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Jean Raynor Halsey of Westhampton Beach died on November 18, 2016, at the East End Hospice Kanas Center in Westhampton. She was 92.
Mrs. Halsey was born February 12, 1924 at Riverhead Hospital, the daughter of Eloise Raynor and Halsey J. Raynor. She grew up on Main Street in Remsenburg, where she enjoyed riding her bicycle to the local beaches. Known by her nickname “Heidi,” she participated in sports, was a cheerleader, and met her future husband Beecher Halsey Jr. at Westhampton Beach High School. She graduated in 1940 and worked for a time as a soda fountain waitress at the former Speed’s Pharmacy, before attending merchandising school in New York City.
On July 28, 1945, she married Mr. Halsey, who was in the Merchant Marine, and they made their home in the Remsenberg house where she grew up. She raised her two children there until 1960, when the family moved to a new house on White Oak Lane in Westhampton Beach. She was devoted to her children and later her grandchildren and rarely missed the opportunity to attend their sports, musical, and other events. She was an avid gardener and cook—everyone’s birthday was celebrated with a special cake—and she hosted many traditional family gatherings for the holidays. As a nature lover, she enjoyed her walks, the ocean, and her pets.
Her church community was an important part of her life. Especially notable was her charitable heart. Over the years she assumed the care of several elderly neighbors, helping them to live independently at home. She cooked and did favors for many.
Mrs. Halsey is survived by her husband, Beecher Halsey Jr.; a sister, Lois Davis of Remsenburg; and two children, Sandra Surgan and Beecher Halsey III, both of Westhampton; and five grandchildren, Halsey, Dwight, and Brooks Surgan, and Beecher IV and Laura Jean Halsey.
Visitation was held on November 21 at the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach, with a prayer service led by the Reverend Charles Cary. Interment of ashes was at Westhampton Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Halsey’s memory to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Nov 28, 2016