Eunice P. Benfield

Eunice P. Benfield of Southold died June 26, 2019. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Clifford J. Benfield and loving mother of John (Maureen), James (Lois) and Daniel (Cynthia). She was the cherished grandmother of Jack, Peter, Ben, Katie, Annie, Teddy, Thomas and the great-grandmother of Emily, Lillian, Caroline, Julia, Jamie and Victoria. 

She was interred at First Presbyterian Church of Southold in New York on Monday, July 1.

Born in 1931 in Schenectady, N.Y., she married Cliff in 1949 and moved to Roslyn, Long Island, where she and her husband raised their family and was always involved as an active member of the community. Eunice and her husband relocated to Southold in the late 1970s making it their new home. 

Always caring and giving, over the years she served as the director of the Long Island Council of Churches Blood Services Program, a director of the William Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport, past president of the Minnepaug Club and an active member of the Southold Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as member of the Herb Society of America. 

To all who knew her it was evident that Eunice found her greatest joy in family and most loved those times when all were gathered around together. She will be sorely missed by all.

Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

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Joseph Charles Henry of Greenport died July 5. He was 91.

Visitors will be received Monday, July 8, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport followed by interment with Navy Honor Guard at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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Jenny T. Skirel of Mattituck died July 4. She was 88.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

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Joseph Charles Henry of Greenport, formerly of Cutchogue, died July 5. He was 91.

He was born April 23, 1928, to Eleanor (Tonner) and Joseph B. Henry in Jackson Heights, N.Y.

Mr. Henry graduated from high school and married his wife, Elaine, Nov. 24, 1957, at St. Andrew Avellino R.C. Church in Flushing, Queens.

He served in the U.S. Navy for two years as a pharmacist mate, 3rd class. He was awarded a victory medal and an American campaign medal during World War II. He later made a career as an officer with the NYPD for 20 years and as a pilot for police boats.

Mr. Henry was the proprietor of Triangle Sea Sales, a nautical shop in Greenport, for 40 years. He served as secretary of the Greenport-Southold Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Greenport American Legion. Family members said his hobbies included talking with people, visiting casinos, traveling, yard sales, cruises, woodworking and working at the shop.

Mr. Henry is survived by his wife; his son, Joseph R. Henry; his daughters, Beth Gordon and Linda Denny; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitors were received July 8 at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 9 at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. Interment with Navy Honor Guard followed at Calverton National Cemetery, Father Richard Hoerning officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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Mary Edith Travers of Southold died at home July 7. She was 92.Visitors will be received Wednesday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 11, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick R.C. Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett.

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Theresa Sullivan of Greenport died July 6. She was 85.

She was born Dec. 22, 1933, in to Edna Bailey and George Bladel in Yonkers and graduated from St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx.

Ms. Sullivan married Brian Sullivan in September 1993 in Huntington.

Her family said she enjoyed playing bridge.

Ms. Sullivan was predeceased by her husband Robert Ziegler in December 1991, followed by Mr. Sullivan in September 2009. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Manion; her sons Stephen and Robert Ziegler; her sister, Pauline Senulis; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A funeral Mass will take place Thursday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport, officiated by Father Richard Hoerning.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport assisted the family.

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Frances C. DiVello of Mattituck, N.Y., passed away at home July 1, 2019, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 7, 1934, to Anthony and Vincenza (Meroula) Catania.

Frances, adoringly known by many as Fran, Mama D, Granny/Franny Bird, GiGi and more, lived many lives within her 84 years and she beat the odds by overcoming her lot.

Fran’s mother passed away when she was a young teenager, forcing her, as the youngest of her siblings, to drop out of middle school to care for her ailing father, who passed away soon after. Despite the lack of a formal education, Fran thrived in the working world, securing a job in telecommunications and receiving several promotions by the time she reached her early 20s.

She married her childhood sweetheart, John, on June 19, 1954, and together they raised a large and close-knit family with entrepreneurial pursuits.

The perennial matriarch, Fran oversaw operations of their waste management company, Mattituck Sanitation, with her husband and three sons — Rocky, Johnny and Anthony. Driven and venturesome, Fran partnered with her daughter, Diana, to create an award-winning dining experience with their Italian restaurant, Porto Bello Ristorante. Diana has since expanded on Fran’s legacy and vision and runs the restaurant today with the help of her own family and faithful staff.

Whenever possible, Fran loved to spend quality time with family and friends, cook unforgettable meals, gamble at Foxwoods, care for her pets, beautify her home and cultivate her faith in God. She was both a gifted storyteller and a sympathetic listener with great intuition and it was often joked that the entrances to her home and office should be equipped with revolving doors. Strangers were always welcome at Fran’s table, where they never stayed strangers for long. She loved her family and friends fiercely and they loved her back just as much. She was truly one of a kind.

Fran has rejoined her husband, John, and son, Johnny, who both passed on from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease in 2013 and 2016, respectively. She is also predeceased by six siblings, four brothers and two sisters.

She will be fondly remembered and forever missed by her three surviving children Vito “Rocky” DiVello of Mattituck, Diana DiVello (Bobby) Haase of Southold, N.Y. and Anthony DiVello of Mattituck; her 16 grandchildren Tina DiVello, Jonathan DiVello, Angela DiVello, Jennifer (TJ) Hug-DiVello, William Walters Jr., Christopher (Brenda) Walters, Joseph DiVello, Andrew Walters, John A. DiVello Jr., Megan (Steve) Grattan, Nicole DiVello, Taylor DiVello, Emily DiVello, Anthony DiVello Jr., Hunter DiVello and Leah DiVello; and five great-grandchildren Christopher Walters Jr., Aiden Walters, Liam Walters, Alaina Grattan and Thomas Grattan. As her love knew no bounds, she also enjoyed strong, lasting relationships with Josephine Ingardi, Joann and Lou Celano, Patricia Harbes DiVello and countless other cherished extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, the family asks that you honor her memory by offering an act of kindness to someone in need and praying for her soul.

Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold assisted the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Eva Fugosich, longtime resident of the Harbor Lights Community in Southold, N.Y. passed away peacefully over Fourth of July weekend, 2019. She was 89 years old.

Eva’s early years were spent in Ossining and Brooklyn, N.Y., with her parents and sisters Elma and Agnes. The sisters were always the best of friends, loved to go dancing and enjoyed each other’s company throughout their lives.

After World War II, Eva met a young veteran, John Fugosich, who loved to dance as much as she did. In 1950, she and John were married. They lived in Queens most of their married life together, where Eva was a wife, mother of two, a college student and a career woman. She and John shared many wonderful times over the years in Queens with their extended families and cherished friends.

When Eva’s children started to go to school, Eva began to work in administration for Macy’s in Queens. She left Macy’s and was employed at Consolidated Edison Company of New York. At Con Edison she worked as a secretary to the manager of the management personnel department and later as the secretary to the controller of the company.

Starting in 1962, Eva and John began spending their summers in Southold with John’s family. They enjoyed many years of swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing on Peconic Bay with their daughters, their sons-in-law and grandchildren. After Eva and John retired from their employment, they moved to Harbor Lights and became residents of Southold. They were members of the Southold Adriatic Club and the Senior Citizens Club of Southold Township in Mattituck. They enjoyed bowling with other senior citizens and always jumped at the chance to attend social events that included music and dancing. Eva and John were exceptional dancers and watching them dance together was a joy to behold.

Eva was known for her integrity, intellect and strong work ethic that she passed on to her children. She had many interests and talents. She was an avid book and newspaper reader, gardener, crafts person and artist. She had a keen eye for decorating and often made the cutest craft items for social events and holidays. She provided encouragement to others in their times of need. Her caring counsel and fortitude will be greatly missed.

Eva is survived by two daughters Carol Fugosich with her spouse Gerald DeIeso of Hollis Hills, N.Y., and Nancy Fugosich-Cheng with her spouse Noland Cheng of Montville, N.J. She is also survived by her two grandchildren Jacquelyn Cheng of Seattle, Wash. and Justin Cheng of Philadelphia, Pa. Eva has joined her predeceased husband, John Fugosich, in eternal peace.

Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to say farewell to her in Mattituck, N.Y.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 13805 Main Road (Route 25), Mattituck, NY 11952. 631-298-4016.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, 14300 Main Road (Route 25), Mattituck, NY 11952, officiated by Monsignor Joseph W. Staudt.

Eva will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery, immediately following the Funeral Mass on Monday, July 15.

This is a paid notice.

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Ioannis G. Papadakis of Orient died June 30. He was 88.

He was born June 29, 1931, to Elpida Mavrakis and George Papadakis in Axladia on the island of Crete in Greece.

Mr. Papadakis graduated from primary school and later married his wife, Penelope, in Sitia, Crete, in 1954.

He served for two years as an officer with the Corfu Police and was self-employed for 35 years in construction.

His family said his hobbies included gardening, Cretan-Greek poetry and woodworking.

Mr. Papadakis was predeceased by his brother, Niko, in 2009. He is survived by his wife; daughters, Georgia, of East Setauket, Irene Spyratos of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mary Panagiotakopoulos of Athens, Greece; and five grandchildren.

A service will take place Friday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to noon at Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis & Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church, 702 Main St., Greenport. Interment will follow at Orient Central Cemetery. Father Jerasimos Ballas will officiate.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport assisted the family.

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Frank S. Thorp Jr., 80, of East Marion, passed peacefully while surrounded by his loving family.

Frank had a rewarding career as a respected social studies teacher at Weber J.H.S. in Port Washington. He taught fairness and tolerance while encouraging each student to do their personal best. In addition, for many years he directed the sailing programs at yacht clubs in Port Washington and Orient.

He lived his dream and retired to his family home in East Marion, where he had spent every summer since childhood. He cherished his front porch view, with binoculars always within reach. He enjoyed his later years working at S.T. Preston & Sons in Greenport, where he shared his vast knowledge of boating and local waters.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula, his four children, Charles Thorp, Ann Asaro and husband Michael, Jill Doherty, Frank Thorp III and wife Shannon, and his brother Edward and wife Virginia. He was the proud grandfather of Jacob Thorp, Sarah and Brian Doherty, Michaela and Samantha Asaro. He is predeceased by his first wife Barbara.

Visitation is today, Friday, July 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home at 735 First St. in Greenport. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 13 from  10 a.m at St. Agnes R.C. Church at 523 Front St. in Greenport. Interment to follow at East Marion Cemetery, East Marion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either San Simeon by the Sound or the East Marion Fire Department.

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Mary Ellen Czelatka of Southold died July 11. She was 75.

Visitors will be received Sunday, July 14, from 4 to 7 p.m at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

Memorial donations may be made to any veterans organization of the donor’s choice or the Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad. 

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Susan Elizabeth Homan

Susan Elizabeth (nee Van Popering) Homan, longtime Greenport school nurse and a wellspring of loving strength and support to family and friends, passed away in hospice Wednesday, June 5, 2019. She was 83.

Susan was an active and social person who was known especially for making  friends, lending a hand and getting things done. Her confidence, cheerful practicality and emotional intelligence were a source of comfort and encouragement to those around her. She will be deeply missed.

A native of Greenport, New York, and the youngest of five children, Susan graduated from Greenport High School in 1953, later earning a B.S. from Keuka College and an M.S. from Boston University. 

She returned to Greenport, where she married Alfred Homan and where the couple raised their son, Carl, and cared for their niece and ward, Karen Wilkinson. After Alfred’s death in 2001, Susan moved to Nokomis, Florida, where she met her second partner, Richard O’Donnell, and where she remained until her death.

Susan was active in the Methodist Church, both in Greenport and in the Venice-Nokomis area. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafts, reading, nature, jigsaw puzzles, computer games, catching up with family and friends and making special treats for loved ones.

Susan was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Alfred Homan; her parents, Marian Van Popering (nee Pierson) and Bernard Van Popering; her sister, Martha Wilkinson, and brother-in-law, Roy Wilkinson; her brother, Bernard Van Popering; and her brother-in-law, John Chapman.  

Susan is survived by her partner of 16 years, Richard O’Donnell; her son, Carl Homan; daughter-in-law, Emma Ayala Homan; grandchildren, William and Charles Homan; her niece, Karen Wilkinson, and nephew-in-law, Daniel Brandon; her sister, Marian Pell, and brother-in-law, William Pell; her sister, Lena Chapman; her sister-in-law, Maureen Van Popering; her large extended family; and her many friends.

Funeral arrangements are to be determined. For more information, or to contact the family, please e-mail homanmemorial@comcast.net. Memorial donations can be sent to Grace United Methodist Church Preschool, Grace United Methodist Church, 400 East Field Ave., Venice, FL 34285.

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Harley Byron Arnold of Mattituck, N.Y., 92, died peacefully Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

Born Aug. 14, 1926, on a farm in Granby, Oswego County, N.Y., to Byron C. Arnold and Ruth N. Arnold, Harley was the fourth of five children.

Harley attended high school in Wilmington, N.Y., where he played soccer. Growing up, he also enjoyed skiing and ice hockey. Interested in music from an early age, Harley sang and played the French horn and cornet.

Harley served in the United States Navy from Feb. 12, 1944, to Sept. 27, 1945, where he learned to fly as a Naval pilot trainee. He attended Oberlin College and Cornell University, studying chemical engineering. He subsequently attended and graduated from SUNY/Oswego, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Gerard Tuthill. They were married at Mattituck Presbyterian Church June 23, 1951. For over 40 years, Harley and Joyce made their home in Mattituck, where they raised three children. They taught their children to sing in four-part harmony and transmitted their love of playing music and dancing to them as well. Harley later went on to earn his master’s degree from NYU Polytechnic Institute.

Harley was employed for many years at Grumman Aerospace, where he worked as an engineer and systems analyst and assisted with the design of the Apollo lunar excursion module. While living on Long Island, he continued his love of flight by earning his private pilot’s license.

Ever the inquisitive engineer, Harley was always striving to determine the most effective and productive way to accomplish the tasks life threw at him. He was constantly researching, tinkering, building, assessing and readjusting things, both big and small, with the goal of making life better for all those around him. He patiently spent hours in his basement helping his children learn to create delicate balsa wood and tissue paper airplanes, which they would fly outside together. On a much larger scale, Harley also built by hand a complete full-sized Polynesian outrigger catamaran in his basement, along with a boat trailer to transport it. This unique boat, christened the “Fia Fia,” was launched from Mattituck Yacht Club and his family and friends enjoyed many happy sailing excursions under its 70-foot sail. Harley was also an avid ham radio operator, and communicated regularly with others around the world, under the call sign W2YRC.

After Joyce passed away in March 1994, Harley spent several years living part time, and then full time, in Pompano Beach, Fla. In 2016, He moved back to Long Island to be closer to his family.

Harley was a generous, compassionate and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved sailing, singing in harmony, all kinds of music, reading, golf, soccer, ice hockey, playing cards and just being together with family and friends. Harley had a wonderful sense of humor and was a talented teller of jokes and stories. He was a member of Mattituck Lions Club and attended Mattituck Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, Harley was predeceased by his sisters Marion Arnold and Margaret Arnold and a grandson, James Gerard Nolan. Harley is survived by his sister Llouise Van Enwyck (Bubby); his brother, Elmer “Ish” Arnold (Maureen); his daughters, Susan Baylis Arnold Labins and Jeanne Gerard Arnold (formerly Nolan) Schwetje (John); and his son, Thomas Eames Arnold (Jean). Other survivors include five grandchildren, Katherine Jeanne Nolan (Simon), Sarah Lillian Soden (Joshua), David Harley Labins, Jesse Nicholas Arnold and Joyce “Bailey” Arnold; and two great-grandchildren, Kieran James Skinner and Isabel Mae Skinner.

In accordance with Harley’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is assisting the family.

This is a paid notice.

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James “Jim” Peter Wilcenski died peacefully, but unexpectedly, while asleep in his home June 18, 2019, at the age of 66.Jim is survived by his wife, Gail Bishop.

Jim was born Nov. 30, 1952, in Riverhead, N.Y. He was the second of seven children born to Edward and Bertha Wilcenski.

He grew up in Mattituck, N.Y., where he was part of a large extended family of Long Island/North Fork farmers. He graduated from Mattituck High School in 1970, after which he served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years on Shelter Island, N.Y., where he was greatly missed after retirement.

Jim married Gail Bishop in 2011 and together they moved to New Hampshire’s Upper Connecticut River Valley in 2015. Their shared love of early American architecture led them to buy a 1791 Georgian home in the Haverhill Corner Historic District, with its beautiful 18th and 19th century architecture and well-preserved common.

Jim loved American history, and he and Gail were always looking forward to their next trip to New England’s many historic sites. Jim delighted in exploring the New England countryside and the White Mountains, and he enjoyed golf and bird-watching. He volunteered at Court Street Arts at Alumni Hall and he was a member of the Horse Meadow Senior Center choir.

A memorial Mass was held for Jim in Riverhead June 22 at St. Isidore R.C. Church. Another memorial Mass will be offered for Jim at 2 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bradford, Vt.

Jim’s sudden passing has left a vast hole in the hearts of his family, but they take comfort in the knowledge that he is in heaven, where they will one day be reunited with him. Jim’s widow, Gail, would like to thank the many Haverhill friends and neighbors who have offered their help and support during this very difficult time.

This is a paid notice.

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Georgia Dumas, known as Judy, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on June 25, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pa. She was a resident of Southold.Judy was born April 24, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Harriet (Mangikas) and George Georgaras. The family moved to New York City when she was a child. She was one of five children, survived by her youngest sister, Carole Leodas of Huntington, N.Y.

Judy is predeceased by her husband, Theodore Dumas. She is also survived by her son, Constantine Dumas; daughter, Jeannette Dumas and her husband, Edward Winter; a grandchild, Theodore Winter; two goddaughters, Joan Simon and Stacey DeBellis-Chamberlain; and nieces and nephews.

Judy graduated from Washington Irving High School in New York City in 1946. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Queens College in 1950. For most of her working life, Judy was a reading teacher in the New York City public school system, becoming an assistant principal of special education at Brandeis High School in Manhattan. She earned two master’s degrees in education from New York University. After retiring from Brandeis High School, she worked as an adjunct at Baruch College before retiring full time.

Judy was a member of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, singing in the choir and attending Bible study. She was an excellent cook and an avid swimmer at Southold’s beaches. She loved to travel and attend the Metropolitan Opera.

A funeral service was held June 29, 2019, at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria, N.Y., with Father Anastasios Pourakis officiating. She was interred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, N.Y., with her husband. The mnemosino will be held at Sts. Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church, 702 Main St., Greenport, on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. Father Jerasimos Ballas will officiate.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Philadelphia Education Fund or to the Greek Orthodox churches mentioned above.

This is a paid notice.

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Eleanor Ruth Walker departed this life Feb. 8, 2019, in Alexandria, Va.

Eleanor was a lifelong residence of Riverhead, N.Y. She was born in Jamesport to James and Minnie Lynch in 1923. She was the youngest of three children in a very close-knit family.

In her early years she enjoyed playing the piano, swimming at Iron Pier, running home from Roanoke Avenue School and dancing at the Savoy in Harlem.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, James W. Walker Sr., and her son, James W. Walker Jr.

She played an intricate part in the lives of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She leaves to cherish her memory three granddaughters Zena Jackson (Brian), Camille Sturges (Benjamin) and Carra Abrahams (Orville); special nephew Patrick Harris; nephews and niece John B. Harris III, O’ona Calvin and Myron Harris; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will take place Friday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Riverhead.

This is a paid notice.

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William (Bill) Beresford of Mattituck died June 22 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 86. Mr. Beresford was born May 26, 1933, to Rose (McCurgan) and Henry Beresford in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Bill graduated from Brooklyn Prep School in Bay Ridge in 1951 and Fordham University in 1955. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in Hawaii. Bill was a member of the Hawaiian major leagues for the Marine Corps baseball team and tried out for the New York Yankees and Boston Braves.

Bill worked for Columbus Coating in Manhattan for eight years before a 28-year career as Vice President and Eastern Regional Sales Manager in industrial steel sales for Enamel Products and Plating Co. from an office in New Hyde Park. Bill married Joan Murial Maloney Aug. 13, 1966, in Queens. They moved to Smithtown in 1970 and raised a family there for 28 years. They moved to Mattituck, which they loved, in 1998.

Bill was a member of Right to Life and supported Wounded Warriors and veterans’ health care issues. Bill was a Born Again Christian, converted at the age of 85.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Joan, in 2012 at age 76; and his sister, Joan Beresford Finnerty. He is survived by his son Harry and wife Barbara; his son Kevin and wife Lorrie; and grandchildren Vaughn and River. Dad will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held at Harbor Church in Center Moriches on June 27 followed by interment with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Christian Fellowship, Wickham Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952, c/o Pastor Dan.

This is a paid notice.

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Mary E. Travers (née Holihan), age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Southold, N.Y., July 7, 2019, after a courageous and dignified battle against Alzheimer’s disease.Mary was born March 24, 1927, in Manhattan, N.Y.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sophia and Edward Holihan; her husband, James F. Travers; her sister, Joan Wiehl; and her son James D. Travers. She is survived by her brothers, Brian Holihan (Suzanne) and Brendan Holihan (Kathleen); in-laws Elena Travers Hancock and Thomas Wiehl Jr.; her daughter and longtime caregiver, Kathleen, and daughters Barbara (Paul) and Janet; her son Robert (Kristie ); and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She attended The Montessori School in Brooklyn, Bishop McDonnell High School and St. Joseph’s College for Women, then completed graduate studies at Columbia University and went on to teach at Manual Training High School in Brooklyn.

Mary married James F. Travers in 1951 and together they raised five children. She was involved in numerous volunteer organizations, notably her active participation in the American Association of University Women, serving two terms as president of the Garden City branch.

Mary spent eight years as a volunteer docent at La Falaise, the Guggenheim estate in Sands Point, and most recently was a docent for Southold Historical Society’s Horton Point Lighthouse in Southold. For 22 years, she enjoyed spending her Sundays taking visitors on lighthouse tours.

Mary led a life full of knowledge quests, fun and adventure. She devoured books and had an insatiable appreciation for the arts and travel. She loved to play piano, dance, cook, garden, sail, entertain and could polish off a New York Times crossword puzzle in a heartbeat. In her earlier days, she was an accomplished skier and equestrian. During graduate school, she worked at the Claremont Riding Academy leading trail rides through Central Park. She loved flowers and animals, especially roses and dogs.

Always active, she played tennis and golf and swam in Southold Bay almost daily from spring through the fall. Mary lit up every room with her quick wit and vivacious personality. She brightened every life she entered. Her elegant style and infectious laugh were among her many distinctive hallmarks. She was very special and will be greatly missed.

A funeral Mass took place July 11 at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home assisted the family.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

This is a paid notice.

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Shirley Crocker of Southold, formerly of Cedarhurst, died July 16. She was 95. 

Visitors will be received Thursday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, July 19, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

Graveside services will take place Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. at Southold Presbyterian Cemetery, officiated by Reverend Ben Burns.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Autism Speaks.

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Judith Ann Kayton of Riverhead died at her home July 17, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was 81 years old.

Born in Troy, N.Y., March 11, 1938, to William and Dorothea (Sullivan) Butterfield, she was a graduate of Herricks High School. In 1973, she graduated cum laude from Nassau Community College, where she earned an associate degree in applied science-nursing. On May 22, 1977, she graduated with a BS in nursing from LIU C.W. Post and in February 1985 she received a Master of Arts degree from NYU.

She spent many caring years in nursing as a public health nurse, visiting nurse and Winthrop Hospital nurse, and in home care administration at VIP, Revival and later at Beth Abraham in the Bronx.

Judith was a member of the State Nurses Association, New York State Homecare Association and New York Public Health Nurses.

She spent many summers in Mattituck before moving to Riverhead 15 years ago from Mineola.

In the community, she was a member of The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons and Riverhead Garden Club and volunteered with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer food pantry and Bishop’s Committee.

She is survived by her children Jean Sogno (formerly of New Hampshire), Kathleen Kayton-Courtney (Rick) of South Huntington, Charles Kayton (Stacey) of Dix Hills, Barbara Talbot (Chris) of Cutchogue and Nicole Kayton of West Babylon; and eight grandchildren, Michael, Tyler and Lisa Sogno, Emily, Christopher and Jack Talbot and Ryan and Madison Kayton.

She was predeceased by her daughter Nancy Ellen in 1977 and by her beloved godmother, Barbara Rickmeyer.

Judy enjoyed life to the fullest. She would often say “Time is precious and life is not a dress rehearsal” and “Live life as if someone left the gate open.”

If Judy wasn’t traveling by train, plane, bike or auto, she was taking photos of the many places she traveled to.

She enjoyed being outdoors to “get air” and would hike, kayak, cross-country ski, garden or simply enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea (PG-Tips) with her friends.

She loved the ballet and fine arts and always had one of her grandchildren along to enjoy it with her. She shared that those times were some of her best memories.

Mom shared her love of animals with her family and had a special place in her heart for their well-being. It was not unusual for her to help an animal in need. Ducks, birds or turtles, she loved them all. She volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and supported their efforts in the New York area.

Judy always had a place in her heart to welcome others to her home. It was common for her children’s friends to refer to her as their second mom.

She had incredible strength and was the bravest person we have known.

As Christopher Robin said, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Because our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives, Judy would be honored if donations can be made to an animal society close to your heart.

The Rev. Roger Joslin conducted funeral services July 22 at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Mattituck.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck served the family.

This is a paid notice.

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