Sarey Frankel Bernstein, 85, Died; Westport News Writer, Creative Mind
Sarey Frankel Bernstein died on August 30, at 85 years of age, at her home in Stamford, CT. Sarey was born on December 2, 1935, to Lillian Bunis Frankel and Harold Frankel of Stamford, CT.
Sarey is survived by her husband, Attorney Samuel J. Bernstein; her son, Rabbi and Attorney Harold Frankel Bernstein (Darona Bernstein, spouse); daughter, Cathy Bernstein (Bud Freund, spouse); her grandchildren, Leora Hauptman (Yaakov Hauptman, spouse), Frances Nagel (Joshua Nagel, spouse), Robert Bernstein, Hannah Freund and Charlotte Freund; as well as her three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Lilly, and Donny Hauptman. She is also survived by her first cousins, Lewis Cherniack and Susan Cherniack Wise; her nephew, Henry (Hank) Mantell; and nieces, Patti Mantell Broad and Lis Mantell.
Sarey, a long-time resident of Stamford, was the granddaughter of Hyman and Sarah Frankel of Stamford. Her grandfather, Hyman Frankel, was the founder of H. Frankel and Sons, Clothiers. Her grandfather was also a founding member of the 100-year-old Jewish Center of Stamford.
Sarey was an alumna of Low-Heywood School of Stamford, CT, where she was the Editor of Hey-Day, the school newspaper, and a member of the Drama and Glee Clubs. Sarey Bernstein also attended Connecticut College for Women in New London, CT and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Journalism from Bridgeport University, Bridgeport, CT. Sarey was a former theater critic and the Public Relations Director of The Oceanic Society, a Stamford and California based environmental non-profit. She went onto become a feature writer for The Westport News and its affiliates in Darien, Fairfield, and Norwalk, as well as a contributing feature writer to The Stamford Advocate. She was also a member of Women-In-Communications (W.I.C.S.), the Fairfield Division of Presswomen, and The Outer Critics Circle. Sarey was also a member of B'nai Brith and Agudath Shalom Synagogue in Stamford, CT (since 1955).
Sarey was an avid reader and loved to paint in watercolors. She was very creative, and she and her husband, Samuel, enjoyed many years together taking trips to the theater, concerts, and museums. Sarey grew up in the Shippan neighborhood of Stamford and loved to spend time by the ocean in one of her favorite spots in Newport, Rhode Island, and at the Stamford Yacht Club in Shippan. She also loved amusing her family with funny stories and poems.
Above all else, Sarey treasured her relationship with her five grandchildren and sharing in their achievements. Contributions in her memory can be made to: The Library of New Canaan, CT, Children's Department.
Mary Jane Springman, 79, Died; Former Westport Teacher
Mary Jane Springman, wife of Joseph W. Springman for 56 years, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to William Shea and Ruth (Wisnousky) Shea on November 14, 1943. After her parents' deaths in 1952, she was raised by her father's sisters, Alice Johnson of Pasadena, CA, and Marguerite Sommer of Haverford, PA.
Mary Jane attended St. Elizabeth's school in Altadena, CA, Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, Immaculata College in Malvern, PA, receiving her BA from the Pennsylvania State University in State College in 1965. In 1988 she received an MA in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford.
Before her marriage she taught English in Westport, CT, for a year, then as the wife of a submarine officer, she moved several times, most notably to Pearl Harbor and Mare Island Navy bases.
After returning to Connecticut, she was the co-author of two books, East Granby, the Evolution of a Connecticut Town and Images of America: Simsbury. She served on the board of the Simsbury Historical Society, where she republished Clavin Fisher's A Spy at Ticonderoga and calendars of historic photos, and on the board of the Simsbury Free Library, editing its newsletter and researching and writing historical articles for many issues.
She served as the president of the Greater Hartford branch of the American Association of University Women where she made lasting friends. In addition to her two much-appreciated private book clubs, since 1997 she facilitated the Simsbury Senior Center's book club.
She and Joe enjoyed traveling, sometimes taking their children and grandchildren along. Her family was the major focus of Mary Jane's life. In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her two sons: Brian, his wife Toni and their children Sean, Kyle and Emilia of Charlotte, NC, and Andrew, his wife Kimberly and their son Christopher of Harrisburg, NC, and son Benjamin and his wife Christina of New Ipswich, NH. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Patricia Shea Mei, and her husband, Tony, of Novato, CA, and their children and grandchildren. Interment in Simsbury Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to the charity or cause of your choice. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Mary Jane's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
George Capiris, 91, Died; Former Westporter who “never missed a New York Giants football game”
George Capiris, age 91 of Southport, formerly of Westport, Connecticut, beloved husband of 65 years to Stella Capiris passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
Born in Yonkers, New York, he was the son of Christopher and Christina Capiris. He was a graduate of the Saunders Technical School in Yonkers. He was a parishioner of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Yonkers where he served for many years as an altar boy, having been tonsured by the late Patriarch Athenagoras, and where he attended Greek School. His passion was sports where he played football in the semi pro league. He served in the Armed Services during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. Upon his marriage to his beloved wife Stella, he moved to Connecticut and was employed at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. He later became the proprietor of Shoreham Liquor Store in Fairfield, for many years. He was an avid sports enthusiast, where for many years as a ticket season holder, he never missed a New York Giants football game.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, George Thomas, who was not only his son but his closest "buddy". He is survived by his beloved wife, Stella; his treasured son, Christopher and his wife, Marie Capiris; a cherished granddaughter, "Carrie"; two beloved godsons, Joseph Capiris and Paul Nikolaidis; his devoted brothers, Terry Capiris and his wife, Margaret and Thomas Capiris and his wife, Betty; a special brother-in-law, James Englis and his wife, Angela; a devoted cousin, Nicholas Nikolaidis and his wife, Cathy; and many loving nieces, nephews, and their respective families both here and in Greece.
The Rite of Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, with Fr. Georgios Livaditis, Presbyter, officiating, followed by interment at the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Calling hours will take place on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until time of service in the church. The Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main Street, Bridgeport, has been entrusted with the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church Iconography Project in memory of George.
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Anne Stamps, 81, Died; Westport Community Theater Actress, Former Westporter
Anne Stamps, 81, of Woodville, died August 16, 2022 at her residence. She was born in Detroit, MI on October 18, 1940 to the late James Howard Obey and Carol Aldrich Obey.
Cynthia was born in Detroit, grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School. She attended Fairmont State College in WV where she met her husband, Raymond Thompson Stamps of 62 years. Cynthia earned her associates degree from NOVA. She was a model with Atlantic City Models Guild and in New York City.
Throughout her life she lived in Linwood, NJ, Westport, CT and Arlington, VA. Cynthia was a member of A.A. for 44 years, Reynold Memorial Baptist Church and its Praise Team Band. She was very active in RAAC theater doing hair, makeup, set design, directing and producing. She was also active in Westport Community Theater. She once owned a gift/antique shop in Washington, VA called Morning Glory Antiques. Cynthia loved clouds and was a member of the Cloud Society. Above all, she was an artist.
She is survived by her husband; her children, J. Britt Stamps (Annie) of Nokesville, VA and B. Chad Stamps (Christy Hartmann) of Fairfax Station, VA; four grandchildren, Sidney Harvey, Conner Stamps, McKenna Stamps, and Emmah Stamps; two sisters, Carolyn Bromberg (Richard) and Cathryn Alice Anderson; two brothers-in-law, George Stamps (Carolyn) and Gary Stamps; one sister-in-law, Penny DaGrossa; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Cynthia is preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Eric Anderson and Donald DaGrossa; and one sister-in-law, Jewel Stamps.
A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church, 3748 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville, VA 22740 with Rev. Randy Clark and Rev. Jon Heddleston officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paul's Episcopal Cemetery in Woodville, VA.
There will be a reception at the church immediately following the interment. Pallbearers will be Deacon Terry Dixon, Deacon Doug Elkins, Deacon Dan Bailey, Greg Sanders, Dallas Clark, and Brian J. Ross. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Bromberg, Gary Stamps, George Stamps, Deacon Ann Miller, and Deacon Linda Kline. The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Piedmont for their wonderful care and to members of the Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church and friends from the community. An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.