Patricia Butler Dornburgh

1932 - 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Patricia Butler Dornburgh, a Native Daughter of Cooperstown, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island's Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence, Rhode Island.  

Born on August 21, 1932, she was the daughter of Harold and Patricia (Bracelyn) Butler, who predeceased her in 1967 and 1989 respectively.  

A 1949 summa cum laude graduate of Cooperstown Central School, she went on to earn a B.A. in French, in 1953, from Albany State College (now University at Albany) where she was president of Beta Zeta sorority. She also earned a masters degree in library science from Caldwell College in New Jersey.

After college, she taught English and social studies in Carmel, NY for one year. In June 1954, she married William Dornburgh at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. They raised their five children in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, where she was a high school librarian for nineteen years, combining her love of students and of books. Patricia loved words and she loved the English language.

Retaining her love for Cooperstown, in 1973 Patricia and Bill purchased property in Middlefield where they built a vacation retreat, which they expanded to their retirement home in 1995. Ten years later, they moved into the Village of Cooperstown. Patricia volunteered at the Cooperstown Food Bank and was a Eucharistic Minister at Bassett Hospital, where she also performed other volunteer services. For twelve years Patricia and Bill spent their winters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. In 2014, they moved to Greenville, Rhode Island to be closer to their children.  

Patricia is survived by her husband Bill; her five children, daughter Kathleen Stuart and her husband, Tom, son Leigh and his wife, Paula, daughter Ann Davis and her husband, Kevin, daughter Barbara Santurri and her husband, John, and son Edmund and his wife, Elizabeth. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, and one great grandson. She had a great love of family and was devoted to them all.

Friends may call and pay their respects to the Dornburgh family from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. A Vigil Remembrance to celebrate Patricia's life by Fr. John P. Rosson, her parish priest, will be offered at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.   

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered later this Spring at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding.

The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown, where Patricia will be laid to rest in the Dornburgh Plot.  

As an alternative to flowers, the Dornburgh family respectfully requests that memorial gifts in memory of Patricia be directed to the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY  12205-5515. 

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Margaret Rita Deeb Hage

1919 - 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Margaret R. Hage passed away peacefully late Friday night, January 23, 2015, at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown at the age of 95. She was affectionately known her whole life by family and friends as Peggy or Peg.

Born December 26, 1919, in the City of Troy, Margaret was one of six children of Joseph K. and Barbara (Solomon) Deeb, who had moved a decade earlier from their common childhood village of Blawza, Lebanon. She married Sasen S. Hage of Fort Plain on January 12, 1936, in a ceremony at the Church of St. Anne in Troy.  

Until 1945 she resided at the Fort Plain Hotel -- managed by her husband -- and was employed during that time at the hotel and the Beech-Nut Packing Company. As her family grew, she and her husband bought a house in Fort Plain where they lived until 1955, when her husband became Commissioner of Social Services for Montgomery County and she became Administrator of the Montgomery County Home.

For nearly two decades as Administrator, she supervised the operation of the residential facilities and services for about 80 homeless people who lived and worked at the home and farm. She managed purchasing, food service, medical service, human resources and entertainment in a setting that was familiar in many counties of upstate New York.

Following her husband's death in 1994, Peg moved to Cooperstown to be near family and lived on Fair Street until 2005, when she moved to the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, where she was active for several years in activities, events and excursions. Throughout Peg's life, she was known as an energetic worker and kind to all she met. 

She is survived by four sons, Charles T. Hage, and wife, Ursula, of Cooperstown, Gordon J. Hage of Cobleskill, Robert P. Hage of Cooperstown, and Richard Hage and wife, Patricia, of Plymouth, New Hampshire. Grandchildren include Amy, Andrew, Christopher, Daniel, Eric, Erik, Maureen, Myra, Sarah and Zachary. Great grandchildren include Adrian, Alex, Anders, Anika, Ann, Brandon, Caroline, Johnny, Kyra, Lyla, Margaret, Mary, McKenna, Meagan, Melissa, Michael, Owen, Sophie, Tyler and Wilha. Sisters include Anna, Marion, Virginia and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sasen S. Hage, who died June 3, 1994; one brother, Gordon Deeb; and one sister, Ange Atty Deeb.

Peg loved everyone with all her heart. She took special pride in her rapid-fire, no hesitation reciting of the names, in chronological order, of her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, their partners, and great grandchildren -- all 46 of them!

Peg was the greatest of masterpieces in her capacity to love. She sat her children upon her knee, sang and danced with them, let them fail, picked them up, gave them hell in a heavenly way, and forgave them because love is what she was.

We remember our tiny hands in Mom's. We came to understand Mom's tenderness, strength, and wisdom, and so we've been privileged to now hold her hand in ours.

Mom was out truest friend, the surety and comfort we needed. In the middle of the night we called Mommy, and Peg was there. Now we think "Mom" and our hearts smile because her heart was our classroom.

Your spirit shines on, Mom. We owe to you our ability to tie our shoes, wash behind our ears, say please and thank you, nurture a garden, be kind and charitable to others, be stewards of Mother Nature, love all children, and to live morally. Oh, and to cook good food, feed the masses, and to keep on working, and working, and working.

Thank you, Mom. We love you, with all our hearts. 

The Liturgy of Christian Burial was offered at 11am on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. The Service of Committal and Burial will be at a later date in Fort Plain Cemetery.

For those who so desire, memorial gifts may be directed to the Margaret and Sasen Hage Scholarship Fund and mailed to 85 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. 

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Randy Higgins

1960 - 2015

ROSEBOOM - Randy William Higgins, a lifetime resident of the Cooperstown area, passed away January 17, 2015, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 54.

Born October 23, 1960, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, he was a son of William F. and Wilma J. (Bridger) Higgins.  

After attending Cooperstown schools, Randy enlisted in the US Navy, and proudly served his country as an airplane mechanic until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1981.

Following military service, Randy returned to the Cooperstown area. He performed cabinetry and carpentry work in many area homes and businesses, taking great pride in the exceptional quality of his work. He also worked at The Fenimore Art Museum. He served in the maintenance department at the Clark Sports Center for 28 years.

Randy enjoyed hunting and spending time in nature. He had great talent with charcoal and pencil drawing, often depicting scenes of wildlife and the outdoors.

Randy is survived by his two daughters, April Higgins and her fiancé, Jesse Garrett, of Duluth, GA, and Eliza Higgins of Oneonta; his sister Laura Grup and her husband, Bill, of Richfield Springs; his brother Scott Higgins and his wife, Mary, of Souderton, PA; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins.

Randy was predeceased by his father, William Higgins and his mother, Wilma Dyer.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Randy will be fondly remembered and missed by his family and friends.

For those who wish to remember Randy, his family suggests that memorial gifts be directed to Bassett Cancer Institute, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY  13326 or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Norma H. Schweitzer

1924 - 2015

BALLSTON SPA - Norma Belle (Higgins) Schweitzer passed away Friday morning, January 16, 2015, at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa.

Born in 1924 in Altoona, PA, she lived in Rahway, NJ, from the age of six years. In 1971, Norma and her husband moved to Hartwick where they resided until 1993, moving to Ballston Spa, where she lived the remainder of her life.  

While living in the Cooperstown area Norma was employed for several years in the Lippitt Farm House at the Farmers' Museum.  

A lifelong communicant of the Episcopal Church, Norma exemplified the Christian values in which she believed.  

Mrs. Schweitzer was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Arthur Schweitzer, as well as several brothers and sisters. 

Survivors include two sons, Kevin (Joan) Schweitzer and Tommy (Carolyn) Schweitzer; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one eldest sister.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

A graveside service will be offered later this spring in Hartwick Center Union Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Mark R. Dabrowski

December 31, 1962 - January 6, 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Mark Richard Dabrowski, 52, of Cooperstown, passed unexpectedly Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

A native of Massachusetts, Mark was born December 31, 1962, in Webster, the son of Richard and Dorothy (Brezenski) Dabrowski.

Raised in Massachusetts, he graduated from Bartlett Junior Senior High School in Webster.

For the past eight years, Mark has resided in Cooperstown. Most recently he was employed at Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in Milford.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Mark is survived by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Dabrowski of Cooperstown; one son, Taylor Dabrowski, and one daughter, Jenny Dabrowski, both of Salt Lake City, Utah; a brother-in-law, Brian P. Wrubleski of Cooperstown; and two nieces, Alexandra Gunther and her husband, Steven, and Natalie Wrubleski, all of Cooperstown.

He was predeceased by his sister, Maryellen Wrubleski, who died December 21, 2013.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Shawn A. Hurn

January 7, 2015 - November 27, 1980

OAKSVILLE - Shawn A. Hurn, 34, of Oaksville, passed away Wednesday evening, January 7, 2015, at home in Oaksville. 

He was born November 27, 1980 in Cobleskill, the son of Donald Hurn and Lori Thorne Scorzelli.

Shawn was raised in Cobleskill and attended school there. For several years he was employed as an auto body mechanic for Daniels Brothers Auto Sales in Fly Creek. 

A free spirit, Shawn loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was also an avid fan of auto racing.

Shawn is survived by his wife Jennifer Palmer of Cooperstown; his daughter, Victoria White of Mayfield; his mother, Lori Scorzelli and her husband George of Warnerville; his father, Donald Hurn and his wife Carol of  Richmondville; his sister, Crystal Hurn of Warnerville; and his maternal grandparents, Edwin W. and Judy Thorne of Oaksville.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Jean Hurn.

Friends may call to pay their respects Monday, January 12, 2015, from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.  Immediately following the calling hours a funeral service will be offered at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Dr. James Atwell, Quaker Minister, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Fly Creek Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY  13337.  

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Margaret L. Rees

January 6, 1915 - January 6, 1915

COOPERSTOWN - Margaret L. Rees, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, died early Wednesday morning, December 31, 2014, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. She was six days away from celebrating her 100th birthday.

Born at home on January 6, 1915, in Milltown, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of  Albert and Muriel L. Martin Peterson. Her family moved to the State of Maine in 1918, where her father became employed as a loom fixer at Bates Mills in Lewiston, Maine. She graduated from Lewiston High School with Honors and then attended Bliss Business College in Maine.  

On November 17, 1937, Margaret married Leo A. Rees in Lewiston, Maine. They met while skiing on an adventure club outing in Maine. They moved to Rome, New York, Leo's hometown, where they rebuilt, owned and operated the Beaver Brook Golf Club. Margaret was famously known for her chicken dinners and chocolate pies served at the clubhouse.  

In 1950, the Rees family moved to Cooperstown and settled into their home on the River Road. Margaret and Leo were active golfers and enjoyed Otsego Lake boating in their cabin cruiser, "Moonlight", named after Margaret's Grandfather Martin's 2-masted schooner, "Moonlight", that was based in Calais, Maine. Their love of Maine also brought them to Bailey Island for many wonderful family summer vacations.  

She was a communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, a member of St. Mary's Altar Rosary Society and Choir, the Cooperstown Glee Club, the Cooperstown Women's Club and Native Daughters of  Cooperstown. She was a volunteer at Bassett Hospital, the Red Cross Blood Drive, the Fenimore House, the SPCA, and for the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. She was integral in the creation of the Otsego County SPCA Thrift Shop, receiving an award for her many years of service. Most recently she became a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and had ancestry on "The Mayflower", of which she was very proud.

For many years, Margaret was employed at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital where she was Supervisor of the Chemistry Laboratory during the tenure of Dr. Theodore Peters, Jr.  

She had a green thumb for growing African Violets and Hollyhocks, was an avid reader, loved playing the piano, playing bridge and attending  the Glimmerglass Opera. Prior to moving to Valley Health Services, she resided for fifteen years at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown.

Margaret is survived by one son, David M. Rees and his wife Helen of Oneonta, three daughters, Mary Lou Famulare of Manlius, Jane Cimbal and her husband Denis of Winchester, Virginia and Margaret (Peggy) Smith of Cherry Valley; ten grandchildren, Catherine diGrazia Ryan (Jim), Frank Joseph Famulare III, Michael J. Famulare (Courteney), Kelly Coleman (Wade), David M. Rees, Jr., Patricia Gayle Cross, Denis Cimbal, Jr., Peter Cimbal (Sophia), Timothy Cimbal (Vivian), and Jonathan Smith; several great grandchildren, including Michael and Karli diGrazia, Emily Elizabeth Todorov, Alison Rees Famulare, Cody and Dylan Cross, Cory Gallaty, Tricia, Hannah and Paige Cimbal, and Declan and Juna Cimbal; and one great great grandchild, Janie Gail Gallaty, along with many nieces in Maine, nephews in Hawaii and Albany, and a cousin in Nova Scotia.

She was predeceased by her husband, Leo; one brother, Kenneth Peterson; son-in-law, Frank Joseph Famulare; a granddaughter, Elizabeth (Famulare) Todorov; and granddaughter Patricia's husband, Richard Wade Cross .

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at a later date at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Thanksgiving Fund, 48 Grove Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Liturgy of Christian Burial
Updated June 19, 2015

COOPERSTOWN - The Liturgy of Christian Burial for Margaret L. Rees will be offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.

A long-time resident of Cooperstown, Margaret died December 31, 2014, just six days away from celebrating her 100th birthday.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow, & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.  


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.