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Muriel E. Luciani
ORLANDO, Fla. — Muriel E. Luciani, 89, of Red Fern Drive, formerly of Richfield Springs and Cherry Valley, died on Thursday, Nov. 26, 1998, in Orlando Regional Medical Center.
She was born on Sept. 17, 1909, in Richfield Springs, the daughter of the late Will H. and Bernice Bliss Taylor.
She was raised and educated in Richfield Springs and went on to graduate from Russell Sage College Class of 1931.
For several years she with her father, Will Taylor, ran the Cherry Valley Memorial Company.
In 1946, she married Mario Luciani. Together they operated the Cherry Valley Memorial Company, until 1962, when they moved to Orlando, Fla. Mr. Luciani passed away in 1976.
Surviving is one son, Peter L. Luciani of Orlando, Fla.
A graveside service will take place next spring in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.
Jeffrey Hansen
BROOKLYN — Jeffrey Allen Hansen, 57, of Brooklyn, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, at the Oxford Nursing Home, Brooklyn.
He was born Nov. 11, 1941, in New Britain, Conn., the son of George Hansen and Elaine Grace Williams. He was single.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. John (Marilyn) Cabales of Denver; and one brother, Robert W. Hansen of New Port Richey, Fla.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, 1999, at the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville, with the Rev. Chester Shew officiating. Committal services will be in the spring at Bedell Cemetery, Fleischmanns.
Funeral arrangements are by Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.
Thomas Robin Mac Lachlan
ONEONTA — Thomas Robin Mac Lachlan of Oneonta died Saturday, Jan. 2, 1999.
He was born March 11, 1901, in Great Village, Nova Scotia, Canada, the son of Donald Mac Lachlan and Alberta (Layton) Mac Lachlan.
He married Elvire Layton on Sept. 10, 1937, in Great Village.
He attended schools in Great Village and Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1920, he traveled west across Canada by railroad train to attend normal school in Saskatchewan, Canada. He also taught in a one-room schoolhouse, where he cut and chopped the firewood, and the children arrived by horseback.
Thomas then returned to New York City in 1926. He began composing under the name T. Robin Mac Lachlan, and continued to teach music there for the next 24 years. During this time, 80 educational pieces as well as 14 instructional books related to music were authored. Two of his compositions were published in braille at the London Royale School for the Blind.
In 1934, T. Robin studied in Berlin, Germany, and upon completion of those studies, returned to New York City to continue teaching and studying.
In 1946, he and his family moved to Mount Vision, where he continued to write music, and to critique for the Music Courier Magazine. T. Robin eventually resumed teaching in 1953. He traveled throughout the county to provide private music lessons.
In 1957, the family moved into Oneonta, where he taught at a studio on Main Street. Later he moved the studio to his home, where he continued teaching until November 1998.
Thomas was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta.
T. Robin is survived by Elvire, his wife of 61 years; one son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Judy of Bliss Gulf Road, Oneonta; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jane Mac Lachlan of Seattle, Wash., Sandra and Dr. Fred Ponticelli of Amherst and Ruth and Scott Nimelstein of Mandeville, La.; six grandchildren, Scott Mac Lachlan of Bliss Gulf Road, Oneonta, Mark Mac Lachlan of Holbrook, Lisa and Lauren Nimelstein of Mandeville, La., and Thomas and Christa Ponticelli of Amherst; two great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Matthew Mac Lachlan of Bliss Gulf Road, Oneonta. Also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Muir and Helen Mac Lachlan of Great Village, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Malcom and Josephine Mac Lachlan of British Columbia, Canada; one sister, Mrs. Harry (Donalda) Nelson of Great Village, Nova Scotia, Canada; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret and Annie, and a brother, Harland.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family in the spring at Great Village, Nova Scotia, Canada.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a remembrance to Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 1083, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820, for a musical scholarship in memory of Thomas R. Mac Lachlan to be awarded to an Oneonta High School graduate.
Arrangements are by the Lewis-Hurley Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
Richard H. Bump
OTEGO — Richard H. Bump, 73, of Otego died suddenly Saturday evening, Jan. 2, 1999.
He was born July 12, 1925, in Binghamton, the son of William and Mildred (Marble) Bump. He married Pauline Stilson on Jan. 24, 1946, in Otego.
Richard was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country in the South Pacific, participating in campaigns in Guam, Iwo Jima and Bougainville. He served in the Korean War from 1951-1953 as a communication adviser for the United States federal government.
Richard was a retired outside plan engineer for the New York Telephone Co., with 32 years of service.
Richard was a member of the Otego American Legion Post No. 1555 and served as a trustee of the village of Otego for six years. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and the Otego Central School PTO.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pauline Bump of Otego; one son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Joanne Bump of Stamford; two daughters and sons-in-law, David and Connie DeMarrais of East Greenbush, Jerry and Cindy Underwood of Brockport; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Randy) Hulbert, Stacie Bump, Danielle Burns, Nicole DeMarrais, Dennis Richard (Erin) DeMarrais, Nathan Underwood, Thomas Richard Underwood, Jessica Underwood; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Shelby Burns; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Pete and Emily Smith of Rome, Ga., Shirley Sullivan of Rome, Ga. and Fred and Marilyn Heath of Sidney; and several nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.
Funeral and committal services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999, at 11 a.m. at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 30 River St., Otego, with the Rev. Fred Albrecht, pastor of the Otego United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the Otego Evergreen Cemetery. The family will be present at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 30 River St., Otego today from 7 to 9 p.m., when those who wish may call.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society, Southern District Office, 57 Front St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905, American Lung Association, 587 Main St., Suite 109, New York Mills, N.Y. 13417, or to the Otego Emergency Squad, Otego, N.Y. 13825 in loving memory of Richard H. Bump.
Marjorie Ellen Johnson Estigo
RICHFIELD SPRINGS — Marjorie Ellen Johnson Estigo, 91, of James Street, died on Thursday, Dec. 31, 1998, in the Betsy Ross Nursing Home, Rome.
She was born on March 13, 1907, in the seacoast town of Nahant, Mass., a daughter of the late Justin Brown Johnson and Bertha Poland Johnson. Raised and educated in Nahant, Mass., she and her family moved to Rome during her high school years. She graduated from Rome High School and continued her education in Boston, graduating magna cum laude from Sargeant School (now a part of Boston University) with a degree in physical education. She taught physical education near Philadelphia and Carlisle, Pa., and attended Temple University in Pennsylvania.
Marjorie later obtained a master's degree from Syracuse University with a major in history. During her early years she taught swimming, diving and woodcrafts as a waterfront director for numerous private camps as well as the YMCA/YWCAs in Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire and Maine.
During World War II, she taught figure skating and social dancing at the Rome Women's Club as well as various military bases with the USO.
In July 1943, she married Francis L. Estigo Sr. in the Daniel Field AFB, Augusta, Ga. During 1943, she made her permanent home Richfield Springs, becoming very active within the community. She owned and operated a dancing school until the late 1950s.
During this time and extending up to 1994, she also created and worked in her colonial-style flower and vegetable gardens. She loved plants and the esthetic beauty associated with nature. She had served as judge at many garden clubs throughout central New York as well as judge for New York State Fair horticulture exhibits. Her knowledge of horticulture and extensive activities in many area garden clubs led to her designation as a master judge emeritus by the National Council of State Garden Clubs.
She was also deeply interested in local and American history, performing genealogical research to identify and authenticate soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. She played a key role in the creation of the Richfield Springs area map and pamphlet depicting historic building and sites for the 1976 bicentennial celebration.
From the late 1960s until 1987, she also owned and operated the Peter Rabbit Nursery School. Over this 25-year span, she taught approximately 500 young children basic preschool skills, swimming and instilled her love for natural history.
During the 1970s she had also served as an area news reporter for the Oneonta Star and the Utica Observer Dispatch.
In 1991, she was the recipient of the James Neuschel Memorial Award at a dinner given by the Chamber of Commerce for her extensive community activities and contribution.
She was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a 52-year member of the Ganowauges Chapter DAR, and the Richfield Springs Garden Club. For many years she was very active with the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.
Surviving are a son, Francis Estigo of Richfield Springs; a daughter, Justine Roberts of Annandale, Va.; and a granddaughter, Justine Ellen Roberts; many nieces, nephews, cousins living in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois and Minnesota.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Major General Briard Poland Johnson and Major Justin Johnson Jr., and a sister, Vesta Walrath.
Calling hours are on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999, from 3 to 7 p.m., in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 5 West James St., Richfield Springs. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs. Mrs. Estigo will then be placed in the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Private Vault to await burial in Lakeview Cemetery next spring.
Marvin Lidell
SOUTH EDMESTON — Marvin Lidell, 75, of South Edmeston died Thursday, Dec. 31, 1998, at The Meadows, Cooperstown.
He was born Aug. 26, 1923, in New Berlin, the son of Don A. and Gladys (Follett) Lidell.
He spent his childhood in South Edmeston. He graduated from New Berlin Central School and attended Hartwick College.
Marvin was associated with the family business for 40 years.
He was a member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, New Berlin.
He was active in the Boy Scouts. He had a vast knowledge of railroading and was especially interested in local railroads. He was also a lifelong student of history and music.
He is survived by one brother, Wallace D. Lidell and his wife, Sarah of South Edmeston; his nieces, Susan Klim and Gail Browning; nephews, Tim Lidell and Chris Geiselmann; grandnephews, Sean Klim, Lee Geiselmann and Brian Browning; grandnieces, Susan Browning, Amy and Angela Lidell; and many cousins.
Funeral services will be today at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, New Berlin, with the Rev. Charles Taylor of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, New Berlin, presiding. Interment will be in the St. Andrews Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the Activity Fund of The Meadows, Cooperstown or to St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
Funeral arrangements are by Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin.
Thor Lien
BRIDGEWATER — Thor Lien, 70, died at M.I. Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, Sunday, Dec. 27, 1998.
He was born in Brooklyn, Sept. 14, 1928, to Olga (Eide) and Martin Lien.
Thor was confirmed in a Lutheran faith in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Brooklyn. He moved upstate in 1945, and graduated from the State University College of Technology at Delhi in 1948, after which he finished three years at the School of Agriculture at Cornell University in Ithaca
He married Anna (Jackson) Lien in 1957 at the Otego Baptist Church, Otego.
Thor was occupied with farming in Copes Corners and Mount Upton, and later owned a farm in Delhi. He had one partnership with his brother in Richfield Springs, retiring from farming in 1974 for health reasons. He returned to college, obtaining a certificate in refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. He worked at this trade until 1995. He was employed by Great American Groceries and was later self-employed.
Thor is survived by his wife Anna; three children, daughter, Janice Lien and children, Summer and Kristoffer of Michigan, daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Peter Owens and sons, Llewellyn and Nicholas Brookfield, son, Eric Lien of Bridgewater. Also surviving are a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jean Lien of Gresham, Ore.; niece, Elizabeth Lien of Omaha, Neb.; nephews, Robert Lien and wife, Cathy, their sons, Erik and Daniel of Oregon, Douglas and Dena Lien and sons, Christopher and Michael of Mt. Vernon, Wash.; niece and husband, Lisa and Michael DeVogel, their son, Nicholaas of Issaquah, Wash.; niece and husband, Amy and Michael Stonehill of Sacramento, Calif.; cousins, Roald Strand of Mount Vernon, Wash., Al and Margaret Harms of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Martin and Inger Marie Eide of Bodo, Norway; and Aunt Julia Hatlebrekke of Borsa, Norway; cousins, Mary Eide and Ester Heim of Oslo, Norway, Osta Eide of Fiskabyd, Norway, Olav and Angie Hamar of Bekkestua, Norway; brother-in-law, Sam Jackson and wife, Ruth of Sun City, Ariz.; nieces, Sheri Jackson of Phoenix, Ariz., and Marcia Wigginton and husband, Mark of Cedar Park, Texas.
Thor was predeceased by his parents and sister, Ingrid Mattox.
The funeral was Thursday, Dec. 31, 1998, at 11 a.m. at the Wilcox-Dimbleby Funeral Home, Main Street, West Winfield, with Pastor Mark Thall of the Baptist Church of Brookfield officiating. Intermet will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Emergency Squad of the Bridgewater Fire Department.
Arlene Monahan
BAINBRIDGE — Mrs. Arlene Monahan, 74, of 32 Juliand St., Bainbridge, a beloved wife, mother, and friend passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 1999, at her home, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Sept. 1, 1924, in Harpursville, the daughter of William and Bernice (Johnston) Orth.
She was married to James V. Monahan, June 26, 1943, in Deposit.
She was a 55-year resident of Bainbridge, an avid bowler, and enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking.
Mrs. Monahan is survived by her husband, James V. Monahan of Bainbridge; a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Gary LeFever of Unadilla; two sons and a daughter-in-law, William and Cathy Monahan of Bothell, Wash. and Larry Monahan of Norwich; also seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, at the Westcott Funeral Home, Unadilla, with the Rev. R. Michael Amos, pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church, Unadilla, officiating.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday at 1 p.m., when the family will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, Norwich, Bainbridge Emergency Squad or the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are by the Westcott Funeral Home, Unadilla.
John Watanen
MARQUETTE, Mich. — John Watanen, 62, of 216 E. Hewitt Ave., Marquette, Mich., retired Northern Michigan University English professor, died early Thursday morning, Dec. 31, 1998, at Marquette General Hospital. Having successfully received a liver and kidney transplant in August, his death was the result of a recent fall.
He was born July 8, 1936, in Oneonta, the son of the late John and Aino (Aaltonen) Watanen Sr., he was raised in Laurens, later attending the State University College at Oneonta.
He received his A.B.D in English education from Bowling Green State University and began teaching at Northern Michigan University in 1968. Before coming to Northern he received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Finland for two years. At the time of his hire, he was the only Fulbright scholar on Northern's faculty.
During his years at Northern, he was active in professional leadership. He was one of four faculty members to help organize the Finnish Studies program, which consisted of courses in Finnish Culture, The History of Finland and Finns in America, the Cultural Geography of Finland and the Finnish language.
In 1970, he helped coordinate the first Finnish culture symposium, and in 1974, he was chairman at another Finnish culture week that attracted nationwide attention. In 1976, his work was recognized by the government of Finland and he was invested Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland.
Watanen was also active in faculty unionization. He has held local, statewide, and national posts with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). He was integral in the 1976 unionization of Northern's faculty, being the first collective bargaining president responsible for contract implementation. He believed unionization was the single biggest benefit the faculty at Northern had achieved.
From 1977 to 1985, he served on the state Board of Education. He believed that the most significant individual in an elementary school was the principal, and that a good principal could turn a bad school around.
Above all, John Watanen was a teacher who enjoyed most the contact with his students. He seemed to be most comfortable when he was able to establish a mentor-like relationship with his students. He once said, "I always saw myself as simply another student who had been studying longer than anyone else in the classroom." Although he had no particular specialty, his specialty courses were always popular and well attended. In recent years, after discovering that students really didn't know much about the Vietnam War, he twice taught the literature and film of the war.
When he went on long-term medical leave, he was teaching the literature and film of the holocaust, which was also well attended. By incorporating film in his specialty courses, he was able to send a chilling presence to literature, knowing that people retain much more of what they see than what they hear or read.
After more than 30 years at Northern, John Watanen retired in May of 1998.
John Watanen was a man of many and varied interests. He was very politically active. He ran for the 11th Congressional District Democratic nomination in 1978, as well as serving on the State Board of Education.
He enjoyed computers and was particularly dedicated to the McIntosh computer. He was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and listening to music. He was also a collector of anything and everything and his basement boasts of rare, unusual, and questionable "finds." John particularly enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandsons, and is survived by his wife, Marie L. (McSherry) Watanen, whom he married June 11, 1960, in Oneonta; his daughters and their families, Liisa and Max Watanen-Anderson and son, Alexander John Watanen, of Marquette, Mich., and Lydia and Jeff Taylor and sons, Jacob and Dylan Taylor, of Marquette, Mich.; and his mother-in-law, Louise Mrozowski of Marquette, Mich.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Laing in 1987.
The family will receive friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home, Marquette, Mich., beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999. An informal sharing of reflections and personal remembrances will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Liver and Kidney Foundations and that all seriously consider the Gift of Life through organ donation.
Funeral arrangements are by the Fassbender Funeral Home, Marquette, Mich.
