Andrew + SZPARA, Shannon. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

THEODORE'S OBITUARY

Theodore J. Bland Jr., 72, of Amherst NY, passed suddenly on Tuesday, March 13th, 2024. Born on August 9th, 1951 in Niagara Falls NY, he was the son of the late Theodore J. Bland Sr. and late Catherine (nee Brenseke) Bland. Ted married his high school sweetheart, Jill J. Peploe, on July 25th, 1974. She pre-deceased Ted on March 23rd, 1999.  Ted was a graduate of LaSalle High School, SUNY Fredonia and Niagara University. Ted enjoyed a long career over three decades and retired as a beloved elementary teacher from Forest Elementary in the Williamsville School District. (Indeed.)
Ted’s true pride was his family. He is survived by his three children, Theodore J. Bland III of Mesa, AZ, Andrew (Shannon) Bland of Grand Island, NY and Carrie (James) McKinnon of Westford, MA; cherished grandchildren Alex, Jillian, Hunter, Charley and Wesley; caring siblings, Dr. Susan Bland, Patricia (Salvatore) Pagano, Kathleen (Gary) Bien and many nieces and nephews. 
The family will host calling hours on Monday March 18th, 2024,from 4-7pm at Lane Funeral home; 8622 Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Funeral will be held Tuesday March 19th, 2024 at 11am at St. Paul’s Amherst Lutheran Campus; 5125 Main St. Williamsville, NY 14221. Prayers of committal and internment will follow at Acacia Park Cemetery in Pendleton NY. In Lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in loving memory of Jill and Ted Bland.

Theodore married PEPLOE, Jill J on 25 Jul 1974. Jill died on 23 Mar 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Theodore married DIER, Marilyn J on 28 Oct 1972. Marilyn (daughter of DIER, Clarence A and THOMSON, Elizabeth) was born on 1 May 1951 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY; died on 17 Jan 2021 in Grand Island, Erie County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Marilyn J. (nee Dier) Szpara, 69, of Grand Island, NY, passed away suddenly on January 17, 2021.  Born on May 1, 1951 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Dier and the late Elizabeth (nee Thomson) McKenzie.  On October 28, 1972, Marilyn married Theodore J. Szpara, Jr.  He predeceased her on November 18, 2006.

Marilyn was mainly a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls until she moved Grand Island to be with her daughter and family.  She was educated in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. For over 50 years, Marilyn was employed by Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, where she was currently employed as a Medical Records Clerk. She enjoyed traveling, spending time in Florida with her brother and sisters and other family members. Above all else, Marilyn loved spending time with her precious grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her loving daughter, Shannon (Andrew) Bland; beloved grandchildren, Alexander and Jillian Bland; caring siblings, Elizabeth (late Karl) Blair, Marge (Frank DeDario) Cirillo, Beverly (Albert Johnston) Luffman and Robert (Christine) Dier and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will be present on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007) where Marilyn’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 21st at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Laura Norris-Buisch officiating. (For the funeral, enter the funeral home parking lot via the south (2nd Avenue) entrance). Prayers of committal and interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  Friends invited. Masks and social distancing will be required for your safety at all gatherings.  Thank you for your support and understanding.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice.  Professional arrangements are under the care of Michael R. Goodlander. Share condolences and memories and view his/her tribute video at facebook.com/goodlandercares and GOODLANDERCARES.com

Theodore married BRENSEKE, Catherine Susan on 7 Oct 1942 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Catherine (daughter of BRENSEKE, William J and ABBOTT, Helen C) was born on 1 Oct 1920 in New York; died on 14 May 2005 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Niagara Gazette - 10/20/1942

Mr. and Mrs William J Brenseke
of Seventy-seventh street, announce
the marriage of their daughter
Catherine Susan, to Private Theo-
dore J. Bland, son of Mr. and Mrs..
John Bland, of Pierce avenue, this
cty. The wedding took place Oc-
tober 7, in San Bernardino,, Calif.

Clarence married THOMSON, Elizabeth on 25 Dec 1941. Elizabeth (daughter of THOMSON, William and COOK, May) was born on 4 Nov 1922 in Stevenston, Ayrshire, Scotland; died on 13 May 2015 in Town of Niagara, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth (nee Thomson) Dier McKenzie, 92, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at her residence, while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born on November 4, 1922 in Stevenston, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late William and May (Cook) Thomson. On December 25, 1941, she married Clarence A. Dier. He predeceased her on April 5, 1972.

Betty, as she was known to family and friends, came to Niagara Falls at the age of five. She attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. For thirty-five years, Betty was employed as a Nurses Aide for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church on Ward Road in North Tonawanda as well as Order of the Eastern Star. Betty had also served as President and Vice President of the McKenzie Club. She enjoyed crafts, sewing and knitting.

Betty is survived by five children, Elizabeth (Karl) Blair, Marge Cirillo, Beverly Luffman, Robert (Chris) Dier and Marilyn (late Ted) Szpara; six grandchildren, Ken Holt, Ann Cirillo, Kris Gedeon, John Luffman, Shannon Bland and Karolyn Blair; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a very special cousin, Darlene Hathaway, who was Betty's constant companion in her last days and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was predeceased by one granddaughter, Jennifer Luffman and two brothers.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007) where a funeral service will be held on Monday, May 18th at 10:00 a.m. Prayers of committal and interment will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. Please visit www.ottoredanz.com