From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Patricia Hettche (Durkan), 86, Treasure Coast
December 6, 1939 – February 23, 2026
Patricia Hettche (Durkan) passed peacefully in her sleep on February 23, 2026, with her beloved husband Ray by her side. She was 86.
Patricia was born on December 6, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Hubert Francis Durkan and Margaret Durkan (Thomas). She grew up in Green Tree, PA and earned her teaching degree from Duquesne University. Pat and Ray raised their family in State College, Pennsylvania, where they lived for more than 20 years.
Pat devoted her early professional life to childhood education before choosing to stay home to raise her four children. Her family was always her greatest priority and proudest accomplishment. In the 1990s, ahead of her time, she became a pioneer in online book sales through her beloved shop, Lion Paw Books.
Though some affectionately called her Patty, a nickname she did not particularly care for, she accepted it with good humor and a smile. She was known for her dry wit, steady patience, and her willingness to listen without judgment.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Kathleen Ann Hettche.
Pat is survived by her husband of 60 years, Leroy Raymond Hettche; her children, Lisa Veglia, Matthew Hettche and his wife Jessica, and Craig Hettche and his wife Kendra; her cherished grandchildren, Meghan, Madison, Morgan, Mackenzie, Austin, Kate, and Hank; and her younger brothers, Joseph and Thomas Durkan Sr.
Her family will forever remember her unwavering devotion to her children. She loved cheering them on at swim meets and track events, always present, always supportive.
More than 25 years ago, she and Ray retired to the Treasure Coast of Florida, where she embraced life by the ocean. She found joy in daily walks along the beach to the jetty and back, a ritual she kept for years.
Her heart was full of compassion and understanding, and her warmth radiated to everyone fortunate enough to be in her orbit.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Florida, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Debra Ann Wesley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 70. She was born on January 17, 1956, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and grew up in Brick Township. She married Robert Lake in 1974 and moved to Florida where she lived for the rest of her life. After losing her husband to cancer in 1982, Debra was fortunate to find love again and married Mark Wesley in 1988. Debra lived a life defined by boundless love, quiet strength, and an open heart that welcomed everyone who came near her.
A Life Full of Love
Debra and her husband, Mark, were married for almost 38 years. Their relationship was built on friendship, laughter, and a strong dedication to their family. Together, they raised seven children — Drew, Jessica, Jason, Ryan, Alea, Stacie, and Brandon — and their home was always full of love, warmth, and activity.
As a grandmother, Debra found some of her happiest moments. Her five grandchildren — Ethan, Kaylee, Fitz, Benjamin, and Elizabeth — brought joy and light into her later years, and she cherished every moment she spent with them.
A Calling to Care
Debra cared deeply for others, and that showed in every part of her working life. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse at IRMH for several years, then later in her career, she worked as a pre‑K teacher, helping young children learn and grow with patience and warmth.
But nothing showed Debra’s generous heart more than her time as a foster parent. She welcomed children into her home and cared for them when they needed safety, comfort, and love the most. The many children she helped over the years show just how willing she was to support anyone who needed her. In time, her love grew even deeper as she and Mark adopted four of those children, giving them a permanent, loving home.
Her Favorite Things
Debra had a playful side that those who loved her knew well. She had a lifelong fondness for penguins, their charm and personality amused her in a way that always brought a smile to her face. She loved the outdoors, and some of her happiest memories were made around a campfire or at the water’s edge with a fishing rod in hand. Camping and fishing weren’t just hobbies, they were the backdrop to countless family adventures and quiet moments of peace.
She is Survived by her husband, Mark Wesley; her children, Drew, Jessica, Jason, Ryan, Stacie, and Brandon; her five beloved grandchildren, Ethan, Kaylee, Fitz, Benjamin, and Elizabeth; her mother Doris Norton; and her siblings, Nancy and Rick.
A Gathering for family and friends will be held from 1-2PM Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2PM in the funeral home chapel.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Frances E. Nelson, 96, Vero Beach
July 29, 1929 – March 14, 2026
Frances E. Nelson, 96, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. She was born on July 29, 1929, in Saugus, Massachusetts, and later resided in Vero Beach, Florida, where she spent her final years.
Frances was deeply devoted to her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She will be lovingly remembered by her nephew, Michael Landry; her nieces, Elizabeth Gerardi and Catherine Bussey; her grandniece, Jessica Gerardi and her grandnephews, Shawn Landry, Michael Landry, and Daniel Landry. She also leaves behind a great-grandniece and two great-grandnephews.
Frances dedicated many years of her professional life as a dietician at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she made a lasting impact before her retirement.
A Mass and burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Saugus, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. There will be no services held in Vero Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances’s memory to:Visiting Nurses Association Hospice House901 37th StreetVero Beach, FL 32960
Frances, lovingly referred to by all as Auntie, will be remembered for her kindness, devotion, and the love she shared with those around her.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Donna Lynn Ferrone, 67, Vero Beach
December 8, 1958 – March 14, 2026
Donna Lynn Ferrone, 67, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on March 14, 2026.
Born in Danbury, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Richard Martin Cyr and Mary Ann King Cyr. Donna grew up in Danbury, Connecticut, and raised her three children in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, before moving to Vero Beach in 2004.
Donna was a devoted member of St. Helen Catholic Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Elector Coordinator. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found great joy in serving her parish community.
She was a warm and outgoing person who loved meeting new people and forming lasting friendships. Donna enjoyed socializing and spending time with her family and friends, and she especially cherished time with her grandchildren. She loved music and dancing, was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, and found creative joy in arts and crafts.
Those who knew Donna will remember her vibrant personality, her welcoming spirit, and the love she shared with those around her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Ferrone; her sons, Daniel Chinchar and his wife Andrea of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Thomas O’Neil of Pennsylvania; her daughter, Katie O’Neil of Vero Beach, Florida; her step-son, Vincent Ferrone and his wife Vanessa; her step-daughter, Dominique Ferrone; and her beloved grandchildren, Rylee, Calen, Aerielle, Justus, J’Honesti, Jeneses, Jerrika and Lucy.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach, with a gathering time to follow.
Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her strong faith guided her throughout her life and now welcomes her into eternal peace.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Betty is no longer in pain. She is now peacefully rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with her parents Dorothy Ray Anderson and Woodrow William Anderson, and her dear husband, Frank Groves Howard. Betty is survived by her two sons, Scott Currie (Jewel), Boyce Hundley (Tess), her sisters Jean Lahren (Jack), Janet Johnson (Forrest), Deborah Smith (David), eight grandchildren Taylor, Maddie, Kat, Daniela, Elina, Bryn, Malcolm, Rowan, one great grandchild, Elias, as well as nephews, Ken Collins (Jill), Clayt Hennessee (Uliana), and nieces, Alexandra Smith (Sean), and Jessica Smith. She also leaves behind many close friends.
Betty, with a nursing background, had a successful career in Pharmaceutical Research, which required her to travel to interesting places. She also traveled on many special trips with her family, as well as, friends, but loved being home the most. Her love of the ocean and being near it brought her great comfort.
Throughout her life, Betty brought joy and inspiration to those around her. She faced challenges with grace and resilience, always offering a helping hand to so many others whenever there was a need. We will remember her for the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Tuesday, May 12th from 3-6PM, at The Service Alley Restaurant (formerly Kelly’s Irish Pub) in Miracle Mile Plaza, 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL.
Though she is no longer with us, her light continues to shine in the lives of those who knew her. We honor her memory and celebrate the beautiful life she lived. Rest in peace, dear Betty. You will be loved and missed always, but never forgotten.
