Obituaries

Joan Ayres Gillen

Former Cutchogue resident Joan (Jody) Ayres Gillen died unexpectedly March 18, 2014 in Syracuse. She was 86.

She was born Aug. 26, 1927, and graduated from Cornell University, where she met the love of her life, Paul H. (Paulie) Gillen Jr. Paul had a passion for birding and he and Jody spent many hours traveling Eastern Long Island, sharing that passion.

Jody was a trustee and active member of Cutchogue New Suffolk Historical Council, taking pride in projects the council undertook and completed and sharing the council’s accomplishments with family. She was also a member of Friends of the Cutchogue Library.

Family members said Jody loved knitting and crafting and was a member of Cutchogue Homemakers. She donated many beautifully knitted items and Christmas ornaments to the historical council’s Carriage House and Christmas Shop.

After Paul died in 2012, Jody made the difficult decision to leave her beloved Cutchogue and move to Syracuse to be closer to her family. She is survived by her son, Paul H. Gillen of Florence, Ky.; a sister, Jean Sweeney and many nieces and nephews.

At Jody’s request, services and burial were private. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Cutchogue New Suffolk Historical Council, P.O. Box, 714, Cutchogue, NY 11935.

This is a paid notice.