(December 6, 1906-February 11, 2004)

POTSDAM--Funeral services for Viola N. Kilroy, 97, formerly of 6 Canal St., Potsdam, and of the United Helpers Nursing Home, Canton, will be held Saturday at noon at the St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam with the Rev. Garry Giroux, celebrant. Spring burial will be at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery, Norwood.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam.

Ms. Kilroy died Wednesday (Feb. 11, 2004).

She is survived by three daughters, Catherine M. Kilroy of Potsdam, Joan M. Kilroy of Colton, and Jane and Marvin Eisenberg of Kingston; a son, George and Barbara Kilroy of Piscataway, N.J.; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by two sons, Richard J. Kilroy, who died in 1996; and Michael J. Kilroy, who died in infancy; four brothers, F. Stephen Narrow of Potsdam, G. Harry Narrow of Potsdam, Walter M. Narrow of Malone and Erwin E. Narrow of Heuvelton.

At the time of her death, Ms. Kilroy was the oldest member of the LeGraff family. There have been eight generations born, raised, educated and employed in Potsdam. Survivors include members of the Narrow, Baxter, Rusaw and Ashley families of Potsdam.

Ms. Kilroy was born Dec. 6, 1906, daughter of George and Jennie LaGraff Narrow. She was born into one of Potsdam’s early families; her great-great-grandfather was Oliver LaGraff, who settled in Potsdam in 1832. The family has lived continuously in the village since that date.

Oliver LaGraff was a veteran of the Civil War, serving from 1861 to 1864 with Scott’s 900.

Ms. Kilroy married John J. Kilroy of Lambertville, N.J., on Oct. 26, 1935 at the St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. The couple made their home at 6 Canal St. during their entire marriage.

After graduating from Normal School, she began teaching at Lake Colby from 1929 until her marriage in 1935. She returned to teaching in the 1950s and provided home tutoring for the Canton School District.

Ms. Kilroy was a life long member of St. Mary’s Church of Potsdam. She was a member of St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society. She was a 50-year promoter of the Miraculous Medal Association, a charter member of the Potsdam Sandstoners Senior Citizens. She was also a member of the St. Lawrence County Council of the Office of the Aging, where she was a past recording secretary.

She was honored in 1987 for her volunteer work at United Helpers Nursing Home in Canton and was awarded the "NYSHFA" volunteer of the year award.

Ms. Kilroy enjoyed crafts, and was a long time member of the Friendly Circle. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She made war bandages as a child and mittens for the annual St. Mary’s Christmas tree in her retirement. She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed all of the local St. Lawrence County games.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Potsdam. N.Y., 13676, or to the Jo Ella Craig Children’s Fund, St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services, Judson Street, Canton, N.Y. 13617.

(From the Thursday, February 12, 2004 edition of the Daily Courier-Observer, page 2).