Dorothy A. Bly

1917 - 2016

COOPERSTOWN - Dorothy A. Bly, a resident of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 28, 2016, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer.  She was 98.

Born October 7, 1917, in Rochester, she was a daughter of Dea W. and Hazel (Roberts) Hess. The first born of three children, Dorothy's mother instilled in her  a love of music, and at the age of eight she began taking piano lessons. 

After graduating from high school, she attended West Chester State Teachers College in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where she majored in vocal and instrumental music and English. After earning her bachelor's degree in teaching, she remained in Pennsylvania and taught at public schools in Beaver Town and Beaver Springs and then in the Shillington public school system. 

In 1945, Dorothy married James Nicely Bly in a ceremony at the First Methodist Church in Berwick, Pennsylvania. The couple moved to College Point on Long Island, where Mr. Bly served as a licensed funeral director.  

In 1954 the Blys purchased a funeral home in Little Falls located at the corner of Ann and Monroe Streets. They owned and operated the Newitt & Bly Funeral Home for the next 26 years, with Dorothy serving in many capacities including answering the phone and playing the funeral home's Hammond electric organ for services.

Following their retirement from the funeral profession, the Blys moved to Cooperstown and settled into their home on Lake Street. She became active in the Cooperstown Women's Club and was very active in the formation of the Bridge Club that now meets at Clark Sports Center. After Mr. Bly died February 24, 2006, Dorothy came to reside at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, where she enjoyed playing the piano.  

Dorothy often said she had four passions throughout her life: the culinary arts, horticulture, interior decorating, and music. Above all, her main goal in life -- which she achieved -- was to be a loving wife and mother. 

Dorothy is survived by three children, Gwendolyn Boggs of Vancouver, Washington, David Wilson Bly and his wife, Valerie, of Ormond Beach, Florida, and James T.H. Bly of South Daytona, Florida; two granddaughters, Jennifer Beck and Erika Boggs-Halperin; a great granddaughter, Norah Beck; a niece, Ellen Dunn; and a nephew, Theron Royer.  She also leaves a very special and loyal friend, Ellen Brown of Springfield Center.  

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn J. Randall, and a brother, Dea Wilson Hess, Ph.D, of Rochester.

Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband and parents in Roselawn Cemetery-Walnut Street Annex in Berwick, Pennsylvania.

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.

Robert L. Joyce

1923 - 2016

COOPERSTOWN - Robert L. Joyce, a man of many interests who was never afraid to share his opinions, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, May 22, 2016, at his home on Prospect Place in the Village of Cooperstown with his family by his side. He was 92.

Born September 2, 1923, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Bob was the son of Robert Lawrence Joyce, Sr. and Ruth Emma Maltby Joyce. In his youth he enjoyed spending summers with his grandfather and uncles on their farms in South Rutland (Tylerville). 

A 1941 graduate of Glen Ridge High School, Bob attended St. Lawrence University, interrupted by WW II service, graduating in 1948. He obtained his Master's Degree in Science Education from Montclair State College in New Jersey in 1973. 

A World War II veteran, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy on December 8, 1942. He attended Naval Air Corps Flight School where he learned to fly, and Naval Special Artificer School, which trained him in Electronics. While serving in the Navy he obtained the rank of Special Artificer D, Third Class and his duties included repairing and maintaining equipment used in training Naval Air Corps personnel and devices using mechanics-electronics, optics and audio circuits to simulate flight operating conditions, such as Link Trainer maintenance and operation. He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Navy on April 8, 1946. 

After working in several science-related jobs, he turned to his foremost career as a teacher. He instilled a love of science in the students he taught from 1969 until 1985 at Long Valley Middle School in New Jersey. 

On December 21, 1968, Bob married May-Britt Carlson in Montclair, New Jersey, and following his retirement, they moved with their two children to Cooperstown and settled into their home on Prospect Place, where they enjoyed 30 years of life in the Village. 

Bob's interests and hobbies were varied, from agriculture and nature, to flying airplanes, camping, and playing Bridge. Much of his time was spent with car repair and construction. He liked to label himself a dairy farmer, a result of enjoyable times spent on family farms in his youth. He built his own home in New Jersey including all the foundation stonework and always enjoyed working on various projects around their century-old home in Cooperstown. His expertise in construction led Bob to be a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He also helped delivering Meals on Wheels. 

Following his years in the service he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Recently, although he was told he should no longer drive motor vehicles, he had the opportunity to co-pilot an excursion flight over the Cascades of Oregon. A life-long passionate skier, Bob won the giant slalom gold medal in the 80+ age category at Hunter Mountain. Bob enjoyed many trips with his "80+ Club" friends at Scotch Valley in Stamford. It could be noted with some humor that they contributed to the ultimate demise of this well-loved ski area in Delaware County, as they skied for free, brought their own lunches, and would split one pitcher of beer. 

A life-long liberal Democrat, Bob was proud to have voted for FDR, and was never reticent in expressing his opinions. During his years in Cooperstown, he became well-known for his prolific and opinionated letters to the editor of various newspapers, a feature many people missed during Bob's final years. 

Bob is survived his wife of 47 years, May-Britt Joyce, of Cooperstown; four daughters: Carol Maltby ( Edward Ripley-Duggan) of Olivebridge, Donna Johnson (William) of Vermont and Florida, Jenny Joyce ( Rodney Roberts) of Seattle, Washington, and Julie Joyce of Portland, Oregon; two granddaughters, Alison and Suzanna Maltby-Duggan; two nieces and one nephew. 

He was predeceased by two sisters. 

In memory of Bob, an open house will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Joyce family home, 3 Prospect Place, Cooperstown. Lefts, Rights and Moderates are invited to attend!

Memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County, 291 Chestnut Street, Box #284, Oneonta, NY 13820-1229.

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.

Vera R. Ainslie

1926 - 2016

FLY CREEK - Vera R. Ainslie, a life-long area resident, passed away Thursday afternoon, May 12, 2016, surrounded by her family at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego. She was 89.

Born July 18, 1926, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Vera was a daughter of Orra C. and Nellie Mariah (Adsit) Goodspeed. 

Raised in Fly Creek Valley, she graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1946, and was employed for a time at a sewing facility in Richfield Springs. She went on to spend much of her life caring for others as a nurse, working from 1967 until 1982 at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown. Following her retirement, she was employed as a private duty nurse for Mr. and Mrs. Mecklenburg.

On June 19, 1949, Vera married Lavern William "Beanie" Ainslie in a ceremony at the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, where they were both long-time members. They enjoyed 46 years together until Beanie's unexpected death on June 24, 1995. 

Devoted to her community, Vera volunteered her time in many different ways. For 15 years, she-along with "Beanie"-helped bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to Cooperstown to the delight of young and old alike. A member of the Fly Creek Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, she also served as a volunteer at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and was a faithful member of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society. Active in Grange activities for most of her life, she was a member of Fly Creek Valley Grange No. 790 and Pomona Grange No. 16. 

Following her husband's death, Vera and her family have always been present to award Cooperstown Youth Baseball's highest honor, the Lavern "Beanie" Ainslie Award, which is bestowed each year on the baseball player who exhibits the highest levels of sportsmanship and good character. 

Vera is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Charles and Denise Ainslie and Kenneth and Cheryl Ainslie of Richfield Springs, and Michael Ainslie of Fly Creek; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Barbara and Paul Pangman of Mt. Upton, Janette and David Lyons of Fly Creek, and Eileen Ainslie of Arkansas; 13 grandchildren, Melissa Swislosky, Gideon Pangman, Kenneth II, Kyle, Matthew and Heather Ainslie, Shawn Lyons and Andrianna Gulotta, Brooks, Calvin and Levi McAllister, and Michael and Gabrielle Rhyde; five great grandchildren, Logan, Anjelica, Cameron, Thomas and Alexandria; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Vera was predeceased by her three sisters, Florence Thayer, Nellie Trainor and Norma Van Benschoten; and a brother, Edward Goodspeed. 

Friends may call to pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Monday, May 16, 2016, from 4-6 p.m., when Vera's family will be in attendance. 

A graveside service will be offered at a later date in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Fly Creek. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Fly Creek Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 87, Fly Creek, NY 13337-0087, or the Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee (C.C.C.C.), P. O. Box 428, 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.

Blanche H. Blacksmith

1928 - 2016

COOPERSTOWN - Blanche H. Blacksmith, 88, of Cooperstown, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 5, 2016, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego after enjoying a wonderful day with friends and dinner with her daughter, Allyse.

Blanche Harriet Flower was born January 1, 1928, in Somerville, New Jersey, the only child of Harry and Ann (Recor) Flower.

Following her graduation from high school, Blanche attended nursing school.

On May 18, 1946, she married Daniel Alvin Blacksmith at The United Reformed Church in Somerville, New Jersey.  During their 66 years of marriage, the Blacksmiths lived in many places throughout the United States.  They ultimately settled in Cooperstown and enjoyed living in their home just outside of the village.

A successful and astute businesswoman, Blanche owned and operated Straws & Sweets in the Village of Cooperstown.

Raised in the Reformed church tradition, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.  An avid knitter, she enjoyed her times with the "Knit2Gether" group .

She was adored by her family and many grace-filled friends and will be greatly missed.

Blanche is survived by her two daughters, Joy Ann Blacksmith of Jersey City, New Jersey and Allyse Lynn DeCarr and her husband, Larry, of Richfield Springs; two grandchildren, Matthew Daniel DeCarr and his wife, Kristin, of Scotia and Melissa Lynn Forbes and her husband, Zachary, of Averill Park; and her beloved 10-month-old great grandson, Jameson DeCarr.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, companion and best friend, Dan, who died January 29, 2013.

A Memorial Service and celebration of the life of Blanche H. Blacksmith will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating.

Immediately following the service, all attending are invited to join with the Blacksmith family for a time of refreshment and fellowship in the adjoining Chapel.

For those who wish to make memorial gifts in memory of Blanche, please consider a donation to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown Women's Fellowship Building Fund for the benefit of an electronic carillon for the church.

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.

Phyllis A. Lindroth

1942 - 2016

FLY CREEK - Phyllis A. Lindroth, 74, of Fly Creek, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday morning, May 1, 2016, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego.

She was born April 29, 1942, in Cortland, daughter of the late Leslie and Elizabeth Kinner of Marathon.

Phyllis attended Marathon Central School, graduating in 1960. She graduated from Utica School of Beauty Culture in 1961 and moved to Cooperstown shortly after, with her best friend, Angie, working as a beautician in the area. This is where she met the love of her life, Harry, and they married on May 18, 1963. She worked for the Farm and Home Bargain Center and Great American for many years and also owned a craft shop, Home Sweet Home, with her daughter, Tammi. 

Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her husband and family at her beloved home on Keating Road. In her earlier years she enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening and later on, scrapbooking, with her friends. She also loved going to car shows with Harry in his "old cars".

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Harry Lindroth, Sr. of Fly Creek; her daughter, Tammi (Rick) Kelly of Fly Creek; her son, Harry (Kim) Lindroth, Jr. of Bristol, CT; her grandchildren, Caitlin Kelly (fiance, Don Corns) of Toddsville, Morgan Kelly of Fly Creek, Mackenzie and Spencer Lindroth of Bristol, CT; a special nephew, Michael Bosley and his son, Kadyn, of Hartwick, along with many nieces, nephews and special friends, and her "grand-dogs", Abby and Dozer.

Friends may pay their respects, from 4 - 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Friends are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Phyllis' life at a graveside ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Fly Creek. The Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, pastor of Fly Creek United Methodist Church will officiate.

Donations in Phyllis' name may be made to the 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.