From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Cecilia “Sue” Perreault, 89, Vero Beach
January 24, 1936 – December 2, 2025
Cecilia “Sue” Perreault, born January 24, 1936, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at Sodalis Senior Living in Vero Beach, Florida.
Sue was the daughter of the late James J. Gantley and Pearl C. (Suggs) Gantley, and was born in New York City. She was a proud 1954 graduate of Hartford High School in Hartford, Connecticut.
She is survived by her children: Stephen Daley (Andrea), James Daley, John Daley (Pam), and Christina Rajala (David); six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her devoted companion of 13 years, Donald Hubbard, all of whom brought joy, purpose, and love to her life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Perreault.
Sue worked for many years as a medical secretary in Connecticut, where she was known for her dedication, work ethic, and cheerful presence. After retiring, she and Ray made their home in Vero Beach, where she embraced the sunshine and an active lifestyle. She was fortunate to travel the world, creating cherished memories along the way. Sue loved watching tennis and golf, dancing at the Yacht Club, and enjoying happy hour with friends. Her kindness, humor, and spirited personality left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Burial services will be private and held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Bartholomew “Bart” William McDonnell, 90
March of 1935 – November 24, 2025
Bartholomew “Bart” William McDonnell was born in March of 1935 in New York City to John and Bella McDonnell. He passed away on November 24, 2025. Bart’s father worked for the federal government, and the family—along with Bart’s younger brother, John—relocated several times throughout his childhood, living in Washington, D.C., Peekskill, New York, and eventually returning to Brooklyn.
Bart attended St. Anthony’s School and LaSalle Academy, where he earned a track scholarship. He continued his education at St. John’s College on an athletic scholarship, graduating in 1957. That same year, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and married Jacqueline Sherry. Together, they raised four children: Mary Jean, Grace, Bart II, and Christopher.
Bart built a long and successful career in magazine publishing, working with the Saturday Evening Post and Nation’s Business before joining National Geographic, where he served as Eastern Manager and retired after 24 years. He was a longtime member of the New York Athletic Club, and he and his wife Jackie were members of the Vero Beach Yacht Club. After Jackie’s passing in 2013, Bart later married Mrs. Barbara Underwood.
A devoted Catholic, Bart was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He was also a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and he and Barbara were members of the Knights of Malta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Following the Mass, a brief reception will be held, and Bart will be laid to rest at Crestlawn Cemetery.
A wake will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home from 3:00–5:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 PM.
Online condolences may be shared at coxgiffordseawinds.com.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Norma Blanchard Whitman, 103, Vero Beach
March 12, 1922 – December 2, 2025
Norma Blanchard Whitman, 103, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on December 2, 2025.
Norma received her Bachelor’s degree from North Adams Teachers College and went on to earn her Master’s degree from Columbia University in New York. She devoted much of her life to education, teaching 3rd grade at South Street School in Danbury, Connecticut, where she touched the lives of countless students with her patience, warmth, and dedication.
She was deeply engaged in her community, serving as an active member of the League of Women Voters and as both a Eucharistic Minister and a Deacon at St. James Church in Danbury. Creative and endlessly curious, Norma loved playing the piano, painting, and immersing herself in numerous art projects. She was also beloved for her many varieties of homemade fruit preserves, which she shared generously with family and friends.
In retirement, Norma and her husband moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where she enjoyed life near the ocean. She traveled widely, exploring the world with a spirit of adventure, and continued to nurture her artistic passions and gourmet interests throughout her later years.
Norma will be remembered for her unwavering happy demeanor, rapier wit, intellect, faith, and graciousness she extended to everyone around her. She leaves behind her beloved son William Whitman in Bethel Connecticut and daughter Catee Foresman in Vero Beach, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida. Graveside services will be held in Adams, Massachusetts at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Georgia May Epperson Carlen, 82
December 15, 1942 – December 11, 2025
Georgia May Epperson Carlen, 82, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida.
Georgia was born on December 15, 1942, in Hull, Illinois, the daughter of Roy and Rachel (Cadwallader) Epperson. She grew up in Hull, where she built lifelong friendships and strong family ties.
On June 28, 1959, Georgia married Wendell Carlen at the Methodist Church in Hull, Illinois. Together they shared many years of marriage and family life.
Georgia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wendell Carlen; her daughter, Brenda; her grandson, Andrew Carlen; one brother; and one sister.
She is survived by her children, Brian and his wife Bobbie of Sebastian, Florida, and Shelly Carlen of Fort Pierce, Florida; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and her sisters, Joan, Sue, and Beverly.
Georgia will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the love she shared with those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of family, strength, and enduring love.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Betty Rollins, 85, Vero Beach
January 13, 1940 – December 10, 2025
Betty Rollins of Vero Beach Florida, went to be with her Lord and Savior, December 10th 2025.
Born in Lynchburg, VA, Betty moved to Vero Beach in 1964, and never looked back; she loved Vero.
Over the years she was active in many organizations, including St. Francis Manor, Habitat For Humanity, The Source and ARC.
As Executive Director of the American Red Cross Betty implemented numerous programs including the Association For The Blind.
It was while working at the Red Cross that she met the love of her life, Bob Rollins, and in 1974 they married and began a wonderful 39 year marriage, until his death in 2013. They enjoyed travel and dancing, but mostly loved time with friends and family. Over the years they were members of The Irish American Club, and The Elks Club, where they never missed a dance!
Betty was best known for her 22 years working for the Dodgers, where she brought her energy and love for her job to the office at Dodgertown, every day. One of the General Manager’s once remarked that he was not really the one in charge- Betty was! All Vero Beach Dodger fans knew Betty! One of her favorite things about her job was mothering all the interns that passed through, very many of whom have kept in touch over the years.
Betty loved the Dodgers, and her happiest years were spent at Dodgertown.
Betty was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
She was predeceased by her parents Sam and Nannie Mae Jones, brother Jackson Jones, sister Jeannette Tyree, and her beloved Bob.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sharon and George Glenn of Vero Beach; her granddaughter Heather (Michael) Inman of Knoxville TN; grandson George Glenn Jr. of Vero Beach; great-granddaughter Caroline Inman and great-grandson Wilson Inman, both of Knoxville TN. She is also survived by sister Delories Crupton of Lynchburg, VA, stepdaughters Glo Smith, Gail Shelton and Vicki Alexander, and beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10:00 -11:30am.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2555 58th Ave., Vero Beach on Saturday, January 10, 2026 with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, lease consider a donation to St. Francis Manor, 1750 20th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960, or to Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
