Gertrude Vail Rich
Longtime Orient resident Gertrude Vail Rich died Aug. 19 at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport. She was 92.
She was born Sept. 21, 1919, in Plainfield, N.J., to Alma Jane (Miller) and Clarence I. Vail and attended Friends Academy in Locust Valley, N.Y.
Her mother was one of the original founders of the Oysterponds Historical Society, and Ms. Rich was a stalwart advocate and supporter of OHS, family members said, donating her time, talents and resources to all things that helped the society grow and improve. She was a member of Orient Yacht Club; enjoyed sailing, cooking and gardening; and was devoted to CC, her loyal cat of 19 years, according to family.
Predeceased by her husbands, Napoleon R. Duell, Chester M. Mayer and William Rich Jr., she is survived by her sons, John V. Duell and Linton I. Duell, and her daughter, Alma D. Stillings; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Mary Anna Muir and Linton O. Vail.
Visiting hours will take place Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A service will take place Thursday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Orient Central Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Oysterponds Historical Society, P.O. Box 70, 1555 Village Lane, Orient, NY 11957.