From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Evelyn Veronica Gubitosi, 79
June 30, 1945 – August 14, 2024
Evelyn Veronica Gubitosi, aged 79, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, in Vero Beach. Born on June 30, 1945, in Jersey City, to Philip and Mae DeGeronimo, Evelyn dedicated her career to the betterment of others through her roles in education and psychology.
Evelyn’s professional journey included two significant and impactful careers. Initially, she made her mark in physical education, where she was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor. Her passion for helping others then led her to become the head of the child study team as a school psychologist. Her efforts were recognized, with Keys to the City, underscoring her profound impact in both roles. Evelyn was especially commended for her leadership with the Special Olympics.
She leaves behind her loving husband, David Gubitosi; children, Scott and Kimberly Gubitosi; cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Rebecca, Marissa, Taya, Nick, Victoria, Alexander, Michaela, and Lucas; great-grandchildren, Layla, Caroline, and Kara Elizabeth Evelyn; and sisters, Terry Hoyt, Diane Dino, and Beverly Shea; and pre -deceased by her brother; Edward DiGeronimo.
Evelyn’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew her.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Evelyn Veronica Gubitosi, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Margaret C. Gifford, 87, passed away on November 19, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the wife of J. Charles Gifford who passed away on March 2, 2019. They were both born and raised in Vero Beach, graduated from Vero Beach High School, and were happily married for 61 years.
Margaret graduated from Florida State University and also participated in family funeral services at Cox Gifford Funeral Home. This business was established by the family in 1930 and was the first funeral home in Vero Beach.
Margaret loved her family dearly and is survived by her two sons, Mike Gifford (wife Debi), David Gifford (wife Lorina), and their three grandchildren Lindsley, Elyse and Alyssa.
As desired by Margaret and Charlie, a graveside service to celebrate their lives together will be held at Crestlawn Cemetery at the Gifford family plot, 1216 14th Avenue in Vero Beach, FL on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10am.
All family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Indian River County Historical Society.
Marvel June Crocka, age 95, passed away August 19, 2024, in Palm Harbor, FL.
She was born July 28, 1929, in Williamson, New York to the late Michael and Mary Jane Faas. She was the third out of nine children and the first child not to be born blind. After high school, Marvel worked as a switch board operator for the local phone company. She married Duane in 1949 and then moved to Connecticut in 1952.
During her years in Connecticut, Marvel worked as a teacher’s assistant. When Duane started building houses, she managed the business for him until they moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 1990.
Marvel was a member of Pathway Church. She was also a lifelong and avid knitter. Most newborns in the family were welcomed with one of her beautiful baby blankets and other items. In addition, Marvel volunteered at the local hospital for over 20 years into her nineties, which brought her much joy to help others.
Survivors include her children, Lynn Crocka; grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Scheidel, Joseph Scheidel, Alaya Crocka, and Rebaya Crocka; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Litke; sisters, Dian (Barry) Auerbach, and Phyllis Clark; sister-in-law, Carol Faas and brother-in-law, Edward Lasky.
She was predeceased by her husband, Duane Crocka; son, Michael Crocka; daughter, Debra Scheidel; siblings, Paul Faas, Philip Faas, Dale Faas, Ronnie Faas, Elaine Collier, and Nada Lasky.
A Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. The family will be present to greet friends prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathleen Grace Balsan, 91
March 8, 1933 – August 25, 2024
Kathleen Grace Balsan passed away Sunday, August 26, 2024 at VNA Hospice House.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
A complete obituary is forthcoming.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Carole L. Mushier, 87
January 30, 1937 – August 28, 2024
Carole L. Mushier died August 28, 2024 in Vero Beach. She was born January 30, 1937 in New York City. She graduated from Manhasset High School in 1954 and received her BS cum laude from Boston University, Sargent College in 1958. In 1962 she received her MA from Teacher’s College, Columbia University and in 1970 she completed her PhD as a NDEA Fellow at the University of Southern California.
Carole taught at Oceanside Sr. High School and was an administrator at St. John’s University. In 1962 she was appointed Assistant Professor at East Stroudsburg State College until 1967. Dr. Mushier was appointed Associate Professor at California State College at Pomona and then joined the State University of New York at Cortland at the same rank. Subsequently she was awarded tenure as a full professor.
In 1981 she left higher education and subsequently joined the R. Scott Wilson Financial Group in Salisbury, MD. She moved to Florida and joined the Integrated Resources Equity Corp, which became Royal Alliance Associates, in Stuart. Subsequently she became the Managing Executive and had her own financial consulting firm. Dr. Mushier served as Adjunct Professor at IRCC in Financial Planning and Money Management. She retired in January 1999.
Carole was an athlete of note. She competed in five varsity sports in high school in a time when only a few areas in the country sponsored interscholastic teams for girls. In college there were no intercollegiate teams so she continued her participation in adult leagues and associations. She competed at local, regional and national levels in field hockey and lacrosse and represented the United States on the National Lacrosse Touring Team in 1964.
Carole held many positions in sports and educational associations over the years.
The most notable were her presidency of the Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics for Women (AIAW) in 1979-80 and her 8 years of service with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). She was a tireless supporter of Title IX and testified before Congress and other organizations on its behalf.
Dr. Mushier was the author/co-author of two textbooks in women’s sports and many research and educational articles.
After retirement she became involved in local city affairs in Fort Pierce. She served as a volunteer with the South Beach Association and became its president in 2007 a position she held until May 1, 2021 She was respected by elected officials and staff at both the city and county levels. She was known for her succinct delivery in public speaking.
Carole is survived by many friends and colleagues. There will be no services.
