Obituaries

Kathleen Mary Crist

Apr 15, 2026

May 5, 1958 - April 15, 2026. Kathie Mary Crist was a devoted mother, beloved grandmother, dedicated daughter, cherished aunt, and dear friend whose warmth and humor touched everyone she met. She is survived by her children, Milynda Tim, Nicholas Tim, and Ambria (Ryan) Ayers, and her seven grandchildren: Riley, Wyatt, Madilyne, Nyx, Paxton, Eleanor, and Emerson. Kathie was the daughter of Raymond (deceased) and Noreen Crist, and sister to Butch (Pat), Randy (Deborah), Donnie (deceased), and Tim (Cheryl) Crist. Kathie was the fiancee of the late Carl Kolipinski and was previously married to Gary Tim. She was a retired athletic secretary with the Grand Island School District. Kathie dedicated 24 years to student athletes, coaches, and staff. She was a proud retired veteran of the United States Armed Forces (Air Force), whose years of service reflected unwavering commitment, quiet strength, and a deep sense of duty to her country and fellow service members. Kathie lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. She loved traveling to sunny beaches, spending endless hours searching for seashells and sea glass to treasure. She looked forward to camping in Allegany with family and friends (both hers and Carls). You could find her cruising on the boat, enjoying the water and the company of those she loved. She had a joyful, vibrant personality that brought light to every room. Kathie had a love for a good glass of wine, a gentle devotion to animals, NASCAR, time on her motorcycle, scary movies, and rocking on her front porch while quietly observing the beauty of the world around her. Kathies love for her family was boundless and knew no limits. She cared deeply for her children and grandchildren, filling their lives with support, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Funny, spirited, and cherished by many, she leaves behind a legacy of joy and kindness. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life immediately following at Grand Island Fire Company Headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road. In lieu of flowers, the children of Kathie welcome donations to help with memorial arrangements, any outstanding expenses, and contributions to charitable causes, Empire Animal Rescue Society and SPCA of WNY, in her memory. We carry her love, laughter, and spirit with her always. - Myndi, Nicholas, and Ambria

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Alan A. Pearson

Apr 13, 2026

Of Grand Island. Husband of Kim Pearson. Father of Joshua (Vanessa) and Jessie Pearson. Grandfather of Kyligh, Ethan and Norah. Brother of Paul (Antoinette) Pearson, Lisa (Mike) Nice, Kenneth Pearson, Barbara (David) Gladdin and the late Adrian (Vera) Pearson and Sharon Kubik. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Alan worked at Dupont and Home Depot for decades and will be missed by many friends and coworkers he adored. Friends may call Wed. April 22 from 6-8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

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Marsha M. Bly

Apr 11, 2026

Bly, Marsha M., age 80, of Amherst, NY passed way on April 11, 2026, following a prolonged illness. Born on January 25, 1946, in Elmira, New York to the late Leroy M. Bly and the late L. Mae (Tobias) Bly. Marsha lived a life defined by generosity, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to others. Marsha dedicated forty years of her career to the North Tonawanda School District, where she served as an elementary physical education teacher and touched the lives of countless students. Her kindness and caring nature extended well beyond the gym. She also coached high school track for many years. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a voracious reader and book lover. She is survived by Tami Konieczny, her brother Larry Bly and several nieces and nephews although her family extended far beyond to include the Zernickel and Konieczny families. There will be a Celebration of Life scheduled for Sunday May 31, 2026 at Panes Restaurant, North Tonawanda from 11AM to 2:30PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to readtosucceedbuffalo.org. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.

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Gloria R. Brown

Apr 05, 2026

Brown, Gloria R., December 20, 1931 to April 5, 2026. Beloved wife of James A. Brown (predeceased), mother of Daniel (Wendy) Brown, Paul (Cindy) Brown, Carolyn Starr and Sandra Boebel. Gloria is survived by nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.  Gloria was a retired elementary school teacher in Kenton and Grand Island schools and at age 46 became a long distance runner which she quickly excelled at often winning her age group in many local and regional road races during the 80s and 90s she set a national age group record (age 60-64) in the 25K. She was recognized by USA Track and Field and later inducted into the WNY Running Hall of Fame in 2012. Gloria was a life-long violinist and played with the Amherst ACE Orchestra. A wake will be held at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, on April 15th, from 4-7pm and funeral services on April 25th at 11am at Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

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Viola M. Gingher

Apr 03, 2026

Of Grand Island. Wife of the late David B. Gingher. Mother of Kathleen (late Richard) Bartsch, the late David A. Gingher, Lori (Richard) Haak and Daniel (Gingher). Grandmother of Jason, Andrew and Sara. Great-grandmother of 5. Services private.

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