Grace E. Squires-Capion, Formerly of Southampton, Dies August 22

Grace E. Squires-Capion, 87, of Port Charlotte, Florida, and formerly of Southampton, died peacefully on August 22. She was 87.

She was the fourth of five children, born in Southampton in 1936. She was raised in Southampton and in Sag Harbor by her loving aunts. She graduated from Pierson High School in 1954, and from St. Catherine’s School of Nursing in 1957. She also received a master’s degree in nursing from Tulane University in 1981.

She served two tours in Vietnam in the late 1960s, where she cared for American soldiers and for Vietnamese civilians, especially children, and received the Bronze Star. In 1971, she began focusing her military career on community health nursing, and was stationed in Landstuhl, West Germany, for 3 ½ years, as well as many other locations.

She loved to travel and always made the most of her assignments wherever she was stationed. She had an exceptional military career as a community health nurse and received the Legion of Merit award, and numerous other accolades. She was promoted to full colonel in June 1989.

She retired from the U.S. Army in 1990, and moved to Florida. She found the love of her life, David, and the two have been together ever since. They traveled the country in their RV, cruised the world together, went to yard sales, and enjoyed time with their dog, Madi. Always the animal lover, she had a special bond with Madi, who too, was a cancer survivor.

Throughout her career and life, her mission was always to serve others. Whether it be volunteering at community events, donating time or treasures to various charitable organizations, preparing holidays for anyone without alternate plans, or providing shelter during hurricanes, she was always thinking of, and providing for, others.

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Alice; stepmother Irene; and siblings, Guy Squires, and Priscilla Klinger. She is survived by her husband, David; daughters Connie, Cathy (Kevin), Carol (Jeannie); sisters, Mary Bromberg, and Phyllis Heffner; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Her feline companions were always a huge part of her life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 30, from 5-7 p.m. at Roberson Funeral Home, 2151 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 31, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W. Charlotte, FL 33950. Interment with military honors by a U.S. Army Honor Guard will be held on September 5 at 2 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida.

Friends may visit online at robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.