Lois M. Fornaro (1948 – 2021)
ALBANY—Lois Marie Fornaro passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital, March 25, 2021.
She was a very unique individual possessing a gentle spirit, love of nature, and an undying love and commitment to her daughter, Dominique.
She was a wonderful, loving friend to those who were close to her, as well as a guardian of wildlife, spending countless hours out in her yard feeding the birds, squirrels, deer and whatever lucky creature made its way past her door.
Over the years she also very much enjoyed her beloved dogs Luke, Teddy, Cody and Diesel. Ms. Fornaro was a massage therapist and owner of “A Delicate Balance.” She was well known for her gentle touch and high therapeutic standards.
She was predeceased by her mother, Lois Strehler and father, Edwin Strehler.
In addition to her daughter, Dominique Ryan, she is survived by eight beautiful grandchildren; her sister, Rose (John) Lewis; nephew, Shawn Lewis and niece, Kimberly Lewis. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 1 at the Raymond E Bond Funeral Home, Valatie from 11 a.m. to noon with funeral services immediately following at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory, in lieu of flowers may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534. To send condolences visit raymondbondfh.com.
Rose M. Sturdivant (1951 – 2021)
ANCRAMDALE—Rose M. Sturdivant, 70, of Ancramdale passed away Friday, March 26. 2021 at her residence.
She was born March 10, 1951 in Copake, a daughter of the late Leonard and Sara (DeGroat) Sturdivant.
She was a registered nurse for 40 years and was employed by Evergreen Commons in East Greenbush. She loved working so much that even after her retirement she continued to work.
She loved spending time with her family and always tried to find a way to make people laugh. She is famous for her Memorial Day cookouts and every year she would come up with a different theme. She loved birds, playing games with her family and trips to the casino. She enjoyed going out to the movies and trying out new restaurants. She had a passion for cooking and did so very well.
She was known by many names: “Rose,” “Rosie,” “Rodie O Day,” “Mom,” “Mema,” “Grandma” and “Granny.” She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
Survivors include: her daughters, Jennifer Cahalan (Gerard) and Ryann Cowan (Steven); five grandchildren, Zoe (Miles Smiles), Annette, Alex, Jack and William; her siblings, Maxine, Terence, Michael and Mildred.
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Joan, Linda and Janette, as well as, her brothers, Leonard, Arthur, Timothy, Alan, Kenneth and Douglas.
There will be no services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Community Hospice of Columbia – Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959.
Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake. To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Terri L. Gilligan (1964 – 2021)
ALBANY—Terri L. Gilligan, 56, of Ghent passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Born June 9, 1964 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Wallace Reese and Frederica (Edelman) Poucher of Ghent. She was a graduate of both Hudson High School and Columbia-Greene Community College where she earned her associate’s degree. She was a long-time waitress at Kozels Restaurant in West Ghent and enjoyed gardening.
Besides her mother, she is survived by: her husband, Patrick Edward Gilligan, Jr.; her stepfather, Burton Poucher; two sisters, Wendy Rybka of Kinderhook and Deanna Crabtree of Ormond Beach, FL; two special nephews, Darren and Steven Rybka and eight other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534. Arrangements are under the direction of the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. To send condolences visit raymondbondfh.com.
Michael E. Dianda, Sr. (1958 – 2021)
LONG ISLAND CITY—Michael E. Dianda, Sr., 63, of Long Island City was called to Heaven, March 22, 2021 doing what he loved best—working on his truck.
He was born in Queens, February 19, 1958.
He is survived by both his loving parents, Gene and Joan Dianda of Claverack, formally of West Taghkanic; his sons, Michael (Heather) Dianda and Frankie (Yajaira) Dianda; granddaughter, Calista Faith; grandsons, Lester and Manny; three great-grandchildren; his siblings, JoAnn (Rudy) Hayes, Lisa Dianda, John Dianda and Joseph (Tammy) Dianda; several nieces and nephews, who looked forward to his visits upstate on his Harley. “We always knew when he was in the driveway.”
He always brought a smile to everyone’s face. He shared a passion for restoring old cars, trucks and motorcycles. He loved to build model cars, R/C cars and free-hand drawing. He was very talented and skilled; his latest accomplishments were the complete restoration of a 1957 Studebaker President and a 1955 Studebaker Commander. He was most proud of his custom 1966 short-bed GMC pickup truck
For the last several years Mr. Dianda was employed as a property manager for Broadway Stages in Brooklyn. He loved to be around people and to help how ever he could. He would even fill in as an extra on the movie set and in commercials. The stages he managed included Dick Wolf’s FBI, Unforgettable and Madam Secretary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Graveside prayers were offered March 30 at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Copake. Visitation at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home was March 29. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Lynne W. Ferrari (1945 – 2021)
STOCKPORT—Lynne Elaine West Ferrari, 75, of Stockport passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.
She was born September 4, 1945 and raised in Hudson. Her parents are the late James P. West and Evelyne (Johnston) West. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1963 and attended Ithaca College, as well as, the University of Buffalo; where she earned her master’s degree in physical therapy. She spent more than 30 years caring for her patients through many agencies in the area, such as the Columbia County Health Department, Eden Park Nursing Home and Public Health of Greene County.
In 1960, she met the love of her life, Mario Ferrari and they married October 7, 1967. Soon after, they built their home in Stockport, where they raised their two daughters, Michelle and Susanne. From family parties and summer vacations with friends to walks on the beach in Florida, spending time with family and friends was always a top priority. Since the passing of her beloved husband, Mario, her nephew, Michael always made sure “Aunt Lynne” was safe and sound.
She enjoyed visiting her daughters and their families in California where “Grandma” baked cookies and challenged Enzo to endless board games. She also enjoyed shopping, dining, and watching tennis with “Pietie.” While at home, she enjoyed spending time and going to lunch with her lifelong friend, Kathy.
Mrs. Ferrari was loved by all and will be missed by her many friends and family members, especially her CA buddy, Rascal.
She is survived by: her two daughters, Michelle (Peter) and Susanne and her grandson, Elijah “Enzo,” all of CA; a nephew, Michael (Nancy) Ferrari and their three sons, Michael, Nicholas and Caesar; sister-in-law, Wanda Nitsky and friend, Kathy Layman.
She is predeceased by her loving and caring husband, Mario Ferrari and special friend, Onyx.
Visitation hours at the Bates & Anderson Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home were March 30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 31, 10 a.m. from Holy Trinity / St. Mary’s Parish in Hudson. Interment will be in St. Mary’s, Stuyvesant Falls Cemetery.
The honored pall bearers will be: Michael A. Ferrari, Michael C.A. Ferrari, Nicholas A. J. Ferrari, Caesar M.J. Ferrari, Enzo Trawin-Ferrari, Peter Trawin, David Van Leuven, and Michael Layman.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.