Memorials 2022

Mary Ellen (Murphy) Wynnyk
The Pines

Mary Ellen (Murphy) Wynnyk

89, of Galloway, OH passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 at The Laurels of West Columbus. Born June 24, 1932 in Binghamton, NY to Timothy and Mary Elizabeth (Norris) Murphy, Mary Ellen’s life is an example of a life well lived; full of friends, family, laughter, faith and devotion. Graduating from Binghamton North High School in 1950 she enrolled at the Charles S. Wilson Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her RN in 1954. Mary Ellen loved being a nurse, often telling stories of her time in training where curfews were broken with raincoats over nightgowns for late night escapes to Brozzetti’s for pizza.

Working at Wilson Hospital and then as a medical/surgical nurse at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center, Mary Ellen became known as “Mrs. Wynnyk in the clinic”.

Mary Ellen Murphy became Mrs. Wynnyk in 1968; marrying Bill, the man she would be married to, and create a life and a family with, for 53 wonderful years. In 1973 she would take on the role that would help define the rest of her life, giving birth to their son Jeffrey. Mary Ellen was the definition of a great mom and it was a role she excelled at; right up until the end. In some of her last conversations with Jeff and Joe she wanted to make sure they were going to be ok, love and take care of each other like she and Bill had and to be happy. 

Mary Ellen cherished her role as wife, mother, daughter, aunt and friend. She was always in the kitchen; making lunches, baking or making jam. Mary Ellen was also a great hostess and entertainer; whether at holiday parties on English Street or cookouts at Page Lake. People were very important to her, as were the connections she had with family and friends. Cards were sent for every holiday and letters written to anyone who was on a new adventure or just to send a friendly hello. So many conversations were had on front porches, decks and docks with neighbors and friends; often over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. She was an avid reader and loved to knit; babies all over the country and world received a sweater she lovingly created.
Mary Ellen also loved to travel; visiting Rome and Barcelona and across the United States, Canada and to Ireland with Bill and dear friends Shirley, Duane, Irene and John. 


Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband William; and her brothers, Frederick and Daniel Murphy. She is survived by her son Jeffrey and son-in-law Joseph Dixon; sister-in-law Edna Murphy; brother-in-law Steven Churchill; nieces Maureen Moyers, Colleen (Dan) Orosz, Pamela (Richard) Prentice, Paula (Ricky) Halliday; nephews Timothy and Daniel Murphy; and numerous great nieces and nephews. 

Catherine and Frank Gavern Jr., Warren Park Road

Catherine and Frank Gavern Jr.

Catherine and Frank Gavern Jr., Warren Park Road who have enjoyed visiting Page Lake every summer since 1980 passed in October of 2020 and February 2021.   Frank and Cathy found the lake to be a peaceful refuge from their busy lives in Scranton.  Over the years at Page Lake they made life long friends whom they considered family.  They enjoyed countless cookouts, card games, and boat rides over the years.  Frank and Cathy worked tirelessly to maintain the cottage so their children and grandchildren would enjoy for generations.  What they loved most was having the cottage filled with family, food and laughter.  They will be sorely missed.

Tim Myers
East Shore Dr.

Tim Myers

Last July, Tim Myers suddenly and tragically passed away.

Tim convinced his wife, Kim to buy on Page Lake 22 years ago. Although Kim had spent her childhood on Page Lake, for Tim it was love at first site.

During that time, he enjoyed every minute both he and his family of 6 children spent at “the Lake”. Those were the only words needed for everyone to know it meant the most serene, peacefully, happy place anywhere for his family and all who ever had the privilege of visiting. All were(are) always welcome to stop by for a beer, conversation and notably a few jokes.

Known by his children as “Captain of the Safety Patrol”, Tim took and embraced the “Lake Rules” and the reputation of it always being safe for families to just have good old fashion fun!

Tim’s huge smile and big heart have left a hole in his family and friend’s heart.

Thank you to everyone in our Lake Family for their kindness and support.

Kim Myers

Frank Orzel
East Shore Dr.

Francis (Frank) Orzel

Francis Joseph Orzel, 91 passed away peacefully on Saturday March 12^th, 2022. Frank was born on September 21^st, 1930. He was predeceased by his parents George and Martha (Stolarczyk) Orzel, his son Joseph Orzel, his brothers Chester, Henry, Stanley, George and sisters Sophie, Laura and Helen.  He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Anna (Yungman), his sister Irene and his children Cyndy (Tom) Muzika, Fran Orzel & Fred Frisbie, David (Tammy) Orzel, Lori (Gary) Toolan, Robert (Teri) Orzel. Grandchildren David, Elizabeth, Erin, Nicholas, Nathaniel, Zachary, Lucas, Aimee and Allison.  Great-grandchildren Annabel, Owen, Jackson, Joseph, Miles, Mia, Madisynne, Kaycen and Everleigh.

Frank graduated from Johnson City High School and served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a dedicated employee at IBM for many years.  He and Anna would spend summers at their beloved Page Lake in New Milford, PA. His family was his proudest accomplishment and he ensured that there was always love and fun times in the house.  Never once was an offer to go “up Jake’s – down Mike’s” refused!

Frank was a man of strong faith which he shared with his family.  He was an active parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka before moving full time to Florida.  He enjoyed singing in the choir and running bingo as well as other activities in the Parish. He was a wonderful example of what a child of GOD is.  His Guiding Light and Wisdom will be forever missed.

Frank didn’t slow down after retiring and became a snowbird in Pinellas Park, Florida. He joined the Board of Directors at Golden Gate and continued to invest his time in making his community the best that it could be. He was a daily walker and those that loved him understood that was partly because of his love for sweets….. he didn’t have coffee without something sweet and dessert was part of every dinner.

He enjoyed using his hands and was considered by many to be a jack of all trades.  Thank goodness because all six of his children reached out to him for guidance and assistance on home projects.

Our family is grateful for the kind and gentle care that he received at The Hearth at Castle Gardens where he resided after coming back to New York in June, 2020 to be closer to his children, extended family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 18^th 2022, 10 AM at The Church of the Holy Trinity, 346 Prospect Street, Binghamton, NY.  The family will receive friends at 9AM until the time of Mass.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank’s memory to Mom’s House, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.  He was the best father and husband in the world and the love between him and his family will go on forever.