From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Carla L. Hunter, 84, Vero Beach
March 01, 1937 – February 26, 2022
Carla L. Hunter, 84, died February 26, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Vero Beach, Fla. She was born March 1, 1937, the daughter of Karl Tschersich (b. 1890) and Ilse Poppendieck (b. 1905) in Neumarkt, Detmold, Germany.
Her father became a prisoner of war, held by the Russians. Carla, her sister, and mother moved with her grandfather, who was a high court judge, to West Germany after the war. He taught her Latin and Greek classics, and her mother took her to the opera every week. So, she received a classical education, and spoke German, French, and English fluently.
In her 20s, she lived in Cape Town, SA with close friends Marion and Professor Kroner. Her marriage to first husband, US diplomat Eugene Tuttle, ended in divorce after tours in Canada, Madagascar, and Grenada. Several years later, she married David W. Hunter, who was also a US diplomat.
They served in S. Korea, India, Ukraine, and Spain. Carla was a world traveler, with love of different cultures and meeting new people. She and her husband retired to Vero Beach, Fla in 2004 where she enjoyed home and garden and beach walks.
In 2016 they took a round the world by private jet trip, and in 2018 another to Asia. Carla was active and lively up to the last days of her life. All her close family predeceased her. Her wish was for her ashes to be scattered at sea, as she lived like the ocean, freely moving from shore to shore.
Please offer memorials to help the people of Ukraine in this hour of need and pray for world peace.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James Eagle Cloughley, 65, Vero Beach
June 02, 1956 – March 03, 2022
JAMES EAGLE CLOUGHLEY, Florida Citrus Grower, 65, of Vero Beach, FL died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with Glioblastoma on Thursday, March 3, 2022. He was born in Orlando, FL in 1956 and spent his childhood in Winter Garden and his adult life in Vero Beach and Labelle, FL. He was a graduate of Lakeview High School in Winter Garden in 1974. He attended the University of Florida where he completed his Associates of Arts Degree. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College in Citrus and Horticultural Science in 1978. Shortly after, Jim began his citrus career with ABC Citrus Caretaking/Fruit Company in Orlando, FL which would be the beginning of more than 40 years in the citrus industry.
Jim and his wife Kim Modesitt Cloughley married in Boca Grande, November 30, 1985 and have been married for 37 years. They have 2 children, James Grant Cloughley and Miles Griffin Cloughley and 2 grandchildren, Merritt Jean Cloughley and James Graham Cloughley.
Jim moved to Vero Beach in 1986 to work for Jack M. Berry Inc., where he later became President of the company. He moved to Labelle, FL in 1994 where we spent the rest of his citrus career. While in Labelle, Jim was President of the Labelle Private Drainage District. He was an active member of Gulf Coast Citrus Growers Association, Florida Citrus Production Managers Association and served as team lead for Southwest Florida Citrus Health Management Area. Jim was fully devoted to the Florida citrus industry.
As a Christian, Jim was an active member of First United Methodist of Winter Garden. After relocating to Vero Beach, he transferred his fellowship to First United Methodist of Vero Beach in 1986. Jim was strong in his faith with the Lord and always encouraged others to seek guidance in prayer and strengthen their faith.
Jim was a pilot and avid sportsman. His lifelong passions were flying, hunting, fishing and the Florida outdoors. He enjoyed weekends with friends at Bluegrass Hunt Club, family trips to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas and the views of the American frontier. Jim and the Cloughley family have vacationed in Boca Grande for over 40 years where he loved to fish Charlotte Harbor. Jim enjoyed reading daily on his back porch and listening to live music.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kim and his devoted sons and their spouses, Grant and Allison Strazzulla Cloughley of Vero Beach, FL and Griffin Cloughley of Port Saint Lucie, FL. Jim was the much loved grandfather to Merritt and Graham Cloughley. Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Ellen and Dr. David Jackson of Stuart FL and their children, Dr. David Creston and Kelli Jackson; Katy and Andrew Lovelady and grandchildren, Madison, Sebastian and Maci Jackson; Jackson and Austin Lovelady. Megan and Henry Daufeldt of Lake Mary, FL and his Aunt Janet Cloughley, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Grant Cloughley and Margie Eagle Cloughley.
Memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, March 11, at First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach. 1750 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960 with a reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made at:
VNA Hospice Foundation
1110 35th Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or online at: www.vnatc.org
First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach
1750 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or online at: www.firstvero.church
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Donovan Dennis Schumann, 52
January 22, 1970 – March 05, 2022
Donovan Dennis Schumann, age 52, passed away March 5, 2022.
He was born January 22, 1970 in Vero Beach, Florida to John J. Schumann, Jr. and Katherine Gollnick Schumann.
He graduated from Vero Beach High School and then attended Santa Fe Community College.
Donovan loved dogs, and enjoyed hunting, boating and target shooting. He spent much of his life riding and working with horses. He had previously owned a citrus grove and an aquaculture farm. Most recently, he had been a cattle rancher.
In addition to his wife Brenda and his parents, survivors include his twin brother Gene (Martha) Schumann, brothers John Schumann, III (Kim), Mark (Cheri) Schumann, and sister Vickie (Barry) Wyatt, along with many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held Wednesday, March 9, at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. G. Timothy Womack officiating.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Judith O’Brien Pronsky, 80, Vero Beach
April 15, 1941 – February 27, 2022
Judith O’Brien Pronsky, 80, of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, peacefully passed away at her home February 27, 2022 surrounded by her siblings and her husband.
Born April 15, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, Judith was a daughter of the late Grover O’Brien and Mary Russell O’Brien.
Judy as she was affectionately known, was reared and educated in Chicopee, Massachusetts, graduating from Holy Name High School in 1958.
She retired from United Technology Corporation of Hartford, CT as Executive Assistant after a decade of service.
Aspiring to further her education, Judy acquired her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut graduating with distinction in 1984.
She relocated to Florida from Rhode Island in 2006 to spend her “Golden Years” at the Indian River Club in Vero Beach where she enjoyed golfing & playing tennis.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, a sister, Susan Moore; and a brother, Robert O’Brien.
She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Paul Pronsky, to whom she was married July 22, 1977 at Springfield, Massachusetts; her sister, Patricia Hyland; a brother, G. Thomas O’Brien & wife Desiree; Paul’s daughters, Kathryn Boylan & husband Robert, and Mary Margaret Lovejoy & husband Brian; four grandchildren, Bobby, Maeve, Patrick & Maggie; three special nephews, Timothy Liberty, Brian & Christopher Hyland; and many other loving family and friends.
A Memorial service in Judy’s honor will be held in May.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Hospice 1110 35th Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Rose Marie Smeltzer, 85, Vero Beach
April 1, 1936 – March 2, 2022
Rose Marie Smeltzer was born April 1, 1936 in Franklin Township near Hamilton, Indiana. Her parents were John and Agnes Szeman.
Rose moved to Vero Beach at age 16 to live with her beloved Aunt Frances and Uncle Harry Radebaugh. In Vero Beach, she met her husband Steve C. Smeltzer. They had one son, Steven.
Rose was predeceased by her husband, and her siblings Lenore Snyder, Harry Szeman, and Louis Szeman.
Rose and Steve raised their son and spent many wonderful years together on 6th Avenue in Vero Beach. They were owners of Plants Plus Nursery on 6th Avenue. Prior to opening Plants Plus, Rose worked many years as Secretary at White Electric, and was the owner of Rose Marie’s Maternity Wear in Downtown Vero Beach.
The family will receive friends 1-2 PM, Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a service celebrating her life beginning at 2 PM. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ROSE MARIE SMELTZER, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
John James Freeman, 24, Vero Beach
August 23, 1997 – February 28, 2022
John James Freeman, “Jack”, born August 23, 1997 at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, nine minutes after his identical twin brother who, Jack believed, always insisted on being first. “Never mind,” said Jack, “I am better looking.” Jack passed into eternal peace on February 28, 2022, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by the infinite, endless love of his parents, Kate and Bill Freeman, and four siblings, Mary Kate (Lancaster, PA), Dwyer (Hamburg, Germany), Will (Haddonfield, NJ) and Patrick (Philadelphia, PA). Jack leaves behind his paternal grandmother, Nancy Freeman, brother-in-law, Tyler Lister, newborn nephew, Leon Miguel Lister, and an abundance of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins across the Freeman and Feketie families.
Jack was born and raised in Haddonfield, NJ just outside of Philadelphia. He enjoyed many summers on 44th Street in Avalon, weeks at Colgate Camp on Saranac Lake, and winter after winter skiing Sutton and Owl’s Head in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Jack enjoyed countless family adventures throughout his childhood from a five-week road trip across the United States to his sister’s Make a Wish trip to Milos, Greece. His travels also brought him through Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, where he picked up his coveted FC Barcelona jersey that he wore for years…and years.
Yet early on, Jack found his way through the water, where he pushed past the torture of long grueling swim practices, sometimes spent hiding in the bathroom. Ultimately, he found inspiration and reward in competition: camaraderie and victory. In life and in the pool, Jack proved a warrior and champion. By six, Jack was competing in all four strokes, including the Individual Medley, with his fiercest and friendliest opponent being his twin brother, Will. Jack’s early teams included the Wedgewood Ducks, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Jersey Wahoos, CCY, SJAC, and Princeton Piranhas.
Jack attended Haddonfield public schools through eighth grade, after which he entered The Pennington School in Pennington, NJ. He had many mentors at Pennington, the most influential of whom was Coach George Ward. Coach Ward infused Jack with values of commitment, perseverance, gratitude, and humility. Jack returned to club swimming late in his junior year to position himself for a spot on a college team. In a matter of months, with hard training and razor focus, Jack earned a national cut time which took him to St. Petersburg, FL. Through proactive determination, he left Pennington not only with six high school records, but also with an academic scholarship to Gettysburg College. Jack was honored to swim for the Bullets, and he formed special friendships with teammates and the brothers of Phi Delta Theta. A highlight of Jack’s life was capturing the Gettysburg record for the 400 Individual Medley at the 2019 Centennial Conference Champs and then being selected team captain by his coaches and peers. Yet neither of these wins overshadowed the fun of the Barbados team training trips.
Jack made a decision that brought him back to New Jersey to complete his college experience, transferring from Gettysburg College to Rowan University. The coaches and team welcomed his arrival as a consummate teammate who would step up to any race. Teammates let it be known to Jack that by qualifying for three A-Finals, he earned Rowan the points needed to capture the 2020 Metropolitan Conference Championship and then, the New Jersey State Collegiate Swim Championship.
Spring Break 2020 brought Jack to Vero Beach, when the world shut down. And there he stayed, a new Florida resident, building a part time concierge business as Jack of All Trades, the Vero Beach Go-to-Guy, around coursework at Indian River State College. He was beloved by all he met and carried a twinkle in his eye that signaled his warmth, compassion, and humility. No doubt, Jack had a sense of humor and a passion for games, marked by his appreciation for the T.V. show Trailer Park Boys, and countless adventures in the wilderness of Skyrim. He was always enchanted by the Internet, and would get lost in its “magic,” searching for new ways to enjoy his hobbies. Jack never betrayed his lifelong loyalty to the New York Giants despite his Philadelphia area roots, feeling blessed to have watched his team win two Super Bowls. He was an avid card collector, improving golfer, apprentice chef, dog whisperer, and a kind neighbor.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 4 at 10:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach, FL. A Celebration of Life will also be held in late Spring at Christ the King Church, Haddonfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Jack’s parents and siblings request a donation be made in Jack’s memory to The Pennington School, Attn: Charlie Brown, Asst. Head of School, 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JOHN “JACK” JAMES FREEMAN, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Didia ‘Yiya’ Castillo, 88
March 13, 1933 – February 7, 2022
Born in Chorrera, Panama, Didia will be forever known and cherished as warm and welcoming by all who knew her. She was generous and selfless – never expecting anything in return – and always interested in others.
Didia was also known for her beauty, glamour and elegance and, as such, led by example. Didia graduated from the Instituto Nacional and the Liceo de Senoritas in Panama City, Panama, and was the proprietor of a beauty salon. During her time as the wife of a Panamanian writer and political figure, she enjoyed hosting and social interactions with leaders, diplomats, and dignitaries such as Pierre Salinger. She later worked at the National Institute of Sports of Panama, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Esteban.
After moving to the U.S., she became a certified Diamontologist. Didia was inquisitive and adventurous, and loved to travel and wander with Esteban. She was also strong-willed and determined-when she set her mind to something, she got it done. She gained great satisfaction from organizing events, and was active in the Hispanic American Club of Brevard County, Florida. In her 80s, she learned to use tablets and mobile phones.
Didia cherished family above all and gently instilled this core value on her children and grand-children. She also cherished her endless phone conversations with her sisters, and discussing anything that interested her beloved family members, from politics and international affairs, to the latest trends in Panamanian polleras. She delighted in reminiscing with family and laughing about the impromptu rhymes her father would perform for her and her siblings. In retirement, she took up sewing and created polleras and entire wardrobes for the girls and women in her life. She was treasured for her fashionable designs and loving craftsmanship.
Didia joins her beloved husband of 41 years, Esteban, and her dear sister, Angela, in everlasting peace. Her brother, Luis, also predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter Lizca (Jeffrey), son Danilo (Caroline), son Ivan (Ada), grandchildren Lyzka (Filip), Linnette, Angela, JJ (Becky), Akira (Juan Eduardo), Anita, Ivan Jr., and Luly, sisters Coralia and Lilys (Jake), nieces Lourdes and Alicia (Brian), and numerous other nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial for Didia and Esteban will be held at the Iglesia Nuestra Senora del Carmen in Panama City, Panama on March 19 at 11:00 a.m.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Sandra Patterson, 69, Vero Beach
February 08, 1953 – March 03, 2022
Sandra Patterson, 69, of Vero Beach, passed away March 3, 2022. She was born February 8, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Wilbur Drawdy and Annie Mae Miller Drawdy.
Sandy moved to Vero beach in 1964, where she met her husband, Herman Patterson.
She retired from Fellsmere Elementary School after many years of service as a custodian and was also a part time Certified Nursing Assistant.
Sandra loved to go camping and sit by a campfire and spontaneous trips with her family. Whether taking trips to the mountains or even a simple trip to the river just to watch the water. She would take long road trips just to talk to anyone that could teach her about her own family’s history, as genealogy was one of her passions.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Herman Patterson, on May 27, 1996; and five siblings, Willie Mae Davis, Leon Drawdy, Donald Drawdy, Broward Drawdy, and Bruce Drawdy.
Sandy is survived by her sisters, Ann Wheelus, and Katie Cash; her daughters, Tonya Davis (Wesley), and Liz Boylan (Patrick); a son, David Patterson (Misty); eight grandchildren, Wes Davis (Marlon), Taylor Davis (Justin); Piper Patterson, Hayli Bruce (AJ), Daniel Boylan, Cassidy Boylan, Kira Boylan, Gabriel Redmon; a great-grandson, Trent Davis; and many other loving family & friends.
She will be deeply missed by her entire family including her two dogs, Missy and Tebow.
Contributions may be made to Cross City Church of God, 18220 SE US 19, Cross City, Florida 32628 in loving memory of Sandy Patterson.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Sunday evening, from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 7, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian Chapel with Pastor Joe Brooks officiating; burial will follow in Winter Beach Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of SANDRA DRAWDY PATTERSON, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Herbert G. Albrecht, 92, Vero Beach
November 5, 1929 – March 2, 2022
Mr. Herbert G. Albrecht, 92, died March 2, 2022, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Marilla, New York and resided in Sebastian, Florida after retiring.
Herbert was a graduate of the University of Buffalo where he obtained his master’s degree in chemistry this achievement provided him a successful career with Allied Chemical and General Chemical until his retirement where he relocated to Sebastian, Florida where he found enjoyment working at the local Walmart Store for 20 years.
Herbert was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL and the Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714. He loved playing poker with friends and in his spare time gardening.
Survivors include his son, Gary Albrecht of Sebastian, FL; daughter, Deborah Riedel (JB) of St. Clairsville, Ohio; grandson, Ryan Carney (Christie) of Wheeling, West Virginia; granddaughter, Brooke Barton (Jeremiah) of Wheeling, West Virginia; great-grandson, Tristan Barton and great-granddaughter, Blake Barton both of Wheeling, West Virginia; great-granddaughter, Emma Carney of Wheeling, West Virginia; sister, Lorraine Bauer (Jim) of Alden, New York; brother, George Albrecht (Nancy) of East Aurora, New York.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Albrecht and brother, Donald Albrecht.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundations, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 in loving memory of Herbert G. Albrecht.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Friday March 11, 2022, St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, Florida with Father John Morrissey, celebrant.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of HERBERT G. ALBRECHT, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Virginia Ellen Nichols, 82, Vero Beach
1940 – March 6, 2022
Mrs. Virginia Ellen Nichols, 82, died March 6, 2022, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach, Florida.
Virginia was born in Newark, New Jersey and resided in Sebastian, Florida where she enjoyed spending her retirement years having fun on the tennis courts as she was a life lifelong tennis player and when off the courts you could find her volunteering at the local Humane Society.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Richard Ogden Nichols of Sebastian, FL; daughter, Nancy Lynn Frey (Steven) of Coral Springs, FL; granddaughters, Kelsey Wells, and her fiancé Wesley Holden, of Vero Beach, FL and Nicole (Geoffrey) Lang of Vero Beach, FL; great-grandchildren, James Alexander Lang and Kenzie Marie Lang of Vero Beach, FL.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Wells.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Fl 32960 or the Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967 in loving memory of Virginia Ellen Nichols.
A Celebration of Virginia’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Strunk Funeral Home Chapel, Sebastian, Florida.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of VIRGINIA ELLEN NICHOLS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Marilyn A. Kinsella, 83, Vero Beach
July 18, 1938 – February 27, 2022
Marilyn A. Kinsella passed away in the morning of February 27, 2022, in her home at Orchid Island, Florida. She was 83 years old.
Born on June 18, 1938, in Mount Vernon, New York to George and Marion Gierer, Marilyn was the oldest of her five siblings. Even as a young girl, she displayed a “take-charge” attitude with her brothers and sisters who, over the years, lovingly accepted her as their very own Mary Poppins.
Marilyn graduated Valedictorian of her Saint Barnabas High School class and then completed the nursing program at Saint Clare’s Nursing School in New York City, graduating with General Excellence. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn shared an elevator at Saint Vincent’s Hospital with her future husband, Dr. Michael G. Kinsella. Following their first encounter, Mike turned to a close medical school classmate and declared “that is the woman I am going to marry”. They married in 1969 and lived near Marilyn’s family before moving to Brighton, Massachusetts near Mike’s ailing parents. Mike enlisted at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne, Massachusetts. In 1969, they settled in Andover, Massachusetts and summered in Kennebunk Beach, Maine. After raising their four children, in 1996 the snowbirds relocated from Andover to Kennebunk in the warmer months and Orchid Island in the winter months.
Marilyn was outgoing, affectionate and devoted. She cherished her family and friends who will dearly miss her warmth and generosity. Condolence notes, messages and phone calls express near-identical messages: “Marilyn blessed so many of us in different ways” . . . “It was our privilege to have known such an intelligent and holy woman who was totally devoted to her family” . . . “She was a class act, loving wife and caring mother” . . . “She always had a twinkle in her beautiful eyes and loved sharing a glass of wine and talk of family.”
Her husband Mike’s favorite term of endearment for Marilyn was “the bride,” which exemplified her joie de vivre. Other friends noted, “Marilyn’s vibrant spirit and warm-hearted kindness complimented her beautiful blue eyes and lovely smile.” Another wrote, “No one could top Marilyn’s style. She exuded elegance and had a smashing outfit for every occasion. And ooooh, her shoes!”
Energetic and athletic, in high school Marilyn competed on the local swim team. Later she took up tennis and golf, winning the ladies doubles club championship with her sister Susan at Edgcomb Tennis Club. Marilyn and Mike taught themselves how to ski and for decades enjoyed regular ski trips with friends and family as far as Saint Moritz, Switzerland and locally in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire.
Marilyn treasured her golf games at Orchid Island and at Webhannet in Kennebunk, Maine. After joining Webhannet in 1977, Marilyn and Mike became active members of the club and Marilyn served for two terms on the Webhannet Board of Governors. In 1993, Marilyn and Mike won both the Garcelon Cup (“Lad and Lassie”) and the Mixed-Member Guest. In 2005, Marilyn won the Marjorie Ellis Ringer award. She rarely missed playing on Lady’s Day and considered putting her best asset in competitions. “My drives may not always be the best, but I sure can putt,” she often said. One of her favorite weekly games began more than 30 years ago and included three dear friends; the group called themselves “the Monday girls.” Marilyn played a few holes at Orchid last week with a long-standing group of friends bonding during weekly nine holes followed by lunch.
Marilyn played weekly bridge, was a faithful member of bible study, and participated in multiple book clubsk. She contributed her time and resources to many charitable organizations. Her generosity to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Vero Beach, Florida with the Orchid Community is evidenced by a large photo that hangs today in the store with a banner headline that reads “WE GIVE”.
Marilyn was preceded in death this past spring by her daughter Karen A. Kinsella, by her husband Dr. Michael G. Kinsella in 2009 after 48 years of marriage, her brother William Gierer and her parents, George and Marion. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Kinsella and husband James Stewart, of Kennebunk, Maine and Orchid, Florida; her son Paul Kinsella and wife Gina Kinsella, of Durham, North Carolina; her son David Kinsella and wife Megan Kinsella, of Scarborough Maine; her eleven grandchildren, Conor, Caitlyn, Luna, Carolyn, Colin, Ryan, Faelen, Colleen, Jason, Finley, and Declan, as well as her sisters Susan Rock of New Rochelle, New York and Kennebunk, Maine and Patricia Gierer -Vissat of Altamont, New York and her brothers George Gierer of Carmel, New York and Robert Gierer of Woodlawn, New York, in addition to dozens of nieces and nephews, notably her god daughter Abigail Showers and god son Nicolas Vissat.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian on 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958, with a Blessing by Father John at 6:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Sebastian Church in Sebastian 13075 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958 on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at Orchid Island Beach Club, 1 Beachside Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
A Mass/Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Saint Martha’s Church, 30 Portland Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043 with a reception to follow at the Webhannet Golf Course located at 26 Golf Club Drive, Kennebunk, ME.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations:
FCS Foundation (Florida Cancer Specialists)
5985 Silver Falls Run Suite 210
Bradenton, FL 34211
941-677-7186
To donate, please click this link
The Snell Foundation
P.O. Box 6304
Scarborough, ME 04070
info@snellfoundationmaine.org
To donate, please click this link:
https://www.snellfoundationmaine.org/support-us
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARILYN A. KINSELLA, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Iva Linell Kennedy, 91
November 20, 1930 – February 23, 2022
Family and friends,
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm at the Kennedy residence, 370 35th Court SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968. Everyone is invited to come celebrate the life of Iva.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Iva Linell Kennedy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Iva Linell Kennedy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Brianna Marie Butler, 22
June 17, 1999 – February 27, 2022
Brianna Marie Butler, 22 died unexpectedly on February 27, 2022. Please check back for a more detailed obituary shortly.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Brianna Marie Butler, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Philip Franklin Dietz, 96, Vero Beach
July 28, 1925 – March 01, 2022
Philip Franklin Dietz, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, of Vero Beach, Florida and Ellsworth, Maine, and formerly of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed away at home on March 1, 2022, at the age of 96.
Philip was born in York, Pennsylvania to Allen and Sadie Dietz, where he spent his boyhood and graduated from high school. He was descended from the original York Lutheran Dietzes who settled in the area with a grant from William Penn in 1738. Philip then attended Bucknell University in an accelerated program, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering while also serving in a V-12 Navy Unit. He then served as an officer in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Gillette. When he was 22 he married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Wagner and took a job with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, moving to New Jersey where they raised five sons together. Philip started as an engineer in Bloomfield, N.J. and rose to become head of the Lamp Division at Westinghouse. After over 40 years with Westinghouse/Philips he retired and he and Charlotte moved to Vero Beach, Florida where they enjoyed golfing, socializing with friends and entertaining their sons and their families.
When in New Jersey, Philip and Charlotte were active members of Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff. After relocating to Florida, they attended the Community Church of Vero Beach and more recently attended services in Indian River Estates Retirement community where they resided. Philip had a quiet but deep faith in God and looked forward to joining his wife Charlotte of 69 years, who passed away in 2017.
Philip was a long-time member of Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey, Blue Hill Country Club in Maine, and Vero Beach Country Club in Florida. He and Charlotte loved to spend their summers in Ellsworth, Maine where they had a house on Branch Pond.
Philip is survived by his five sons: Tim (wife, Diane), Dave (wife Kathy), Stephen (wife Martha), Bob (wife Merryl) and Bill (wife Shannon). He and Charlotte had 16 grandchildren: Patrick (pre-deceased), Danielle (husband Derek), Denise, Jamie, Philip (wife Victoria), Stephen (wife Beth) Carl (husband John), Martha (husband, Gardner), Christopher (wife Kate), Evan (fiancé Amanda), Graham (fiancé Caitlin), Jessica (husband Mike), Billy, David (wife Maggie), Jacob and Christian. Philip was also blessed with 19 great grandchildren!
The most important thing to Philip, especially in his later years, was knowing everyone in his family was happy and healthy. If those he loved were doing well, then he was ok. In the last years of his life, Philip was unable to care for himself so God sent him an angel in the form of a loyal and compassionate caregiver, Jean Eddy Thomas, to whom our family is forever grateful for his loving care.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Philip Franklin Dietz, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Thomas R. Stevens, 79, Sebastian
February 03, 1943 – February 23, 2022
Thomas R Stevens (79) of Sebastian, Fl. After a long illness he passed on Wednesday 02-23-22 in Palm Bay, Fla. Tom was born in Corning, NY to Raymond and Alice (Gibbons). After graduating from High School in Painted Post, NY, he joined the Marine Corps. After serving our country for 6 years he left the Corps with an honorable discharge and continued his career in computer consulting rising to VP of Information and Technology until retirement. Tom married Betty (Binger) in 1968. After living in Maryland and Illinois, the family moved to Miami Florida where they raised their three sons. Retirement took them to Sebastian, Fl where they enjoyed time with grandchildren, sailing, and living in their close community where Tom spent a term as the president of the homeowner’s association. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sons Tom Junior of Atlanta, GA. Michael (Naomi) of Grant-Valkaria, FL. and Jayson (Amy) Stevens of Kentwood, MI. Tom is also survived by Grandchildren Samantha (Sean) Maysonet of Miami, FL. Allison Stevens of New York, NY, Sean Stevens of Miami, FL and Joseph Stevens of Cedar Springs, MI, and one Great-Grand Child Hayden Maysonet. Internment will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Any donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Tom’s name.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Linda Louise Lugone, 68
April 01, 1953 – February 25, 2022
Linda Louise Lugone (nee Buscemi) Wednesday, April 1, 1953 – Friday, February 25, 2022
Linda went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 25, 2022. She battled cancer, as the fighter she was, for over 3 years. Linda was a caring person with the kindest of hearts, a bright light always caring for other people. She was always just so happy, just naturally a bubble of joy. Linda was involved in many professions and activities, including being a talented entertainer, talented musician, and a Chaplain for Racers for Christ.
Linda is survived by her mother, Bee Fenton of Sebastian FL, her half-brother David A. Lang (wife Rosie) of Dewey, Arizona, Aunt Sharolet Mann, Uncle Norman Mann. Cousin Carrie Mann, Sherrie Latiolasa and Keith Mann.
Many of Linda’s accomplishments were achieved through her involvement in education. Some of her education involvement included graduating from Overlea High School in Baltimore, Maryland, studying Broadcasting at City College Associate of Science Broadcasting, and Studying Radio and TV Production at City College Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
VIEWING/SERVICE
Linda’s service is scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2022, at 3 pm at Seawinds Funeral Home, 735 South Fleming Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward J. Calligan, 77, Barefoot Bay
January 17, 1945 – March 01, 2022
Edward J. Calligan, aka “Fast Eddie”, born in the Bronx, NY passed away March 1st , 2022 at the age of 77 (50 years beyond what doctors expected after a life threatening car accident left him in a coma for 3 months.) A proud Marine who served in Vietnam and retired NYPD officer, he is survived by his daughters Suzanne Calligan-Courtien and Katie Calligan, his grandchildren Mackenzie, Xavier, Penelope, and Delaney, and his sister Maureen. He was beloved and well looked out for in his Barefoot Bay community, his adopted home, where he was a frequent patron at the 19th Hole or playing his lotto numbers. He could be found on many nights at Bottoms Up where he loved winning money at the pool table. He was fiercely independent and he lived and died by his own rules. In lieu of a memorial, please shoot a round of pool, listen to a Dylan song, and / or make a donation to one of his favorite charities in honor of Veterans or St Jude’s Hospital.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Clayton Walters, 89, Grant
August 07, 1932 – February 25, 2022
Robert Clayton Walters, 89, of Grant Florida passed away Friday February 25, 2022 at Sebastian River Medical Center.
Robert was born August 7, 1932 in Madison County, Florida and relocated to Fort Pierce, Florida in 1962. He worked for Piper Aircraft in Vero for many years before retiring in 1996 .
He was preceded in death by wife, Wessie Walters, his parents Ralph and Frances Walters and brother Richard Walters. He is survived by his sister Arlene Erlandson, sons Ralph Walters and Douglas Walters, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at Vero Beach United Pentecostal Church March 19, 2022 at 11 am.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Raymond Joseph Millets, 85
June 28, 1936 – February 26, 2022
Raymond Joseph Millets born on June 28, 1936 was called home by the Lord on February 26, 2022.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Patricia Colin-Millets; his two sons, Raymond Millets Jr. and Michael Millets; his daughters, April Catalano and Susan Passantino; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. His 1st wife Lorraine, whom he was married to for 49 years and sadly predeceased him, will greet him in Heaven.
A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 1:30pm at Calvary Chapel, 1251 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian, FL.
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