Mary “Queenie” Gilmartin died on Friday, January 31, at her home in Southampton. She was 105.
A graduate of Marywood and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she was a teacher in speech prior to her marriage to David H. Gilmartin. Together, they moved to Southampton to raise their family. Ms. Gilmartin was active in her community, serving the library and numerous community organizations, while raising her six children.
A spirited and devout woman of faith, she was heavily involved in her parish and served as a representative on the East End of Long Island in diocesan affairs. In 2008, at the age of 100, she was awarded the Saint Agnes Medal of Service in recognition of her devotion and involvement through her life in the activities of the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts.
The daughter of Augustus E. Ruffer and Kathryn V. Kelly, she was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and was predeceased by her husband, David H. Gilmartin, and daughters Ruth Gilmartin Darby and Mary Gilmartin Steinbrecher. She is survived by four children, David J. Gilmartin and wife Linda, Kathryn R. Duggan and husband William, Laura G. Masterson and husband William, Martin R. Gilmartin and wife Pamela; 24 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.
A wake was held at the O’Connell Funeral Home on Monday, February 3. A funeral Mass was said on Tuesday, February 4, at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton; the Reverend Michael A. Vetrano officiated. Interment was at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, 168 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968, or East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Feb 3, 2014