French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home

01/03/2026

Gloria Rapoport passed away on December 31, 2025, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the Boston area, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Gloria had been living near family in an assisted living building in Newton, Massachusetts in recent years. She passed away of natural causes with her family by her bedside.
Born in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants Tema and Baruch Olenberg, Gloria spent her early years on Tiffany Street in the South Bronx being raised with her brother Hershel (Harry). She earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Brooklyn College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Gloria began her career as a biology teacher, but she soon switched to working in biomedical research.
Gloria met Benzion Jacob Rapoport, a Holocaust survivor, on a blind date. A friend had told Ben that he had met the girl for him. Ben and Gloria married in 1957 and lived in Manhattan, first honeymooning in Nova Scotia and then, after setting aside some money, taking a driving honeymoon through Europe. They enjoyed spending time with numerous friends from their college and graduate school years.
Eventually the couple moved to Forest Hills, Queens, and Gloria took time off from her career to raise a family. She had a son, Aaron, and a daughter, Faye. With more love in their hearts, she and Ben adopted a third child, Lisa, from South Korea.
In 1968, the family moved north from New York City to the rural community of Canaan, New York. A talented artist and avid flower photographer, Gloria was inspired by the rural landscapes, wildflowers, and farming communities of upstate New York. Over the years she produced numerous drawings, card sets, and paintings. Watercolor was her favorite medium. Her paintings were featured in shows around the area, and one painting was purchased by a member of the Guggenheim family for the permanent collection of the Clark Museum in Williamstown.
As her children entered their high school years, Gloria began a second chapter in her professional career. She earned a second Master’s Degree in Special Education. She worked briefly at Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth in Canaan before teaching for 10 years at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
After retiring from teaching, Gloria continued to enjoy drawing and painting, doing crafts, and traveling with her husband. Over the years she and Ben traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Israel, Russia, and Canada.
Gloria was known for her keen intellect and interest in current events, her kind nature, and for sharing cards, letters, knickknacks and thoughtful gifts with family and friends. When she made a personal connection, she maintained that connection for life. She also enjoyed classical music, historical documentaries, and watching gymnastics and figure skating.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Benzion Jacob Rapoport, her brother Hersh and his wife Marlene, and a number of cherished cousins and lifelong friends. She is survived by her son Aaron (Becky) Rapoport, Faye (Jean-Paul) Rapoport DesPres, and Lisa (Les) Rapoport, and her grandchildren Olivia Shoshanna Rapoport-O’Connor and Temma (Angel) Fletes. Gloria is also survived by her nieces Shari (Mike) Nitzan, Brynn (Dov) Sugarman, and Michele (Mike) Hollander, and their families. A burial will be held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, N.Y. at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.
Gloria Rapoport will be dearly missed by the family and friends who loved her. They are comforted by faith that she and Ben are reunited in love and peace, with their youthful health returned.
Condolences may be conveyed at

01/03/2026

Gloria Rapoport passed away on December 31, 2025, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the Boston area, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Gloria had been living near family in an assisted living building in Newton, Massachusetts in recent years. She passed away of natural causes with her family by her bedside.
Born in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants Tema and Baruch Olenberg, Gloria spent her early years on Tiffany Street in the South Bronx being raised with her brother Hershel (Harry). She earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Brooklyn College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Gloria began her career as a biology teacher, but she soon switched to working in biomedical research.
Gloria met Benzion Jacob Rapoport, a Holocaust survivor, on a blind date. A friend had told Ben that he had met the girl for him. Ben and Gloria married in 1957 and lived in Manhattan, first honeymooning in Nova Scotia and then, after setting aside some money, taking a driving honeymoon through Europe. They enjoyed spending time with numerous friends from their college and graduate school years.
Eventually the couple moved to Forest Hills, Queens, and Gloria took time off from her career to raise a family. She had a son, Aaron, and a daughter, Faye. With more love in their hearts, she and Ben adopted a third child, Lisa, from South Korea.
In 1968, the family moved north from New York City to the rural community of Canaan, New York. A talented artist and avid flower photographer, Gloria was inspired by the rural landscapes, wildflowers, and farming communities of upstate New York. Over the years she produced numerous drawings, card sets, and paintings. Watercolor was her favorite medium. Her paintings were featured in shows around the area, and one painting was purchased by a member of the Guggenheim family for the permanent collection of the Clark Museum in Williamstown.
As her children entered their high school years, Gloria began a second chapter in her professional career. She earned a second Master’s Degree in Special Education. She worked briefly at Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth in Canaan before teaching for 10 years at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
After retiring from teaching, Gloria continued to enjoy drawing and painting, doing crafts, and traveling with her husband. Over the years she and Ben traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Israel, Russia, and Canada.
Gloria was known for her keen intellect and interest in current events, her kind nature, and for sharing cards, letters, knickknacks and thoughtful gifts with family and friends. When she made a personal connection, she maintained that connection for life. She also enjoyed classical music, historical documentaries, and watching gymnastics and figure skating.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Benzion Jacob Rapoport, her brother Hersh and his wife Marlene, and a number of cherished cousins and lifelong friends. She is survived by her son Aaron (Becky) Rapoport, Faye (Jean-Paul) Rapoport DesPres, and Lisa (Les) Rapoport, and her grandchildren Olivia Shoshanna Rapoport-O’Connor and Temma (Angel) Fletes. Gloria is also survived by her nieces Shari (Mike) Nitzan, Brynn (Dov) Sugarman, and Michele (Mike) Hollander, and their families. A burial will be held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, N.Y. at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.
Gloria Rapoport will be dearly missed by the family and friends who loved her. They are comforted by faith that she and Ben are reunited in love and peace, with their youthful health returned.
Condolences may be conveyed at

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12/31/2025

John Fiorillo, a devoted public servant, healthcare strategist, and award-winning playwright, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 82. He died in Lenox, Massachusetts, just five months after the passing of his beloved wife, Anita Pitney Fiorillo. The two shared 56 years of marriage, homes in New York City and Chatham, NY, and a life rich in love, intellect, service, and adventure.

Born in the Bronx, New York City in 1943, John dedicated his career to improving lives through public policy, healthcare reform, and later, the arts. He began in the Executive Office of the President, serving as one of the original field officers for President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. He went on to hold senior leadership roles with the City of New York under Mayor John Lindsay, the Columbia University Medical Center, the American Health Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where he served as Senior Advisor from 1998 to 2002. In 1982, he founded The Health Strategy Group Inc., a healthcare consulting firm that advised over 200 public- and private-sector organizations. John was committed to service by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

John was also a gifted storyteller. After a successful career in public health strategy, he returned to his first love: theater. His early backstage work began as a teenage electrician at Carousel, the original production of The Fantasticks, and the New York Shakespeare Festival. Later, he became a playwright, writing more than 15 full-length and one-act plays, performed across the U.S. and in London. His historically-inspired Leonardo and the intimate Dancing Backwards, which explored aging and caregiving, were among his proudest works. His writing earned awards from the Ashland New Play Festival, Hudson Showcase Theater, and others. He was a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Playwrights and Directors Unit of the Actors Studio, and co-directed Plays in Progress in New York’s Hudson Valley.

John received a B.A. in English, Drama, and Political Science from New York University in 1963 and earned an A.M. in Economic History and American Civilization from Brown University in 1964. He remained deeply curious and intellectually engaged throughout his life. He found joy in storytelling, spirited debate, political discourse, jazz, the theater, and long conversations with friends and family. He loved fishing, playing the piano, and supporting many causes through his charitable giving. John and Anita established a family foundation, Pockets of Change, to support nonprofits in Africa, Latin America and across the United States. They also endowed an internship at Connecticut College for the Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts.

He is survived by his daughter, Alexandra D. Fiorillo of Denver, Colorado, and his granddaughter, Matilda “Tilly” Fiorillo, both of whom he adored.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Columbia County Recovery Kitchen: https://columbiacountyrecoverykitchen.org/how-to-donate/. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com

12/31/2025

ABELES--Sigmund Morton. Noted figurative artist Sigmund Morton Abeles passed away on December 21, 2025, of natural causes. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his daughter, Shoshanna Abeles, and his sons, David Abeles and Maxwell Abeles. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Gina Godwin Abeles. His marriages to Carolyn May and Friedrike Merck ended in divorce. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Nora M. Lavori; his cousin, Harriet Hollander of Florida; and other beloved extended family members. Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Abeles was brought to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the age of two by his mother, Henrietta Banner Abeles, who ran a rooming house on the road snowbirds took to Florida. One of his earliest memories was watching a car carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Bernard Baruch drive along the road in front of his home. A talented artist from a young age, he learned to draw from Life magazine and through visits to Brookgreen Gardens, where he drew figures from the many classical sculptures in their collection. As a student at the University of South Carolina in the early 1950s, Mr. Abeles participated in Civil Rights protests and received his degree in absentia. He attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine and later graduated from Columbia University with an MFA. After serving as an illustrator in the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, Mr. Abeles taught studio art at the Swain School in Rhode Island, Wellesley College, and Boston University. He was Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire, where he taught from 1970 to 1987. Mr. Abeles was a lover of animals, especially horses and dogs. While living in New Hampshire, he owned horses and rode daily - sometimes ba****ck - with his beloved dog, Kaethe, at his side. A talented gardener, both in New Hampshire and at his home and studio (once a firehouse) in Columbia County, NY, he loved rooting around in the soil. In the mid-1990s, Mr. Abeles and his family moved to New York City. After the attacks of September 11, he joined the Parks Mounted Patrol, saying it was "to protect my city." Known as a virtuoso draftsman, Mr. Abeles' work was figurative. He said, "If it doesn't have two eyes, I don't paint it." His work was realistic, with an expressionist cast. His friend, the late poet Charles Simic, wrote, "His art is Dionysian. He practices a passionate identification with his subject." Mr. Abeles was honored by his profession on numerous occasions, including a retrospective at The Century Association in 2019 and the Clinedinst Award from the Artists' Fellowship in 2017. He was elected to the National Academy of Design as a printmaker in 1977. His print Self Portrait with Cats was chosen for the Whitney Biennial in 1966. He was also a sculptor, worked in oils, and eventually gravitated to pastels. His work is held in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Boston Public Library, the Gibbs Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina, the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, South Carolina, the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, and numerous academic, regional, and private collections. He was known as a gifted teacher and remained in touch with his students long after retirement. He served as a guest lecturer, visiting artist, and juror at dozens of arts institutions. He was a member of the faculty of the Art Students League through the winter of 2020. His archives are held at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Burial was held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, NY, under the care of French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to sigmund.m.abeles@gmail.com and donations in his memory may be made to Brookgreen Gardens, the Art Students League, or the Kaplan Family Residence Hospice in Newburgh, NY.

12/19/2025

Dorothy A. Marchetto passed away December 18, 2025 at Albany Medical Center with her family by her side. Born October 12, 1934 in Austerlitz, New York, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Grace Perry Anderson.
She attended Chatham Schools and along with her husband she built and operated Woodland Hills Campground in Austerlitz, NY from 1969 to 1983.
Dorothy enjoyed being an artist, loved gardening, woodworking, tag saling and being with family. She lived every day to the fullest.
She is survived by her children; Diane (Michael) Faucher of Pittsfield, MA., Joseph Marchetto Jr. (Stephen O’Reilly) of Hudson NY, Kevin (Karen) Marchetto of Kinderhook, NY and Suzanne (Michael) Gardella of Canaan, NY, grandchildren; Sarah, Michelle, Craig, Scott, Logan, Kristine, Jennifer, Michael and 8 great grandchildren and her beloved dog Buddy.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Marchetto Sr. sisters, Norma (Butch) Seddon and Janice Bartku and daughter-in-law Heather Marchetto.
Graveside service at the Austerlitz Cemetery at 11:30 on Monday, December 22, 2025.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Dorothy’s name to Saint Jude Hospital, www.stjude.org. or the Berkshire Humane Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/18/2025

Marie D. Bull (Manderino), a cherished mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, was born on June 1, 1932, in New York City.In 1952, she married William Bull, and together they raised six children. Their family later relocated to Chatham, New York, in 1971. Marie was predeceased by her husband, William Bull; her sons, Edward and Thomas; and her grandson, Charles H. Lotz. She is survived by her children, Donna Sikoski (Joe), Deborah Lotz (Charlie), Arthur Loughman-Bull (Maura), Cindy Nack, and her sister, Lucille Santa Maria. Marie leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at French Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, New York 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/15/2025

Salvatore A. Laspada 70 of Chatham, NY passed away after a brief illness on December 13, 2025. Born April 16, 1955 in Manhattan, NY he was the son of Rosalie and Frank Laspada. He graduated class of 1974 at Dodge VOC high school. Then he went on to major in Accounting at Herbert H. Lehman College in Bronx, NY. Afterwards he married the love of his life Barbara A. Laspada whom he was married to for 48 years. Then he moved to Chatham, NY where he worked at L&B Products in Hudson, NY. He enjoyed wrestling, fireworks, the three stooges, music, car rides, and most of all his family.

Salvatore is predeceased by his loving wife Barbara. He leaves behind his daughters Maryann Laspada, Christina (Christopher) Rundell, and Kathleen Laspada. Also by the two that he held closest to his heart his granddaughter Amber Laspada and his grandson Charles Rundell. Along with his siblings Sarah Sorros of Spencertown, NY, Anthony (Carol) Laspada of Seal Beach, CA, and Giovanna Laspada of Ghent, NY.

Calling hours are Thursday December 18th, 2025 11:00am-12:30pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter, Blasl Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint James Church at 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Ghent Band. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/03/2025

Carrie Foster Bither, 74, of Canaan, NY; Easthampton, MA; and Mesa, AZ, passed away on November 13, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on April 18, 1951.
Carrie worked for many years as a school nurse at Lenox Memorial High School and also served as a volunteer EMT with the Canaan Fire Company. After the passing of her husband, William Bither II, she continued to maintain their family farm in Canaan, NY for nearly 15 years. Following her retirement, she spent summers in Easthampton with her son William Bither III, his spouse AnnaMaria, and their family, and the rest of the year in Mesa—her “Happy Place”—where she enjoyed long walks and time with friends.
She is survived by her sons William Bither III of Massachusetts and David Bither of Missouri; her sister Pamela Foster; her mother June Foster; and nine grandchildren: Abriana, Ally, and Monica, children of William and AnnaMaria, and Luke, James, Rachel, Sarah, Paul, and Mark, children of David and Odessa. carrie was predeceased by her father Albert Philip Foster.
A graveside service will take place at Canaan Cemetery on December 13th at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Canaan Fire Department. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Carrie will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and positive spirit.

12/03/2025

Dawn Ellen Sartori, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 67 in Albany, New York. Born on April 11, 1958, in Hudson, New York, to Ellwood and Bessie Mossman, Dawn's life was a tapestry of love, commitment, and joyous moments shared with family and friends.
Dawn's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her 46-year marriage to her beloved husband, Peter, was a beautiful partnership that stood as the foundation of their happy family. Together, they raised two daughters, Brook Sartori and Kayla (TJ) Malin, who brought Dawn immense pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent with her grandsons, Logan Pelkey, Ryan Malin, and Austin Malin, whose adventures and successes filled her heart with happiness.
Dawn's sisters, Carolyn Callahan and Cindy (Bruce) Tipple, shared in her journey, creating cherished memories that will forever be held dear. She was a beloved aunt to her nieces, Rebecca (Sean) Preusser, Angela Tipple, and Kelly Upright, and her nephews, Mark (Kristin) Tipple and Ed (Sue) Upright, as well as several grandnieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her guiding presence. Dawn was predeceased by her parents and her sister Debbie Gumprecht, who she held close in her heart.
Dawn's zest for life was evident in her varied interests. She was an avid country line dancer and enjoyed the thrill of concerts, with Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney being among her favorite performers. Her laughter and joy were infectious during dinners out with family and friends, and she cherished the quiet moments watching her favorite soaps with her daughter. Dawn's loyal companion, her dog Billie, was a source of constant delight and comfort.
A trip to Atlantic City was never complete without a meal at Chef Vola's, one of her favorite dining spots. Dawn also found solace and beauty in nature, with the New York Botanical Gardens holding a special place in her heart. Attending the orchid shows was an annual tradition that she looked forward to with great anticipation.
As we say farewell to Dawn, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Dawn's legacy of kindness, love, and friendship will forever remain a part of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Dawn’s name may be made to https://nyohfoundation.org/. Her services are private and under the direction of the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com. Dawn's life was a journey of love, laughter, and unwavering friendship, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.

11/30/2025

Jakob “Koby” Koch born in his beloved Villmergen, Switzerland, Koby emigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He took up farming with his aunt and uncle, Frances and Joe Michel, on Cotter Road in Old Chatham. He joined the East Chatham Fire Company and remained a member for more than 70 years. He also served in the Army from 1955 to 1958 and was stationed in Germany. During this time, he became a U.S. citizen. Other than his years in the Army, he lived on Cotter Road from 1950 until his passing. He worked in surveying and engineering, among other jobs, even helping with the construction of the Empire State Plaza. He made many, many wonderful friends over the years, with whom he celebrated holidays and shared great memories. A Jackson's Old Chatham House regular, he loved to converse over a Genny (later merlot) and spend time with friends and neighbors. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, among others in Switzerland, whom he loved dearly, as well as his "family" here in the U.S. He is at peace now, with restored vision, but will be missed tremendously by all who knew him and his generous heart. Friends may call at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home on Friday, December 5th from 3 to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at St. James Church at 1:30pm. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

11/14/2025

Cotter R. Luppi, 58, of Ghent, New York, died unexpectedly on Wednesday of a cardiac arrhythmia. Born on December 14, 1966, in Manhattan, Cotter spent his childhood in both Manhattan and Katonah, in Westchester County. A gifted artist from an early age, he earned his BFA in Studio Art from Alfred University School of Art & Design and went on to receive his MFA in Sculpture from Wichita State University. He later attended the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, deepening his approach to material, form, and mark-making. After completing his MFA, Cotter returned to New York City, where drawing became his central creative focus. Working with color pencil, graphite, and brush and ink on handmade paper, he developed a distinctive embossed drawing technique that gave his works a sculptural, almost atmospheric presence—described in one New York Times review as having the ability to “ripple and hover off the walls.” Cotter maintained his studio in Ghent, where he continued to refine and expand this unique visual language. His work has been exhibited widely, including group shows at McKenzie Fine Art (NYC), Catalyst Gallery (Beacon), Joyce Goldstein Gallery (Chatham), Collar Works Gallery (Troy), Geoffrey Young Gallery (Great Barrington), Andrew Edlin Gallery (NYC), Kiosk Gallery (Kansas City), the Bronx River Arts Center, Arena (Brooklyn), and the Institute of Contemporary Art (Palm Beach), among many others. His drawings were included in Works from The Judith Rothschild Foundation Contemporary Drawings Collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (2009). Solo exhibitions of his work have been presented at Morgan Lehman Gallery in New York City, Arena in Brooklyn, and Daniel Silverstein Gallery in New York City. Cotter also shared his insight and creative passion through teaching and curatorial work. He was a speaker at Bowdoin College, a guest and curator in the art department at the University of Texas at Tyler, and curator of the exhibition Limbic Songs at RealEyes Gallery in Adams, Massachusetts. In 2017, he received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship Award in Drawing. His work and artistic vision have been recognized in publications such as Art in America, ARTnews, artnet, Time Out New York, and The New York Times. In reviewing his work, the New York Times’ Holland Cotter wrote: “Cotter Luppi's large colored pencil drawings on paper fit into a contemporary kind of organic abstraction that isn't really organic or abstract at all. Its forms tend to look simultaneously carnal and mechanical, decorative but packed with information. The result is an art about mutant, morphing, bionic things. It suits the new sovereignty of genetic codes and replacement parts. Executed in a palette of pinks and excremental browns, with a draftsmanly finesse suited to scientific illustration, Mr. Luppi's shapes seem to refer to cartoons, mandalas and body parts. Intestinal loops and sliced-off arterial tubes float beside sprocket wheels bristling with ni***es and Ta***ic flames. Polyp-like growths resemble Arabic characters. Molecular clusters suggest hooked rugs. A blobby gum-wad splat is also a spurt of vital juices dribbling chains of DNA. Mr. Luppi keeps all this shape-shifting under firm control with the pressure of his hand. He works his pencils so hard that the individual forms swell out in relief from the surface of the paper as if they were embossed, giving a satisfyingly adamant, assertive touch to this promising New York solo debut.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/27/arts/art-in-review-cotter-luppi.html)
Cotter is survived by his wife, Linda J. Park, and their daughter, Chloë Luppi, whom he adored. He will be remembered for his wide-ranging curiosity, his deep love of music, his generosity of spirit, and the quiet intensity and beauty of his artistic work. A burial service will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Harlemville Rural Cemetery on Route 21. If you would like to come, please park at Hawthorne Valley School by 1:15 p.m.; guests will process on foot to the cemetery. In case of rain, please bring an umbrella. A reception will follow at the Luppi-Park home. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, we invite those interested to make a contribution to support a college fund for Cotter and Linda’s beloved daughter, Chloë. [Link to GoFundMe here]-- https://gofund.me/770451f48. Condelences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

11/06/2025

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Emma Bridget Brennan Yurish of Haddam, CT (formerly of Canaan, NY) was called home to the Lord at age 88. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is happily reunited with the love of her life, Jack and son, Michael.
Emma was born in Richmond Hills, Queens, NY on April 29, 1937, to James and Alexandra Brennan. She was the youngest of 3 children, the “American” baby born after the family emigrated to the United States in 1932. She met her beloved Jackie at a church dance in Brooklyn, NY in 1955. They married in 1956 and as newlyweds went to Quantico, VA and Oceanside, CA with the Marine Corp. Together they raised their 7 children, Michael, John, Peter, Stephen, Anne, Ellen and Matthew in Pearl River, NY, Saranac Lake, NY and White Plains, NY.
She had a deep faith and a strong belief in God. She believed the power of prayer could and did change lives for the better. She was a Eucharistic Minister and an active member at St. James church in Chatham, NY for 25+ years.
Emma cherished being a wife, mother, and grandmother. The kitchen was the heart of the house and her domain. As a latch-key kid, her dream was to be home when her kids got home from school. What a treat that was to come home to chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven! She was always finding new recipes to try. Her pies (apple, banana cream, coconut custard, pumpkin, and chocolate mousse) were enjoyed by many, foremost her husband.
Once her youngest was in elementary school Emma went to work at a local retail store “Stretch and Sew “as a model. From 1980 to 2010 she managed Jack’s consulting business as COO.
Emma dedicated her life to family and friends. She delighted in spending time with her children and grandchildren, listening to how their days went and having them help make a delicious meal for all to enjoy. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends to the fullest.
She had an eye for style and interior design. Next to all things culinary her other passions were gardening and quilting. She loved to dance – from Frank Sinatra to Motown. She was happiest in Jack’s arms looking around to see her kids and others having fun on the dance floor. She was an avid reader of mysteries, the Wall Street Journal, culinary, quilting and lifestyle magazines. She enjoyed travelling near and far and relished time spent on the beach whether in Greece, Hawaii, Scotland or closer to home in Long Beach Island, NJ. Always surrounded by family and friends.
She was known for her boundless energy and delight in the little things. She was also known for her grit and steadfast nature. She was the quintessential Ta**us and Scottish to the bone. Her determination was ever present as she survived cancer four times. When first diagnosed in 1970 she told God (and the cancer) she had 8 reasons to live so the cancer had to go. She lived every day to the fullest. She “Fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith” to the end (2 Timothy 4:7). She has earned her wings. She will always be remembered for her beautiful spirit, smile, laugh and her deep love of her family and friends.
Emma is survived by her children John (Diane Donner), Peter, Stephen (Diane Hilfiker), Anne (Christopher McGovern), Ellen, and Matthew (Jeannie Dzubak). By her grandchildren, Lauren, Craig, Andrew, Hollis, Grace, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Avalon, Thomas, Hannah, Meredith, and Karl. And by her great grandchildren James and Madison.
Family will receive friends Friday, November 14th from 4-7pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 11am at Saint James Church, Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/ Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com