Judith Haines
Judith Rose (Tennant) Haines died November 27 in Hanover, New Hampshire. She was 94.
Born to Mildred and Mark Tennant on April 3, 1919 in Sioux City, Iowa, she was the younger of their two daughters. In the 1920s, the family moved to Florida with her family, and she graduated from Miami High School in 1936. From there, she went to Ohio Wesleyan College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in 1940, then began graduate studies at Duke University, where she earned an M.S. in Medical Technology.
Following the end of World War II, she went to Poland (1946-1950), serving as the medical technologist with the Unitarian Service Committee. With UN support, the organization created The Kosciuszko Hospital Project, which turned a 350-bed pre-war hospital complex into a modern medical center in Upper Silesia.
She also earned both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology in 1962 from the University of Minnesota. From 1961-1963, she lived in Bar Harbor, Maine, completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Jackson (Genetics) Laboratory. In 1964, she began work at The Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research in New York City, where she continued her thesis problem, “Immunogenetic Factors in Leukemogenesis,” and published 12 papers on the subject. Her final professional involvement was serving as Executive Biomedical Editor of the Journal of Cell Biology for Rockefeller University, from which she retired in 1982.
In 1977, she married Franklin M. Haines and moved to Rye. Here she participated in literacy efforts and with her husband enjoyed sailing on Wind Lass, hiking in the mountains of the U.S. and Europe, and traveling throughout Europe, including a return trip to Poland, Egypt, and China. Mr. Haines predeceased her in 1990.
In 1999, she moved to Hanover, N.H. The following year, she entered the Kendal Retirement Community complex, where she made many new friends and enjoyed loving care.
Mrs. Haines was a life-long role model for reading, education, scholarship, the arts, having one’s own professional life, and travel for her beloved niece, two nephews, and nine grandnieces and nephews. She treated each to a full week of customized culture and adventure in New York City and myriad other adventures.
She is survived by her niece, Sherry Shaw Taber of Auke Bay, Arkansas; nephews Terry Shaw of Prineville, Oregon and Mark Shaw of Seattle,); nine grandnieces and nephews, and nine great-grandnieces and nephews, along with her cousins, Ted Parkins, Rosemary Monroe, and Connie Tennant. Her sister, Esther Anne Tennant Shaw, preceded her in death in 2012.
Donations in Judith Haines memory may be made to The New York – North Jersey Branch of the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 West 63rd Street, Suite 220, NYC 10023 or Kendal At Hanover, 80 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755.
To view an online memorial and or send a message of condolence to the family, visit www.rand-wilson.com.
Andrew Billington
Andrew Billington, a sixth generation native of Rye, passed away November 7 at his home on Cape Cod. He was 53.
He was born March 21, 1960, in Port Chester, to June and Robert Billington. After graduating from Rye High School in 1978, he went on to careers in the auto and yachting industries. At the time of his death, he was employed by Crosby Yacht and Kon Limousine Service, both in Cape Cod.
Mr. Billington, who was known as Andy, was a true member of the Rye community. Following the same path as his three older brothers, he joined the Rye Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 25 years in a variety of positions, including Captain. In his off-hours, when not at Fire Headquarters in downtown Rye, you would most often find him catching up with friends at the Rye Boat Basin or off motoring in Milton Harbor with fishing pole in hand.
He married Sharon Haviland, who also grew up in Rye and whom he met in junior high school, on January 31, 2011. They had a celebration at the Rye Firehouse that spring.
Music was his other passion. For the talented harmonica player and singer, one of the most joyous events of his life was performing with the Dragon Coasters at Rye Golf Club last month. The following day, the Rye band played on Purchase Street. “Andy was so proud to play with a band he so admired,” said his wife.
He will be remembered for his quick and clever wit, and, like his father, for spreading cheer and laughter through his animated storytelling.
In addition to his wife Sharon, Mr. Billington is survived by three brothers, Michael (Gina), Jeffrey, and Matthew (Darbi); his aunt, Claire Tuohy; and eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a nephew, Troy Billington.
A Celebration of Life was held November 16 at Rye Fire Headquarters. Over 400 friends of Andy Billington were there to recall a wonderful life.
Nancy Cassidy
Nancy Teresa (Doherty) Cassidy of Rye passed away November 29, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in White Plains, she was the daughter of Peter B. and Annie (Sheeran) Doherty. Her parents were both born and raised in County Mayo, Ireland.
Mrs. Cassidy was a longtime resident of Larchmont, where she lived for 40 years with her husband and raised her nine children.
A daily communicant at Church of the Resurrection, she was a woman of great faith and strength.
She was predeceased by her husband John G. Cassidy; her sons, John Gabriel Cassidy and Sean Matthew Cassidy; and her granddaughters, Katie Cassidy Higgins and Diane Cassidy.
She is survived by her daughters: Tricia Cassidy O’Callaghan, (Harold), Megan Mary Foley (Larry), Nancy Ellen Mara (Stephen), and Nora Cassidy Mastoloni (Richard); her sons, Michael F.X. Cassidy (Shery), Kevin Patrick Cassidy (Jayne), and James Patrick Cassidy (Heather); thirty-one grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Church of the Resurrection December 2 at 10 a.m.
Donations may be made to The Katie Higgins Memorial Fund, Convent of the Sacred Heart, 1177 King Street, Greenwich, CT, or to The Diane Cassidy Memorial Fund C/O Shery Cassidy, 2526 Carter Grove Circle, Windermere, FL 34786.
Francis Gerosa Micheli
Francis Gerosa Micheli, of Harrison, died tragically on November 25. He was leaving the Meadowlands after watching a NY Giants game when he was struck by a car. He was 23.
Born March 21, 1990, he was the son of Frank and Theresa Micheli. After graduating from Harrison High School, he attended St. Joseph’s University. He was pursuing a career to become a physical therapist to help others. He was also a certified physical and health coach, who worked as a trainer at Westchester Country Club.
Four years ago, he suffered a traumatic brain injury, from which he miraculously recovered. He went on to be a champion of others who’d suffered similar injuries. His physician wrote, “Francis was a shining light that was getting brighter week by week. His energy and determination will be missed but never forgotten.”
He is survived by his devoted parents; his sister, Renee; his grandparents, Arthur and Renee Micheli; and by many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Ernest and Irene Spence.
A funeral mass was held November 30 at Resurrection Church.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Hero’s Fund (fallenheroesfund.org/home.aspx). To place an online condolence, visit www.coxeandgraziano.com.