From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Virginia C. McBride, 96, Indian River Estates
September 22, 1924 – May 02, 2021
Virginia C. McBride, age 96, passed away May 2, 2021 at VNA Hospice House.
She was born September 22, 1924 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to the late John and Clara (Olsen) Carothers. Virginia graduated from college with her Associates Degree and worked as a secretary in the medical field for many years.
She lived in Connecticut before moving to Florida and was a 15 year resident of Indian River Estates.
Virginia and her husband, Bob, enjoyed spending summers in Vermont with their family and friends. They were married for 72 years.
She was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church. During her time in Florida, she enjoyed playing golf and joined many golf clubs.
Survivors include her sister, Elsie Kilgore and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert T. McBride; brothers, Lowell Carothers and Carl Carothers; sisters, Doris Madison and Rachel Snyder.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32968.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
James K. (Jim) Crockett, 73, Vero Beach
January 18, 1948 – April 28, 2021
James K. (Jim) Crockett went home to be with the Lord on April 28, 2021. He was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on January 18, 1948 to Francis and Jane (Otte) Crockett. He was privileged to live in Columbus, IN, Princeton, KY and Salisbury, NC before coming to Vero Beach in 1988. He proudly served 4 years in the U. S. Navy on the ship the USS Albany. He graduated from Murray State College in Murray KY and never stopped cheering for or supporting them. A part of his heart always remained in Kentucky, along with some of his best friends.
He had a very successful career in sales earning many awards along the way. He was an avid fisherman, a talented water skier, played tennis and racket ball in his younger years on a regular basis. If there was a sport where they kept score and had a number of their back, he would participate or watch anything. He treasured his weekly golf games with his best buddies at Vero Beach Country Club, before his Alzheimer’s disease kept him from being able to play. Jim was as competitive as they come. He loved a good joke or prank and had the quickest wit ever.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 29 years, Helen. His children Malinda ( Lex) Kromhout , Rebecca (Brent) Latham, Janine (Brian) McNeal, Allen (Tanya) Gerfers, Scott (Maria) Gerfers. Grandchildren Briana, Katie, Klara, Kayla, Lauren, Lindsay, Leah, Cody, Julia, Hannah, and Madison. His 2 brothers, David (Sue)Crockett and John (Debbie) Crockett. Many cousins and extended family also survive him.
There will be a Celebration of Life service held May 5th at 2:00 at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. The family will welcome friends after the service at a reception held at the Plaza next door. Burial will be at a later date at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims FL.
For those of you who would prefer to join us from the safety of your home, the service will be live streamed. Please visit the following link to view his funeral service: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVhJXeazAP8dna9Hgkd2Hw.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a contribution to one of the following Organizations or to a Charity of your choice in Jim’s memory. The Alzheimer’s / Parkinson’s Association, 2300 5th Ave. #150, Vero Beach, FL 32960 https://alzpark.org Crossover Mission, 4425 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach, FL 32967 Website: https://crossovermission.com/donate/ Indian River Golf Foundation, www.irgf.org The Source, 1015 Commerce Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 www.iamthesource.org.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Joan Smarto, 86, Vero Beach
October 29, 1934 – April 26, 2021
Joan Smarto, 86, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully April 26, 2021 at home. She is survived by her husband, Robert Smarto of Vero Beach and four daughters: Susan Klinsport of Vero Beach, Florida, MaryAnn Smarto and Jennifer Lang of Newtown, PA; and Carrie Martin (Enda Martin) of County Kildare, Ireland.
Six grandchildren include Kaitlyn Lang of Mongomery, AL; John Lang, Jr. of Newtown, PA; Alisa Klinsport and Edward Klinsport of Vero Beach, FL; and Ciara and Emer Martin of County Kildare, Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her brother Charles Ronald Howell; parents Charles and Ethel Heaton Howell. Nephew Charles Ronald Howell, Jr. of Blairsville, GA survives.
Joan was born in Newport, Rhode Island, October 29, 1934 where she lived until age 13, when the family relocated to Smyrna, Georgia. In high school Joan was an enthusiastic participant in cheerleading and basketball. She returned to Newport in 1951 to attend Salve Regina College where she graduated with a degree in Art. Following graduation, she became a Delta Airline Flight Attendant on “champagne flights” from Atlanta to New York when flying was a privilege. Her Life Plan was to “See the World” before settling into Family Life.
She married Robert Smarto after a chance meeting at Atlanta Airport. Their love story lasted for 62 years.
Joan spent over 50 years in Newtown, PA raising her four daughters and entertaining her grandchildren. During this time, she expanded her career to Special Education, where for 25 years she lovingly helped to develop work and life skills with her special students. She adored them and they her.
Joan was an avid gardener and gourmet cook. She was a skilled seamstress devoted to making both children’s and doll clothes. She designed and made jewelry after developing into a skilled Lapidary Artist. As an artist she sketched and painted many of the Historic Homes and Structures of the Community. She also painted portraits and everyday scenes. Joan left her loving memory with many friends and family members through her artwork. She participated in Community Affairs, serving as a volunteer member of the Upper Makefield Township Zoning Board where she also edited and distributed the Township Newsletter.
Joan made extended trips to visit her daughter Carrie and family in Ireland, which became a second home to her. She traveled throughout Ireland, participated closely in the lives of her granddaughters, and is fondly remembered by the dear friends she made. Joan was true to her family and her deep Faith in the Lord her Savior. She left a shining light and mark of example on this earth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint John of the Cross Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 12th at 10:30 AM followed by the Catholic Right of Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
For those who are unable to make it in person, services will be live-streamed. You may visit the following link to view her services: https://youtu.be/SZdjMsF6vvg
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Col. Otto Ivar Svenson, Jr, 92, Vero Beach
December 16, 1928 – April 29, 2021
Col. Otto Ivar Svenson, Jr, 92, Of Vero Beach, FL passed away April 29, 2021. Services will be announced at a later date.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Geraldine Marie Ozgowicz, 99, Vero Beach
March 31, 1922 – May 2, 2021
Geraldine Marie Ozgowicz (Allard) passed away peacefully on May 2nd at Cleveland Clinic in Vero Beach.
She was born on March 31, 1922 in Muskegon, MI to Clayton and Etha Allard., and married Stanley Peter Ozgowicz on September 10, 1940. They were happily married for 42 years.
Tired of Michigan winters, they decided to re-locate to Vero Beach in 1955, where she and Stan operated several businesses including Stanley Electric Co., Delta Supply Co. and Delta Plaza. They also enjoyed spending time at their second home in Marion, NC.
A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoyed gardening, needlework and cooking. Perogies were a family favorite on special occasions and she was known to make a mean lemon meringue pie.
She is preceded in death by her husband Stanley; daughter Linda Feldhaus; son Richard; four grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Gerry is survived by daughters Karen Siderakis of Gig Harbor, WA; Wendy McIver (Robert) and Denise Driscoll (Tom) all of Vero Beach; grandchildren: Brian Ozgowicz of Enterprise, AL, Ryan McIver (Laura) of Vero Beach, Greg McIver of Windermere, FL, Melanie DuBay (Dan) of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Heather Schlitt (Paul) of Vero Beach, Thomas “Boo” Driscoll, III of Vero Beach, many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on May 8, 2021 at 10:00am with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Robert Walter Leedham, 95
April 16, 2021
Mr. Robert Walter Leedham, 95, died April 16, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida.
Bob’s work resulted in them living in several locations including, N.C., TN, VA, Maryland and Germany. He was blessed with five children, Susan, Gary, Brian, Bradley and Beverly. All five live in the Southeast. He is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frank Leedham.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian, Florida 32958 with Father Sparks, celebrant. Inurnment will be at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL following the Mass.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958. You may sign an on-line guestbook at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kenneth R. Brooks, 86, Sebastian
May 09, 1934 – May 03, 2021
Kenneth R. Brooks, 86 of Sebastian, FL, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Kenny is survived by his companion of 21 years, Deloris Payden, of Sebastian, FL; his children, Dan (Dixie) Brooks of Pekin, IL and Vickie Walker of Viera, FL; his stepchildren Lynette (Antonio) Paduano of Fayetteville, NY and Alison (Brian) Wahlstedt of Melbourne, FL; his siblings Vi Montgomery and Elizabeth Willy both of Washington, IL; Donna Griffith of Dunlap, IL; Ron Brooks of Lakeland, FL; Frank Brooks of Pekin, IL; Sandy Parks of Dunfermline, IL; and Ed Brooks of Bartonville, IL. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.
Kenny was born on May 9, 1934 in Peoria, IL, to parents Robert and Inda Loca (Branscum) Brooks. He attended Manual High School in Peoria, IL. He worked for Central Illinois Light Co prior to becoming the owner and operator of the Tiki Club in Bellevue, IL.
Kenny was a social, active man who was deeply involved in music, cooking, and home improvement projects for the majority of his life. He enjoyed playing his guitar and banjo with his bandmates, singing karaoke at the Moose Club, and cooking one of his many popular dishes for his family and friends. Kenny will forever be remembered as a kind, loving and giving man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always had a smile on his face, laughter in his voice, and love in his heart for all the he crossed paths with.
A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held in Peoria, IL this summer. His stepdaughter Lynette will officiate an additional celebration of Kenny’s life in the fall in Sebastian, FL where all will be welcome to attend and celebrate Kenny’s life.
Strunk Funeral Home & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958 is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Kenny’s name.
The family would like to thank Health First – William Childs Hospice House for the exceptional care they gave Kenny in his final days.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Hugh Harper Johnson, 92, Vero Beach
April 29, 2021
Hugh Harper Johnson, 92, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 29, 2021.
He was born in Tampa Florida on June 27, 1928, to Virgil and Opal Johnson. Hugh Johnson not only served his Country as a Corporal in the United States Army, but he also attended the Citadel Military College and Georgia Tech University. He Married the late Margaret S. Brice and moved to this area in 1961 from Titusville, FL.
Hugh in his earlier years worked for the Apollo program at the Space Center with RCA. He later retired as an Electrician after 20 years from Tropicana.
Hugh attended the Presbyterian Church, was an active member of the VFW, the Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was an avid Sportsman.
Hugh is survived by his Children Hugh Johnson Jr (Jodi), Jeanne Clark (Thomas) and Margie Johnson (Jerre Luther). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends that will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in honor of Hugh H. Johnson to the VNA Hospice House.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Gary Charles Mitchell, 75, Micco
February 17, 1946 – April 28, 2021
Gary Charles Mitchell, 75, of Micco, formerly of Foxborough and
Norwood, Ma died Wednesday April 28th at home. Born February
17th, 1946 in Carmel, Me to the late Carl and Ella (Porter) Mitchell. He
is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Daisy M. (Small) Mitchell of
Micco, Fl, his children Charles and Simone Mitchell of Yukon, Ok,
Scott Mitchell of North Attleboro, Ma and Tammy and Doug Davis of
Mansfield, Ma. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren
Adrienne, Lily, Amber, Ryan and Cecelia.
The youngest of 10 children he is predeceased by his brothers
Carlton, Ronald and Raymond and his sisters Helen, Alice, Arlene,
Mary and Leona. He is survived by his sister Jeanne Holmes of
Swanville, Me and a brother-in-law Herbert Small of Swanville, Me. He
is also survived by many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him
their Funcle.
Gary was dedicated to his family and that dedication went beyond
just his wife, children and grandchildren. He was always willing to
share his wisdom and love with everyone he knew and was looked
upon as so much more than just an Uncle to many of his nieces and
nephews.
Gary spent the last few years caring for the love of his life, his
devotion to her was unparalleled. They exemplified what a marriage
should be and were truly soulmates.
The world has lost a very special man and he will be greatly missed
by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A celebration of his life is being planned, details to follow. Burial will
be private.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the
American Lung Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Fly high with the Eagles, we know they were there with open arms to
greet you. You will be loved and missed forever.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Betty Seeram, 96, Vero Beach
September 14, 1924 – May 02, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our precious mother Betty Seeram. We let her go with thankfulness that we were blessed to have her for so many years
She passed in Vero Beach Florida surrounded by the love of many of her children and grandchildren.
Betty was a loving wife to her late husband Rev. Samuel G Seeram. She was a caring and wise mother to her 6 children Lolita (Jeremy), Euclid (Trish), Robin (Janet), Virgil (Fazia), Sabrina (Gary), Nirvani (Mark) and Grandmother to Helen, David, Ruth, Stacie, Natasha, Natalia, Christian, Garry, Nicholas and Great grandmother to Cameron, Ella, Lily, Claire and Charlotte. We will never let them forget what a generous and compassionate spirit she was. She leaves behind a very tangible legacy through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is something of her in each one of them.
Betty was born in Met-En-Meerzorg, West Coast Demerara, Guyana in 1924, where she was raised along with her brothers and sisters Rattie, Ghan (deceased), Lala (deceased), Sunny(deceased), Uma, Seeta (deceased), Ronald, Freddie, and Prakash. In 1941 Betty married Sam and then dedicated herself to helping him with his ministry by faithfully serving the church along with raising her children.
In 1979 Betty and Sam immigrated to the USA where they spent all their last years living in Vero Beach close to their sons Robin (Janet), Virgil (Fazia) and their two granddaughters Stacie and Natasha. Betty’s grandchildren were the joy of her life and she felt so blessed to be apart of watching them grow up.
When her age and health no longer allowed her to live alone, Betty spent her last year in the loving care of Robin and Janet.
May she rest in peace free of pain and worries. God bless her and keep her.
