Obituary of Alfreda R. Willette

Alfreda R. "Melody Al" Willette, completed her earthly sojourn of 86 yrs. on Sept. 27, 2013 when Our Blessed Lord called her to come home to Him. Family members were with her as she embarked on her new life. She was a resident at Westminster Nursing Home in Allentown, PA. In 1946, Alfreda married her childhood sweetheart, Cleophas (Smiley) Willette at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Mobile, Alabama. Prior to moving to Bethlehem, PA, Alfreda was a life long resident of Champlain, NY. She was an active member of her community and served as President of the American Legion Post 767 Auxiliary. She was a communicant of St. Mary's Church and was responsible for forming the Folk Group in 1986. She was also a Third Order Fransican for the past 27 years. In her younger years, Alfreda (Melody Al) along with her husband Smiley Willette played on WIRY and WEAV in Plattsburgh. Additionally, they hosted the live tv show, Saturday Night Jamboree, on Channel 5 WPTZ. Their country western band 'Smiley Willette and the Sunset Ramblers' provided entertainment in Northern NY, Vermont, Quebec and Ontario. Melody Al wrote and recorded "Slave of Your Heart" and "Faraway Look In Your Eyes". Together they also recorded three LP records under the Rusticana Label from Montreal. Their last professional engagement was in 1970. Alfreda then joined the work force as a supervisor at Pamplon Vestments in Champlain Alfreda was an excellent cook, loved to knit, crochet and play pinochle with anyone who didn't mind losing. She fiercely loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was happiest when spending time with them. Her musical abilities were only surpassed by her love for the Lord and her family. Her exuberant personality will be greatly missed by many. She is predeceased by her husband, Smiley (Cleo) Willette, her parents Antoine and Allie Phaneuf, her siblings Antoine, Albert, Richard, Madeline Barker, Margaret Clark, Theresa Leahy. She is survived by her brother Thomas of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is also survived by her son, Randall (Sonia) Willette of Mooers, NY, daughters Amy (Leonard) Patrie of Plattsburgh and Julie (Tim) DiPrinzio of Bethlehem, PA; nine grandchildren Timothy Willette of Mooers, Marcie (Ken) Doyle of Mooers, Rachel (Robert) Brinson of Dunbar, PA, Randall Patrie of Rouses Point, Jeremy (Samantha) Patrie of Champlain, Julie Beth (Jacob) Ashline of Champlain and Craig Willette of Mooers, Andrew DiPrinzio and Daniel DiPrinzio of Bethlehem, PA and twelve great grandchildren Daniel Patrie, Zachary Miller, Tyler Kingsbury, Alex Patrie, Thomas Patrie, Ezekiel Brinson, Abigail Patrie, Cassandra Ashline, Samuel Brinson, Benjamin Brinson, Kaylee Patrie and Timothy Willette Jr. along with many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at M.B, Clark Funeral Home, 196 Elm St., Champlain, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 86 Church St., Champlain, NY with Rev. Bill Edwards, celebrating the mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Church St., Champlain, NY. Donations in her memory may be made to Cystinosis Research Foundation, 18802 Bardeen Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612 c/o Zoe Solsby. To light a virtual candle by sharing a condolence or a memory, please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.