VIRGINIA GAFFNEY COONEY of Vero Beach, FL and a former resident of Manorville, NY and Bethpage, NY, passed on March 13, 2014 at her residence in Vero Beach. She is survived by her husband James and five daughters, Virginia Anne Rinehart (Tom), Carol Lynn Cohan (George), Janet Mary Rayve (Mark), Anne Teresa Hartmann (Eric), Audrey Catherine Watkins (George). She was the loving grandmother of 13 grandchildren, Sarah and Rachel Rinehart, Erin and Gregory Cohan, Emily, Hannah, James and Daniel Rayve, Eve and Ethan Hartmann, and Margaret, Olivia and Sophie Watkins. She was the loving sister of Joan Price (James) of Ft. Washington, MD, Barbara Gillman (John) of Brooklyn, NY, Joseph Gaffney, deceased (Mary), Arlene Barbini, deceased (Edward). She was the loving aunt of many cherished nieces and nephews.
Virginia attended the Fashion Institute of Technology at Manhattan, NY and was followed at that college by three daughters and one granddaughter, working artists all. Virginia was employed for many years in the textile industry as a textile designer, art director and colorist for several major textile firms at Manhattan, NY. She shifted careers to be closer to her five daughters and became an EKG Technician at Central General/ North Shore Hospital at Plainview, NY. Virginia and Jim relocated to Vero Beach in 1989 and she became a Certified Nursing Assistant for the Indian River Visiting Nurse Association. She also volunteered at Indian River Memorial Hospital and was a mentor for reading comprehension with the Indian River School District. She was an active member of the Holy Cross, RC Church Choir for years.
The family will receive friends from 2-5 PM Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, with a prayer service at 4PM. Mass will be celebrated at 10AM Monday, March 17, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calverton National Cemetery, in Calverton, NY. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
CATHERINE (KAY) MACATEE BOSWELL, 78, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014 in Sebastian, Florida. Kay was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and ultimately moved to Sebastian in 1987. She was an active member of the choir at her church, St Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. She loved many things, including collecting bears, teacups and teapots, dancing, traveling and spending time with her large family.
Kay is survived by her husband Benjamin W. Boswell, Jr. of Sebastian, her sister, Ginny McFee, daughters Dianne Abrams, Debbie Farrell and Cathy Heronemus, sons, Jim Magee. Michael Magee, and Bobby Magee, grandchildren, Jenny and Donnie Abrams, Megan Heronemus and Katie Miller, Kimberly Copes and Jonathan Magee, Chrissy Troup and Kelly Magee, Patrick and Timmy Magee and great grandchildren, Davonte, Malik, Jayden, Joey, Scarlett, Ben and Luke. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James W. Magee, Sr.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Choir Fund. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on March 18, 2014 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida. An interment ceremony will be held at a later date at the same church, as will another memorial service in Delaware for friends and family unable to attend the services in Florida. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
JENN DESROSIERS, 47, of Vero Beach, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at her residence. She was born November 30, 1966 in Portland, Maine and had been a resident of Vero Beach for 17 years, coming from Maine. Jenn worked as a veterinarian technician for several practices in Vero Beach. She operated a pet sitting service also in Vero Beach and was a lover of animals.
Jenn is survived by her mother and father, Bob and Jill Desrosiers of Vero Beach; sister and brother-in- law, Katherine and Bill Robinson of Gray, Maine; maternal grandmother,Jean Casparius of Massachusetts; and niece and nephew, Sophie and Conner Robinson of Gray, Maine. A the request of the family there will be no services. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
W. ALLEN FISHER, 94, made his peaceful journey to join his late loved ones on March 8, 2014. Born in Philadelphia, Pa, he was part of the “Greatest Generation”. After graduating from West Chester University in 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and was in the European Campaign in Normandy & Central Europe. He was very proud to be a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and was very involved with his unit until recent years. After his discharge, he became a Designing Engineer and spent his career living in Delaware County, Pa. But his first love was music. He studied piano and organ growing up. He will probably be most remembered for his musical talent. Directing and playing for church, local theaters, and bands was a real passion for him. Allen later retired and moved to Vero Beach, FL. where his musical interest continued and he played and directed in his new church and community until he was 93.
He is survived by his daughter, Margo Eisenhower and son, Robert Fisher, granddaughters, Shannon Malmstrom and Michele Skolny. He also has 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Grandson, Paul Murtaugh, Jr., and wives, Myra Jones Fisher and Mary L. Fisher. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Date to be determined. www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (3/17/14)
ANDREE MARIE HANNIGAN, 80, died March 13, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. She was born in Queens, New York and lived in Sebastian 19 years coming from Cairo, NY. She retired after 19 years as a teacher with the Greenville NY School District. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL.
Survivors include daughter, Patricia Ransom Holdridge of Sebastian; sons, William Hennigan, Jr. of West Covina, California and Timothy Hennigan of Spring Hill, Florida; sister, Carol Rebentisch of Bellmore, LI, New York; 9 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Hennigan in 2012. SERVICES: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday March 21, 2014 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL. Inurnment will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
HELEN AMANDA NAUS, 90, died March 10, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian. She was born in Smithtown, New York and lived in Sebastian coming from Holtsville, LI, NY in 1984. Helen was a riveter during WWII, worked for the Kings Park Hospital, Kings Park, NY in the mental ward and then in the nursery and, a school bus driver for 15 years for the Sachem School District on Long Island. She attended the Community Baptist Church of Sebastian.
Survivors include daughter Lorraine Hoffman of Sebastian, sons Fred Hoffman of Selden, New York, William Hoffman of Centereach, New York and David Hoffman of Sebastian, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and step-son, Teeo Naus of Pamona, California. She was preceded in death by husbands Fred Hoffman and Ted Naus. SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Community Baptist Church, Roseland Road, Sebastian, FL with Rev. Ron Barber, officiating. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
MARIAN ROSE SCHAFER, 84, died, March 10, 2014 at Palms Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Palm Bay. She was born in Plymouth, Michigan and lived in Micco, FL for 21 years. Marian attended Nursing School in Chicago, Illinois and worked as a Dental Assistant in Ludington, Michigan and St.Louis, Missouri. She was a member of Sebastian United Methodist Church, Sebastian, FL.
Survivors include husband, Shelby Jacob Schafer of Micco; son, Richard Rowe of Sebastian; daughter, Barbara Hassey of Orlando; step-daughters, Shelby Pekinpaugh of Micco and Catherine Schutte of Indianapolis, Indiana and 3 grandchildren. Marian was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Rowe and sisters, Lois Aster and Clara Ament. Services will be held at a later date in Michigan. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
PATRICIA “TRISHA” ROSE THOMAS, 64, of Vero Beach, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at VNA Hospice House. She was born on October 25, 1949 in Washington, MO and lived in Vero Beach for the past 37 years, Mrs. Thomas worked as an Administrator at the Indian River County Library and was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include her husband of 35 years, Michael Thomas; daughter, Stefanie Thomas; son, Bryan Thomas and Grandchildren, Christopher Barbieri, Joshua Thomas, Brooke Thomas, Hailey Mahoney and Jayden Mahoney. Visitation will be held 5 PM to 6 PM on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, followed by a Memorial Service at 6 PM at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the VNA Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (3/17/14)
RUTH E. UNDERWOOD, 84, died March 14, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. She was born in Haralson County, GA and lived in Vero Beach . She retired after numerous years as a Citrus Packer . She was a member of Twentieth Avenue Church of God. Survivors include her daughter Barbara Caudill of Vero Beach. SERVICES: Services will be held at 10:00 AM on March 19, 2014 Twentieth Avenue Church of God, Vero Beach followed by interment at Winter Beach Cemetery. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
DOROTHY VONASEK, of Barefoot Bay was 93 years young, born on December 1, 1920 sadly passed away on March 13, 2014. She is survived by her son John and daughter in law Janice, her daughter Dee (Dorothy) and son in law Donald, grandchildren, Lisa and husband Scott, great- grandchildren Taigan and Conner, Robbie and Kallie and God daughter Susan. Dorothy was also loved by wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, John Vonasek. She was a very “Special Lady” who touched many lives with her beautiful heart, laughter and positive outlook on life which she shared with everyone through her Rose colored glasses. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, March 18th and also on Long Island, N.Y. at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s, 501 St. Jude Place, “Memorial Program”, Memphis, TN 38105. She will forever be in our hearts. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
JOAN M. FOLMSBEE WILCOX, passed away peacefully at the age of 75, on March 12, 2014. She was born in Troy, New York, the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret Folmsbee. Joan and her family moved to Vero Beach in 1972, where she was a secretary in the real estate business and later with her husband, in his construction business.
She is survived by sons, Donald S. (Mary) Wilcox of Vero Beach and David S. (Donna) Wilcox of Morganton, GA; 4 grandchildren, Austin, Allyson, Tamrin and Christopher; and her brother, Paul Folmsbee of Troy. Joan was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Warren Wilcox; daughter, Donna S. Wilcox; and brothers, H. Raymond and Roger S. Folmsbee.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, March 16th at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach. Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 34th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960; who provided compassionate and skilled care during her final weeks. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (3/17/14)
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