June W. Karassik

June W. Karassik, age 67, of Ellicottville, New York, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at her home following a long illness.

Born May 10, 1946 in Fall River, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late John and Holly Halliwell Woodbury. She was married on June 14, 1969 in Syracuse, New York to Mr. John Karassik, who survives.

She was a graduate of Ohio-Wesleyan University, Class of 1968, majoring in education. She earned her Master's Degree in education from Syracuse University and her Master's Degree in school administration from SUNY Brockport.

She began her career in the Little Valley School System in elementary education as a reading specialist in 1989. With the merging of the Cattaraugus and Little Valley school systems, she served as the Curriculum Director and later, the Principal for the Cattaraugus Campus until her retirement in 2011. She had also published a Handbook on Literacy and Learning Disabilities while working at the Chisholm Education Centre in Oakville, Ontario. With all her academic achievements, what June enjoyed most was working with children.

June was a member of the St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where she attended Tuesday Bible study.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving besides her husband are: 1 daughter, Katie Didonato, Ellicottville, NY; 1 son, Jay (Marny) Karassik, Orchard Park, NY; 1 granddaughter, Anna Karassik, Orchard Park, NY; 3 grandsons, Nicholas Didonato, Ellicottville, NY, Matthew Didonato, Ellicottville, NY, and Doescher Karassik, Orchard Park, NY; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Jay Woodbury.

A memorial service will be held in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 99 Wildwood Ave, Salamanca, New York on Saturday March 8, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Michael Lonto, officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Roswell Memorial Park.

E-condolences may be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.