From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Paula A. Herbert, 76, Vero Beach
November 17, 1945 – December 24, 2021
Paula Herbert
November 17, 1945 – December 24, 2021
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Paula Fanning Herbert, 76, of Vero Beach, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021, after a year-long battle with cancer.
Paula was born on November 17, 1945, in Boston MA to Edmund and Catherine Fanning. She was raised in Waban MA and attended Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. She obtained her BA degree in Art History from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Newton Centre MA in 1967. She had a long and distinguished career with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lasting 33 years. Shortly after starting in the management training program in 1969, she became art curator for the agency and then worked her way up to senior administrator before retiring in 2002.
She has been a resident of Vero Beach, FL since 2008, coming from New York with her husband Ernest Herbert whom she married in 1973. Paula was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and gentle spirit who enjoyed needlepoint, reading, and traveling. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She was also an active member of the Highland Mills United Methodist Church. She participated in various ministries including South Hudson Tres Dias, where she served as Rector of Women’s Retreat #47, and Kairos Prison Ministries.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her loving husband, Ernest Herbert, son Ernest Lee Herbert IV, daughter Mara Herbert, stepchildren Tanya Taylor and Ernest Herbert III, step-grandson Eric Herbert, and brother Edmund (Fran) Fanning. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a host of life-long friends. She was very proud of her family and friends, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
Private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation (1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach FL 32960). Arrangements are made by Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach FL.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Joseph Kicia, 75, Sebastian
July 14, 1946 – December 13, 2021
Robert Joseph Kicia (75) of Sebastian, FL passed away Monday, December 13, 2021. Robert was originally from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, until relocating with his work to Conyers, Georgia in 1991. Bob was a Navy veteran, studying communications while in the service and then working for AT&T as a Telecommunications Technician for over 30 years. He and his wife, Fay, retired in Sebastian, Florida in 2000.
Bob was a hardworking and committed husband and father. He was an avid golfer who also enjoyed cooking, gardening and fishing but above all else he understood that the happiest of hours in life are those surrounded by family and friends.
Dad lived by an unspoken motto: “Dedication is not what others expect of you, it’s what you can give to others.” And giving is what Dad did. He provided security for us by building a roof over our heads. He provided nourishment from the foods grown in his gardens and he provided love by preparing and cooking meals for those lucky enough to be called family or friend.
While his dedication began with his family, it spilled over into his other passions. There wasn’t a potted plant or plot of land that didn’t flourish under his care. His recipes took time and attention to perfect and granted all a centerpiece for the laughter and stories that surrounded the dinner table. And with his (carpentry) skills, his efforts provided many a foundation for gathering poolside, on a back porch for a party or even a platform for an incredible snow slide.
He is survived by his daughters, Erin (Kicia) Kerstein (Jonathan & Robert Kerstein), Michelle (Kicia) Fisher, (Ryan Fisher) and grandson William Robert Fisher. His brother and sister-in law Richard & Judy Kicia, sister Rosalind Fitzpatrick along with a plethora of nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews.
Dad knew in his efforts in giving that he was nurturing the seeds for all to continue on confidently without him someday. When that someday came he left this life assured we were all in a stronger position so that he could join his soulmate and wife of 47 years, Fay (Hallene) Kicia.
A final metaphor to remind us all of Dad and his commitment to all passions in his life: “A Garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. “Liberty Hyde Bailey
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Constance (Connie) F. Smith, 79, Sebastian
August 19, 1942 – December 25, 2021
Sebastian, Florida – Constance (Connie) F. Smith, 79, of Sebastian was reunited with her beloved husband William J Smith and her parents, Frank and Estelle Gargas in Heaven on December 25, 2021. She is survived by her three beloved children: William G Smith (Liza) of Dublin, OH., Daniel Smith of Lexington, KY., and Jennifer Calvert (Bill) of Flagler Beach, FL., and her sister Terri Ligocki of Miami, FL. She is also survived by a large extended family in various states and Canada.
Connie was born in East Chicago, Indiana on August 19, 1942. Connie attended Marquette University where she met and later married William (Bill) Smith, the love of her life, on May 12, 1961. She frequently commented in jest that she proudly earned her “MRS degree” at Marquette.
Connie loved being a mother, but once her children were in school full time, she found a fabulous group of friends working at various restaurants. Her most favorite job, however, turned out to be that of “Nana Daycare” for her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Nicholas (Nick) Calvert. Nana will always “Love you more”, kids, and will be your Guardian Angel forever.
Connie’s passions included: family, friends and faith; Zumba and travel (specifically cruises with casinos); dancing, her beloved Shih Tzus, crossword puzzles, parties, solitaire, and lurking on Facebook. And of course, no one appreciated the beach like you did, Nana!
Connie will be remembered for being a great mother, Nana, friend, “45”, “Connie-Connie”, “their second mother”, and the wonderful recipes she “used to make” that her grandchildren drooled hearing about. She will also be remembered for “Conniwater”, Frankie Jr., “C-1” and for turning heads with her sometimes controversial T-Shirts. You were right, Mom – we do miss you now that you are gone.
Per Connie’s wishes, she has been cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Florida
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Connie’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Sebastian is assisting the family at this time.
Condolences can be made through www.seawindsfh.com
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Evelyn May Davison, 98, Barefoot Bay
September 15, 1923 – December 27, 2021
Evelyn May Davison, 98, of Barefoot Bay, FL., passed unto the Lord, December 27, 2021, after a brief illness.
Evelyn was born in Detroit, Michigan to Clarence and Arvilla Goings. Married to the late John Davison for sixty-one years, she was a homemaker and and leaves behind two daughters, Jean McCarthy and Kathleen McKeon. She also leaves behind one sister, Marjorie Malone, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Evelyn was a member of the Barefoot Bay Crafter Club, a member of Roseland United Methodist Church, and worked as a volunteer at Sebastian River Medical center as a messenger for thirteen years,
Memorial services will be announced at a later date and Evelyn will be buried next to her husband at the Cadillac Memorial Garden in Westland, Michigan.
The family thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
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