From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gregory Quentin Gilbert, 61, Vero Beach
November 24, 1962 ~ November 06, 2024
Gregory Quentin Gilbert, 61, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2024, from natural causes. Born in Kenmore, New York, Greg was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his vibrant spirit and kindness. His presence brought joy to everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Survived by his devoted parents, Joe and Carol Davis of Vero Beach, and his siblings Raymond Gilbert (Karen), John Gilbert (Cheri), Dawn Delamater, Fran Bolanis (George), Kim Lisses (Lewis), and Alan Davis (Vanessa), Greg was the heartbeat of his family. He is also reunited in peace with his brother, Norman Gilbert, who preceded him in death.
Greg treasured his lifelong friendships, nurturing bonds with people from all stages of his life, from his youth in Buffalo to his time at Pennsylvania State University. His love for travel, laughter, and the Buffalo Bills was matched only by his care for those around him.
Though Greg’s presence will be missed in our daily lives, we find peace knowing he is with the Lord and loved ones who passed before him.
A private celebration of Greg’s life will be held with family and close friends in his honor.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Frederick Wood Gerstell, 88, Vero Beach
April 01, 1936 ~ November 08, 2024
Frederick Wood Gerstell, age 88, died peacefully on November 8, 2024 at Indian River Estates retirement community in Vero Beach, Florida.
Fred was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia and spent his childhood in that region, except during World War II, when his father Wood Dailey Gerstell was stationed at Grumman (Bethpage, New York) as an engineer in the U.S. Navy. Fred himself would eventually do a short stint in the Navy, and in that capacity he worked at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut.
Fred graduated from the Haverford School in Haverford, Pennsylvania in 1954 and received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1958. He taught History and English at Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey for 40 years. He spent some summers obtaining a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, an institution where his uncle Richard Gerstell had earned a doctoral degree in biology some decades earlier. Never tired of learning, Fred enrolled at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) in the 1990s, for further studies of history and literature.
After retirement from the Lawrenceville School, Fred lived for more than a decade at Pennbrooke Fairways, a golf and tennis community in Leesburg, Florida. He moved to Vero Beach shortly before the CoVid pandemic.
Fred was an avid player of racquet sports, especially squash, and won numerous tournaments while associated with the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania. He coached a variety of sports at the Lawrenceville School, and assisted in coaching the Princeton University junior varsity squash team.
He is survived by a sister, Marguerite “Mimi” Gerstell of Vero Beach and of Stonington, Maine; and by (maternal) first cousins James Paul MacElree II, David Eyre MacElree, Wendy MacElree Beck, Susan Fordyce Dunaway, Mary MacElree Propper, Ellen MacElree DeVegh, and Diana MacElree. His nearest survivors on his father’s side are second cousins Barbara Debevoise Dinsmore and Nancy Debevoise.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gerard “Jerry” Cournoyer, 58
July 22, 1966 ~ November 06, 2024
It is with abundant sadness, that we bid our dear friend, Jerry Cournoyer, a final farewell. Gerard “Jerry” Cournoyer, age 58, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. His sister, Stella and brother, Don were by his side, along with his beloved wife of thirty-two years, Tina Cournoyer.
Family was everything to Jerry. He was blessed with the birth of his 4th grandchild on the very same day he took his last breath. He will be remembered fondly as a husband and best friend to Tina; proud Father to Jesse, James, and Megan; beloved “Poppi” to Asher, Ember, Rhythm and Chance; and honorable son to Don and Judy Cournoyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Sebastian Roadside Restaurant and an additional Celebration will be held in MA and announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Donna L. Caskey, 86, Vero Beach
August 16, 1938 ~ November 14, 2024
Donna L. Caskey passed away at the VNA Hospice House on November 14, 2024, at the age of 86.
She is survived by her daughter and her husband, Jawnee and Robert Steele; granddaughter and her husband, Jessica and Anthony Marfione; grandson and his wife, Robert and Casey Steele; as well as three great-grandchildren.
Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Dianna Lynn.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Jeanne Elizabeth Sherman, 74, Vero Beach
October 23, 1950 ~ November 13, 2024
Jeanne Elizabeth Sherman, age 74, passed away on November 13th, 2024, in Vero Beach, FL.
She was born in Marietta, Ohio and resided in Fairfield, Ohio prior to moving to Vero Beach.
Jeanne worked for the Indian River County School District and retired after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service.
Survivors include her loving husband Russell Sherman, two daughters, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one brother, and two sisters.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Frances Cooke, 76, Vero Beach
October 01, 1948 ~ November 15, 2024
Joan Frances Cooke, 76, passed away on Nov 15, 2024, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by her loving husband and loved ones.
Joan was born in Baltimore MD, Oct 1, 1948 to Wayne and Frances Cooke (Cwalina).
She is survived by her husband, James William (76); adult children, James Jeremy (51), Jenevieve Marya (48) [Jeremy Slagoski], and Jessica Therese (46). No one’s face shone brighter than when Joan was with her grandchildren, Elijah Michael Nelson (25) [Emily Stiers] and Autumn Cecilia Coulee Nelson Slagoski (16).
Joan graduated from Westminster High School in MD in 1966. She then pursued a degree in Music Education from Notre Dame College in Baltimore MD. After graduating in 1970, she married James Nelson on June 6th the same year. The couple was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany before they settled in Westminster, MD to raise their family. Joan was a stay at home mom during her children’s younger years but always had a strong Catholic faith. She believed her faith led her to acts of service. Joan started the first soup kitchen in Westminster, MD, Loaves and Fishes. She and her family were active members of Resurrection Farm, a homeless shelter that served Carroll County, MD until it closed in 2001.
Joan returned to school and received a master’s in clinical social work from University of Maryland Baltimore County in 1988. She then worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker until 2010. Joan was multi-talented and very smart. She loved painting, crafting and traveling. She loved having a good time, playing host and making great food for her people. After retiring Joan and Jim moved to Vero Beach Florida where they lived for the remainder of her life. She was an active member of her Vista Gardens community and was elected to a seat on their executive board. She loved her Stitchers and Contemplative Prayer friends, but the biggest highlight of her twilight years was watching her grandchildren, Eli and Autumn grow up.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. If you would like to make a donation in her honor, please consider VNA Hospice House, https://foundation.vnatc.com/now/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Anna Rose Smith Johnson, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home on November 22, 2024. She was surrounded by her children and family.
Anna was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Cecil Johnson and her grandson, Brandon Johnson.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan (Gary) Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee; son, Jay Scott (Derrick) Johnson of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter, Julie Johnson (Brad) Springer of Vero Beach, Florida; sister, Mary Schick of Vero Beach, Florida; five grandchildren, Erik (E.J.), Kaitlin, Mallorie, Mackenzie, and Chandler; along with six great-grandchildren, Makaela, Bevin, Dalton, Conner, Christian and Ella.
Anna was a lifelong resident of Vero Beach. She graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1955.
The family will be having a private service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice, 920 37th Place, #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Beatrice Lindsay Sartor, age 50, passed away November 26, 2024, at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born in Bronx, New York to Rudolpho and Luisa Garcia. She moved to Vero Beach from Long Island, New York in 2011.
Beatrice was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College.
Survivors include her husband, Fernando Sartor and daughter, Emma Vivienne Sartor.
She was predeceased by her father, Rudolpho Garcia; Nona, Teresa; Nona, Josephina; Tio, Umberto; and Tia, Carmen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1924 Zephyr Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.