Obituaries

James Armand Balmer, 78, of Oswego, NY died at home on December 27, 2025 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Jim was born in Susquehanna on December 19, 1947, the only child of the late Kenneth and Mary (Battisti) Balmer. He graduated from Laurel Hill Academy in a class of 18 students, many of whom remaining his lifelong friends. He received a BS degree in Pharmacy from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1971, and continued his pharmacy education at Dusquesne University.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carol McManus Balmer and treasured daughter, Hannah Marie Balmer; by his extended McManus family members who loved him dearly as a true brother, uncle and cousin. He is also survived by several Battisti and Fish family cousins, particularly his cousin, Peggy (Dennis) Wilcox, and by his faithful canine companion, Simon.

Jim was a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service Reserve Force, serving in the Indian Health Service. Following his service, he worked in Pittsburg, PA before moving to Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY to be closer to home during his mother's final illness.

It was in Cooperstown that Jim began his lifetime friendship with fellow ACP alumna Carol McManus. Jim and Carol were married in Oswego in 1983. Ten years later, they welcomed Hannah to their family. Jim was a devoted father, doing everything he could to help Hannah achieve her dreams.

The Balmers made their home in Denver for 35 years. Jim worked as a clinical pharmacist in Denver area hospitals and eventually retired as a clinical advice pharmacist for Kaiser Permanente Health Systems. He was a member of several professional pharmacy organizations. Following Jim's Alzheimer's diagnosis, the family moved to Oswego to be near family. Jim loved his adopted hometown of Oswego. His favorited activity was to walk all over the town and campus with his beloved dog, Simon.

Jim loved helping people. He volunteered in Denver for food banks, special needs theater groups, and therapeutic horseback riding programs. In retirement he drove several days each week for Meals on Wheels, and developed special bonds with many of his clients. He loved to travel, and to enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking in the Rocky Mountains, skiing and camping. He was an avid reader and a true music lover.

Calling hours were held at the Balmer family home on Tuesday, Jan 6. A Catholic Funeral Mass was held on January 7, followed by internment at St. Peter's Cemetery in Oswego.

A celebration of Jim's life with his Susquehanna friends and family will be planned for early summer.

Kellie Lee, 55, of Susquehanna, PA passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother and friend. Kellie loved softball, yard sailing with her aunt Tammy, Red Lobster trips with her son, and many other activities.

Kellie was born on September 21, 1970, in Susquehanna, PA to the late Cynthia Chilewski Lee and Leon Dubanowitz. Kellie was a one-of-a-kind individual and dedicated her life to her family.

A graduate of Susquehanna Community High School, Kellie spent most of her career taking care of people as a CNA, home health provider and an aide at a few different school districts.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Lee; brother, Josh Lee (Stacey); sisters, Cindy Majeski (Dale) and Nickie Shimer-Hegarty (Mike); many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Kellie was predeceased by her parents; grandmother, Irma Crissell; many aunts, uncles, cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the American Legion, 239 South Main Street, Susquehanna, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hennessey's Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna, PA to help her son, Stephen pay for funeral expenses.

Nancy Virginia (Haffling) Wayman, 90, of Melrose, PA, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, whom she served all her life, on January 4, 2026, at Barnes-Kasson Skilled Nursing Facility.

Born to Rev. William and Iona Mae (Smith) Haffling on March 12, 1935, in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA, Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James Haffling, of Bethlehem, PA and Charles Haffling, of Herndon, PA; one sister, Gladys Dishong, of Sunbury, PA; two brothers-in-law, Clem Dozer and Paul Dishong.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Graydon Wayman; two sons, Robert Haffling and wife, Hedy, of Middletown, NY, Alford Wayman and wife, Rachel, of Laceyville, PA; daughter, Bonnie Lou Wells and husband, Brian Wells, Sr., of Greenwich, NY; two grandsons, Brian Wells, Jr., of whom she was proud of, and Michael Haffling; two sisters, Dorothy Dozer, of Gulf Breeze, FL, Ruth Wagner and husband, Wayne, of Loganton, PA; many brothers- and sisters-in-law whom she loved; a special sister-in-law, Norine Edwards, of Afton, NY, who became a dear friend; many nieces and nephews; and special niece, Linda Witmer, of Herndon, PA.

Nancy was a member of the Clearfield Interdenominational Church (near Wind Gap, PA) for 20 years, where her father pastored and where she was married. She then became a member of the Windsor Pilgrim Holiness Church (Windsor, NY) for 42 years, and later the Pilgrim Holiness Church of Green Grove, PA, for 9 years.

She was a kind person and a friend to everyone she met, even strangers. Always busy, Nancy loved her family deeply. She made clothes, cooked, baked, and even butchered. She provided for her family, loved her music, played guitar and piano, and loved to sing. She crocheted and enjoyed other crafts, worked outside, loved her flowers, and loved her clothes.

A friend to those in need, Nancy helped neighbors and volunteered at the Turnpike Terrace in Lanesboro, PA, for 22 years, getting meals together for Meals on Wheels, helping the elderly clean, and taking them to wherever they needed to go.

She was a model of a real Christian lady – always kind, a loving wife, mother and friend. If you needed someone to pray for you, Nancy was the one. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at Barnes-Kasson SNF.

A Funeral Service was held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Hennessey's Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna. The family received friends at the Funeral Home prior to the service.

Interment will be held in the Stevens Point Cemetery, Stevens Point, PA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hennessey's Funeral Home to help offset Nancy's Funeral Expenses.

Robert Eugene Wayman, fondly known as "Red," passed away due to an accident on January 8, 2026, at UHS Wilson Hospital at the age of 81. Born on July 23, 1944, in Susquehanna, PA, Robert was a lifelong resident of the community he cherished.

Red was a dedicated auto mechanic and became renowned for building and working on Red Barrel Carburetors. His exceptional skills in carburetor repair earned him the respect of many, as several race car drivers honored his craftsmanship by featuring Red's name on their cars. He also served as a school bus driver for many years. His professional journey included a tenure at the Thompson Township Highway Department, where he contributed to the maintenance of the community.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Red was a huge racing fan, enjoying everything from NASCAR to Dirt Track racing. His passion for the sport was matched only by his pride in being a member of the PennCan Speedway Hall of Fame, a testament to his dedication and love for racing.

He also was an avid deer hunter who enjoyed hunting with his family and friends on the Barton Farm. Red was a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan as well.

Red was a beloved figure whose warmth and generosity touched the hearts of those around him.

Red is survived by his devoted spouse, Patricia Wayman, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years. He leaves behind two sons, Jeffrey Wayman (Tammy) and Jeremy Wayman (Ashley); along with cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr. (Lindsey), Hayden (Kendra) and Kenzlee. His memory will also be honored by his brother, Harold Wayman, as well as his brother-in-law, Duane Barton (Lori) and his sister-in-law, Kathy Crawford; several nieces and nephews. His pets, Heidi, Susie, Hoosier and Tabby hold in their hearts. Red's extended racing family will also convey their respect and admiration for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ethel (Warner) Wayman; as well as his sisters, Berndetta, Alberta, Anna; brothers, Harvey and Duane. He remembered his sister-in-law, Geraldine Nagel Stone, with fondness.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Hennessey's Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna, PA. The family requests casual clothing that Red would be used to including racing-related attire.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the Lanesboro Cemetery, Lanesboro, PA in the Spring.

Red will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter, kindness and unwavering spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Suzan M. Mahala Ackley, 76, of Thompson, passed away peacefully at Wayne Memorial Hospital Hospice, Honesdale, on Thursday, January 1, 2026 after suffering a stroke. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Robert S. Ackley.

Born at St. Vincent's Hospital in Staten Island, NY, she was the daughter of the late Charles F. Mahala and Elizabeth D. Wieser Mahala Yacavino. She was a 1968 graduate of the High School of Art and Design (Fashion Illustration) on 2nd Avenue in New York City; she also attended Wagner College, Staten Island, NY. She was a visual merchandiser, designing and decorating many stores and malls in the tri-state area. She really loved art and drawing, and she truly enjoyed her work very much.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Wayne Memorial Hospital and Hospice for all their compassionate and devoted care during this difficult time, as well as to the Thompson Hose Company for their professionalism and care.

In addition to her husband Rob, she is also survived by two sisters, Cheri (Greg) Glaser, Debbie (Frank) Creighton; brother, Charlie (Terrie) Mahala; and her two favorite nephews, Shayne Mahala and Conrad Blease. Also surviving are her best friends, Mike and Sue (Plunket) Lovell; as well as her cousins and other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her step-father, Ralph Yacavino.

As per Sue's wishes, there will be no public services. Interment will be private at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Forest City.

Arrangements by the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City.

To send online condolences, visit the funeral home website.