Millicent Gryczka of East Quogue Dies August 27

Melissa (Millicent) Gryczka of East Quogue died on August 27, following a brief illness. She was 78.

A woman of deep intellect, humor, and boundless generosity, she divided her time between Manhattan, East Quogue and Galveston, Texas. She leaves behind countless friends across the country and around the world who mourn her passing and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.

Her academic and professional accomplishments were considerable. She studied at Fordham University and St. John’s University, where she earned her pharmacy degree, and went on to help shape the healthcare industry not only as a practitioner but as a leader and advocate. As co-creator of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), she worked tirelessly to advance the role and recognition of women in the business of healthcare.

Later in life, she pursued studies in ESL teaching at Columbia University, ultimately taking those skills to Myanmar, where she taught English to Buddhist monks. Her work there helped empower young women in an orphanage she helped establish — ensuring they, too, could access education and opportunity.

In Galveston, she was an active member of the community. She gave her time generously, volunteering with the Grand Opera House, the Galveston Tree Conservancy, the Galveston County Food Bank, the Galveston Historical Foundation and as a Galveston County election poll watcher.

During her summers on the East End, she gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered with the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays and Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, two places that reflected her passion for both the arts and animals. Her presence and kindness made a lasting impact on the community she cherished so much.

She cherished her Zen garden, a cocktail or two in good company, deep conversations — especially political ones — and most of all, the joy of being surrounded by friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5, from 4–6 p.m. at Scott-Rothwell Funeral Home in Hampton Bays.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (southamptonanimalshelter.com/donate).