In Passing – May 2026

Courtland B. Birchard

Courtland B. Birchard, of Birchardville, Pa., went to be with his Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Born June 12, 1930, the second son of Carlton and Lillian (Ackerman) Birchard. He attended one–room schoolhouses through eighth grade, then Montrose High School, graduating in 1948. While in school, teachers encouraged Court’s pencil drawing and he developed an interest in magic and ventriloquism. He and his sidekick Joey entertained throughout his life.

Court served in Korea from 1954 to 1956. He used the G.I. Bill to obtain an Associate Degree in Electronics in 1958. He worked in the lab at Transformers, Inc. of Vestal, N.Y. There he met Mary Moore, a department supervisor; a widow with three teenagers. They were married in 1965 and built a home in Birchardville.

In the ’70s, Transformers closed. They decided to find a way to live off their land. They sold organically grown vegetables and beef, stone from his quarry, and hosted deer hunters from Canada and the northeast. While recovering from back surgery, he started drawing again. Mary suggested he draw on stone. That was the beginning of his art career, engraving beautiful pictures on stone, and making stone craft items. They would go to art shows and had a building at the Harford Fair for many years.

After Mary passed, he and Joey spent winters from 2009 to 2019 with his daughter Lyn Munn in Sun Lakes. He was in the Desert Artists, Metal Detectors, Citrus Pickers, and Camera Clubs, and attended church with Lyn. In 2017 he donated funds that would give a $1,000 scholarship annually, forever. The Courtland Birchard Scholarship awards began in 2018.

Court was a man of faith, having accepted Christ as His Savior in the 1960s. It is very fitting that he passed the day before Easter and was in Heaven with Mary to celebrate. A humble and kind man, Court made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his younger brother Gene, daughters Lyn Munn (William) and Shirley Ewain (Dan) of Endicott, N.Y., three grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Mary, older brother Selden, and son Daniel Weyant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Courtland Birchard Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation, 270 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801. His funeral was held on April 25 in Binghamton, N.Y., and burial was next to his beloved Mary in Vestal.

Phyllis Rose Schwab

Phyllis Rose Schwab passed away on Feb. 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Phyllis was born on Dec.1, 1932 in Chicago, Ill., to the late Joseph and Frances Badaluco.

Phyllis grew up in Chicago and graduated from Fenger High School. She was an outgoing and energetic wife and mother of three children. Phyllis was creative and loved to have fun. Always a lover of physical activity, she became passionate about golf. She was also an excellent bridge and Mahjong player. In her earlier years, Phyllis became an accomplished seamstress and part-time legal secretary. She loved fashion and was always designing her own clothing, including men’s 3-piece suits. Although she was not college educated, she used her determination and self-discipline to learn the skills necessary to become a legal secretary, which included teaching herself typing and shorthand.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Jill Chomer, Joy (Jim) Bowles, and son, Brett (Belinda) Chomer; her grandchildren: Lauren (Brian) Manfred, Hunter (Victoria) Chomer, Clint and Spencer Bowles; and great–grandchildren: Reid and Hayes Manfred, and Olivia and Shayne Chomer.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her two grandsons: Blake Fleischner and Chase Chomer.

A private Celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at a later date with the immediate family.

John F. “Jack” Devereaux

Jack was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Camden, N.J. He passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020.

He was the son of Joseph and Leona Devereaux. Jack’s siblings (predeceased) are Mary Devereaux, Joseph Devereaux (Monica), and Leona Weast (Gus). His loving and devoted wife Dorothy Claire Devereaux passed away recently in Sun Lakes on March 25, 2026.

He is survived by four daughters, Denise Devereaux, Donna Benjamin, Darlene Locke (Dan), Dawn Devereaux Davies (Carl), and one son, John Devereaux (predeceased). Jack was a wonderful, loving, patient, powerful man and a devoted, traditional husband and father. Jack is also survived by four grandchildren Brittany Bell (Brandon), Kyle Benjamin, Randy Locke (Meshi), and Steven Locke. They enjoyed having a “Poppop” who was supportive, loving, and kind. Our family now has many angels watching over us and protecting us from afar. We take comfort in knowing they are together again in heaven and can be at peace without pain.

Jack taught us all how to be self-sufficient, responsible individuals and to always think for ourselves. He showed us firsthand how hard work and sacrifice brings big gains and rewards. Mom and Dad’s anniversary is Sept. 13. They were married over 60 years and were a great example of living “within your means,” saving, conservatism, taking care of family, friendship, and managing hardships, heartache, and disappointment.

Jack graduated from Camden Catholic High School and Villanova where he was a star athlete. He worked for a variety of paper products and office supply distributing companies, both McKesson and Topps. In retirement, Jack continued to work part time at Dillard’s department store at Chandler Mall for 12 years. He and Dottie were the best-dressed couple and bigger than life keeping active and social in Sun Lakes.

We honored our father and officially laid him to rest alongside his darling wife Dottie on April 24, 2026, at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church in Sun Lakes.

Dorothy Devereaux

Dorothy “Dottie” Claire Devereaux (née Weikel), age 90, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Sun Lakes, Ariz., surrounded and comforted by her daughters. Born on Feb. 23, 1936, in Camden, N.J., she was the beloved daughter of Thelma and Charles Weikel.

Dottie grew up in Camden and attended Camden Catholic High School, where she was a spirited cheerleader. During high school, she began dating her sweetheart, John “Jack” F. Devereaux. The two were married Sept. 13, 1958, and were husband and wife for over 60 years.

She and Jack raised five children—Denise Devereaux, Donna Benjamin, John Devereaux (deceased), Darlene Locke (Dan Locke), and Dawn Devereaux-Davies (Carl Davies)—in Cinnaminson, N.J. In 1980, the family relocated to Mesa, Ariz. While in Arizona, Dottie and Jack doted on their growing family as they became grandparents.

Known affectionately as “MomMom” by her grandchildren—Brittany Bell (Brandon Bell), Kyle Benjamin, Randy Locke (Meshi Locke), Steven Locke (partnered with Breanna)—and great-grandchild, Ryan Locke, Dottie cherished her family above all else.

Dottie and Jack happily retired in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they embraced an active lifestyle. They were each avid tennis players and loved to socialize with their friends during community social events. Dottie and Jack loved to dance and Dottie was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Dottie’s life was marked by love, devotion, and resilience. She was a brilliant homemaker who took pride in her home and nurturing her children. Her warmth extended to everyone she met, creating lasting friendships wherever she went—from her early days in Cinnaminson to her golden years in Sun Lakes.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her son, John; and her brothers, Charles and Robert Weikel.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for providing compassionate end-of-life care for both Dottie and Jack.

Funeral services were held April 24 at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Gary Ralph DuBois

Gary Ralph DuBois, 88, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Born on Feb. 26, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., Gary grew up in Chicago and built a respected career as an executive with North Shore Gas, where he worked until his retirement.

Gary married Carol Hutchins, and together they created a life centered on family and shared passions. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, a period of service he was proud to have given. In 1999, they made Sun Lakes their home in the Oakwood community, where they spent over 25 wonderful years enjoying the Arizona lifestyle.

Gary was an automotive enthusiast with a lifelong passion for Corvettes, owning several fine examples throughout his adult years and maintaining active memberships in multiple national Corvette clubs—a hobby that brought him immense joy and connected him with fellow enthusiasts across the country.

A devoted member of his church choir, Gary treasured his years singing as a deep baritone, a passion that enriched both his life and his faith community for many years. An avid golfer and train enthusiast, Gary found pleasure in life’s simple joys. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured time spent with his family, whether near or far.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol DuBois and his two children, Laura Stephenson and Michael DuBois. He is survived by his two cherished grandchildren, Abbey DuBois of Illinois, Sabrina Stephenson of Australia, and his Hutchins brothers-in-law and their families (Robert and Jackie, Paul and Kathleen, Jim and Dessa, nieces and nephews).

A memorial service will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on May 13 at 1 p.m. Gary will be remembered for his generous spirit, his passion for life, and the warmth he brought to all who knew him. Memorials in his memory may be directed to Risen Savior Lutheran Church.

Robert Frederick Hirt

Robert Frederick Hirt passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 90 years old. He was born in East Greenbush, N.Y., near Albany, in February 1936 of German immigrants who built a full working farm with cows, chickens, horses, honey bees, and more, where he spent his youth among his five other siblings, until he went off to college. He never tired of telling stories of his farm days, getting up in the wee hours of the morning, and tending to the duties of the animals and land. It was hard work that he loved, sometimes loathed, and everything in between, and which provided an endless amount of tales to his wife and kids and anyone who would listen. He was such an engaging story teller!

He leaves behind his wife Patricia, of nearly 58 years, who he married in 1968 in Buffalo, N.Y.; his three children Robert Matthew (57), Kristin (55), and Kathryn (54); daughter-in-law Susan (50); and two grandchildren, London (16) and Cecelia (14).

Robert went to Cornell University for veterinary medicine, where he graduated in 1962. Upon graduation he worked as a large animal veterinarian in Western New York, until he switched to small animal practice in 1973, under the practice of Dr. Lindsay in West Seneca, N.Y. In 1978 he built Southtowns Animal Hospital in the same location, which still exists today, with one of the original employees! He loved veterinary medicine, large and small for different reasons, and especially loved doing surgery in the small animal domain. He wrote two separate books of short stories about his work as both large and small animal veterinarian in books titled “Reflections: The Stories and Life of a Country Vet” and “Musings: Great Memories and Reflections On a Life Well Lived.”

He regularly contributed stories that were published in the Sun Lakes Splash, and loved to both write and share stories of his life, particularly from the small town near Albany where he grew up and where he raised his family in Western New York.

He also went to Florida State University in the 1990s to learn acupuncture for the treatment of animals, and was one of a small number of pioneering veterinarians who used acupuncture in his animal hospital. He was so excited about using it, he would sometimes offer his services for free to clients who could otherwise not afford it.

Robert was a devoted Catholic who served as Eucharistic Minister for many years.

He regularly took our Lab to visit nursing homes.

He retired in 1998, upon which his wife Patricia and he moved to Sun Lakes, and developed an incredibly wide network of friends, and was a regular at the gym until the very day he passed. His sense of humor will be remembered by everyone whose life he touched, from acquaintances to former employees, to close friends and family, and he epitomized the phrase “Dad jokes.” He loved to laugh at the irony and sometimes absurdity of life and turn challenging situations into moments to crack up in laughter instead.

Always a gentleman, he will be remembered for his big heart, warm smile, genuine decency, and love of his family, as well as of animals. He will be deeply missed and remembered with great humor and heart.

Anna Jane Janicki

Anna Jane Janicki, 87, passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, in Chandler, Ariz. Her unconditional love for all, generosity, laughter, and kindness to everyone will be deeply missed.

Anna was born on Nov. 10, 1938, in Buffalo, N.Y., to her late parents, Leo and Anna Tuholski. Throughout her school age years she attended Catholic school and was a woman of deep faith throughout her life. She would dedicate her daily prayers to many and always signed her cards and said goodbye with “God bless.”

Anna met William C. Janicki on a blind date and was married Aug. 23, 1958. Throughout their 68 years of marriage, they lived in a variety of places—Elma, N.Y.; Upland, Calif.; Dublin, Calif.; Plano, Texas; Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; and retirement in the last 20 years in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Together they had two children, David and Deborah.

Anna‘s patience and dedication to helping others provided her the career as a teacher‘s aid where she enjoyed interacting with students and staff, and was loved by all. During her retirement, she volunteered her time delivering food with Meals on Wheels and helping the elderly, even to her own husband who lost his sight.

Anna loved to play games. On a snowy day in Elma, N.Y., she would spend hours playing numerous box games with her daughter. She loved a good card game with neighbors and in her final years playing card games online with a cold beer and a bowl of popcorn.

Friends and family will remember Anna for her unwavering generosity and thoughtfulness. She found joy in giving to others. Her laughter will resonate with us for many years to come.

She is survived by her husband, William Janicki; son, David Janicki; daughter-in-law, Robin Janicki; daughter, Deborah Freeman; and grandchildren, Dalton Freeman and Davis Freeman.

A memorial service was held on April 25 at Saint Steven’s Church. She was laid to rest at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler, Ariz.

She found peace in donating to Catholic charities and her time to Neighbors Who Care and Meals on Wheels.

Karin Meade

Karin Lynn Meade, 60 years old, passed peacefully on Monday, March 26 at home surrounded by friends and family.

Karin, the youngest of four siblings, was born on Dec. 7, 1965, to Kathleen Irwin and Clifton Talley in Minot, N.D. Karin’s childhood was spent in Moorhead, which is also where she graduated from college at Moorhead State University.

Karin moved to the Minneapolis metro area after college where she worked for Target Stores, which is where she met her husband, Peter. Together they built a beautiful home and life together. In 1997 they welcomed their son, Ryan, into the world. Though his time was brief, he brought joy, laughter, and many wonderful memories to the family. Ryan passed away in 2002 and like his mother Karin, everyone who knew him was a better person for the experience.

In 2000 we moved to Olathe, Kan., for a short time. This is where Karin had her first major medical incident. In June of 2001, Karin was hospitalized after chiropractic manipulation caused a brain stem injury. She spent 25 years as a quadriplegic. In 2004 Karin and Peter moved to Sun Lakes where she successfully battled two bouts of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer in November 2026.

Karin loved to travel. Some of her favorites were Niagara Falls; Kauai and Hawaii; Banff and Jasper, Alberta; and of course visiting family and friends in the Midwest. Having said that, probably her favorite place was her home and her backyard. Sitting in the sun, watching her koi, entertaining people, and being just amazing. Karin provided inspiration and courage to everyone around her. Her charisma, love, and independence were infectious.

Karin is survived by her husband, Peter, and her mother, Kaye. She is also survived by her siblings, Clinton, Leigh, Joe, and many nieces and nephews.

May 9 is Karin’s Day! We will host a service with time for people who wish to say something. The service will be held on May 9, 11 a.m. at Valley of the Sun Mortuary located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ. Following the service there will be an open house and celebration at Karin and Peter’s home located at 23910 S. Sunland Ct. in Sun Lakes. If you are unable to attend but would like to view via zoom, please use this link and get on zoom prior to 10:50 a.m. on May 9.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82015522165?pwd=4ISAOQEwgQQDLNx9trPfbxC78xVzpE.1