Arlene Schulz

1942 - 2021

BURLINGTON – Arlene Schulz, 78, of the Town of Burlington, sadly passed away from COVID-19 Saturday night, February 20, 2021, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

A native of Long Island, she was born October 25, 1942, in Hicksville, a daughter of Michael Francis Cycon and Margaret Anna Forsyth Cycon. 

She married Werner Albert Schulz August 4, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville. After residing in Northport for 37 years, they moved to the Town of Burlington where they have lived for the past 20 years. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, especially making quilts for each of her grandsons. The thing that made her the most happy was having all her grandchildren/family together for the holidays and any chance they all could get together. She was also an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing her recipes with her grandsons. She loved her family very much and will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly. 

A Registered Nurse, Arlene was working at Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehab in New Berlin until she contracted COVID-19. 

Arlene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Werner, of Burlington; their son, Erik Schulz and wife, Christine of Liverpool; six grandsons, Robert, Steven, Thomas, Christopher, Matthew and Michael; and a brother, Michael F. Cycon, Jr. and family of Tempe, Arizona.  

Arrangements are under the care 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.

Edward F. Danielski, Jr.

1930 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Edward F. Danielski, Jr., a radiologist at Bassett Hospital and later director of Fox Hospital’s radiology department, passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021.

The son of Edward Danielski Sr. and Jennie Danielski, Edward was born on July 12, 1930, in Greenfield, Mass.

He attended Deerfield Academy and graduated from Harvard College, cum laude, in 1953. He went to Columbia Medical School and served his internship and residency at the Columbia division of Bellevue Hospital under the service of Drs. Andre Cournand and Dickinson Richards, who had recently received Nobel prizes in medicine.

He served in the Army as a captain and radiologist at the 57th Field Hospital in Toul, France, where he met Anne Marie Philippot de Miniere, whom he married in 1960.

He became board certified in Radiology, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine after studies at Cornell Medical Center. He and his wife moved to Cooperstown where he became an associate radiologist at Bassett Hospital. He later established his own Radiology department at Fox Hospital in Oneonta, where he served as director.

He was interested in extending radiology advances to underdeveloped countries, introducing the first arteriograms to the Dominican Republic and the first myelogram to Tunisia under the auspices of CARE-MEDICO.  He is a past president of the Otsego chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Fox Hospital Medical Staff.

Edward loved skiing, sailing and gardening. He was a gifted amateur piano and harpsichord player. His greatest love was his wife of 60 years, Anne Marie. Together they enjoyed traveling internationally, spending time at their home in Ste. Maxime, France, and many projects, including building a harpsichord and caring for nature.

Edward is survived by her children Philippe Danielski and his wife Anne of Vrilly, France; Valerie Danielski Greenberg and her husband Steven of Westport, Conn., and five grandchildren whom they loved spending time with: Lewis Danielski, and Benjamin, Daniel, Sam and Noah Greenberg.

In lieu of a funeral, there will be a grande fete on Bastille Day, his favorite holiday, where his life will be celebrated with his favorite beverage: Veuve Cliquot. Donations in memory of Edward may be sent to the Otsego Land Trust, P.O. Box 173 Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the care 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.

Noel Dries

1938 - 2021

SPRINGFIELD - Noel Dries, a teacher, historian, and tireless researcher who was an integral and well-loved Springfield resident, and who played an important role in the overall establishment and maintenance of Hyde Hall, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, February 8, 2021. A life-long resident of Cary Mede in Springfield, he was 82. 

Born May 30, 1938, at what was then a tiny Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, he was the only child of Frank Lawrence Dries, Jr. and the former Ruth Margaret Kelly. His mother’s family went back several generations in Springfield, while his father, who was from Brooklyn, came to the Springfield area during the depression and worked at Cary Mede as a groundskeeper.

In his youth spent at Cary Mede, Noel developed a lifelong love of Otsego Lake, and had great fun as a child learning to swim in it. 

He attended Springfield Elementary School in Springfield Center and graduated with the Class of 1956 from Springfield High School in East Springfield. He then went on to study science at Syracuse University, where he graduated with a degree in secondary science education. For 28 years he taught chemistry and physics in the Walton Central School District. Upon retiring from teaching in 1994, Noel became the caretaker of Springfield Cemetery and faithfully served in this position for close to 20 years. 

His devotion to the Town of Springfield was legendary; he worked for many years to assure his well-loved town’s history was maintained in good order. A long-time member of the Springfield Historical Society he served as president for many years and was at the forefront of creating the Springfield Historic District. Upon the closing of the Catlin Library in Springfield Center and the Clinton Library in East Springfield, Noel served as president of the newly formed Springfield Library Association. He was also a faithful and active member of St. Mary’s Church in Springfield Center, serving for many years on the Vestry, currently as Senior Warden. In honor of his devotion to Springfield, he was named a Grand Marshal along with Jim Weeks of the 103rd Springfield 4th of July Parade in 2019.

Perhaps closest to Noel’s heart was Hyde Hall, where he served on the Board of Trustees since 1999 and was currently serving as vice chair. He worked tirelessly, day in and day out, through good times and bad, to maintain this jewel at the head of Otsego Lake. As chairman of the Collections Committee, he dedicated countless hours to studying and analyzing the documents in the Clarke Family Papers, and was intimately aware of the history of the home and its relevance to local history. Always searching for documents that could prove or disprove theories about how the Clarkes stitched together their huge agricultural empire, Noel managed to solve many long-standing mysteries, often calling out, “I found it!” In addition, Noel spent a lot of time and research on George Clarke’s bedroom, and personally funded the restoration of this room to the 1820 period. He was extremely proud of the result. In recognition of his contributions to historic preservation and cultural awareness, Noel was the recipient in 2015 of the 5th Annual Anne Hyde Clarke Logan Cultural Preservation Award for his notable achievements in preserving the heritage of the Leatherstocking Region of Central New York. 

Throughout his entire life, Noel resided at Cary Mede, the Goodyear-Smith family’s summer home in Springfield. His favorite pastime was croquet, beginning as a boy at Cary Mede with Backyard Croquet, which is the 9-wicket version. About twenty years ago he took it up again with Bradley Goodyear Smith and several friends. As the players became more serious in the game, they switched to 6-wicket croquet sanctioned by the U.S. Croquet Association, and brought in professional players for coaching. They called themselves the CMCC, or Cary Mede Croquet Club. A professional croquet court was built at Cary Mede and cut-throat games were enjoyed for many years, after which all would adjourn to the Cary Mede porch for drinks, their motto being “win before gin.” 

Noel will be greatly missed by Jeanette Goodyear Weldon and husband William, and their children, William James Weldon IV, Bradley Goodyear Weldon, and K. Gunter Weldon of Cooperstown, and Susanne Smith McAvoy and husband Matthew and their children Christian Gallagher McAvoy and John (Jack) Goodyear McAvoy. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Dries and his mother, Ruth Dries; Bradley Goodyear Smith and her husband, T. Gunter Smith; and his beloved dog, Bella. 

The Office of the Burial of the Dead with Holy Communion (Rite II) for Noel Dries will be offered at 10 o’clock in the morning on Monday, August 16, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church, 7690 State Highway 80, Springfield Center, with the Rev’d Kyle Grennen, Rector, officiating. The Committal Service and burial will follow in Springfield Cemetery, where Noel will be laid to rest near his parents.

In a 2014 Cooperstown Graduate Program Community Stories Interview Noel noted that Otsego Lake is our treasure, and in the winter he couldn’t wait for the ice to leave and for it to get warm so everyone could be on the lake. He concludes the interview by stating, “Spring is around the corner.” 

As a way to memorialize Noel, please consider a donation to any of the organizations that were near and dear to him throughout his life. 

Arrangements are under the care of 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.

Clayton Harvey Bantham, Jr.

1930 - 2021

WILTON – Clayton Harvey Bantham, Jr. passed away Friday morning, February 5, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs. He was 90.

Born October 30, 1930, in Utica, Harvey was the son of Clayton Harvey Bantham, Sr. and Ruth Lucille Kline Bantham. He and his family moved to Cooperstown in 1936 when his father became the manager at Iroquois Farm. Upon graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1948, he attended Rider University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. 

In 1951 Harvey entered into active service with the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. In May 1954, Sgt. Bantham received his honorable discharge from the military and returned home to Cooperstown. There he met the love of his life, Annie Welsh, and they were married on April 9, 1955. They resided in West Milford, NJ for many years, and later moved to Wilton, NY, although they always called Cooperstown home. They wintered in Naples, FL. 

Harvey spent his career as a loyal and dedicated employee of State Farm Insurance, where he was an automobile insurance Operations Superintendent, earning the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) distinction. He started with State Farm in Springfield, PA in 1960 and retired 33 years later in Ballston Spa, NY. One of Harvey’s proudest achievements was working with many new recruits and State Farm agents that he mentored over the years, especially as State Farm expanded into the Northeast.

Harvey was an avid golfer, as well as an amateur photographer. He had his thousands of photographs converted to a digital form and loved sharing them with his family members. A longtime member of the West Milford Presbyterian Church, he served on the Session, was a lifelong Elder, and proudly sang in the church choir for many years. 

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Annie; his daughter, Shelley Fredericks and husband Mark of West Milford, NJ, two sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel Bantham and wife Kimberly of Bedford, NH, and Timothy Bantham and wife Martina of Ballston Spa, NY; Grandchildren Leanne Fredericks, William Fredericks (Olivia), Douglas Fredericks, and Emily Caudill (Cameron), Amanda Ibanez (Zachary) and Chase Bantham, Ashe Sager and Kevin Bantham and a niece and two nephews. 

In addition to his mother and father who died in 1980 and 1982 respectively, he was predeceased by his sister June Schrader (1998), and step mother, Isabelle Baldinger Bantham (1989).

Harvey will be laid to rest in the Ecumenical Columbarium in Christ Church-yard, Cooperstown. A memorial service is planned for a later time once COVID 19 restrictions are lifted. 

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church Cooperstown, 69 Fair St, 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.

Linda Winsor

1951 - 2021

BLOOMFIELD – Linda Winsor, a former resident of the Town of Burlington, passed away Saturday night, February 6, 2021, at her home in Bloomfield following a valiant battle with cancer. She was 69. 

Born March 14, 1951, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Linda was a daughter of Mason E. and Wanda J. (Colburn) Tiffany. Raised in the Burlington area, she attended Edmeston Central School. 

For 32 years, Linda was employed by Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, first in the dietary department for 17 years, and then as a buyer in the purchasing department. Upon retiring from Bassett, she went to work in the cafeteria at the Cooperstown Junior/Senior High School. She also was a family care provider for 14 years, taking care of people in their own homes. 

On November 25, 1995, Linda married Robert M. Winsor in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Burlington with the Rev. John C. Young officiating. Linda and Bob shared eighteen years together until Bob’s passing February 5, 2014.

She was a member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown.

Linda enjoyed most of all spending time with her friends and family. She loved watching her grandchildren in their sporting activities. Linda was also kept busy in taking care of her beloved Boston Terrier, Charlie. Linda formed long lasting friendships and touched many lives with her caring and loving personality. 

Linda is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kristie and Martin Willix of Victor; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Kim Rous of West Burlington; the father of her children, Gary Rous of West Oneonta; a stepdaughter, Rebecca Floyd and her husband, Marc of Oviedo, Florida; seven grandchildren, Justin, Jason and Jordan Rous, George, Maxwell and Marissa Willix, and Darby Floyd; two great grandsons, Jaiden and Jackson Rous; and a sister, Barbara Murphy of Edmeston. Linda will also be greatly missed by her Boston Terrier, Charlie. 

In addition to her husband, Bob, she was predeceased by her father, Mason E. Tiffany who died December 19, 2001; her mother, Wanda Tiffany who died August 5, 2018; and a granddaughter, Erika Rous, who died in 1997. 

Linda will be laid to rest near Bob later this spring in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery. 

Linda’s family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Edmeston Fire Department, PO Box 41, Edmeston, NY 13335, or the Ontario County Humane Society, 2976 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424. 

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.

Steven D. Morris

1947 - 2021

CHERRY VALLEY – Steven D. Morris, a life-long area resident, VietNam era Veteran, and former owner of The Gas Company in Cooperstown, passed away late Sunday morning, February 7, 2021, at The Foltsbrook Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Herkimer. He was 73.

Born March 27, 1947, in Cooperstown, Steve was one of four sons of Floyd G. and Martha J. (Klein) Morris. Upon graduation from the Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus, he attended the Cambridge School of Broadcasting in Boston, Massachusetts, and earned a one-year certificate. 

On June 12, 1967, Steve entered into active service with the United States Army, and proudly served his country during the VietNam era while stationed in Japan. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military June 11, 1970. 

During his time in the military, Steve married the former Santa Grace Sapienza on July 6, 1968, in Cooperstown. 

Upon his return stateside, Steve joined his father and brother, Carter in owning and operating The Gas Company, a business fixture in Cooperstown for over 80 years.

Steve was an active Life Member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. He always enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Veterans, and was active with their honor guard, taking part in many ceremonies and funeral honors. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Santa G. Morris of Cherry Valley; their two sons, Garrett Morris and wife, Autumn of Richmond, Virginia, and Casey Morris of Cooperstown; and was the very proud grandfather of Elliott Morris. He is further survived by two brothers, Douglas K. Morris of Cathedral City, California, and Carter R. Morris of Newport; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his father, Floyd, who died in 1982; his mother, Martha, who died in 2017; and a brother, David Morris.

While there will be no services at this time, please remember for now the times you spent with Steve, his ever present smile and sly sense of humor, and know that he is at peace. 

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.

Eileen Balcom Barown

1934 - 2021

HARTWICK – Eileen Balcom Barown, a long-time resident of South Hartwick, passed away on February 4, 2021, at her home surrounded by her children, following a brief struggle with cancer. She was 86.

Born September 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, she was one of four daughters of Alexander “Allen” and Margaret F. (Murphy) Powers. 

She married William M. Balcom May 5, 1955. Eileen and Bill owned and operated Wileen Farm in South Hartwick until retiring in 1996. 

Following Bill’s unexpected death in 1997, Eileen continued living in South Hartwick. Eileen was married to Bart Barown until his recent passing. 

Eileen is survived by a daughter, Margie (Paul) Deluise of Virginia, and a son, Bill (Traci) Balcom of Mount Vision; grandsons Darren and Ryan Van Deusen; sister Bride Vaughn of New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held later this spring in Hartwick 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.

Joan Ann Cauley

1942 - 2021

LAKE WALES, FLORIDA – Joan Ann Cauley, 78, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away early Saturday morning, January 30, 2021, at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Joan lived most of her life in New York State. A native of Cooperstown, Joan was born at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital November 10, 1942, a daughter of Edward Louis Kirn, Sr. and Mollie Marie Oblak Kirn. Raised on the family farm in Hartwick, she attended Snowden Hill School No. 1, a one room schoolhouse that still stands and coincidentally is the same one her mother attended. Joan continued her studies at Hartwick School and later Cooperstown High School. 

During her high school years she was active in the Girls’ Athletic Association, the Drama Club and played cornet in the band. She graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1960. 

Joan went on to study Food Service Management at SUNY Cobleskill and graduated in 1962. Upon graduating, Joan worked for Servomation Food Services. She worked as Food Service Manager for various hospitals up and down the east coast of the United States. Joan later served as Food Service Manager of Oswego Hospital in the city of Oswego, where she met her future husband Timothy. The couple wed in 1966 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

Joan later earned her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College in Syracuse. She served for many years as a Program Assistant and Agent for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County in Mexico. She managed various 4-H programs in Oswego County. She also worked extensively with Cornell University. 

Joan lived in Mexico and Altmar, New York for many years. The family owned a camp on Lorton Lake. In later years she and her husband wintered in Lake Wales, Florida. 

Joan touched many people during her 78 years. From the students and adults she worked with through her work and volunteering, to her friends in Mexico, Altmar and Lake Wales. Her door was always open, “Come in and have a cup of coffee,” should would often say, catching up with friends around the kitchen table. 

Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband Timothy raised their two daughters on a small farm in Mexico. Joan was the heart and soul of the family. She truly lived her life to serve others. This was her greatest gift. 

Joan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Timothy Patrick Cauley of Lake Wales, Florida; two daughters Cathleen Matt and son-in law Jeffery Matt of Ponte Vedra, Florida and Christine Artman and son-in-law Alexander Artman of Katy, Texas; four grandchildren Audrey and Sophia Matt of Ponte Vedra, Florida and Madeline and Gabrielle Artman of Katy, Texas; a sister, Rosemary Hoag and husband, Donald of Toddsville; two brothers, Edward L. Kirn, Jr. and wife, Pat of The Villages, Florida and Robert G. Kirn and wife, Charlene of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. 

Joan will be laid to rest later this year in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Cooperstown

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.

Paul Francis Marr

1957 - 2021

UNADILLA – Paul Francis Marr, formerly of Toddsville and currently a resident of The Arc Otsego group home in Unadilla, passed away Tuesday evening, February 2, 2021, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 63.

Born October 16, 1957, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Paul was the only child of Francis Jay Marr and Barbara E. Race Marr. For many years he lived with his parents in Toddsville. 

He was currently residing in Unadilla, and attended the Fellowship Baptist Lighthouse Church. 

Paul is survived by three paternal aunts, Dorothy Knapp of Milford, Virginia Rathbun of Schenectady, and Elaine Himes of Virginia; two maternal aunts, Alice Eckler and husband, Harvey of Fly Creek, and Beverly Struckler and husband Bill of New Mexico; a maternal uncle, Robert Race and wife Jane of Middlefield; several cousins, including Dennis Baker of Cooperstown; and his Arc Otsego community, especially his caregiver, Michelle. 

He was predeceased by his mother, Barbara E. Marr, who died March 20, 2001, and his father, Francis Jay Marr, who died December 14, 2014. 

Paul will be laid to rest with his parents later this Spring in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to The Arc of Otsego County, PO Box 490, 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.

Shirley U. Banner

1933 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Shirley U. Banner, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away Monday afternoon, February 1, 2021, at Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Little Falls due to COVID-19 complications. 

Born July 12, 1933, at the home of her grandmother, Maude Bliss, in Milford Center, Shirley was the oldest of five children of John W. and Bernice M. (Bliss) Utter. Shirley attended a one-room schoolhouse in Milford Center and Milford Central School where she graduated with the Class of 1951. After graduation she worked at the Scintilla Plant in Sidney.

On September 20, 1953, she married Carl F. Banner in the Portlandville Methodist Church. Following his untimely death December 9, 1962, Shirley bravely persevered, raising six children and working many jobs, often two at a time in area restaurants. These included The Hitching Post, Sherry’s Restaurant, The Otesaga and The Cooperstown Diner, as well as Brooks BBQ, The Duke Diner, the Health Bar at Bresee’s and the lunch counter at J.J. Newberry’s in Oneonta. She also worked in the school cafeterias at Cooperstown Central and Athens, Pennsylvania. While living in Boca Raton, Florida, she was employed at Bible Town and the Boca Country Club. 

A woman of great faith, Shirley was raised in the Portlandville Methodist Church and had many fond memories of singing in the choir with her sister, Beverly and mother, Bernice. She has been a member of the Cooperstown United Methodist Church for many years and also enjoyed attending services at the Milford United Methodist Church. 

She will especially be remembered for her love of people and her passion to travel, including many bus trips, a cruise, family vacations that included camping, hotels, and condos, and loved watching kids play sports. She really enjoyed living in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, and loved spending winters in Florida. 

Shirley is survived by her six children, Evelyn Collier (Steven) of Cooperstown, Louise Williams (Garry) of Earlville, Mark Banner (Adrianna) of Troy, Marilyn Banner (Jen) of Hartwick, Carlton Banner (Sue) of Burlington Flats, and Bruce Banner (Kelly) of Cooperstown; grandchildren: Erica Callejas (Rudy), John Collier (Kristen), Erin Collier, Jessica Lowell (Lance), Todd Collier (Chelsea), Courtney Lugg, Cody Williams (Chelsey), Juan, Sara, and Andrew Sanchez, Gareth Banner (Monique), Kayla Banner (Bryan), Luke Banner (Courtney), Carl Banner (Jessica), Chad Banner and Zach Crippen; and great grandchildren, Benjamin Callejas, Logan and Mason Collier, Everett Collier, Sahriajah, Ely, and Shaddai Lugg, Leah Williams, Michelle and Emily Banner, Jaylynn and Jenna Banner, Derek Moore, Jasmyne Estes, Corbin Jaggers, and Wyatt, Waylon and Ava Banner. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis T. Utter (Lake) of Idaho; a beloved companion, Leon Spicer and family; several nieces and nephews; special long-time friends Phyllis O’Sullivan and “The Brooks Girls”; and many others.

Shirley was predeceased by two infant sons in 1957 and 1959; her husband, Carl in 1962; a sister, Beverly (Bev) Hoose in 1970; her parents, John in 1989 and Bernice in 1999; an infant brother, Bruce in 1946; and brother James (Jimmy) Utter in 2011.

Shirley’s immediate family will receive friends and family during a walk-through visitation at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Friday, February 12, 2021 between the hours of 3-5 p.m. Due to current COVID-19 New York State restrictions and regulations, everyone must wear a face mask or covering and observe proper physical distancing. Only a limited number of people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time, so please be prepared to wait outside before entering. 

​A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, in the Milford Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, Shirley’s family will appreciate memorial donations to any of her three favorite churches: The Portlandville United Methodist Church, PO Box 306, Portlandville, NY 13834, or The Cooperstown United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or The Milford United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Milford, NY 13807. 

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.