Obituaries: September 19, 2013

Robert Chabot, 78, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on September 15, 2013. (No more details available on funeral home website) Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com

Eva Maria Christensen, 96, of Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully on Friday September 13, 2013, at Consulate Health Care in Vero Beach. She was born on March 21, 1917, in Berlin, Germany, during World War I, to Maria (Becher) Kremin and Dr. Gustav Kremin. In 1936, she married Dr. Victor Laskowski, a World War I veteran. She and her husband lived in Berlin until the closing days of World War II, when they fled west, ahead of advancing Russian troops. They made it to the Elbe River, where they lost each other while crossing under heavy fire. They found one another three months later. Shortly thereafter, their daughter Vivian was born. After the War, they returned to the Potsdam- Babelsberg area near Berlin where Dr. Laskowski continued his medical practice. This area eventually became the Soviet-occupied zone of Germany, and then the German Democratic Republic. Their home was located within yards of the Berlin border. Their second child, Ralph Victor (Peter) was born there in 1950. The political unrest and turmoil during the early 1950’s in East Germany made life very difficult. Eva and her son Peter managed to get out in 1955. They made it to a refugee camp in West Berlin, and eventually to the home of her Uncle Otto Becher, in Waitsfield, Vermont. Eva worked at her uncle’s Lodge, known as Beckridge, for one winter. Then, she went on a tour of the United States, before returning to Berlin. For the next several years, Eva and her son alternately spent one year in the U.S. and one year in Europe, while attempting to get the rest of the family out of East Germany. During one attempted escape, Eva’s daughter Vivian was arrested and confined to a re-education camp for several months. Eva’s son Peter did manage to cross the border between east and west numerous times to smuggle out family papers and heirlooms. At one point Eva went back into East Germany disguised as a man in order to visit her home one more time. Finally, in 1960, Eva’s husband, daughter, and son found another way out across the border, and escaped to the West. The family resettled in Munich, but it was difficult with four people living in one room. So, Eva took her son with her, and returned to the U.S. Peter went to live with the Gaylord family in Waitsfield, while Eva moved to New York City to find a job. Eva worked for several years in the city as a health and beauty consultant with Elizabeth Arden, while summering on Fire Island. Eva subsequently divorced Dr. Laskowski. She then married Richard Christensen, a businessman from Racine, Wisconsin. Eva lived in Racine for the next 20 years, and traveled frequently all over the globe. After the death of her husband, she relocated to Sebastian, Florida, and then Vero Beach, Florida. She also lived at Evergreen Place in Waitsfield, during 2002 to 2003. Survivors include her son Peter Laskowski and his wife Blaine, their children Dr. Kristina McElhinney and her husband Dr. Brian McElhinney, Alexander Laskovski, Nicholas Laskovski, and Hadley Laskowski; and Eva’s daughter’s children Albert and Alexandra Eckart of Connecticut. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Dylan and Nora McElhinney. Eva’s daughter Vivian predeceased her earlier this year. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service in Waitsfield. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (9/19/13)

Mrs. Ethel Lois Dehmer, 93, died September 14, 2013 at Rosewood Manor in Vero Beach. She was born in Jersey City, NJ and lived in Vero Beach for 37 years coming from Park Ridge, NJ. She graduated from Crawford High School. Ethel was a Secretary for the Daystrom Corp. and Layne and Fynck before her retirement in 1976. Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Wilbur Dehmer of Vero Beach and son, Randall. A visitation will be held at 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2013 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach with a memorial service immediately following at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Kerry officiating. ‘It seems like all this life was but a dream we dreamed one afternoon long ago.” J.G. Rest in peace. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (9/19/13)Ulyssess McGriff, 86, of Vero Beach, FL died Thursday September 12, 2013 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born on January 7, 1927 in Vero Beach, FL a native of Indian River County. Ulyssess was retired from the citrus business as a foreman. He was a member of Community Baptist Church. His hobbies were fishing, and taking care of his nieces and nephews. Survivors include his wife, Mada McGriff of Vero Beach, FL. Ulyssess was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Johnson and Milo McGriff, brothers, Eddie Lee McGriff, James D. McGriff, Paul James McGriff, Harry McGriff, sisters, Mattie Ruth McGriff and Mary Francis McGriff. Visitation will be held 4 to 7PM at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel, Vero Beach. A funeral will be held at 2:30PM at Saint Elizabeth Church of Deliverance. Burial will follow at Gifford Cemetery. (9/19/13)

Ulyssess McGriff, 86, of Vero Beach, FL died Thursday September 12, 2013 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born on January 7, 1927 in Vero Beach, FL a native of Indian River County. Ulyssess was retired from the citrus business as a foreman. He was a member of Community Baptist Church. His hobbies were fishing, and taking care of his nieces and nephews. Survivors include his wife, Mada McGriff of Vero Beach, FL. Ulyssess was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Johnson and Milo McGriff, brothers, Eddie Lee McGriff, James D. McGriff, Paul James McGriff, Harry McGriff, sisters, Mattie Ruth McGriff and Mary Francis McGriff. Visitation will be held 4 to 7PM at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel, Vero Beach. A funeral will be held at 2:30PM at Saint Elizabeth Church of Deliverance. Burial will follow at Gifford Cemetery. (9/19/13)

Glida L. McNealy, 48, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on September 6, 2013. Hortense & Mills Memorial Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL http://www.hmmemorials.com (9/19/13)

Hattie Bell Pinder was born in Mauvilla, Alabama on May 16, 1933 to proud parents James and Hattie Rice Durham. She is the granddaughter of Reverend Charles and Lottie Rice. She enjoyed her childhood in the communities of Mauvilla and Pritchard, Alabama.  Hattie graduated from Dunbar High School and continued her education by attending nursing school. At the age of 18 she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she later met and married the late John W. May Sr. Their union produced three sons, John Jr., Gregory and Clarence. They made their home in Camden, New Jersey.   Hattie was a full time mother for many years. Later in life she worked in a variety of retail positions. She eventually moved to Vero Beach, Florida as did her sons. She married the late Alexander Pinder.   Hattie was baptized at Camden Miracle Center in Camden, NJ. Hattie loved the Lord and dedicated her life to Christ. She was an active member of the church. One of her special passions was caring for the shepherd of the church. She led the Pastor’s Aide in Camden and in Vero Beach. She was known for her “Cakeless Cake” Sale fundraisers.   She fought the good fight for many years dealing with a variety of illnesses. Through it all, she continued to trust in the Lord. Despite her infirmities, she made it her personal ministry to give to those in need. For more than 20 years, she ministered to families with her “Household Products” baskets. Many in Camden and Vero Beach remember her coming to church with bags of toiletries and household items that she distributed to those in need. Not a wealthy woman by any means, Hattie was always generous and ready to share with others. She would clip coupons and buy items on sale so she could giveaway things that people need and couldn’t afford to purchase.   Hattie is survived by her three sons; Minister John W. May Jr., Gregory May, and Clarence May, her mother; Hattie Rice Lokey, her sister; Nell Rivers, brother in law, Raymond Rivers, ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, half sister, Betty Lynaum and a host of relatives and friends. http://www.hmmemorials.com (9/19/13)

Willie Henry White, 63, died on Sept 15, 2013 at his home in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born on Dec 14, 1949 in Havana, Florida. He was a resident of Vero Beach, Florida for 35 years coming from Ft. Pierce, Florida. He was employed as a Laborer for City of Vero Beach, Florida. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and NAACP. He served in the United State Marine Corps. He is preceded in death by his parents: Tom & Lula Mae White, Daughter: Felicia H. White, Brother: Charles Cromartie and Uncle: Rev Henry White. Survivors include: Son: Henry ( Kellie) White of Tampa, Florida. Daughters: Nikkiti White of Alabama, LaJanette Pullen of Fort Pierce, Florida and Precious (Darrious) Lee of Port St Lucie, Florida. Brothers: Steve (Francie) White of Port St Lucie, Florida, David White of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Calvin Nedd of Fort Pierce, Florida. Sisters: Fannie (Cortez) Hendrix of New Jersey, Miriam Wesley of Ft. Pierce, Florida, Lizzie Mobley of Fort Pierce, Florida, Lula White of West Palm Beach, Florida, Gloria White of Fort Pierce, Florida and Sandra White of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Grandchildren-10; Great-Grandchildren-2 Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept 20, 2013, 3pm-7pm at Sarah’s Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Saturday, Sept 21,2013, 11am at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 4360 30th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida with Rev. Willie Richardson, officiating. A burial will be in Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach, Florida. (9/19/13)