Longtime Pittsford Resident Darlene Virginia Gochanour Passes Away at 86

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Darlene Virginia Gochanour, a longtime resident of Pittsford, Michigan, passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 86. Gochanour was born in Hudson, Michigan in 1939 and spent much of her working career in local factories and at the Market House in Hillsdale. She was known for her love of animals, Bluegrass music, and her delectable German chocolate cake.

Why it matters

Gochanour's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit community of Pittsford, where she was a fixture for decades. Her life story reflects the changing economic landscape of small-town Michigan, as factories like the one where she worked closed down over the years. Gochanour's dedication to her family, community, and passions serves as an inspiration to those who knew her.

The details

Gochanour was raised near Pittsford and graduated from Pittsford High School in 1958 before attending Riggs Beauty School in Hillsdale. She spent much of her working life in local factories, including Fayette Tubular Products and Bundy Tubing in Hillsdale, until their closures. Gochanour also worked for several years at the Market House in Hillsdale. In her free time, she enjoyed getting together with her ladies' club from Pittsford, attending Bluegrass music dances with her parents, tending to her flower gardens, and reading novels.

• Darlene Virginia Gochanour was born on December 22, 1939 in Hudson, Michigan.
• She graduated from Pittsford High School in 1958.
• Gochanour passed away on April 12, 2026 at the age of 86.