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Stock photo

Prepared by the Thurau family

Liane Thurau (née Lowenheck) was born in Vienna July 17, 1929, and died Jan. 17 in East Setauket. 

She was the third child of Polish immigrants from Lemberg and Kraków who opened and ran a successful hat shop. In January, 1939, after the Anschluss and Kristallnacht, her parents placed her on a Rothschild Kindertransport to England. On the way to England, an aunt and uncle living in Strasbourg took her off the train and cared for her as they lived in hiding in France. There, Liane quickly mastered French as her second language. 

After the war, she attended the Sorbonne and pursued her interest in Russian at L’École des Langues Orientales, making lifelong friends and learning how to read her favorite 19th-century Russian novels in the original Russian. Upon graduation, she became a translator working for various political causes. 

On a vacation in Germany in 1955, she met her American husband, Norman, who was also fluent in German. They married and came to New York in 1957. 

After teaching in Long Island junior high schools, she spent most of her career teaching French, German and Russian at Suffolk County Community College. When interest in those foreign languages diminished, she obtained a master’s degree in English literature from SUNY Stony Brook. 

In the 1990s Liane joined the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Stony Brook University where she was an avid participant and workshop leader. She is likely remembered by all students for her strict discipline, strong accent and scent of lavender. 

She and her husband loved to travel. They explored France, Germany, Holland, Poland, the former Czechoslovakia and England, the USSR, including its central republics before they were opened, as well as India and China. In addition to being steeped and conversant in politics, she enjoyed reading literature from all over the world, excelled at French and German cooking and had a green thumb.

Liane loved her family passionately. She is survived by two children, Lisa H. and Thoma E. Thurau, and four grandchildren, Emma, Daniel, Sophia and Gabe. Liane’s home was decorated with dozens of framed pictures of her grandchildren whom she loved very much and worried about constantly.

A memorial in her honor will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. in The Gillespie Room in the Carriage Museum at The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook.

Those seeking to honor Liane, can send gifts to the Frank Melville Memorial Foundation (at 1 Old Field Road, Setauket, NY 11733), which maintains the ponds in Setauket, a place where Liane loved to walk and find peace.

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John Kleppe

Prepared by Brian Kleppe

John Robert Kleppe, 82, a Long Island resident for 75 years — residing in Port Jefferson, Centereach and Calverton, peacefully passed away on Feb. 17, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones. He entered this world on Jan. 23, 1942, in Queens, bringing joy and warmth to those around him.

John was a cherished individual who left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path. His endearing sense of humor and contagious laughter brightened countless lives. 

Throughout his journey, he exemplified selflessness through his dedicated military service, volunteer endeavors and unwavering devotion to his family. The time he spent with his two sons was a source of boundless happiness, and his family held an irreplaceable space in his heart.

He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Brian and John; daughter-in-law, Tracy; grandchild, Braden; sister, Cookie Caraftis; and brother, Theodore. John was preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Moraitis; brother, Nicholas; and father, John.

A celebration of life honoring John was conducted on Thursday, April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, at 411 Old Town Road, East Setauket. 

Military services paying tribute to his service was held on Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery, at 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton.

In lieu of floral tributes, contributions can be directed to www.combatwarriorsinc.org (Wyoming Chapter) serving as a poignant gesture to honor John’s memory and perpetuate his spirit of giving.

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Richard Lusak. Photo courtesy Randi Dewitt

Prepared by Randi Dewitt

Richard Lusak passed away peacefully on April 7 at the age of 83 in the company of his family just nine days away from his birthday.

He was born on Long Island to Catherine and Nestor Lusak. He attended Seton Hall High School, then received his bachelor’s degree from C.W. Post College and a master’s degree in library science. 

Richard married his beloved wife, Rosalie, in 1963 and moved to Port Jefferson, where they raised their three children. He founded the Comsewogue Public Library in a portable classroom in 1966, and in 1969 led the efforts for a permanent building located at Terryville Road in Port Jefferson Station.

Over the years, Richard oversaw the expansion of the library to what it is now. He was a charter member of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce and sat on the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau board and the Ethics Board. He was also a past president of the Port Jefferson Rotary Club, a trustee on the Mather Memorial Hospital board and a trustee of Island Nursing & Rehab Center board. 

Richard retired in 2002 so he and his wife could enjoy traveling and spending time with their family. He will be dearly missed by this beloved wife of 60 years; his sons, Robert and Russell and daughter, Randi; his grandchildren Alex, Rebecca and Emma Lusak, Matthew, Aaron and Jordyn Lusak, and Lucy and Brady DeWitt.

A memorial service was held on April 13 at Moloney’s Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation is kindly made in Richard’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

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Irene Friedman. Photo courtesy Pamela Friedman

Prepared by Pamela Friedman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Veronica Friedman. Irene passed peacefully in Palm Harbor, Florida on March 5, with her children and grandchildren by her side. 

Irene was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ernest L. Friedman. She is survived by her children; daughters Pamela Friedman Horner and Deborah Irving; sons David Friedman and Gregory Friedman; daughter-in-law Virginia Friedman, as well as her grandchildren: Taylor, Thomas, Ashley, Brianna, Cameron, Aaliyah, Cassandra and Gregory. Irene is also survived by her brother, Robert Hilliard, as well as many nieces and nephews.   

Born in Port Jefferson on January 24, 1936, to loving parents Anne and Frederick Hilliard and one of four children, she grew up in East Setauket. Irene graduated from Port Jefferson High School. She also graduated from the City University of New York in Manhattan, earning a teaching degree in Cosmetology, and continued her education, graduating from Valley College of Los Angeles, CA. 

She worked as a stylist with a celebrity clientele before marrying her husband Ernie in 1959. They moved back to her hometown, where she raised four children, and was an integral part of the family retail business. Later in life after moving to Florida, and her children were grown, she received her Real Estate License. 

Then at 55 years old, she went back to school to earn a bachelor’s in nursing from St. Petersburg Junior College and became a practicing Registered Nurse for Hospice of Florida Suncoast. It was perhaps, other than her children, her proudest accomplishment. She was dedicated to caring for terminally ill patients with the kindness, patience and empathetic care that came so naturally to her.  

Irene will be remembered for her dignity, courage, strength, generosity, devotion to her family, and unwavering faith. Her grace, warmth, playful spirit, endless love, and kindness will be deeply missed. She will be forever in our hearts. 

Services will be held at Serenity Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Largo, FL on April 6. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer in Setauket. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in memory of Irene Friedman may be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation/Empath Health or St. Matthew Church in Largo, FL.

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Dr. Monika Woroniecka, a physician at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine

By Daniel Dunaief

Dr. Monika Woroniecka, a physician at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, died on Saturday during a trip with her family to see the eclipse near the Canadian border when she fell out of an Airstream trailer around 3 p.m. on State Route 12E in Watertown, New York.

Woroniecka, 58, was in the trailer with her family while her husband Robert, 59, pulled the trailer in a pick up truck.

Witnesses told police they saw the passenger door of the trailer swing open, helped by the wind, and watched as she hung onto the door before falling, according to a police statement. Woroniecka fell on the side of the road and was taken by Cape Vincent Ambulance to Samaritan Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

“Stony Brook Medicine is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of one of our esteemed colleagues over the weekend, Dr. Monika Woroniecka, a physician at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital,” Stony Brook Medicine officials said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues affected by this heartbreaking event.”

A police spokesman in Watertown, Sgt. Jack Keller, indicated an investigation into how the door came open during travel was continuing.

“In my over 25 years [with the police], I’ve never seen an incident like this,” Sgt. Keller said. “We’re investigating it as an accident.”

The police are still gathering details as they make sure they are “thorough in our investigation,” Sgt. Keller said.

According to New York State Vehicle and Traffic law, it is illegal to ride in a camper in New York unless it has a fifth wheel connection, which provides a rigid connection directly to the frame of the vehicle towing the camper. A camper attached to a vehicle using a ball hitch does not provide that rigid connection during towing.

The camper in the accident had been connected with a ball hitch.

Police sources added that campers towed behind vehicles do not have airbags or seat belts.

Airstream did not return an email for comment.

Dr. Woroniecka had been practicing medicine since the early 2000s and specialized in allergy-immunology. She treated children with food, environmental, medications and bee sting allergies. She also treated childhood asthma and skin conditions like eczema and hives.

Dr. Woroniecka had extensive experience evaluating children for immunity disorders and frequent infections, a Stony Brook Medicine page indicated.

Dr. Woroniecka’s native language was Polish. Some of her patients from Polish-speaking families traveled considerable distances to meet with her.

Her profile on Stony Brook Medicine indicated she “enjoys working with children and their families and developing a long-term relationship with families while guiding them through chronic allergy-related conditions,” She also indicated she liked to travel, hike, exercise and spend time with family and friends.

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Barbara Fine with Jerry her husband of more than 60 years. Photo courtesy Doug Fine

Barbara Fine, a resident of Setauket for more than half a century, passed away March 21. She is the mother of Ken, Rob and Doug; grandmother of Leah, Ethan, Quinn and Zach; the mother-in-law of Dionne and Amanda; and is also survived by her brother Steve.

After being raised in New York City and Long Beach, Barbara attended the University of Michigan at age 15, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania after transferring. A voracious reader, she later earned two master’s degrees, and taught for 40 years as a reading specialist in the William Floyd school district. 

She believed in the power of journalism, and organized annual field trips with students to Long Island newspapers. She was a strict grammarian who encouraged correct diction around the home and classroom. Her son Rob said, “She was gifted in all academic subjects, including science and math.”

She was also a founding member of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook. Known for her sense of humor, she loved Pink Panther movies and once submitted a salad recipe to the Village Times reading, “Take lettuce, add dressing.” Her son Doug said, “I probably wouldn’t have become a writer without her upbringing.”

In her leisure time, she loved to travel and visited every continent, including Antarctica. An avid tennis player despite childhood polio, she often could be seen jogging around the Setauket Mill Pond, near which she lived with her high school sweetheart and husband of more than 60 years, Jerry, who passed away in December.

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Barbara Belle Zorn Winkler. Photo courtesy Kathy Leon

Prepared by Kathy Leon

Barbara Belle Zorn Winkler passed away from endometrial cancer on Feb. 10 in Stony Brook at the age of 84. She was a loving mother, a devoted nurse and a cherished member of her community.

Barbara was born in Nutley, New Jersey, and moved to Long Island after graduating from Ave Maria St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Florida in 1960. She worked at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson from 1964 to 1973 and excelled there as obstetrics supervisor and later night supervisor of the hospital. She also worked at Regina Residence in Port Jefferson, a home for unwed mothers. She became the school nurse at R.C. Murphy Jr. High School in Stony Brook from 1977 to 1996.

She is survived by her daughters Kathryn “Kathy” Winkler Leon, Nancy Winkler Brogan and Elizabeth “Liz” Rios; sons Erik and Kurt Kirkman; brother Barry Zorn; sister-in-law Lydia Zorn; and grandchildren Andres Leon Miller, Malakai Leon, Sierra Leon, Audrey Brogan, Bradyn Brogan, Stella Rios and Ellie Rios. She was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth “Betty” Brady Zorn, Frederick “Fred” Zorn and fiancé James “Jim” Kirkman.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. James R.C. Church in Setauket on Friday, April 5, at 10:45 a.m., followed by a celebration of life ceremony from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Setauket Neighborhood House at 95 Main St. Contributions can be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research (www.v.org) in Barbara’s honor.

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Ellison's sister, Kysten Ellison performs an ASL rendition of 'Imagine'. Photo courtesy Chris Carrion
Brooke’s father Ed stands between long time friends of Brooke Ellison, Matthew, left, and Michael Rodriguez, right. Photo courtesy Chris Carrion.
Photo of Brooke Ellison displayed outside the Sidney Gelber Auditorium at Stony Brook University. Photo by Samantha Rutt
Ed Ellison speaks at the celebration event for his daughter. Photo by Samantha Rutt

Prepared by Samantha Rutt

Miracles happen. 

These words were often repeated during Brooke Ellison’s Celebration of Life on March 24.

Friends, family and loved ones came together to celebrate the remarkable life of Brooke Ellison, a woman whose resilience and determination inspired countless others. The room was filled with laughter, tears and fond memories during the three-hour celebration. 

Brooke’s journey, from a devastating childhood accident to becoming a beacon of hope and achievement, was the epitome of courage and determination. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down at the tender age of 11, Brooke refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she embarked on a journey that would see her break barriers and defy expectations at every turn.

The celebration, held at Stony Brook University’s student center, was a testament to the profound impact Brooke had on the lives of those around her. As attendees shared stories and memories, it became evident that Brooke’s spirit shone bright in every corner of the room.

“I personally do not have any memories of my life without my sister. She was born when I was 2 1/2 years old and she was the greatest gift that had been given to me by my parents,” Brooke’s sister, Kysten Ellison, said.

She exchanged fond memories of her sister growing up, sharing young Brooke’s aspirations to be a dancer and her love of dancing.

“Every single night, my dad would routinely sit between both of our beds and read us our favorite bedtime stories. After my dad finished his nightly reading and went to bed, Brooke and I would continue to chat,” she added. “We would talk about our future hopes and dreams and what we wanted to be when we grew up. And, ironically, my sister always wanted to be a dancer. She wanted to share her love of dancing with the entire world.”

Brooke’s brother, Reed Ellison, echoed this sentiment, recalling their deep bond and shared love for games and intellectual pursuits.

“Brooke was my best friend,” he said. “When other kids were out partying or at friends’ houses, Brooke and I stayed home and challenged each other to games of Scrabble or worked on logic problems, or crossword puzzles together. These are some of the best memories I have and I will cherish them forever.” 

Friends and family reminisced about Brooke’s vibrant personality, her love for themed parties and her infectious yet nearly silent laughter that could brighten even the darkest of days. Photos of Brooke, flashing her trademark smile, adorned the venue, serving as a poignant reminder of her enduring spirit.

Brooke’s legacy extended far beyond her personal achievements. As an advocate for stem cell research and disability rights, she paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Throughout her life Brooke pursued many things: She was a Harvard graduate twice over, an associate professor at Stony Brook, a researcher, a leader of various groups like the Inclusion in Innovation team in the Vertically Integrated Projects Program, a founder of SBU’s VENTure Think Tank, a selection for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, once a state Senate candidate and so much more. 

Her friendship with actor Christopher Reeve, himself a quadriplegic, underscored her impact on a global scale. Her sister shared her experience, watching her son, Carter, grow close to Brooke through their common love for comics and superheroes, especially Superman.

“My sister meant the world to a special little boy. This sweet little boy idolized my sister like nobody else on this planet. He liked everything that Brooke liked,” Kysten expressed about her son’s relationship with “Aunt Brookie” who was “hands down and always will be Carter’s favorite person, and we will continue to brag about her as time goes by.”

“After learning that Brooke was friends with Christopher Reeve, Carter became obsessed with watching clips from the Superman movies. As a matter of fact, Reed had recently purchased Carter a Superman costume that he put on every day when he got home from school and pretend to fly around the house,” she said.

The celebration also featured Brooke’s father, Ed Ellison, nicknamed “Steady Eddy” for his unwavering support of the relationship of Brooke and his wife, Jean.

Behind each speaker a photo stood as a backdrop. As Brooke’s father spoke, a photo of him smiling wide was projected with him playing with his daughter’s braided hair as she laughed with vigor. 

“People often use the phrase 24/7 to describe efforts being made on something or time spent with someone. In most cases, it’s really hyperbole — but with Brooke, Jean and her relationship and dedication to Brooke — 24/7 was not an exaggeration,” he said. “They were inseparable. Almost one person. Jean would describe it as ‘Brooke is the brains, I’m the brawn.’”

The proud father described what dedication looked like for the Ellison family, more specifically, for his wife.

“Jean would get up at 3:45 every morning and go to work getting Brooke ready for the day. And when I tell you, she never complained, you need to know that to be the truth. I know, I was there,” he said.

“In 33 1/2 years [since the accident], Jean never took a sick day, never went on vacation, never put herself before Brooke. A dedication and love that was so beautiful to be a part of. And Brooke’s admiration and gratitude to her mother was palpable,” her father added.

Among all the heartfelt tributes, a short film made by a friend of Brooke’s father, Todd Leatherman, showcased Brooke’s remarkable journey. The film shared testimonials from Brooke herself, clips from her experiences speaking at various events and coveted moments from her life.

As the celebration drew to a close, there was a sense of both loss and gratitude in the air. In true Brooke fashion, the guests were asked to sing themselves out to “That’s What Friends Are For,” as a tribute to her love of sharing life with others. 

Event emcee and longtime friend, Justin Krebs, shared an excerpt from Brooke’s autobiography, “Look Both Ways.” “My life story is a love story. My life is a life of love and it is this love that makes me who I am,” Krebs read. As Brooke goes on to write, she describes her loves, “her love of laughter, her love of learning, her love of being an inspiration to others for loving her friends, and her love of family.” She also writes that “one of the biggest gifts I have been given is my ability to share my life with people.” 

Brooke Ellison passed away on Feb. 4, in the care of Stony Brook University Hospital. While Brooke may no longer be with us in body, her legacy of courage, determination and boundless optimism will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of Brooke’s impact and legacy, Stony Brook University has created a scholarship, the Brooke Ellison Legacy Scholarship. To contribute, send a gift to the Stony Brook Foundation at www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/foundation/types.

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Alex Stubberfield

Prepared by The Stubberfield family

Alex Stubberfield passed away peacefully in Taos, New Mexico, where he had recently relocated from his East Setauket home to take up a position as planning & environmental coordinator with the Bureau of Land Management.

Born in Stony Brook, he grew up locally at his family’s Poquott home and after Ward Melville High School and an undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport he moved to Virginia to commence a significant academic career at Virginia Tech.

Taking in academic secondments along the way to both Stirling University in Scotland and TU Darmstadt in Germany, Virginia Tech awarded him both a master’s in philosophy and a second master’s in public & international affairs in 2015. He went on to achieve his Ph.D. in social, political, ethical, and cultural thought in 2019, by specializing in environmental politics and working both to understand and evaluate environmental policy. Post-doctorate he worked at Virginia Tech as an adjunct professor for the Department of Political Science & International Studies where he designed and taught classes on global environmental issues. 

Volunteer work included stints with the U.S. Forest Service in Virginia and the U.S. National Park Service here on Long Island at Fire Island National Seashore.

Alex was a great cook, loved to travel and experienced work and leisure throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and Brazil. His passion for the outdoors was expressed through love of hiking and camping in wilderness areas and the beautiful mountains of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. 

His tragic death leaves an extended family in both the U.S. and Europe and a very wide circle of close friends whose love and support he valued so much. He is survived by Denise and Peter, his loving mother and father, and his sister Valerie with whom he shared a special bond.

In lieu of flowers, donations are invited in Alex’s memory to The Nature Conservancy in Virginia at www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/virginia. 

Visitation will be at Moloney Funeral Home, Port Jefferson Station, on Friday, April 19, 2-6 p.m. 

A memorial service will be held at Caroline Church, East Setauket, on Saturday, April 20, 10-11 a.m.

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Susan Bebb Seel. Photo courtesy Wylie Hunt

Prepared by Wylie Hunt

Susan Bebb Seel passed away after an eight-year battle with cancer on Feb. 29 in Stony Brook, surrounded by a loving family. 

Sue was born on March 27, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised by Hellen and Dr. Kenneth Bebb in Wichita Falls, Texas. After living in the Washington, D.C., area, Sue moved to Stony Brook in 1994. She attended Wichita Falls public schools and graduated from the University of Texas with a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology.

In the D.C. area, she was a founder of Rivendell School. Sue had a vision for unique ways of educating children. She poured her heart into developing a curriculum that reflected her faith and interest in literature, history, art and music. She was always an avid reader and member of the same book club of lovely ladies in Stony Brook for more than 30 years.

In 1996 she received certification as a life coach and coached clients of all ages. She coached clients at John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, The Stony Brook School and countless others all over the country. She will be remembered as someone who received life from encouraging and inspiring others. Sue’s greatest joy came from relationships with family and friends. 

Her motto was “Show up and connect.” She did that well and to her fullest capacity even with stage 4 cancer. Sue loved to hear other people’s stories and was a shining light to everyone who met her. Her passion and love for people was unsurpassed. Sue and Spencer shared that enthusiasm and compassion in their community outreach and in their business, Made to Move Tennis & Wellness. In conversations with her husband, sharing their faith about God’s design for us to be healthy and to move, the name of the club, Made to Move, came into being. Sue loved to move. She was a triathlete, and before she competed in triathlons, she was a tennis player and active every year at summer camp.

As a member of Caroline Episcopal Church in Setauket for 28 years, she was passionate about music and sang in the choir. Sue also led adult education classes and Bible study; taught Sunday School; volunteered for Vacation Bible School; was active in Long Island Episcopal Cursillo, a program that seeks to grow Christ-centered leaders to fulfill the mission of the church; and made many, many prayer shawls and meals for those in need.

In 2016, before being diagnosed with cancer. she and her husband started The Village Spot, a nonprofit organization committed to helping young people, ages 18 to 30, who might be struggling to find a career or a meaningful place in their communities.

She leaves behind her husband, Spencer Edelbaum; her sons, David and Alex Seel; her daughter-in-law Erin Seel; her grandchildren, Ian and Eliza Seel; her cousins, Carolyn Kelly, Beth Russell, Louise Ratz and her second cousin, Susan Hernly Reed. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Hellen and Kenneth Bebb, and her brother, Richard Bebb.

A memorial service will be held at Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket, on Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. The service will be live streamed, with the link on the church’s website: www.carolinechurch.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Rivendell School, 2410 N. Kensington St., Arlington, VA 22205; Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket, NY 11733; or GIST Cancer Research Fund at gistinfo.org.

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