WESTERLO — Kathryn Elizabeth Wright of New Salem and Estero, Florida, died Monday, May 3, 2021 at home with her family. She was 85.

“She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt,” her family wrote in a tribute.

I, William E. Loetterle IV, am in a very unique situation to be writing my own obituary. I’m wondering how I will be remembered and in my case, I get to know.

Dennis E. Holmes, the only son of the late Frank Edward and Shirley Holmes, died in his Schenectady home on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. He was 70 years old.

“Dennis was an incredible musician, a fantastic writer, and most of all a kind, gentle, giving, and genuine human being,” his family wrote in a tribute.

Corporal John James Prastio Sr.

ALTAMONT — Corporal John James Prastio Sr., 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines, retired, died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was 76.

A Vietnam veteran, he served in three tours and received three Purple Hearts. 

“The love a mother gives knows no boundaries,” wrote Susan Rosa’s children in a tribute. “There isn’t anything she won’t do for her children and her family. We don’t realize just how much she loves us; and we never really appreciate her until she is no longer here.

WESTERLO — Earl Bradford Cook, a carpenter who loved the outdoors, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, after a brief illness. He was 79 years old.

GUILDERLAND — Marjorie G. Kotmel, a supportive mother and doting grandmother, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 73.

She was born on Sept. 24, 1947 in Endicott, New York, the daughter of the late Sidney E. and Lois Gent.

GLENS FALLS — Charles “Chuck” Peter Schiltz, a devoted dad, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital with his loving wife by his side. He was 59.

Born April 28, 1961, he was the son of Sylvester Schiltz and Betty (née Lee) Spadaro.

ALTAMONT — Elizabeth J. “Betty” Ward — a devoted mother who cared for others until the very end — died on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at her Altamont home. She was 90.

“She was amazing — always the caregiver, always loving and helpful, the best mom you could have,” said her daughter, Judy Bailey.

WESTERLO — Lisa Loucks — described by her family as a true fighter — died on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at Albany Medical Center, after battling several illnesses. She was 55.

She was born on September 11, 1965.