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Issue Home October 21, 2003 Site Home

SISTER MARY ROCH BASSO, SSJ

Sister Mary Roch died Monday evening, October 13, 2003, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse Infirmary in Rochester, NY.

Sister Mary Roch was born in Susquehanna, PA on July 7, 1905. She was the daughter of Charles and Catherine Basso, and was the youngest of nine children, all of whom predeceased her.

Sister, who was a registered nurse, graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital (Elmira) School of Nursing in 1926. At the time of her death Sister was the oldest living alumni of the school. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, in Rochester, in 1927.

Sister Mary Roch’s employment at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira began in October 1931. She worked in a variety of areas within the hospital, but was best known in her role within the Maternity department. Sister took great pride in hearing from countless area residents that she was "on duty" when they were born. Sister "officially" retired from the hospital on June 1, 1981, but spent the next 19 years volunteering throughout the hospital, still ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of the hospital’s patients.

Throughout her career, both as a Sister of St. Joseph and a Nurse, Sister Mary Roch’s primary focus was on serving others. Her patients were always her number one priority, and the training and nursing skills she imparted upon her staff reflected that philosophy. Sister Mary Roch’s life experiences exemplified the virtue of Christian Charity, and the lives of the thousands of people she came in contact with were greatly enhanced by her presence.

In addition to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Mary Roch is survived by her nieces, Anne Marie O’Malley and Dorothy O’Malley, Syracuse, NY, Mary Basso (Edmond) Ahearn, Susquehanna, PA, Theresa Basso Clark, Wellsville, NY, Jean Basso (Jack) Carpenter, Webster, NY; nephews, Charles (Eileen) O’Malley, Ormond Beach, FL, Raymond Hathaway, Deposit, NY. In addition, she is survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews.

Sister Mary Roch’s funeral Mass was held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, Rochester, NY on Friday, October 17.

Contributions in Sister Mary Roch’s memory could be directed to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 555 East Market St., Elmira, NY 14901.

ROSE M. SWANSON

Rose M. Swanson, 89, Susquehanna, PA, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2003, at Barnes-Kasson County Hospital SNF after an illness.

She was born in Susquehanna, the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary (Norman) Swanson.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Ruth Skaritza, Frances McAndrew, Mary Lou Grausgruber; one brother, Norman Swanson.

Rose is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John and Enid Card, Harrington Park, NJ; one sister, Rena Rood, Susquehanna; four grandchildren, Captain Jacqueline Dillon, US Air Force, Okinawa, Japan, Mrs. Diane Bise, Mount Pleasant, SC, Miss Jennifer Card, Naples, Fl, Mr. James Card, Pearl River, NY; four great-grandchildren, Midshipman Charles Barrs, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, Miss Stacey Barrs, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH, Miss Christine Bise, Mount Pleasant, SC, Miss Natalie Bise, Mount Pleasant, SC; several nieces and nephews.

She was a member of St. John’s Church of Susquehanna, Susquehanna Fire and Ambulance Department, Penn-York Police Association, American Legion Post #86 of Susquehanna, and past council member of Susquehanna. Rose was the dispatcher for the Susquehanna Fire and Ambulance Department, known all over the county as "Station 6," for over 25 years providing a valuable service not just to Susquehanna but all ambulance services that used Barnes-Kasson County Hospital.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 23, at 9:30 a.m. at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 208 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna and 10 a.m. at St. John’s Church in Susquehanna where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Robert Simon.

Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Susquehanna.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

ROBERT D. HALEY, JR.

Robert D. Haley, Jr., 40, Lisle, NY, formerly of Susquehanna, PA, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2003, at his home after an illness.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Walter and Erma Haley, Bill and Julia Kahler.

Robert is survived by his son, Robert Haley III; his parents, Bob and Judy Haley; sister, Therisia Thatcher; brothers, David Haley, Scott Haley and Karen, Charles Haley and Tonya; three nieces, Samantha Haley, Stacy Thatcher, Emily Haley; his loving and caring companion of eleven years, Karen Kennedy and her children, Laurie, Kristy, Michelle and Derrick; and grandchildren, Zachery and Kelsey.

He was employed at Haley’s Fine Foods, Mountain View Hardware and Frito Lay. He was a member of the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, Susquehanna, and Sons of American Legion Post #357, Hallstead, PA.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, Susquehanna, with the Rev. Kenneth Bitler officiating.

Burial will be in the North Jackson Cemetery, North Jackson, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lourdes Hospital, Ross 1 Oncology, Binghamton, NY 13901.

Arrangements were made by Hennessey’s Funeral Home, Susquehanna.

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