From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joseph “Jody” Curtis Ross, 70, Vero Beach
September 10, 1952 – January 01, 2023
Joseph “Jody” Curtis Ross passed away at his home in Vero Beach, FL on January 1st, 2023, at 3:41a.m. at the age of 70 after a gallant fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.
Jody was a humble man. He was simple in earthly ways but deep in his faith. He was quiet and thoughtful, but when he spoke it meant he had something important to say. His dry wit could brighten the darkest of days. He loved Jesus. He cherished his family. He bravely served his country. He lived the Golden Rule by treating people as he wanted to be treated and was sacrificial in his love for others.
Jody was born on September 10, 1952, in Live Oak, FL to Grace Evenly Ross (Allison) and Joseph Leo Ross. He graduated from Suwannee High School in 1971. He was drafted that September and served in the Army/National Guard from 1972-1978. He was a highly skilled quarryman and received many special badges and commendations in armory and explosive engineering.
After working as an electrician around the southern US states, including wiring the Talladega Super Speedway, he began his career as the Director of Maintenance for the Florida Baptist Retirement Center in 1976, where he served faithfully for 42 years until his retirement in 2018.
Jody grew up living the farm life and carried that incredible work ethic with him to the end. When he wasn’t working, he was enjoying one of his many outdoor activities including: golf, football, baseball, racquetball, scuba diving (spear fishing, lobstering, cave exploring), boating and water skiing. There was nothing Jody could not do.
Jody is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Lori Ross (Jaggers); his daughters Jodi Lynn Scroggs (Billy) and Morgan Grace Ross; his sisters Remonia Alderman and Elaine Aretino (Joey); his brothers David Ross (Lynn), Gerald Ross and brother-in-law Skeet Hogan; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Randy Ross and sister Faye Hogan (Ross).
In death, as in life, Jody is not comfortable as the center of attention. Therefore, he requested no services to memorialize his passing. Instead, he would like anyone who feels so inclined to do something nice for someone else. Whether it is helping a neighbor or donating to a charity, simply spread the love of Jesus.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Patricia Jane Rosato, 85, Vero Beach
February 16, 1937 – January 02, 2023
Patricia Jane Rosato 85, of Vero Beach Florida died January 2, 2023. She was surrounded by her family and passed peaceably in her sleep. She was the wife of Ralph L. Rosato. They had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, January 1st. She had a great celebration of family and Christmas with her entire immediate family. Her children Ralph and Kati of Vero Beach and Pasquale and Tina of Palm Harbor, Florida. Her grandchildren, Danielle, Elise, Anna, Emily (Chris), Andrea, and Olivia. Her great grandchildren, Aria, and Austin. She was the daughter of Adeline and Pasquale Melillo. She had three sisters, Dolly (Bob) Rose, Phyllis (John) Shanahan, Ginger Huisman, and Pasquale (Linda) Melillo.
PJ was a graduate of Hamden High School. She had a degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Dental Hygiene. She worked as a Hygienist, owned her own craft business, and was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She was a past president of the East Haven Women’s Club, and a member of the Garden Club in Vero Beach.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 1:00-2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory.
A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15th, 2023, with Pastor Emeritus Jack Diehl of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William “Bill” Edward Harris, Sr., 88, Vero Beach
January 30, 1934 – January 01, 2023
William “Bill” Edward Harris, Sr., age 88, passed away January 1, 2023, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach, FL.
He was born January 30, 1934, in Montrose, Colorado to the late Robert and Ella Harris. Bill was the youngest of five children and moved to Vero Beach when he was four years old.
He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School where he played football and ran track. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Vero Beach, FL.
Bill was a veteran and served two years in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, he attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in citrus production.
Bill worked for Gracewood Fruit Company of Vero Beach as a production manager for over 30 years, before finally retiring.
Survivors include his wife, Shelby; three children, Sherri (Jim Devine), Billy (Lisa Harris, and Marlin; three grandchildren, Sarah Devine, Daniel Devine, and Will Harris.
Bill’s hobbies included woodworking, camping/traveling, horseback riding, gardening, and growing orchids.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Robert A. Mitchell, 85
August 19, 1937 – January 03, 2023
Robert A. Mitchell, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp., who served in the Korean War, passed on January 3, 2023.
The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest.
He was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father.
He is survived by his loving family members, Vikki, Hank, Sue, Wayne, Lloyd, Becky, Donna, Johnny, David, Peggy, his grandchildren Vanessa, Brittany, Erik, Austin, David Jr., Ashley, and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Enese, and his parents and siblings.
Robert will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.
Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Bluebirds singin’ a song
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on…
(Excerpt by Willie Nelson)
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Robert A. Mitchell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kenneth “Ken” Lowe, 81, Vero Beach
March 11, 1941 – December 31, 2022
Kenneth “Ken” Lowe passed away on December 31, 2022 with his loving wife of 58 years, Janice, and his daughters at his side at the compassionate VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. Ken was born on March 11, 1941 in Providence, Rhode Island but his most treasured place to be was Prudence Island, Rhode Island, where he moved year-round in 2004 after his retirement.
Ken married the love of his life, Janice, in 1964 and they celebrated their 58th anniversary in September. Ken cherished his time with Janice, their two daughters, Jennifer Lowe, and Heather Lowe (Kenny Clarke), and their two grandchildren, Heather and Benjamin Leonard.
Ken was a member of Cranston’s Boy Scout Troop # 5 where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, was elected to the Order of the Arrow, and eventually became a Scout Master. When he was 17, he became a member of the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department and proudly served as a first responder, as well as their long-time treasurer, throughout his adult life; becoming their first member bestowed with Life Membership. After Ken graduated from East Providence High School in 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy participating in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He earned his associate degree from Bryant College and began working at First National Bank, later known as Bank of America, as a teller and retired 40+ years later as a VP of the appraisal department. Ken was also a founding member of the Prudence Island Conservancy, a lifetime member of the Prudence Improvement Association where he served in various capacities including President, a member of the East Providence Lion’s Club, an East Providence Mohawks peewee football coach, and a longtime member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry for many years. His favorite club though, was ‘The Cheyenne Club’, where even though there were no “elected officials”, there was always friends, laugher, and a Red Sox game to discuss.
Ken’s favorite place to be was up the hill from Sand Point on Prudence Island, at the home he built in 1972, next to his childhood summer home built by his father, Robert Lowe. Many beautiful memories, and traditions, were passed from generation to generation near the ‘The Lowe Rock’. Ken could be found meeting the ferry, driving around looking for deer, working at the PI “dump”, or tinkering in his shed, always with a smile, a kind word, and a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Ken and Janice moved to Sebastian, Florida in June 2020.
Ken was predeceased by his kind parents Robert and Astrid (Carlson) Lowe, and his brother Howard. In addition to Janice, their daughters and grandchildren, he leaves to celebrate his memory an abundance of dear family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 6th at Strunk Funeral home, 1623 Central Ave, Sebastian, Florida 32958, followed by a burial at Sebastian Municipal Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, Florida.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Patric Dale Townsend, 82
July 14, 1940 – December 5, 2022
“If I Knew”
If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I’m sure you’ll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away. For surely there’s always tomorrow to make up for an oversight and we always get a second chance to make everything right. There will always be another day to say “I Love You”, and certainly there’s another chance to say “Anything I can Do?”. But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I’d like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. TOMORROW, IS NOT PROMISED TO ANYONE, young or old alike, and today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So, if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day that you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss, and you were too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their one last wish. So, hold your loved one close today, whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them and that you’ll always hold them dear. Take time to say “I’m sorry”, “I love you”, “Please forgive me”, Thank you” or It’s Okay”. And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today:
To my loving step dad: Pat Dale Townsend
Love, your loving Step Daughter Shay Dension
Until we meet again
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Karen Eversole, 61
April 10, 1961 – January 5, 2023
A Celebration will be held in Karen’s honor Saturday, January 14th at 4:00pm at Strunk Funeral Home’ Vero Beach Chapel.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Karen Eversole, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Clifford Stephen Kantor, 91, Naples
October 27, 1931 – October 30, 2022
Clifford Stephen Kantor, 91, of Naples, Florida, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022.
Cliff was born to the late Steve and Marie Kantor on October 27, 1931, in Chicago, IL. Cliff graduated from Amundsen High School and received his B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University. Cliff was a career naval officer. He served on four ships (USS Long Beach, USS Mahan, USS Bordelon, and USS Perry. His career included two tours of duty in Vietnam, the Pentagon, and 3rd Fleet Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Cliff retired as a Commander in 1982. He followed his Navy career as a defense contractor with SWL and then fully retired in 1992.
Cliff is survived by his two children Robert Kantor of Naples, Florida and Ellen Wyviorka of Ashburn, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his oldest Son, Stephen Kantor. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Emma (19) and Stephen (17) Wyviorka and Nathaniel (15) and Zachary (11) Kantor.
Cliff will have full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 9 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Avow Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides hospice care. Please visit avowcares.org for more information.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is welcome to email Ellen at edandellenwyviorka@gmail.com.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Clifford Stephen Kantor, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Walter Daniel (Dan) Bailey Jr., 80
April 27, 1942 – December 31, 2022
Walter Daniel (Dan) Bailey Jr was born on April 27,1942 in Concord, New Hampshire to Walter Daniel Sr and Erma (Crymble) Bailey. He passed from this physical life into eternal life at the age of 80 on December 31, 2022 with his loving wife Marilyn by his side. Dan married his life’s love, Marilyn on August 3, 1963 and they were blessed to celebrate their love and lives together for more than 59 years.
Dan is survived by his wife – Marilyn, his children – Dan III (Kim), Dean (Shannon), Todd (Jennifer), Lisa (Shon), Michelle, Damon, and Karlee; his sister – Pam Harrell; his brother – Charles (Jo) Bailey; 13 grandchildren – Bryan (Susie), Amber (James), Lauren (Tyler), Madeline (Alex), Joseph, Brittany, Joshua, Maegan, Brandon, Lucas, Deidrah, Mackenzie, Jabari, Samantha, Ella, and Kameryn; 10 great-grandchildren – Emily, Xzavier, TJ, MJ, Caleigh, Hailey, Levi, Lily Anne, Lyla Rose, and William Taylor; and 5 nieces and 5 nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr and Erma, as well as their youngest son Donte.
Dan had a passion for travel (Cruising and RVs), golf, bowling, softball, and playing cards with his family and friends. His professional life centered on the Lithography trade, in which he worked for over 30 years. Also over a 30 year span of time, Dan and Marilyn fostered more than two hundred children, many with critical medical needs.
Dan was truly a warrior, having fought through several of his own severe medical issues. Through it all his faith in Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, as well as the love and support of family and friends kept him strong and allowed him to continue to fight. At the end, Dan held one of his favorite scripture passages close to his heart – Psalm 23 – which reassured him of God’s love, grace, mercy, and promises.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on January 14, 2023 at 11:00am at the Lakehouse Village Clubhouse in Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Walter Daniel Bailey, Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lois Joan Popadak, 91, Vero Beach
September 1, 1931 – January 3, 2023
With deep sorrow, the children of Lois Joan Popadak announce her passing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida. We are comforted in our grief by the belief that she is dancing in the streets of heaven with her beloved husband of 70 years, John M. Popadak Jr.
Lois was born at home in Fowler, Ohio on September 1, 1931, the daughter of Leon and Ruth Taylor Lewis. She grew up on the farm and met her high school sweetheart at the age of 15. She graduated from Cortland High School in 1949 and married Johnny on December 23 rd of the same year. Lolo & Johnny began a life of love for family in Quantico, Virginia where John was stationed in the United States Marine Corp. She was a faithful military wife. The family grew with the births of four children, Susan, Michael (Kathleen), Donna (Doug) Daugherty, John L “Jack” (Lori). They established their home in Champion, Ohio for the next 50 years. During these years, Lois was employed at Packard Electric, was a member of Champion Presbyterian church, and supported all her children by volunteering with the band boosters. In 1976, Lois and John founded Action Ambulance which served the Trumbull County area for 38 years. Her retirement years were filled with travel, adventure and friends as she and John caravanned their motorhome to Alaska, California, New England, Florida, Canada and all points in between. They were fortunate to travel to Germany and Ireland, making friends wherever they went. She loved cruising with her group of Florida snowbird friends as well. In 2010, Lois and John relocated permanently to Vero Beach, Florida, where she would continue to cheer on her beloved Cleveland Indians.
In addition to her parents and husband, who died February 6 th 2020, Lois is predeceased by her sister Helen Lewis Yeager and a grandson Steven Brent Popadak. She leaves her children and their spouses to cherish her memories and to carry on the “Christmas Cookie Tradition.” Her 10 grandchildren, Sharla, Stacey, and Christine Popadak, Theresa (Kenny) Davis, Doug (Angi) Daugherty, Becky (Gary) Bartlett, April (Tom) Reed, John (Gina) Iser, Cara (Zak) Bobek and Matthew (Saylor) Popadak, who all grew up sharing her travels and receiving her love, will miss her deeply. Lois loved to follow the lives and activities of her 24 great grandchildren, who called her GiGi.
The highlight of her final year was a summer 2022 trip home to Ohio to meet the new little ones and give them all 1 more GiGi hug.
A private family viewing was held. A service will be held on a future date when John and Lois’ ashes will be inurned at Meadow Brook Memorial Park, Champion, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Lois Joan Popadak, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Louise North, 80
January 3, 1942 – January 1, 2023
With deep sorrow, the children of Mary Louise North announce her passing on Sunday, January 1, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida.
Mary was born in Dundee, Illinois on January 3, 1942, the daughter of Thomas J. and Marjorie McKenna. She was one of three children. She graduated from Glen Ellyn High School in 1959 and married Harvey North on May 28, 1960. Marilou and Harvey began a life of love in California. This started their life of traveling the United States, building homes in California, Texas, New York, Louisiana, Nebraska, Michigan, and Washington state. The family grew with the births of their two daughters, Mickey and Kathae. Marilou and Harvey enjoyed family time; friends; their many animals including Arabian horses, dogs, cats, goats, and chickens; and building a long life together of 56 years of marriage.
Marilou was an amazing homemaker, weaving her magic with her sewing of the girl’s clothes when they were younger; draperies, curtains, and bedspreads as they were older and had their own homes; and in the past 30 years focused on quilting from her grandson Hunter’s baby blankets, to veteran’s quilts, to quilt squares sewn with love with her many quilter friends. She also enjoyed pinochle, bridge, and laughs with her friends. Marilou’s signature was her funny and contagious laugh along with her red hair.
In addition to her parents, Marilou is predeceased by her husband Harvey, who died in September 2016. She leaves her daughter Mickey and husband John, and her daughter Kathae and her son, Hunter. Marilou loved to follow the lives and activities of her family, enjoying all the adventures and differences of each family member. She believed her life was one of many blessings because of her family.
Marilou was so looking forward to Hunter’s college graduation this spring. She was thrilled for him and his new beginning as an engineer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Harvey.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 11 am, at Santa Rosa DeLima Catholic Church in Andice, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary Louise North, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
AnnMarie Hamel, 71
October 7, 1951 – December 25, 2022
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Angel L. Morales, 76
September 30, 1946 – December 3, 2022
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To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Angel L. Morales, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Elaine Doris Chamberlain, 90
November 29, 1932 – December 6, 2022
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Elaine Doris Chamberlain, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Elaine Doris Chamberlain, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Teresa Almanza, 81
November 26, 1941 – December 12, 2022
Our beloved Teresa Almanza, 81, passed away on December 12, 2022 at Health First Palm Bay Hospital. She was the wife of Bernardino Almanza; they shared 65 years of marriage together.
Born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she was the daughter of Tomas Morales and Guadalupe Carrizales. Teresa dedicated her life to her husband and children. She enjoyed gardening and being outdoors, hosting cooking for family members, spending time with her grandchildren, loved to sew, and to read the Bible. Teresa will be remembered for her kindness, humbleness, handworker, and giving personality. She loved her grandchildren as if they were her own children.
Your memory will always live in our hearts, the seed of love you planted us will continue to grow.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Bernardino Almanza and her children Pedro, Yolanda, Bernardino, Olga, Elizabeth, and Gabriel.
A funeral visitation will be held at Seawinds Funeral Home (735 S. Fleming St. Sebastian, Florida 32958) from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on December 21, 2022.
The funeral mass will be held on December 22, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission (12896 County Rd 512 Fellsmere, Florida 32948) at 11:00 AM followed by an interment at the Fellsmere Brookside Cemetery.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Teresa Carrizales Morales Almanza, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Teresa Carrizales Morales Almanza, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Jason A. Gentry, 39, Sebastian
March 25, 1983 – December 14, 2022
Jason A. Gentry, 39, passed away on December 14,2022 at his residence in Sebastian, Florida. Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was the son of Eric Gentry and Deborah Gentry.
He was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Jason enjoyed watching sports, playing in fire ant hills, and watching squirrels fall in the pool. He will be remembered for his great personality, being a wonderful dad and a great sense of humor. He is a son, brother, and loving father to two daughters.
Jason is survived by his fiance, Theresa; his two daughters Lilly and Kayla; parents, Deborah and Eric; sister; Christine, brother, Jeff; nephews, Hunter and Finn; and niece, Brie.
At this time there are no services or visitations scheduled.
Please leave a comment or memory in remembrance of Jason.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jason A. Gentry, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jason A. Gentry, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Eugene Timothy Touhey, 59, Sebastian
July 17, 1963 – December 15, 2022
Eugene Timothy Touhey, 59, passed away on December 15, 2022 in Sebastian, Florida where he resided in for 32 years. Eugene was born on July 17, 1963 in Port Jefferson, New York.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie, whom he was married to for 35 years, his four sons; Michael, Nicholas, Matthew, and James, and his seven grandchildren; Makayla, Marshall, Camila, Olivia, Grace, Theodore, and Isla.
During Eugene’s career, he worked as a flooring expert for various companies in New York and all over the Treasure Coast area. In 2001, Eugene was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease. After receiving a kidney transplant in 2005, Eugene spent the last two decades spending time with his family.
Eugene loved to fish in the Indian River Lagoon and spend time with his friends and family. He was very involved in youth sports with his kids and saw all four of his sons play varsity baseball for the Sebastian River Sharks.
A service will be held for all family and friends that would like to attend on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Seawinds Funeral Home (735 S Fleming St Sebastian, Florida 32958).
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Eugene Timothy Touhey, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Eugene Timothy Touhey, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lana Frances Valentine Williams, 79, Sebastian
December 23, 1942 – December 10, 2022
Lana Frances Valentine Williams of Sebastian, Florida passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, just 13 days shy of her 80th birthday. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Lana was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts to Viola “Vi” Ferreira Valentine and Francis “Pie” Valentine on December 23, 1942. She held various positions that included management, sales, realtor, and owner of a classic New England neighborhood grocery store, Willy’s Market, in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Lana was a friendly, hard-working lady that loved working with others. Because of this, her favorite place of employment in Florida was a front desk receptionist to over 400 residents at Prosperity Oaks Senior Lifestyle Facility in Palm Beach Gardens.
Lana’s proudest accomplishment was in Sebastian, Florida where she co-founded the Senior Activity Center of Sebastian. Today this center is open six days a week for seniors to enjoy and gather together to play various types of games, especially Four Deck Canasta which she gladly shared with all to enjoy.
After graduating from Provincetown High School in June of 1960, Lana married the late Lawrence Gene Smith of Seabrook, Texas, where they had four children.
She is predeceased by her father Francis, mother Viola, brother LeRoy Valentine and sister-in-law Eileen Valentine, and her niece Patty Powers. She is survived by her sister Sandra and brother-in-law Steven Roda of Harwich, Massachusetts; her four children, Lynnette Smith and Kai Jacobson of Puerto Rico, Lance Smith of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Laurel Cook of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Lesley Denman and David Rowse of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts; her six grandchildren, Ashley Healy and Matt of Exeter, New Hampshire, Chad Hedlund and Cana of Spearfish, South Dakota and Newport, New Hampshire, Shane Hedlund and Alex DiBacco of Rowley, Massachusetts, Corbin Cook and Jackie of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Caleb Cook of Garner, North Carolina, and Addison Lummert of Greensboro, North Carolina; three great grandchildren from Exeter, New Hampshire, as well as an aunt, cousins, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The simplest pleasures in life brought Lana great joy. She had an uncanny ability to find fun and happiness in her daily activities, such as reading, dancing, crafting, sewing, and playing games with friends or family with a glass of wine in hand. She also enjoyed her world travels to various places including Alaska, England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, and São Miquel, Azores.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Saint Sebastian Catholic Church (13075 U.S. Highway 1, in Sebastian, Florida) at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the organization that Lana loved and supported, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Lana F. Williams, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.