Obituary of Lillian M. Kanches

Lillian M. Kanches, 103, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at her home in Fort Johnson with her loving family by her side.

She was born on August 31, 1920 to Stoddard and Minnie Reichel of Amsterdam, NY.

A lifelong area resident, Lillian was a graduate of Amsterdam High School. She was united in marriage to Peter P. Kanches and became a devoted homemaker, mother, and wife. Together Lillian and Peter operated Kanches Oil Company where Lillian worked as her husband’s right hand and partner for a number of years. She was a devoted parishioner of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Mohawk Valley Choir and in her spare time loved to read and paint. More than anything Lillian was the proud and loving matriarch of her family; her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of her world.

She is survived by her sons Paul K. Kanches, Peter K. (Dorothy) Kanches, and David K. (Sue Hill) Kanches, and daughter Laura (Michael) LaPorte, her son-in-law Terry Olmsted, as well as her 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Bubba.  

She was preceded in death by her parents Stoddard and Minnie, her husband Peter Kanches, daughter Kathleen Olmsted and, sisters Fannie Young and Mary Jane Henderson.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated caregiving Aides and close friends who played a major supportive role and provided outstanding care and peace of mind to Lillian and her family in the finals days of her life.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Home’s Amsterdam Location 171 Guy Park Ave Amsterdam, NY 12010. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the funeral home following calling hours. Lillian will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery where she will be reunited with her husband and daughter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lillian’s name to Montgomery County Office For Aging 135 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010, Montgomery County SPCA 1007 State Highway 5, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the First Baptist Church 477 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.