News
Alumni Notes | December 2024
Obituaries
Karen (Wilkinson) Clark ‘12 (Masters of Social Work)
Karen Wilkinson Clark was born in Denver, Colorado and a love of the Western mountains was planted in her heart. Growing up with her parents, Robert and Marilyn Wilkinson, and her sisters Randa and Holly, they moved to Idaho, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. After graduating from St. Lawrence University, Karen left the cold and followed her heart to Nevada and then California where she met her husband. She raised her three gifts from God, Kyle, Taralyn and Cody as they enjoyed life in Vancouver BC, Rescue, CA and Lafayette, CA.
Following her divorce, Karen and her children moved near her mother and stepfather in Cazenovia, NY. There she launched her children and discovered her own calling. Her professional training as a CNA allowed her to work in nursing homes and Crouse Hospital, as well as running her own Home Care business. Finally, she returned to school to earn her Masters in Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan College where her eyes were further opened to the joys and challenges of serving the aging in this world, under the tutelage of the Master of Social Work, Jesus Christ. She was provided the opportunity to delve more deeply into that period of life, simultaneously caring for her elderly parents and learning from leaders in the field of Geriatrics as part of the team at Upstate's University Geriatricians.
Karen's life and ministry on this earth were ordained and Blessed by God as she attempted to follow the path of her Lord, Jesus Christ. She joined her parents in His Presence on December 7, 2024 and awaits the day when her children and their families will be reunited with her. Karen leaves her children, sisters, their families and her friends to continue fulfilling their own ministries on this earth.
To continue the work she began and to honor the legacy she leaves behind, Karen created the Karen W. Clark and Marilyn C. Alberding Endowment Fund for Caregivers of Geriatric Patients at Upstate University Geriatricians.
Martha (Lyons) Kohl ‘99 (Masters of Social Work)
Martha Kohl [Lyons] age 76 passed away peacefully at Highland Hospital after a long illness.
Martha enjoyed education and worked continuously until she accomplished her goals. She was licensed as a social worker that specialized in behavioral therapy, psychotherapy. Her careers includes working as a family counselor at GCASA, and ultimately went into private practice. She served individuals in Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe counties.
Martha loved her Kitties, running marathons and walking when younger, Amazon shopping and beautiful earrings.
She loved spending time traveling with her husband, “tea time “ with her friends. She cherished evening prayers with her husband reading special poetry/ cards.
Her Catholic Faith and praying the rosary were important to her.
She is survived by her husband James S. Lyons
Melvin (Mel) Reber ‘59 (Natural Science)
Melvin Warren Reber was born to Carson and Delia Reber on August 29, 1934 in Warsaw, New York and died suddenly while full of life on November 28, 2024 in Rochester, New York. His brother, Merlin, was born five years later. Mel enjoyed pranking his little brother as only a big brother can. Mel graduated from Wilson high school and taught chemistry for 33 years in Spencerport, New York. He was a heavily involved supporter of his alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan College, as well as the Free Methodist Church.
Mel first dated his wife, Barbara Roushey, at Lighthouse Christian Camp on the shore of Lake Ontario following a dare from his friend, Al Morton. Mel and Barb were married for 69 years and still maintain a cottage there along with boats, jet skis, kayaks, and frequent bon fires which he referred to as “family glue”.
As a life long conservationist, Mel loved hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. He worked hard to ensure that the ones he loved could share in the things he loved. Though he and Barb had travelled much of the world together, he was most at home on “the farm”, his land in Bergen, New York, which he maintained with chainsaws and tractors for the benefit of both people and all the wild creatures there.
As a sought after MC for many family wedding receptions and public events, Mel knew how to captivate an audience and get them laughing. Mel will be long remembered for his ready humor, practical wisdom, and for rolling up his sleeves to wash the dishes following a large family gathering. When his children were young and complained about some petty wrong he would retort, “life isn’t fair…”. As they matured he both admonished and exemplified, “…but you need to work for justice.” In later years Mel became attentive to and outspoken about the national political stage. Therefore, in Mel’s memory and in his honor may we all agree to work together to Make America Great Again.
Mel was preceded in death by his son, Steven Kirk. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Brenda/David Ragonesi, Crystal/Todd Kroh, Michele/Bob Landis, and their daughter-in-law, Sue Burrows Reber. In addition, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at the Brockport Free Methodist Church on December 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Brockport, New York.