WESTERLO — Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McDermott of Westerlo announce the engagement of their daughter, Courtney McDermott, to Eric Markson, son of Jeffrey Markson of Guilderland and Sylvia Cirilo-Flethcher of Ballston Spa.

The superintendent offered an apology and called for a spirit of trust and cooperation as Altamont villagers continue to advocate for their school in the face of a proposed closing.

GUILDERLAND — Craig Joseph Odeen dutifully worked for New York State for 40 years but his passion was for the people he loved.

“He was warm and gregarious and committed to his friends and family,” said his wife of 40 years, Linda Walsh Odeen, noting that over 250 people attended his wake.

ALTAMONT — Dorothy D. Barker, a strong-willed woman who loved her family, died on Monday, July 14, 2014. She was 98.

Mrs. Barker was born on Nov. 15, 1915, in Amsterdam, to the late Fred and Bessie (née Cline) Dopp.

GUILDERLAND — David E. Sherry, a man whose compassion knew no bounds, died on Friday, July 11, 2014, after injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident. He was 57.

Mr. Sherry was born in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Edmond A. Sherry and Carol Ganley.

Upon impact with the tractor trailer, Tyler Pascuzzi's Volkswagon split into two pieces, and the two passengers, Cody J. Veverka, 23, of South Cairo, and Alicia M. Tamboia, 24, of Wingdale, were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

GUILDERLAND — Julie White, a McKownville resident, was killed on July 9 when her car hit a guide rail on Interstate 87 on the Crossgates Mall ramp.

White, 41, was a registered nurse who loved cats and volunteered at animal shelters (see obituary pages.)

GUILDERLAND — Julie White, a nurse who loved cats, died on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. She was 41.

She was born on Jan. 24, 1973, in Gouverneur, the daughter of Richard White and Joyce Ashlaw.

She graduated from Edwards-Knox Central School in 1991 and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1993.

Robert Porter, the president of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education’s New York State office, believes the deadly accident is just another reminder that vehicles need to be more aware of motorcycles on the road.