Obituaries

Mary Lynn Conta

May 24, 2026

Conta, Mary Lynn, May 24, 2026, of Grand Island. Wife of William Kupfer Jr. Mother of Taylor L. Freund. Step mother of Kristina Schilling, Gina Kupfer and Dayna Morse. Grandmother of Piper and Blaire Coleman, Jaxson and Dean Freund. Step grandmother of Mia, Greyson, Emmett and the late Maks. Daughter of Patricia L. and the late Robert A. Conta. Sister of William (Joanne), Jonathan (Jennifer) and the late Robert and Andrew Conta. Friends may call Wednesday May 27, 2-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephens Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

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Cheryl S. Loree

May 10, 2026

Of Grand Island. Beloved friend. Cheryl worked at Kenmore Mercy for many years. She was an avid bowler who enjoyed theater. She was known for her many visits to support the residents at Elderwood. Cheryl was a devoted animal lover especially as a dog mother to Buttons and Coco. Services private.

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Anna M. Kapus

Apr 21, 2026

86, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. Born to the late Michael and Mary Zawisky, she was a 50-year resident of Grand Island. She will be remembered for her sharp sense of humor, love of gardening and garage sales, and her gift for conversation--especially with friends and neighbors at Tops. She held office in District 17 of the New York State Chiropractic Association. She was also deeply involved with the Riverside Business Association, where she received numerous honors, including Man of the Year in 1973. In 1987, the RBA created a special Work Horse Award in recognition of her tireless dedication and service. Volunteering came naturally to her, and she gave her time generously to her community. She is survived by her daughters Kathleen Shackelford, Susan Flavin and Theresa Kapus; her grandsons Colin Flavin and Stephen Shackelford; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John S. Kapus, her sister, the late Dorothy (late Frank) Jakubczak; and her twin brother, the late Michael (late Christine) Zawisky. In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory by performing an act of kindness or lending a helping hand to someone in need.

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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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