was employed with St. Lawrence County and retired in 2002 as a Probation Supervisor. On August 19, 1972, he married Domenica M. “Donna” Todaro at St. John’s Church, in Utica with the Rev. James Lauducci presiding.
Surviving David are his two children: Jacob M. Lord and Janine M. Lord both of Chase Mills, NY. He is “Papa” to Kendra Lord-Mackos of Utica, and Jesse R. Lord of Chase Mills, NY. He is also survived by his siblings, Dorinda Stanford of Watertown, NY and Daniel Lord and Bonnie Leff of Fayetteville, NY, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his wife Donna in 1998 and his sister Darcy Tuper. David was a member of the Louisville Lions Club.
He enjoyed reading and expanding his love of learning by studying history. He also liked spending time with his grandchildren and family. In his younger year’s he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
Nellie Holmes
Nellie Anne Holmes 77, of North Bangor passed away peacefully in her home on April 27, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in Chasm Falls united Methodist Cemetery.
Nellie was born on October 10, 1948 in Malone, to the late Asa and Esther (Fayette) Holmes. She went to Brushton-Moira and graduated from there in 1966. She went on to Potsdam State and graduated with her Master’s degree in early childhood education. She was fortunate enough to go back to her alma-mater and teach elementary school for close to 40 years. To say that she was just a teacher would be an understatement – she was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to thousands of children. Her dedication to her students was unwavering. Off duty, Nellie was a voracious book collector, with a collection ranging between 13,000 to 15,000 books. Her love for stories was only rivaled by her love for country music and her unyielding support for the New York Yankees. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Nellie made people feel seen, heard, and most importantly, loved.
Nellie is survived by her sister, Nathalie Symonds of Malone, her brothers; David (Nora) Holmes of Brushton and John (Renee) Holmes of Moira, along with many nieces and nephews that she cherished. She is predeceased by her parents Asa and Esther, her brother and sister-in-law Norman (Ann) Holmes, sister and brother-in-law Karlyn (Carl) Bashaw Sr., and a brother-in-law Vaughn Symonds. As we mourn the loss of Nellie, we also celebrate her life, remembering her as a loving daughter, a loyal sister, and a steadfast friend. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Robert Donahue
Robert A. Donahue, 93, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Massena.
Robert (Bob) was born on June 4, 1932 in Watertown, New York, the son of the late Francis E. and Florence E. (Bero) Donahue. His family moved to Hogansburg in 1942.
Following graduation from Bombay High School, he enlisted in the Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1954. The GI Bill provided degrees from Canton ATC and SUNY Oswego. He served as a technical representative for Consolidated Diesel and Electric in the United States, North Africa, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea. His career continued with Boeing Vertol in Vietnam and Fairchild Hiller in Vietnam and Los Angeles. Robert retired from US Customs Service in 1998 having served in Puerto Rico, Toronto, and Vermont.
Robert’s family and friends knew him as a kind and generous man with a hearty sense of humor and infectious laugh. His life was fully invested in his faith, family and country. He was blessed with a community of neighbors and caregivers who supported him in his final years.
Robert is survived by his wife, the former Alica Boyea who he married on July 9, 1969 at Holy Redeemer Church, Bangkok, Thailand; sons, Brett M. Donahue (Catherine Sabin Donahue) of Massena and Neil Donahue of Michigan; and his most cherished grandchildren are Reilly Brett, Lauryn, Kendal, and Kyla.
He is also survived by his siblings, David Donahue of Tennessee, Patricia Donahue of Carthage, Mary Katherine “Kay) Lamitie of Malone, and Michael (Mary) Donahue of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.
Carolyn G. Chase
Carolyn G. (Macri) Chase, age 100, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon (November 21, 2020) at the Massena Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Massena, NY. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena.
In following with Carolyn’s wishes and due to Covid-19 restrictions, private funeral services will be held at Phillips Memorial Home, Massena with Rev. Mark R. Reilly officiating. Burial will follow immediately in Calvary Cemetery, Massena. Due to Covid-19, those who will be in attendance, social distancing will be practiced and face coverings will be mandatory.
Carolyn was born to the late Tony and Mary (Greco) Macri in Massena, NY on July 2, 1920 in the family home. At the age of 9, Carolyn’s family narrowly escaped death when fire broke out in the family home, fortunately everyone escaped safely and the family went on to rebuild where Carolyn resided for most of her life.
Carolyn attended Massena School and graduated from Massena High School. Later attending the Massena School of Business and starting her career with ALCOA retiring after 27 years of service as a secretary in the 1960s.
Carolyn married her loving husband Vaughn R. Chase on December 1, 1984. He predeceased her on February 27, 2000 at the age of 89. A sister, Theresa Mary Macri also predeceased her on May 10, 1993.
Carolyn was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and a member of the ALCOA 25-year club. She was also a member of the Massena Senior Citizens and was a voracious reader and would often frequent the Massena Public Library and Massena Museum. Carolyn was an avid gardener, she loved to work outdoors, always producing beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She took great pride in her family home and garden. Carolyn loved to socialize with her family and friends, never at a loss for words and she had a memory like no other.
She is survived by two step-children; Jennie and husband Jeffery Pemberton and Rebecca and husband Joel Condit along with many dear cousins.
At the request of the family, those wishing to express acts of kindness may do so with a memorial contribution to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676 and Trinity Catholic School; 188 Main St, Massena, NY 13662.
Friends and family are encouraged to leave online condolences and memories of Carolyn, by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com