Helen Elizabeth Kruger

Helen Elizabeth Kruger of Greenport died March 3 at Eastern Long Island Hospital. She was 94, and had lived in Floral Park and Mattituck before moving to Peconic Landing about 10 years ago.

She was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Brooklyn to Anna Adele (Schubach) and Charles Kruger. She graduated magna cum laude from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1938 and from Columbia University Teachers College in 1941.

According to friends, Ms. Kruger was a fiercely independent woman during a time when that was not popular, and remained so until her last day. She was an art teacher for 33 years at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. An accomplished artist, she exhibited her ceramic pieces in New York, Syracuse, Philadelphia and on Long Island and received many awards. One of her sculptures was recently accepted into Alfred University’s alumni art collection.

Ms. Kruger belonged to the Ceramic Association of New York, East End Arts Council and Alfred University Alumni Association. She was also an active member of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Mattituck, although she had been a practicing Quaker most of her life.

In addition to her artwork, friends said she was well known for her volunteer and philanthropic work with numerous East End organizations and was an avid gardener. She will be remembered, they said, for her strength of character, creative talents and generosity of spirit.

A service will take place Saturday, March 10, at 9 a.m. at Church of the Redeemer in Mattituck, Father Charles Schnabel officiating. Interment will be at Nassau Knolls Cemetery & Memorial Park in Port Washington. Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

Memorial donations may be made to Heifer International.