Elma Elizabeth Morrill, 97, teacher, traveler

Tuesday, 03 November 2009 12:42

Elma Elizabeth Morrill of South Salem, nee Perrigard, died on Oct. 29. She was 97.

Mrs. Morrill was predeceased by her husband, William Norman Morrill, her son Norman Morrill, and her daughter Barbara Carpenter-Morrill. She is survived by her son David Morrill of Bantam, Conn., daughter Elizabeth Lemke and son-in-law John Lemke of South Salem, daughter-in-law Hope Morrill, and son-in-law Tim Carpenter; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Morrill was born in Montreal, Canada, daughter of Dr. Ernest Perrigard and Sadie Perrigard, in 1912. She was an only child. She studied English Literature at McGill University, graduating second in her class with high honors on May 29, 1934. She received her master of arts degree in education from McGill in 1936, graduating first in her class, while simultaneously earning her teaching certificate in 1935. She had a keen interest in theater and was one of the founders of “The Pit,” a student hangout that still exists today.

In Montreal, she taught in elementary school and also taught high school English. While visiting the United States, she met her future husband and moved to Pound Ridge, marrying in 1938. They then moved to South Salem in 1949. Her husband was the founder and owner of Suburban Tree Service in Bedford Village. The Morrills were married for 48 years and together traveled the world. They especially loved Central America and South America and designed their own adventurous itineraries, such as staying in a native village, traveling by river, and combing the countryside for sites and stories

Mrs. Morrill’s positive outlook on life and charming sense of humor were inspirations to those around her, her family said. Family and friends describe her as gracious, giving, and a joy to be around.

An active volunteer, Mrs. Morrill was involved in scouting, local church work, and was a volunteer probation officer. She was also an active member of the American Association of University Women and local women’s clubs. Mrs. Morrill was one of the founders of the Lewisboro Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 at noon, at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 82 Spring Street in South Salem.

Donations be made in Mrs. Morrill’s name to a local volunteer organization or charity of your choice.

Virginia, M. Beers, 80, Yankees fan and homemaker

Written by Ken Mastro
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:42

Virginia M. Beers died in her sleep on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Putnam County Hospital. She was 80, and a former Lewisboro resident.

Ms. Beers was born May 1, 1929, the daughter of Samuel Thorne and Gertrude Mead Thorne.

Ms. Beers spent her life as a homemaker and was known for her homemade pies at Thanksgiving, her family said. She loved bird watching and feeding the wild turkeys and deer in her backyard. Her hobbies were reading and the Yankees.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John L Beers, a 96-year-old World War II veteran; sister Dorothy Pittman in North Carolina; children Virginia Bailey, John Gillette, Harry Beers, Susan Sinclair, David Beers, Garry Beers, Betsy Basler, and Shannon Beers; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Dwyer Funeral Home in Patterson on Friday, Oct. 30. Burial will take place at a later date at the South Salem Cemetery.

Dr. Ernest A. Orban, 88, South Salem dentist

Tuesday, 20 October 2009 09:10

Dr. Ernest A. Orban of South Salem died on Sunday, Oct. 17, at his home. He was 88 and a dentist in South Salem.

Born May 1, 1921, in Fairfield, Conn., he was the son of the late, Andrew and Rose Negyesi Orban. Dr. Orban served in World War II in the 8th Air Force of the Army Air Corps. After the war, Dr. Orban graduated from Boston University and New York University’s dental school. Family and friends said they will remember him best for his homemade wine, passion for a good puzzle, love of cooking, and as a cribbage competitor. He grew to have an established practice in the town of South Salem, and from that developed many great friends and neighbors, his family said. He obtained his private pilot’s license and built an office onto his home for his practice. Part of his wine making led him to graph and grow his own plants.

He is survived by his daughters, Maryrose Short of Fort Worth, Texas, and Carolee Horvath of Clermont, Fla.; son, Ernest A. Orban of South Salem; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, at the South Salem Cemetery at 12:30.

The family will receive friends at the Hoyt Funeral Home at 199 Main St. in New Canaan, Conn. on Friday, from 11 to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Vista Fire Department or the Lewisboro Library.

For online condolences, hoytfuneralhome.com.