Lifelong East Hampton resident Diane Ingalls Astorr died at her home on June 10 of cancer of the billiary duct, six months after she was diagnosed with the disease. She was 68.
Born in East Hampton in 1940 to Harry and Mary Ingalls, she attended East Hampton Union Free School District. She graduated from Niagara University in 1961, receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing, her registered nurse accreditation, and later her certificate of school nursing. She worked as head nurse in the psychiatric unit at Columbia Hospital in New York.
On August 4, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Dr. John Astorr, and the couple lived in Ridgefield, New Jersey, for a short time before settling back in their hometown of East Hampton. Upon her return she worked as the school nurse in both Amagansett and Bridgehampton schools, and later at East Hampton High School, where she remained for 17 years before retiring in 2000.
“A woman who loves our students and us unconditionally ... she was brave and strong, one could easily say she was the model of how to handle adversity,” Mrs. Astorr’s former co-worker, James Stewart, said last week.
In her retirement she worked within the parish of Most Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church as the human services coordinator and trustee. She belonged to the Red Hats of East Hampton, Meals on Wheels, the Community Council, the East Hampton Health/Human Needs Committee and the East Hampton Disabilities Committee.
In addition, to being a voracious reader—she was always giving books and articles to others for them to think about—she loved to travel, but always returned home with a greater appreciation for East Hampton. She would often visit the ocean beaches, her favorite being Wiborg in East Hampton.
Survivors recalled last week her passion for helping others: She was always reaching out to those that needed an ear to listen, a hand to pat, or just simple companionship for a moment; no matter what was happening she was always there with a smile and had a way of making others feel like they were the most important person and that everything would be okay.
“A woman of true faith and love, she reminded us every day to see the good in all of us. Not concerned with life’s traditional trappings and ceremonies, she focused on accomplishing the things she felt were important. She was a doer and a giver,” said her daughter, Debbie Astorr-Weir.
The family shared Mrs. Astorr’s mantras for life: “None of us are perfect but we all have gifts and talents to share. Build on these gifts and be grateful for the life you have. It is a wonderful life and enjoy it and be thankful.”
Mrs. Astorr is survived by a son, David Astorr and his wife Zoila of East Hampton; two daughters, Janine Astorr of East Hampton and Debbie Astorr-Weir of Baiting Hollow; and a granddaughter, Amaia.
She was predeceased by her husband on April 21, 1996.
Funeral services were held on June 13 at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton; interment followed in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Astorr was a kidney donor herself, and an advocate for finding a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, P.O. Box 187, East Northport, NY 11731; or Meals on Wheels, 33 Newtown Lane, Suite 205, East Hampton, NY 11937 would be appreciated by the family.
on Jun 23, 2008