Ann Ayre of East Quogue, formerly of Hampton Bays, died on November 9 at her home in Newtown, Pennsylvania. She was 91.
Born to Thomas F. and Ann Morris Casey in New York City on March 22, 1923, the family, which included older brother Tom, moved to Elmhurst, Queens, when Ms. Ayre was 4. She graduated from Newtown High School, then worked as a passenger agent at United Airlines at LaGuardia Airport.
She married George J. Lawrie of Rego Park in 1942 and shortly thereafter the couple moved to Pennsylvania, where they lived for 19 years. Five children were born there: Bonnie, Susan, Betsy, Patricia and Michael Scott.
In 1965, she married Dr. J. Ernest Ayre, a pioneer in cervical cancer research, and moved to Old Westbury. Dr. Ayre was the founder and medical director of National Cancer Center with two research facilities, in Plainview and Miami (later relocated to Boca Raton). Ms. Ayre served as executive secretary of the Long Island office, alongside her husband, for 11 years.
In 1978 Ms. Ayre built a home in Hampton Bays, which she and her family enjoyed until 2004, when she moved to Eagles Walk in East Quogue. Survivors said she stated often that her retirement years in Hampton Bays were a dream come true—beautiful surroundings, loving family and dear friends. She was an active participant since 1985 in the Center for Creative Retirement at Southampton College. For many years she also volunteered with the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service and was deeply devoted to her local parish, St. Rosalie’s.
Both husbands predeceased her, as did her oldest daughter, Bonnie Sullivan, and her brother, Thomas Casey. She is survived by daughters Susan Turner and husband George of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Saccone of Massapequa, Pat Tucker and husband Malcolm of Pennsylvania; a son, Michael Scott Lawrie of Denver; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Theresa Casey of Larchmont.
A memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, at the Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays. Interment will be private at Good Ground Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service, P.O. Box 1028, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.