Marie "Poppy" Prince, 84, of Dunkirk died on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Gowanda on April 3, 1942, the daughter of the late Myron "Jack" and Viola (Peters) Howard.
Marie was a graduate of Gowanda Central School, retired from the former St. Vincent's Home in Dunkirk as a personal care aide, and provided home health care in the local area. Poppy loved Elvis and enjoyed talking with family and friends.
Survivors include a daughter, Suzanne (Larry) Near; a son, Stephen Prince; a sister, Dorothy Merrill; one granddaughter, Courtney (Wayne) Kelsey, Jr.; two great-granddaughters, Violet Near-Watkins and Jade Kelsey; as well as several stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Alan Prince, whom she married in September 1962 and who died in 1971; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Prince; and her best dog, "Barry."
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to any animal shelter or a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are by the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street in Forestville. To post condolences or memories, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
