In Memory: Jan. 4

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Kim Taylor Kuhnle, 77

September 02, 1945January 02, 2022

Kim Taylor Kuhnle was born September 2,1945 in Detroit, MI, passed away January 2, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL.  He is survived by his treasured wife Ellen, His 5 loving children, Elizabeth Pinkney (Anta’Juan), Kate Hofstetter (Tommy), Amberly Wilson (John), Tom Kuhnle (Kristi) and Caleb Kuhnle (Cara); 9 adored grandchildren and a cherished great grandson, a myriad of beloved nephews, nieces, great nephews, and nieces and great- great nephews and nieces and loyal companion Sid the dog.  He was predeceased by his parents, George and Edith Kuhnle, his brother, Tom Kuhnle and his sister, Judy Beck.

In 1966, Kim and his brother, Tom established Kuhnle Bros., Inc, a trucking company founded in Bainbridge, OH which continues to this day with the second generation carrying on their work.

Kim’s adventurous spirit led him to pursue a variety of travels and interests, which included offshore fishing, motorsport racing, golfing, flying, trap shooting, antiquing, hunting and fishing around the world.

He was gifted with friends worldwide and his generosity touched many lives.  His faith in God was central to his character and shaped his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to consider a donation to Team Rubicon (www.TeamRubiconUSA.org) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  (www.stjude.org).

The family will be holding a celebration of life in northeast Ohio and his ashes will be committed to deep off of Treasure Cay, Abaco, The Bahamas at a later date.

“I have done my best to keep my word as my bond and be mindful of the needs of others, as a company man and a family man.”

-Kim Taylor Kuhnle

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Barbara Annette Tillis Cogburn, 80, Vero Beach

October 07, 1941 – December 30, 2021

Barbara Annette Tillis Cogburn, 80, of Vero Beach, passed away on December 30th, 2021. She was born, at home, in Vero Beach, FL to Mildred T. Cheshire and Floyd B. Tillis on October 7th, 1941.

Barbara married Richard Lee “Buddy” Cogburn on January 10th, 1960 at Fellsmere Baptist Church and had a son, Richard Anthony “Andy” Cogburn, born May 28, 1962.

She had a career in the food service industry and worked many years in the cafeteria at the Indian River County Jail. She ended her career at Indian River Memorial Hospital after fifteen years of service.

Barbara was a member of The Gathering International, she was baptized and received Jesus Christ as her personal savior in January of 2010. She was in service to the Lord and her community volunteering weekly at the Church’s food bank until her health declined.

Barbara is preceded in death by her late husband and only child.

She is survived by five of twelve siblings. Grandchildren; Rebecca Tucker, Kelli Boxler and Scott Cogburn. Great-grandchildren; Clayton, Lia, Blake, Abel, Bennie and Owen.

The family of Barbara wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Senior Resource Association, Meals on Wheels, Dr. Dalili, The Gathering International, and her neighbors and friends.

Barbara did not wish to have any services and her last wishes will be carried out in a private family gathering.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Doris McCaffrey, 99

July 26, 1922 – January 2, 2022

Doris McCaffrey, 99, passed away on January 2, 2022 in Vero Beach, FL.  A full obituary is forthcoming.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DORIS McCAFFREY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Eleonora Wahlstrom McCabe, 87, Vero Beach

October 09, 1934 – December 26, 2021

Eleonora Wahlstrom McCabe, a respected philanthropist who became a vocal advocate for the mentally ill, entered the loving arms of her savior on December 26, 2021. Fittingly called Kind Ellie by her friends, she died at home, having finally succumbed to the effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare progressive disease.

Ellie was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on October 9, 1934, to Magnus and Agnes Wahlstrom. As an only child, she was adored by her parents who raised her with strong Christian values, charitable inclinations and a commitment to working hard to achieve one’s goals. Ellie grew up watching her father, a Swedish immigrant, skillfully use his time, talent, and treasure to give back to his community and adopted country.

Ellie joined the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County in 1969, which she credited for teaching her the art of volunteering. She invested countless hours as a champion for many Bridgeport area nonprofits; including Salem Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels, Bridgeport Hospital, the Discovery Museum, Rehabilitation Center of Eastern Fairfield County and the Bridgeport Symphony.

When her father passed in 1972, Ellie’s mother challenged her to carry on her father’s legacy through the family’s private foundation, The Wahlstrom Foundation, later renamed The Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation. Ellie took over as president and devoted the rest of her life to being ever watchful for opportunities to make a difference.

Ellie became a full-time resident of Vero Beach, Florida in 1983 where she quickly became a fixture on the philanthropic and social scene. Known as much for her kindness and compassion as her beauty and quick wit, she met the love of her life, Robert F. McCabe, on a blind date. Their whirlwind nine-month courtship ended in their marriage on December 1, 1984, but they continued to treat every day as their next first date.

For 35 years Bob and Ellie traveled the world, enjoying a life filled with friends, family and philanthropy. In addition to their home in Vero Beach, they were blessed to spend 12 glorious summers in Saratoga Springs, New York at their cherished estate, Tara by the Lake. Bob and Ellie were members of the John’s Island Club, Bent Pine Country Club, The Metropolitan Club, and, more recently, Ellie joined Quail Valley River Club.

During her 40 years in Vero Beach, Ellie was widely recognized for her charitable giving, but she was admired even more for her ability to capture and focus the attention of community leaders and philanthropists on opportunities to improve life in Indian River County.

In 1983, Ellie played a vital role in the capital campaign for what is now the Vero Beach Museum of Art. She was elected chairman of the museum in 1986 and soon after established the annual Chairman’s Club dinner to expand the number of museum patrons. The strategy helped raise millions of dollars, allowing the museum to become the crown jewel of the Treasure Coast. Following her board term, Ellie was made a Lifetime Trustee of the museum.

During her early days in Vero Beach, Ellie noticed newcomers enjoyed the amenities of the seaside town but remained painfully unaware of community needs beyond the barrier island. Never one to pass up an opportunity, Ellie started the Donors Forum in 1992 as a mechanism to help seasonal residents become familiar with Indian River County beyond the five mile stretch of State Road A1A.

Through the Donors Forum, Ellie learned that most local funders only gave to programs and services, leaving nonprofit organizations with few resources for brick and mortar and capital expenses. In 1999, she rallied fellow John’s Island Club members to join her in forming the John’s Island Foundation. Ellie became the Foundation’s first president, serving a three year-term from 1999-2002.

Ellie previously served on the Board of Directors of Saint Edward’s School, The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast and Indian River Impact 100, the offshoot of an educational initiative she started called Women & Philanthropy. In 2008, Ellie was the first person to pledge a gift to launch the Indian River Community Foundation, also agreeing to incubate the fledgling organization in her family foundation office.

In 1999, Ellie’s path was forever changed when her eldest son took his life after years of suffering from mental illness. Ellie would often say it was impossible to describe the grief that followed, but she found some solace through her philanthropy. “While I couldn’t help my son, God gave me gifts I could use to help others in similar situations,” Ellie said. She became laser focused on learning about mental health and grew into a committed spokesperson for changing outdated opinions and treatment.

On this new journey, Ellie convened people and resources to support better mental health treatment and services. In 2005, she helped launch the TurtleTrax fundraiser for the Mental Health Association in Indian River County, which raised more than $1,000,000 over several years. She was also the initial funder of the organization’s Mental Health Walk-in Center, one of the first in the country.

In 2004, Ellie invited local leaders to discuss the serious gaps in the continuum of mental health care in Indian River County. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sheriff, Chiefs of Police, School Superintendent, health care officials, United Way representatives and various elected officials, Ellie convinced the group to join her in forming the Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County. The Collaborative continues to operate today, with the McCabe Connections Center as its flagship initiative.

In 2007, Ellie led the community in exploring the critical shortage of psychiatrists in Indian River County. In her groundbreaking style, Ellie used research coupled with authentic care and concern to persuade local philanthropists, and the Dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine, to create the UF Center for Psychiatry and Addiction in Indian River County. For her part, Ellie established the Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation Eminent Scholar Chair to ensure Indian River County would always have a world-renowned psychiatrist dedicated to improving the community’s mental health services.

Ellie was often recognized for making the world a better place. In 1997 she was named Outstanding Individual Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Treasure Coast and in 1998 she was presented the Laurel Award for Philanthropic Leadership by the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Along with her husband Bob she was given the Dan K. Richardson Humanitarian Award by the Gifford Youth Achievement Center and was named Samaritan of the Year by the Samaritan Center for Homeless Families. In 2009, she was presented the Statewide Dependency Summit Judicial Circuit Award and the Circuit 19 DCF Substance Abuse and Mental Health Collaborative Partnership Award. In 2013, the University of Florida made Ellie an Honorary Alumna.

Ellie made the difficult decision to wind down her family foundation in 2017, signaling an end to her public leadership role. As part of the sunset, she established two charitable funds at the Indian River Community Foundation, which she hoped would continue the legacy she began at her father’s knee.

In addition to her parents, Magnus and Agnes, Ellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, daughter Lois Hughes and son Roy Johnson. She is survived by her son Bruce Johnson (Patti) of Exeter, New Hampshire; stepsons Barry (Rebecca) of Atlanta, Georgia and Brett (Laura) of The Woodlands, Texas; and daughter-in-law Aime, of Shelton, Connecticut. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Justin, Rebecca, Caitlin and Victoria; five step-grandchildren, Megan, Cormac, Cooper, Colin and Carson; a great grandson, Sidney; and her faithful four-legged companion, Mollie, who brought her comfort and joy, particularly following her husband’s death.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Melissa Blizman, who worked for Bob and Ellie for more than 30 years and Lenora Ritchie, who served for 17 years as Executive Director of the McCabe Foundation. Both were trusted friends until the day she died.

Friends will be invited to celebrate Ellie’s remarkable life at a private reception. To receive an invitation, please send an email request to forelliem123@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, Ellie requested memorial contributions be made to the Endowment for Better Mental Health at the Indian River Community Foundation, P.O. Box 643968, Vero Beach, Florida 32964 or the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ELEONORA WAHLSTROM McCABE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Ruth (Ruthie) Schamback, 72, Vero Beach

December 05, 1949 – December 27, 2021

Ruth (Ruthie) Schamback passed away December 27, 2021. Cancer took her from us too early. Ruthie was born in Windsor, Vermont December 5, 1949 the daughter of George Merton and Emma Robinson. She graduated from Windsor High School in 1967 and continued her education at Southern Connecticut State University, earning a BA in Education in 1971. After a brief career as a school teacher (one year in the school system she grew up in ) she married her husband Douglas Schamback in 1972 and joined him, working together in the golf business at several golf clubs; Woodstock Country Club in Vermont, Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Florida and The Bedens Brook Club in Princeton, New Jersey. They retired to Vero Beach, Florida in 2008 and became members of the Grand Harbor Club. Ruthie became an accomplished golfer winning multiple club championships at Grand Harbor and her summer club, Okemo Valley, in Vermont. She also was an avid Mahjong player, enjoyed reading and volunteered at The Friends of The Library Book Depot in Vero Beach, She had a large network of friends. Her infectious smile, grace and happy disposition touched everyone she met. She loved, believed and had a never ending faith in the goodness of people.

She is survived by her sisters Rita (David Boynton), Jean Robinson and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Leslie Robinson, David Joseph Scafani and a sister Elizabeth Marshall.

At Ruthie’s request there will be no services in Florida. She asks that everyone recalls a happy memory. There will be a graveside service at a later date in Brownsville, Vermont.

Donations may be made to the Indian River VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach FL 32960

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Ruth Joanne Schamback, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Thomas N. Segura, 74, Vero Beach

August 26, 1947 – December 29, 2021

Thomas N. Segura, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, with his family by his side.

Tom was born to the late H. Weston and Jane Ann Browne Segura on August 26, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Xavier University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Tom was a three-time state champion Olympic weightlifter, winning titles in Kentucky and Ohio. He served as an officer in the Marine Corps and saw battle in Vietnam before retiring as a Captain. Tom then married Rosario (Charo) Lazarte in 1976 in Lima, Peru. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Tom started working for Merrill Lynch in a career that spanned 41 years, the last 25 in Vero Beach. His peers and clients alike often cited the loyalty, care, and dedication he exhibited in his work and all aspects of life. Tom was committed to giving back in every community in which he lived. He was devoted to improving ours, with a specific focus on healthcare. He served for over 10 years on the Indian River Community Hospital Board – four as treasurer, two as vice chairman, and four as chairman, working hard to create a service-oriented healthcare experience. Tom was also instrumental in the development and building of The Cancer Center.

Tom was a lifelong Rotarian, and past President of The Rotary Club of Orchid Island, serving two terms. Tom also served at almost every level for the United Way of Indian River County, was a board member from 1999-2005, and together with his wife, Charo, chaired the 2005-06 Annual Campaign for the United Way, raising well over $2 million. Just this past year, Tom served as a financial analyst in review of potential funded partners, as he refused to let his cancer treatment keep him from working. Also, while recovering from a bone marrow transplant in 2019, Tom was called to serve as Vice Chair on the board of the VNA. Current Board Chair, Bill Stengel, heralds Tom by writing, “His direct involvement will give Indian River County another material boost to the quality of its healthcare for all.” Tom never let any excuse get in the way of his dedication to serve, and his selfless drive was responsible for improving everything to which he dedicated his time.
Tom was one of the inaugural members of Quail Valley, where he was loved by the members and staff alike. His passion was his family, serving his community, and playing chess.

Tom is survived by his wife, Charo Segura; his three children, Maria Segura, Tom Segura and Jane Segura; his son-in-law, Jeff Petersen and his daughter-in-law, Christina Segura; and his four grandchildren, Weston, Greysen, Ellis, and Julian; and his brother, Steve Segura. Tom is preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Segura and Ann Segura Webb. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM, Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation online at https://themmrf.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/.

Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Thomas N Segura, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Lois Faye Forrest, 87, Palm Beach Gardens

October 10, 1934 – January 01, 2022

Lois Faye Forrest, age 87, passed away on January 1, 2022, under the care of Hospice of Palm Beach County/Trustbridge located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Born to Rev. David JW Noll and Maria Boyle on October 10, 1934 in Shelby, Ohio, Lois was a  registered nurse (RN) and then a HOSA educator in Broward County, Florida and a  long-time resident of Florida who recently moved from Vero Beach, Florida to Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Lois was a devoted member of Lutheran Memorial Church in Hollywood, Florida. She enjoyed the beach, travel, knitting, her timeshares in Pompano Beach, Florida and visiting with family and friends.

Lois leaves behind her sister Betty Lou Cunningham (Jack Cunningham) of Litiz, Pennsylvania; her sons, Michael Forrest (Claudette Forrest) of West Palm Beach, Florida and Mark Forrest (Lynn Forrest) of Stamford, Connecticut, and granddaughters, Lexi Forrest, Dana Forrest, and Chelsea Forrest,  as well as her great grandson Stryker Forrest, her nephew Kerry Cunningham (Tracy Cunningham), and niece Lori Cunningham Strickler (Ken Strickler).

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Lois’ name to the National Parkinson Foundation or Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Condolences can be made through Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebatian, Florida.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Lois Faye Forrest, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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