Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center

Peggy Leigh Garvin passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of Sunday, September 29 after spending Saturday with her loving wife of 34 years, Wendy L. O'Donnell. Together the couple resided in The Villages, Florida where they dedicated their time cultivating a safe and loving environment for the LGBTQ community. Peggy, along with her wife, founded the Rainbow Family & Friends Club of The Villages. She was influential in starting two LGBTQ churches and president of her local PFLAG chapter. Always interested in technology, Peggy also served as vice president and treasurer of The Villages Drone Flyer Club Peggy often said that everything she learned about life came from her upbringing...

James "Jim" Palmer Goulette, Lt Colonel (retired) passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice Center in The Villages, Florida. He was born in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine in 1948 to Eugene and Margaret (Palmer) Goulette. He grew up in Guilford, Maine, the second of four children and graduated from Gould Academy in 1966. While in high school he managed the produce department at the Goulette IGA store where he developed the strong work ethic he inherited from his father. Jim dedicated his life to service, both in the Army and in his community. He proudly served in the Army from 1967 to 1994. He was commissioned an officer in 1971, eventually achieving the rank of Lt....

Rob Schwantz, age 68, raised in Coon Rapids, MN, retired in The Villages, FL, passed away on May 12, 2024, with wife, Dawn, and brother, Dave, at his side. He is preceded in passing by parents, Bob and Fran; and sister, Margie. Rob is survived by his beloved wife of 5 years, Dawn Schwantz; brother and sister in law, Dave and Dawn (Johnson); and many other family members and friends. Join us on Friday, June 7, for visitation at 11 am service at 12 pm at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Interment to follow at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids. A celebration of life will be held in October at New Covenant UMC in the Villages.

Seymour "Sy" Abelson, a resident of the Village of Alhambra, passed away on March 15, 2024 at the Cornerstone Hospice House in the Villages, at the age of 95. Born September 4, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY to Eva (Greenberg) and Harry Abelson, Sy always loved cars, and so he attended Automotive High School. After graduation he had a chance to own his own gas station and repair shop. He later went on to work for Automotive Distributors of Brooklyn, eventually becoming a partner in the business. He then decided to own his own business: Lincoln Auto Parts in St. Albans, Queens, NY. In 1987 he sold the business and moved to Boca Raton, FL where he retired, and enjoyed playing paddleball, tennis,...

Richard "Willie" Biggs, 80, peacefully passed away Saturday, February 24 in Florida, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Henderson, KY, Willie led a life filled with love, dedication, and cherished moments. In a journey spanning six decades, Willie was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Wanda, sharing 61 beautiful years together. Professionally, Willie dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to Aramark Uniform Services, where his hard work and dedication left an indelible mark on the company. Willie and Wanda made Evansville, IN their home for 38 years before embarking on a new chapter in the Villages, FL, where they continued to create cherished memories together. Among his...

Anita M. Vetter, born March 14th 1948, passed away peacefully at Mayfield Retirement Home, in Leesburg, FL, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Dayton, OH to Michael Weber Sr. and Rosalie (Goecke) Weber. She is survived by her husband of 40 yrs, Dean, her Son Aaron (Elizabeth) Zink (Dayton OH), Step son Roger (Terri) Vetter (Columbus OH, step daughter Toni (Daniel) Heffner (Ayden, NC) and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She came from a large family and has two surviving brothers Danny Weber of Kettering OH and Michael Weber of Dayton OH. Anita was a majorette in the Stebbins High School Band, class of 66. She learned her twirling...

Richard (Rick) Parker Ingoglia born on May 9, 1944, passed away on Christmas Eve, December. 24, 2023, at age 79. After long battles with strokes and dementia, he passed away peacefully with his wife, Gail, by his side. He was born in New York City, the son of Richard P. Ingoglia and Mary Anne Muirhead Ingoglia. Shortly after his birth they moved to Detroit, Michigan to be closer to their entire family. He was a proud US Air Force veteran, serving in Vietnam in the 1960's. Upon returning home, he graduated from Walsh College on the GI bill and started his life-long career in the medical equipment field. Rick made a career out of helping people. He began working with his father at American...

George Evan Mason, age 91, of The Villages, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. George E. Mason was born to Evan and Norma Mason in Cortland, NY on March 9, 1932. He attended the State University of New York at Cortland on an academic scholarship. He graduated in 1953 and was subsequently drafted into the U.S. Army. While in the army, he met and married Gloria M. Gulino, a student nurse from Syracuse, NY. He attended the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ. He was trained as a microwave radio operator. He qualified with grenades and the M1 rifle. Upon leaving the military he was promotable to Corporal. In the civilian world he quickly obtained a position teaching...

Patricia Ann Shaver of The Villages, Florida, went home to be with our Lord on September 13, 2023, at the age of 80. She is survived by James Shaver, her loving husband of 62 years along with two sons, James (Liesl) Shaver II, and Scott (Kim) Shaver. She is also survived by one daughter Carol (Robbie) Haddix, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one brother, Donald (Sue) Hogue. Pat was born in Grantsville, West Virginia on June 4, 1943, to Harlan and Louise Hogue who preceded her in death. Her infant daughter, Melinda A. Shaver also preceded her in death as well as her two sisters, Dorothy (Ferman Lee) Rhoades and Helen (H. Linn) McClain. Pat retired from the West Virginia...

With grace, dignity and love, Marilyn Douglas Ryan, 90, of Palo Alto Avenue, The Villages, died peacefully on September 5, 2023, with her loving family by her side at Sumter Senior Living in The Villages. She was born November 15, 1932 to Joseph Anthony and Helen Cooney Douglas in Savannah, Georgia. She was the youngest of two children. Marilyn attended St. Vincent's Academy, Savannah, Georgia where she graduated with honors. Following graduation, she attended Sacred Heart College in Belmont, North Carolina. She returned home to Savannah where she worked as an administrative assistant in the Base Commander's office at Hunter Air Force Base. Marilyn met the love of her life, William Henry...

Edward August Votypka, 81 a dedicated Husband, Father, & Papa died August 23, 2023, at The Village Regional Hospital, FL with his loving family by his side. Edward leaves behind his wife of 59 years Kathleen (Lyons) Votypka; two children: Laura Votypka-Comiskey and her wife Robbin Sullivan and David Votypka and his wife Connie Votypka. Along with five grandchildren and two-step grandchildren; Joe Comiskey (Sarah), Brian Comiskey (Rachel), Annie Comiskey (Maya), Madelyn Votypka (Mike), Donovan Votypka, Matthew Lemerise, and Nichole Lemerise (Sean). He also leaves behind a special bond with Terrance Comiskey (ex-husband to Laura). In addition, Edward leaves behind one older sister and...

Shirley Jane Johnson, 87 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley J. Johnson. A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and wife passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023. She joins her parents, husband, sister, and brother, and leaves behind her son, Richard D. Johnson, granddaughter, Madeleine B. Johnson, nieces Kim Lembo and Cindy White, and many more extended family members. Born and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, by immigrants Olof and Margaret (Whalley) Olofson, Shirley graduated from Quincy High School. She spent much of her life living and working in Framingham, Massachusetts, spending her summers on Cape Cod in West Harwich, Massachusetts. Shirley and her...

MaryAnn (Richard) Nogay ,age 80 of The Villages, Florida, passed away on July 28,2023. MaryAnn was born in Kankakee, IL to Clifford and Bernice Moody on January 17,1943 Attended school at St. Patrick's High School and she graduated at Eastern Illinois University. She married George Richard on December 26th 1964 in IL She was a Real Estate Broker and was with GTAR. She was involved in The Parrot Heads, Girlfriends of the Villages, Martini Monday's and many groups. Enjoyed travel, music, Hallmark movies and spending time with her family.She's preceded in death by George Richard, Donald Nogay. Theresa, Marc, and Don Moody. MaryAnn and survived by her children - Michele Richard, Scott Richard...

Mr. William (Bill) East of Lady Lake, Florida, formerly of Greensboro, NC, passed peacefully July 1st at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida. Bill was born August 21, 1926, in Surry County, NC, to Joel and Sarah East. He is survived by his wife, Bert, of 78 years; daughter, Linda Cagle (Dan); granddaughter, Cathy Harris (Rick); grandson, Chris Cagle (Maria); and great-grandson, Drew Cagle. He is also survived by sister, Edna Martin; God children, Tommy Martin and Tammy Dorsett of Madison, NC. Mr. East founded Bill East Bookkeeping and Tax Service in Jamestown, NC. He was a proud WWII Navy veteran. He was a member of Guilford Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC, and the Jamestown Rotary...

Barbara Garvey Sirinek passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023 at Cornerstone Hospice House, The Villages, FL. She was born on October 6, 1946 to Victor and Jane Garvey in Manhattan, NY. Barbara was the beloved wife of Douglas Sirinek who predeceased her. She is survived by many extended family members including Alan and Kathy Sirinek of La Porte, IN, Kenneth Sirinek, of West Chester, PA, Robert Sirinek and Elaine Douvas of Ridgewood, NJ, Mary Beth Sirinek of Kansas City, and Lynn Helbling Sirinek of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Barbara enjoyed her work as a senior partner/associate broadcast director for Wunderman Media of New York City. She and...

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Dorothy E. Weeks, 94, in The Villages, Florida on May 19, 2023 after a brief illness. She was the daughter of Plesent Williams and Beatrice (Bright) Williams. Dorothy lived the majority of her life in Thomaston. She was married 66 years to Richard R. Weeks Sr. before his passing in 2013. She was predeceased by two sons, Donald Weeks and Rick Weeks. She is survived by her son, Thomas Weeks (Ransey Hill), daughter-in-law, Diane (Urban) Weeks, and beloved Havanese, Sydney. Dorothy enjoyed many years camping in Vermont with her family before relocating to The Villages in 2017 to live with her son.In Dorothy's memory, donations may be sent...

Sylvan Franklin, 88, passed away on March 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 68 years to the love of his life, his wife, Jacqueline (nee Benge) Franklin, and the loving father to their 5 daughters: Kris Franklin, Tracy (Robert Milligan) Franklin, Deborah (Randall) House, Vicki (Martin) Reyes, and Rebecca (Keith) Stegemann. He is survived by 5 grandchildren: Parker (Briana) House, Harrison (Traci) House, Spencer House, Graham Reyes, Madeleine Reyes, and 1 great grandson, Waylon House. Sylvan was born in Clay County, Illinois to the late Henry and Hilda (nee Thomann) Franklin. He grew up on a farm in Deland, Illinois and graduated from Deland-Weldon...

Thomas E Zimmer, age 81, of The Villages, Florida passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Thomas (Thom) Zimmer passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023 when he lost his valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kathy), his children, Eric Zimmer(Ginny Gay), Matthew Zimmer(Karen), Joy Zimmer (Gary Saraney), and Zachary Zimmer (Kaitlin), grandchildren, Jordan, Bryant, Bryn, and Evelyn Zimmer, brothers Mike Zimmer (Mickey), Don Zimmer (Linda) Steve Zimmer (Kathy) and Gary Zimmer. Thom was predeceased by his parents, Elwood and Iona (Bond) Zimmer and brothers, Tim Zimmer and Joe Zimmer. Thom was born and raised in Dayton, OH where he graduated...

June Allard Berte, 89, of The Villages, FL passed away into eternal rest on Friday, Feb 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully and without pain. She was born in Springfield, MA on June 24, 1933 to the late Wilfred and Aurise Allard. June is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Raymond A. Berte who was the love of her life for 45 years of marriage. She leaves behind her two children: son, Raymond Keith Berte and his wife Roberta of San Jose, CA., and daughter, Ruth Jennifer Marchitto and her husband Louis of The Villages, FL., and granddaughter, Natasha Schenk. She also leaves her brothers: Leonard E. Allard and his wife Dorothy of Lancaster, CA and predeceased by Herbert Allard of Springfield,...

Walda Rita "Sam" Hoppe of Lady Lake, FL passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at age 83. She was born on January 1, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA. After her marriage to Jay in 1969 and moving to Miami, she graduated from Miami-Dade Community College with a degree in Business Administration. She was an accomplished artist and enjoyed teaching composition and design. Sam worked in oils, watercolor, colored pencils, oil pastels & alcohol ink. She was very actively involved in The Villages art community for many years. Sam had a wonderful sense of adventure and planned many trips that she and Jay took into the wilderness all around the USA. Her passion for bird watching took her as far as...

Andrea Seward McKenney, age 59, of The Villages, Florida passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. She was born on January 30, 1963 in Binghamton, New York to the late Harold and Mary Lou Seward. Andrea spent her career as a Program Manager. She loved being outdoors hiking or kayaking, was a dog lover, avid traveler and amazing wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her cookies and French Onion Soup were 'world-renowned', and she provided crafts and decorations for all of her family and friends. She had a light about her that made it impossible for her to ever meet a stranger. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Todd McKenney; son, Chris Bimson; step children, Riki Rosales, Matt...