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In Memory: May 18

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Diane Weiner Lacoursiere, 74

November 20, 1947 – May 04, 2022

Diane Weiner Lacoursiere died peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida on May 4, 2022 from natural causes. She was born on November 20, 1947 in Danbury, Connecticut to Joseph L. Evelyn E. Bennitt (Grubbe).

She graduated from Newtown High School in 1965. Her dream to become a nurse was fulfilled upon her graduation from Hartford Hospital of Nursing in 1968.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Roger Bennitt; two sisters, Ellen Bennitt and Donna Hofmann; and a nephew, Darryl Schenzer.

She is survived by her husband, James L. Lacoursiere from whom she was separated; daughter, Amy L. Weiner; sister, Mary Schenzer; two brothers, James Bennitt and Paul Bennitt; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A special heartfelt thanks to the Escriba family, Diane’s neighbors in Vero Beach, for their love and support of Diane during her illness. Her faithful, loving dog, Sammy has now found a new home with his family and I’m sure she is very thankful and happy that Sammy will be well-cared for and loved.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of her family at the Center Cemetery in New Milford, CT where Diane will be interred next to her sisters, Donna and Ellen.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Sue Davia, 72, Vero Beach

August 17, 1949 – May 11, 2022

Sue Davia, 72, of Vero Beach, Florida, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. She was surrounded in love and prayer by her beloved family. Sue was born and raised in Hoopeston, Illinois. She attended Gies College of Business with a focus on secretarial studies before meeting the love of her life, Mark Davia on June 22, 1968. Sue and Mark said their vows in front of God and their family on May 3, 1969, and, after honeymooning in Bermuda, Sue moved to Pennsylvania and began her transition from downhome Midwesterner to an outspoken suburban housewife and mother blessed with a quick wit and a smidge of snark.

Transcendent of her time on Earth and in Heaven, Sue goes by many names; the most valued of which are Wife, Mom, Nana, Sister, Friend, and Child of God. Married to Mark for more than 53 years, Sue was committed to him in sickness and in health. With her husband by her side, Sue raised four daughters who have proven to be almost as strong-willed and independent as she is. Sue is the treasured Nana to seven grandchildren, and she played a vital role in their growth as kind, intelligent, talented, and unique humans. They and their mothers proudly walk in her footsteps.

As the oldest of five children, Sue was a valued confidant, mentor, and companion to her siblings. Friend to all, Sue would give the shirt off her back and the shoes from her feet to anyone in need. Those who knew her, appreciated her honest straightforward advice, and never doubted her authenticity. Her joyous smile could brighten your darkest days and her eyes were a window to her soul. Sue is honored to be a Child of God. So much so, in fact, she was baptized as a Presbyterian, later confirmed as a Catholic, and finally became a committed Lutheran and servant at her cherished church, Our Savior Lutheran Church where she proudly professed her faith and eagerly awaited her Savior’s calling.

Sue Davia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2016. We share this, not because this diagnosis defined her life or who she was; to the contrary, in fact, Sue SURVIVED five years plus five months of treatments. She governed her life, pre- and post-diagnosis, and true to form, Sue controlled her transition and passing.

Survived by her loving husband, Mark Davia; daughters, Angela Davia, Sarah Davia (Joshua Zive), Rebecca DeSantis (Christopher), Beth Given (Scott); grandchildren, Holly Davia (Ray Wagman), Hunter Davia-Zive, Abigail DeSantis, Eric Given, Samantha DeSantis, Emily Given, Mark Given; siblings, Debby Dixon, Karen Peterson, John Long, and Stephen Long; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Brillhart. Sue was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Nancy Long; parent in-laws, Marcello and Mary Davia; and brother-in-law, Dave Dixon.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 Sixth Ave., Vero Beach, FL. Sue request guests at her service to dress comfortably in colors. Please do not wear black as we are rejoicing, not mourning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church at https://www.oursaviorelca.com/give …

To honor Sue’s legacy and fighting spirit, please remind your loved ones of the importance of yearly exams as early detection saves lives.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Karen Sue Grayam, 69, Vero Beach

May 02, 1953 – May 04, 2022

Karen Sue Grayam, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida.

Karen was born on May 2, 1953, in Vero Beach, to H. Ross and Doris A. Grayam. She attended Vero Beach Elementary School, graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1971 and earned her AA degree in child development from Indian River Community College. Following in her mother’s footsteps as the owner of a day care business, Karen went on to open the popular and successful Karen’s Korner Day Care, which she owned and operated for nearly 30 years.

Karen was passionate about mothering children, and nothing brought her more joy than the day her son Justin was placed in her arms for the first time. She tackled the challenge of raising an active boy with her customary sense of humor and down-to-earth manner. It was a whole new experience, far different from attending pageants and baton twirling competitions with her daughter Linda!

Creativity and Karen went hand in hand. She enjoyed crafting, painting, sewing and photography, but she truly found her calling in the 1990’s as a Creative Memories consultant. She introduced many of hers and Linda’s friends to the joy of scrapbooking, hosting crops at her home and at the Life for Youth Camp. She created scrapbooks for her grandchildren. Karen loved attending overnight crops in Orlando and Vero Beach with her posse of “Scrappin’ Divas”.

Karen’s cooking skills were always in great demand. She organized progressive dinners and cookie exchanges for the holidays. One of her biggest claims to culinary fame was her pumpkin roll recipe. Every fall, Karen, Linda, and friends baked dozens of cream cheese pumpkin rolls until they had enough for everyone to enjoy. Anyone who baked with Karen was warned not to share the secret family recipe!

Never one to relax and take it easy, Karen took an active part in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She embraced her role as Grammy, attending baptisms, school concerts and sporting events, taking family vacations to Disney World and North Carolina, and hosting pool time, Easter egg hunts and pajama parties.

Karen was forced to slow down when her vision deteriorated and a series of strokes left her wheelchair bound. Once she was able to return to Vero Beach after months away in assisted living, Karen made the most of her time with her loved ones. She was once again able to attend worship services at Treasure Coast Assembly (Highpoint Church), much to the delight of her church family.

Karen is survived by her son Justin Grayam, daughter Linda Greene (Kelly), grandchildren Nolan, Mason and Wyatt Grayam and Kolby, Kylee and Sara Greene, and her brother Larry Grayam (Sally). She was preceded in death by her parents.

A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., with a Memorial Service celebrating Karen’s life beginning at 11:00 am, Saturday May 21, 2022, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL.

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

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Cynthia (Cindy) Judson Lopes, 65, Vero Beach

December 27, 1956 – May 8, 2022

Cynthia (Cindy) Judson Lopes, age 65, passed away in her home on Hutchinson Island in Vero Beach, FL on May 8th, 2022 due to health complications from a stroke suffered two and a half years ago.

Cindy was born and raised in New Jersey where she grew her family, giving birth to three wonderful children and moved to Vero Beach, FL 32 years ago.

She was a lover of live music and could always be found dancing, whether there was a dance floor or not.

Cindy is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Craig Lopes; daughter Jillian Lopes; son Trevor Lopes; grandchildren Jace and Alexander Moore.

Cindy was predeceased by her beautiful daughter Megan Alissa Lopes who is surely excited to reunite with her mom in heaven. Cindy will also be sorely missed by her extended family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 17th at the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach with a reception to immediately follow at the church. For those who can’t attend in person, the service will be live streamed and recorded. The links for these can be found at https://www.firstpresvero.org/media under “Memorial Services.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following three institutions: Treasure Coast Hospice 5000 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981; First Presbyterian Church 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32960; Moorings Educational Foundation 100 Harbour Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CYNTHIA “CINDY” J. LOPES, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Adrian Santana, 28

December 1, 1993 – May 15, 2022

Funeral Services will be Saturday, May 21st, 3:00 p.m. at Freedom Church, 455 58th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968.

Full obituary information to come.

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

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Sharone Hope Williamson, 82, Vero Beach

December 14, 1939 – May 15, 2022

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we are mourning the death of our beloved mother, Sharone Hope Williamson.

Sharone was born in Cedartown, Georgia, on December 14, 1939.    She was one of six children born to William and Gladys Baxter.  She grew up in Cedartown and married Jack Donald Williamson, also from Cedartown, when she was 16 years old.  “Don” found work at the General Motors Fleetwood plant and they moved to Detroit Michigan shortly thereafter.   She worked at Michigan Bell Telephone as an operator until she decided to leave the workforce to be a fulltime Mom.  A few years later they moved to Taylor and then finally to Riverview Michigan, where Don and Sharone spent the rest of their working lives raising their 6 children.   Later she became known as “Granny,” looking after, worrying over, and loving her grandchildren, and then her great grandchildren.   In retirement Don and Sharone moved to Seneca, South Carolina and enjoyed visiting their friends during neighborhood golf cart runs and pontoon boat rides on beautiful Lake Keowee.  They were most always accompanied by their much-loved dog Molly, who was essentially their 7th child.   In their later years they moved to Vero Beach, Florida with their sweet rescued dog Sandy.

Sharone was known to have a feisty sense of humor, a fierce dedication to her children, and was a loving wife for nearly 66 years.  She appreciated humor and could always make you laugh.  She was fun to talk to, a patient listener, and she had a natural discerning eye for detail.   She also had a hard to match good natured tolerance for the selfless and often tedious work required to take care of a large family.  She sacrificed much for many years.   Sharone had interests in antiques and bird watching, and no matter where life took her, she always had a penchant for Georgia.

Sharone passed away May 15, 2022 after suffering multiple strokes and progressive functional decline.  She had been under VNA hospice care and her health deteriorated further with the recent death of her husband.   Sharone was Don’s “sweetie pie.”   Sharone had a life well lived and was loved dearly.  At 82 years old she passed away peacefully at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.  She will be missed but never forgotten.

Sharone was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister Angela.  Surviving are her six children, Charlotte McCarty, Craig (Caron) Williamson, Nancy (late Richard) Tokarz, Suzanne (Ray) Bradley, Jennifer (Mark) Webb, and Donald Williamson.  She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  Her surviving siblings are Joe, Donna, Suzanne and Billy.

A service of remembrance will be held in Vero Beach at Strunk Funeral Home Wednesday, May 18th at 2pm.   Future memorials with internment at Michigan Memorial Cemetery and Polk County Cemetery in Cedartown Georgia, with dates to be determined. Services will be officiated by Pastor David Jones of Northbrook Church, Carleton, MI.

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

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Michelle Nicole Pallo-Darnell, 35, Vero Beach

October 31, 1986 – May 11, 2022

Mrs. Michelle Nicole Pallo-Darnell, 35, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Michelle was born in Vero Beach to Kenneth Michael and Amy L. (Kerkendall), Pallo.  A lifelong resident of the Treasure Coast, Michelle was a graduate of Vero Beach High School Class of 2004.  Following graduation, she then attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida.

She returned to Vero Beach and most recently served as the Assistant to the Town Manager at the Town of Indian River Shores.  Michelle remained an AVID Dallas Cowboys fan and voracious reader.

Survivors include her husband Steven Andrew Darnell, son James Cooper Raymond, daughter Carlie Marie Darnell, stepsons Malik Lee and Steven Darnell, and stepdaughter Kaylee Darnell of Vero Beach, her mother Amy L. Pallo and stepfather Thomas McNamara of Vero Beach, sisters Natalie Rebecca (John David) Vasquez of Madison, Wisconsin and Valerie (Kevin) Roberts of Vero Beach, and a brother Shaun Michael Pallo of Vero Beach.

She was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Michael Pallo.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:

The Darnell Family at

340 11th Ct.

Vero Beach, Fl 32962

Family and friends are invited to gather Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5:30-8:30 pm at The Town of Indian River Shores Community Center to celebrate the life of Michelle.

 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MICHELLE NICOLE PALLO-DARNELL, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Ellsworth Harry Vadney, 73

October 13, 1948 – May 15, 2022

Harry was received by the Lord on May 15, 2022. Born to Mary Rettinger Vadney and Ellsworth J. Vadney (Sonny) on October 13, 1948, Harry graduated from Catholic Central High School, Troy, New York and then then received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Siena College, Albany, New York in 1970.

After working for Nathan Goldberg, Esq. and C.P.A., Harry became a partner in the firm and later a sole practitioner after Mr. Goldberg’s retirement. In July of 1970, he marries Cheryl Salov and then resided in Albany. Softball and bowling were his favorite pastimes; he gave those up after moving to Florida when golf became his new obsession.

He loved “his boys” our son, Sean and his grandsons, Jacob & Sean, and his granddaughter, “Miss Pearl”. His easy-going manner endeared him to his many friends and clients. You could find Harry working the counter at the Knights of Columbus Friday night dinners his favorite volunteer time. Previously, he drove for Meals on Wheels here in Florida and was a great supporter of Catholic education.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard.

Viewing will be held 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 20, 2022, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 5055 Micco Road, Micco, Florida 32976 with Father Tony Welle, celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brooks, New York 10573 in loving memory of Harry Vadney.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, Florida.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ELLSWORTH HARRY VADNEY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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