Winifred T. (Taylor) Gushea

Winifred “Winnie” Gushea a long-time resident of Canton passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019, at her home under the care of Hospice. She was 100.  Winnie was born October 12, 1919 at the Little River Boat Livery in Canton, she was the daughter of the late Winfred and Addie (Lavery) Taylor, both of St. Lawrence County. She graduated from Canton High School in 1938. She married Garrison Barcomb of Piercefield in August, 1941 and moved to Hartford, Connecticut where she lived throughout WWll. Upon her return to Canton in 1948 she was employed by the St Lawrence County National Bank as a teller and bookkeeper. In 1952, she partnered with her husband in the purchase of the Miss Canton Diner which they relocated in 1958 to the “Old Stone Mill” property on Main Street in the village. They later changed the name of the restaurant to The Cascade Inn. Her first husband died in 1963 and she continued to manage the business for the next fifty + years.  She married Floyd Gushea in March 1966, who predeceased her in August 1999.

Throughout her life she was an enthusiastic animal lover, especially fond of her Scottish Terrier dogs and Arabian horses. She enjoyed her cottage at Higley Flow and her home in Florida. Professionally, she was most at home at her restaurant where she formed lifelong friendships with employees and patrons.

She is survived by her son Gary (Terry) Barcomb of Canton, and daughters, Roxanne (John) Coffey of Pyrities and Suzanne (John) Pearson of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Nicholas Barcomb, Gary Barcomb, Christopher Burnham, Brandon Coffey, Rebecca Coffey, Britanny Coffey and Adelaide Lynch, and great-grandchildren Sebastian Coffey and Skyler Lynch.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A memorial service will be held on Friday December 20th at 12:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions in her memory may be made to the Potsdam Animal Shelter or St. Lawrence Hospice and Palliative Care.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com

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