News
Alumni Notes | May 2025
Publications & Celebrations
Betty (Wain) Baker ‘44
A note from her daughter, Lavonne (Baker) Johnston, ‘82 (Biology):
“My mother, Betty (Wain) Baker, an RWC alumnus, is 101 years old and remains in good health and mental clarity and has written a book on her and her RWC alumnus husband’s (Rev. Donald Baker, deceased) lives titled “My Journey to 100 Years”. It is available on Amazon.
Betty lives with me in my home quite independently and will soon celebrate her 102nd birthday!”
Obituaries
Shirley Marie Perry, ‘75 (Nursing)
Shirley Marie Perry, age 71, of Fairport, New York, formerly of Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at St. Ann's Community in Rochester, NY.
Born as the only child to Raymond and Mercedes (Jenkins) Perry, who preceded her in death, Shirley lived a life dedicated to the care and healing of others.
A proud graduate of LeRoy High School, Shirley furthered her education at Roberts Wesleyan University and the University of Buffalo. Her career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist took her to hospitals throughout Buffalo, across the United States, and worldwide, where she touched countless lives with her skilled and compassionate care.
Shirley is survived by her devoted caregiver and cousin, Yvonne Wales, and several other cousins and friends who cherished her warm spirit and generous heart. The family extends special gratitude to Wanda and Jeff Klem for their unwavering support throughout Shirley's final journey.
The interment will be private at Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy, NY.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Shirley's memory may make donations to Roberts Wesleyan University School of Nursing, Rochester, NY or St. Ann's Community, Rochester, NY.
https://www.thebatavian.com/obituaries/643470/shirley-marie-perry
Timothy Charles Wixom, ‘02 (Organizational Management)
Timothy Charles Wixom, 67, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.
Family and friends may call 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday May 15 at Coe-Genung Funeral Home, 46 W. Main St., Waterloo, N.Y. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. James Gerling, retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Bloomfield–Holcomb Volunteer Fire Department, 105 Main St., Bloomfield, N.Y. 14469.
Tim was born on March 21, 1958, the son of Charles Henry and Dorothy Virginia Holley Wixom. He was an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm and toured Europe as the first-chair trumpet with the U.S. Collegiate Wind Band. At age 18, Tim began working as an EMT for North Seneca Ambulance and later for National Ambulance in Rochester, N.Y. He was a proud graduate of SUNY Cobleskill and Roberts Wesleyan University. Tim went on to serve as a paramedic on Medic 60 in Canandaigua, N.Y.
In 1984, Tim implemented the 911 system in Monroe County and worked there for over 20 years as a Senior Supervisor, earning multiple awards from the mayor. The department was even featured on the television show 911. He later spent five years in Steuben County, helping to establish their 911 system. There, he contributed to the design and construction of a state-of-the-art 911 center and was instrumental in integrating Pictometry technology for emergency services. Tim also served as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University, where he taught emergency response to terror events.
Over 25 years, Tim held every position within the East Bloomfield–Holcomb Fire Department, including Ambulance Captain, Smoke Diver, Fire Chief, and Chairman of the Commissioners. He led efforts to build a new firehouse and purchase a new fire truck. He also taught at the Fire Academy in Montour Falls and was a lifetime member of the fire department.
A skilled water skier, sailor, and boat operator, Tim worked as Marina Operations Manager for Seneca Lake and Sampson State Parks, playing a key role in major renovations. At Sampson, he helped open a new marina, ship store, gas docks, campsites, and cabins. He also served part-time with the Seneca County Sheriff's Office as a Navigation Officer on the Marine Patrol Unit for Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. In 2019, he was recognized by Governor Cuomo for his rescue efforts during the Lodi flood.
Tim is survived by his beautiful wife of 40 years, Janet Tarr Wixom of East Bloomfield, N.Y.; his children Tiffany (Tom) Detrie of Walworth, N.Y., and Jacob (Kelli) Wixom of Williamsville, N.Y.; and his cherished grandchildren, Henry and Emma Wixom, and Benjamin Detrie. He is also survived by his sister Holly (Steve) Hurlburt of Waterloo, N.Y.; cousin Sue (Peter) Vacca of Port Charlotte, FL; and nephews, Aaron Fowler of Waterloo, N.Y., and Ryan (Brooke) Fowler of Edmond, OK.
He was predeceased by his parents.
Condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.coegenungfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/fltimes/name/timothy-wixom-obituary?id=58345980
Miriam A. (Whitford) Bailey, ‘38
It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of Miriam Adaline Kriner Bailey on April 17, 2025. She enjoyed her 106th birthday last month.
She is survived by her children, Donald Kriner (Barbara) and Lois Kriner Millsap and her stepchildren, James Bailey, Dennis Bailey and Rebecca Wells; grandchildren Heather Kriner Welch and Joshua Luke Kriner; great grandchildren Nicholas Welch, Juliette Kriner, Sophie Kriner and Adeline Kriner.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Luther Milton Kriner and James Bailey and her son Charles Daniel Kriner (USMC), Vietnam.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to, kindly consider donations to her church, Heritage Fellowship Church, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton, Georgia, 30114.
We extend our condolence to the family and may Mim's memory be an everlasting memory.
https://www.poolefuneralhome.net/obituaries/Miriam-Adaline-Bailey?obId=42135748
Virginia (Ford) Vossler, ‘52 (English)
Virginia was a public school English teacher in New York State. She raised 2 sons. She was a devout Christian her whole life.
William (Bill) J. Reining, ‘53 (Business Administration)
William Jacob Reining, 93, of Sellersburg, Indiana, entered into eternal life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Traditions at Hunter Station. Born in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, on August 25, 1931, he was the son of the late William and Mildred M. Reining. William proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He owned and operated Tri-County Feeds in Lyons, New York for 35 years. Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching baseball, and time spent with his beloved family.
William was preceded in death by his dear wife, Lois L. Reining , his four sisters: Lois, Marie, Lila, and Meryl, and his brother Gerry.
He is survived by his children: Lawrence Robert Reining, Edwin William Reining (Gena), and Jean Marie Campbell (Robert). His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Christopher Reining, Morgan Reining, Preston Reining, Macy Reining, Rachel Harrison (Neil), and Jessica Campbell, as well as his great-granddaughter, Addison.
https://www.garrfuneralservices.com/obituary/WilliamJacob-Reining
Patti A. Finocchiaro, ‘92 (Social Work)
Patti Anne Finocchiaro passed into the presence of the Lord on October 7, 2024 at the age of 59.
Born in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of Janet A. (Worden) Finocchiaro, of New Port Richey, FL and the late James A. Finocchiaro.
Patti and her family moved to Rochester, NY, and after graduating from high school she completed Travel Career Training in 1984 at Southeastern Academy in Kissimmee, FL, and then worked in a car rental business near the airport. She later went to college where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, in 1992. Possessing a great compassion for the elderly and disabled, she worked at various nursing homes as well as homes for the disabled. Patti later owned and operated her own residential cleaning business, “Maid in Heaven”. In 2011, she relocated to York until settling in Hershey in 2012.
In her teenage years, Patti traveled with a group that performed drama and mime – at which she became quite proficient. She also wrote poetry and composed songs, played guitar and sang. Due to health issues, Patti herself became disabled at an early age, but continued to have a heart for the elderly and disabled, reaching out to those in her church as well as neighbors. She served on the Welcome Desk at Grace & Truth Bible Church in Hummelstown, where she attended as well as participated in a Women’s Bible Study.
In addition to her mother, Patti is survived by her brothers Tom Finocchiaro of Rockville, MD and Jim Finocchiaro of Rochester, NY; and her dear and close friend, Beverly Ressler of Hershey.
https://www.hetrickbitnerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patti-Anne-Finocchiaro?obId=33343581
LuAnn L. (Olien) Kachelein, ‘82 (Nursing)
LuAnn Kachelein (Olien), 64 (1959-2024) of Lakeland, FL, passed away peacefully on July 16th, 2024 after battling several medical issues to include pneumonia.
LuAnn was born in Encino, California and after graduating high school, attended college in Rochester, New York where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1982. LuAnn moved back to California where she started working as a nurse. In 1983, LuAnn married Mark Kachelein, her husband of 41 years and father of their two sons. Although Mark’s career took him and the family to several different locations around the world, they always considered Florida their home. In addition to working as a nurse at various locations within the United States; LuAnn also taught English at a Japanese Girls school while the family was stationed in northern Japan, and worked in Finance and taught courses at a Middle East school while the family was stationed in Bahrain. In her free time, LuAnn enjoyed writing, needlepoint and restoring antique trunks.
LuAnn was a loving wife, mother and friend to all. She will truly be missed.
Survivors include her husband and best friend, Mark Kachelein, her two sons, Jason Kachelein (Annie Rogerson) of Lakeland, FL, Adam Kachelein (Melissa Kachelein) of Clermont, FL, her brothers-in-law, Michael Kachelein of Escondido, CA, Stephen Kachelein of Stafford, VA, and Joseph Kachelein of Lake Havasu City, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA Florida Adoption Animal Shelter at 5850 Brannen Road S, Lakeland, FL 33813.
A private family ceremony will be held honoring LuAnn.
https://www.gentry-morrison.com/obituaries/Luann-Kachelein/#!/Obituary
