Senta Frances Helene Cutler
Senta Frances Helene Cutler (née Larson) of Quiogue died at her home on Thursday, August 16, after a 23-year battle with breast and bone cancer. She was 88.
Born on January 5, 1924, to Karl and Frances Larson of Linden Lane on Quiogue, she was the oldest of her siblings. As a child, many of her years were spent at the Arthur B. Leach estate on Beach Lane in Westhampton Beach, where her family weathered the 1938 hurricane. According to family, she was a bright and energetic child, with a special love for swimming and the beach. She was considered progressive for her time by daring to wear a cellophane bathing suit, showing her indomitable spirit and feisty personality, much like that of her German grandmother, who chose to go to jail instead of saluting Hitler.
Ms. Cutler graduated from Westhampton Beach High School and went on to choose a career in nursing, evidence of her high interest in humanity and her desire to help those around her. She graduated from Brooklyn nursing school in 1945, subsequently working at a local Brooklyn hospital caring for returning World War II veterans. It was here that she met her husband Wilbert T. Cutler, who rode in an ambulance to deliver and change oxygen tanks. They were married on September 15, 1946, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Quiogue.
As a registered nurse, some of Ms. Cutler’s later employment included Southampton Hospital, the Westhampton Beach Nursing Home and Dr. Richard Schermeyer’s office, as well as private visits and care for many local families.
After retiring, she enjoyed traveling and was a regular at Eckart’s Luncheonette, meeting with friends for their daily breakfast routine. She also worked at the Westhampton Beach Historical Society.
Ms. Cutler was known for her direct approach and frank attitude. She was a loving mother who cared deeply for her children and always saw the best in them. Although not afraid to tell it how she saw things, it was her strong belief that family came first and she could always be counted upon to support and care for her relatives and friends.
Ms. Cutler is survived by her brother Benedict (Ben) Larson of Westhampton Beach; her sister, Svea Larson of California; three children, Eric Cutler and his wife Pamela of Quogue, Mark Cutler of Massachusetts, and Karen Johnson and her husband Michael of Florida. Ms. Cutler was predeceased by her husband, Wilbert; and her son Karl, who is survived by his wife Mary of Mattituck. Ms. Cutler is also survived by three grandchildren, Karl, Hana and Aaron.
There will be a memorial reception at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Westhampton Beach on Friday, August 31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a breast cancer research organization or East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 would be appreciated by the family.
on Aug 21, 2012