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PORT LEYDEN — Michele Elizabeth Kovach Malcolm, 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at her home in Port Leyden, NY. She is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, James Malcolm. She was born on January 20, 1945 in Lowville, NY, the only child of the late Phyllis (Potter) Kovach and Steven Kovach of Lyons Falls, NY.

Michele attended Port Leyden High School and graduated with the Class of 1963. After receiving her high school diploma, Michelle attended Oswego College for a year, but found a love of cosmetology and became a hairdresser for over 20 years. While raising her children in Syracuse, NY, where she enjoyed working at the Ames Craft Department helping fellow crafters, selling Avon out of her home and running her own beauty salon.



In her free time, she liked league bowling. Upon returning to Lewis County, she worked at Lally’s Manufacturing Company in Port Leyden as a seamstress, Shoemaker’s Drycleaner in Boonville as a manager, then Johnstown Knitting Mill as a machine operator and Quality Control Inspector before retiring. She was skilled in crafting and sewing, participating in local craft fairs.

She also donated many of her projects to the local community. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards with friends and family, and going to the Turning Stone casino. Throughout her life, she had a soft spot for her various pet cats, treating them like a beloved family member.

Family and friends will remember her for her genuine interest and care for their lives. In addition to James, Michele is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jacqueline (Miller) and James Zaganiaczyk of Canandaigua, NY, and Michelle A. James Marenfeld and Peter Marenfeld of Tucson, AZ; one son, William S.

James of Tucson, AZ; and two grandchildren, Ava and Nathaniel Marenfeld. She was predeceased by a son, Stephen Philip James. She was also predeceased by her former spouse, William Michael James, originally of Lyons Falls, NY, father of Steven, William S.

and Michelle A. Michele’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Rose “Rosebud” Empey for her friendship and kindness throughout the years. Pursuant to Michele’s wishes, a memorial service for family and friends will be held at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St.

, Boonville, on August 20, 2024 from 1–3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to the Lewis Country Humane Society in her name.

Expressions of sympathy can be made on Michele’s online memorial page at www.millsfuneralhomes.com .

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