Holly Raynor Dies At 86

Marie ‘Holly’ Raynor

Marie H. “Holly” Raynor of North Sea died at home in her sleep on Wednesday, June 15, following a long illness. She was 86.

Born Marie Jacqueline Halyburton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1924, she came to Southampton after World War I and married Evremonde J. “Pete” Raynor. The couple made their home on Noyac Road near North Sea Harbor where they have lived for almost 65 years, and where they raised their seven children.

The daughter of John and Marion Halyburton, Ms. Raynor graduated from West Catholic Girls High School in Philadelphia, later serving in the Navy WAVES during World War II. After the war, on a trip to Southampton to visit her Navy roommate, Rita Raynor, she met Rita’s nephew, Pete and they have been together ever since. The “city girl” from Philly adapted quickly to the different pace of life in North Sea where she spent her early years raising her children.

She always enjoyed a circle of close friends and was active in Sacred Hearts parish activities. When the children were older, Ms. Raynor worked for the New York State Department of Labor in Sag Harbor, for Tinker National/Marine Midland banks, and finally for the Morley Agency in Southampton.

In her later years, before her illness, she enjoyed her grandchildren, and traveled often to visit family around the country. Known for her cooking and warm hospitality, Ms. Raynor was loved by many in North Sea and beyond, survivors said.

In recent years, as her health deteriorated, Ms. Raynor was well cared for at home by her husband, her daughter, Peggy, as well as her other children. To the very end, she greeted everyone who approached her with a warm smile, whether she recognized them or not. She lived a graceful life and died a graceful death, family said.

Ms. Raynor is survived by her husband, Pete; her seven children, Joe, Dave, Mike and Peggy Raynor, all of Southampton, Kathy Raynor Wik of Florida, Debbie Raynor Schultz of Washington, and Bobbi Raynor of Pennsylvania; her sister, Elizabeth Mirra of Pennsylvania; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held Sunday, June 19, at O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held Monday, June 20, at Sacred Hearts Of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church in Southampton. Interment followed with full U.S. Navy honors at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.

Memorial donations may be made in Ms. Raynor’s memory to the North Sea Fire Department Scholarship Fund, 149 Noyac Road, Southampton, NY 11968, or East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.