Anne Dewell

1943 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Anne Dewell, 82, of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at her home on Fish Road, surrounded by beloved friends, family and flower gardens. Her husband, Robert, was by her side.

Anne was born May 27, 1943, at The Princeton Hospital in Princeton, New Jersey, daughter of Gerhard and Erna (Koestler) Fankhauser.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother. She grew up in Princeton, graduated from Princeton High School, and earned a degree in French from Wheaton College before teaching high school French. Later, she completed a master’s degree in psychology at Antioch College and served as a clinical psychologist at Bassett Hospital. She cared deeply for her patients and was held dear in return.

Nature was important to Anne, and she could be found working frequently in her flower gardens. The family cabin, at the foot of the Catskills in West Durham provided sanctuary and space for reflection. Honoring her wishes, Anne’s ashes will be placed there, uniting her with the resting place of treasured family members.

Music and close friends were vitally important to her, and she cherished her weekly choral gatherings in Oneonta, and time spent at the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown with her knitting group. Above all, Anne and Robert were devoted to each other. They built a beautiful life and love that spanned decades.

Anne is predeceased by her brother, David Fankhauser, and in addition to her husband is survived by her daughter, Karin Finlay, of Jackson, Wyoming; grandchildren R.J. Finlay, Maggie Finlay, Morgan Finlay, Christa Finlay; son Mike Kohler (Heidi) of Wilson, Wyoming; grandchildren Leo Kohler and Benjamin Kohler; and nephews Seth Fankhauser of Houston, Texas and Jared Fankhauser of New York, New York.

She is additionally survived by stepson Scott Dewell (Esther Song) of Belmont, California, and grandchildren Cailin Dewell and Weston Dewell.

The family would especially like to thank the devoted work of her hospice caretakers, her nurse Jean Bohm, the staff of the Bassett Cancer Institute, and her oncologist, Dr. Anush Patel.

Services will be private. The family suggests any donations can be made to your local chapter of the SPCA.

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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.

Gerald F. Allison

1941 - 2025

FLY CREEK – Gerald F. “Jerry” Allison, a life-long area resident, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully Monday, August 11, 2025, at his home on Allison Road. He was 84. 

Born June 3, 1941, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Jerry was the son of Francis M. and Catherine M. (Decker) Allison. Raised in Fly Creek on the family farm on Allison Road, Jerry attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1961. 

Soon after graduating from high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and proudly served his country in the early years of the Vietnam War. On August 28, 1963, Jerry received his Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces as his father had become ill and he had to come home to run the family farm. 

Later on, Jerry went to work for the New York State Department of Transportation and after 30 years retired as Highway Maintenance Supervisor. 

Throughout his life, Jerry was active with various Veterans organizations. For many years, he was a member and Past Commander of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown, and was also a good friend of the Hugick Purcell American Legion Post No. 616 in Richfield Springs. Jerry was also a dedicated and active member of Voiture Nationale La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux (“The 40 & 8”).

Jerry will be remembered for driving “Gus the Bus” of Otsego County and the Bassett shuttle bus after retirement, helping people with transportation needs. He was a proud local “Fly Creeker” who volunteered at the Fly Creek Fire House in his younger years as well. He took great pride in the up-keep of his house and lawn. He loved the surrounding hills of Fly Creek!

Jerry is survived by his daughter Carrie Allison and son Dan Allison, both of Asheville, NC, son Timothy Allison and wife Sanober of Chicago, IL, and a nephew who was more like a son, Paul Allison of Schuyler Lake and his children, Catherine Hubbard and husband Jared, Megan Strong and husband Ryan and Matthew Allison. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Margaret Winnie of Asheville, NC, his sister, Glenda G. Sheldon and her husband, David of Norwich, as well as his faithful and devoted feline companion, Tigger. 

Jerry was predeceased by his father, Francis who died February 1, 1967, his mother, Catherine who died October 13, 1988, and a sister, Marlene A. Allison who died May 9, 1992. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Jerry at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. Immediately following will be the burial in the Allison Family Plot in Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek, with Military Honors to be accorded by members of the American Legion and a Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team. 

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

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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.