Father Stephen De Mott: Maryknoll magazine editor

Father Stephen Thomas De Mott, M.M., died March 30 at St. Teresa's Residence in Ossining after a long illness.
He was 57 and a priest for 29 years.
After his ordination to the priesthood on May 22, 1976, Father De Mott was assigned to Chile, where he worked with small Christian communities in Puente Alto, a working-class area on the outskirts of Santiago, during the brutal dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.
"Chileans lived through the nightmare of disappeared persons, imprisonment, torture, exile and death," said Father De Mott, who for the next five years supported the Church initiatives of soup kitchens for the hungry, workshops for the unemployed, and legal aid offices for those persecuted by the government.
In 1981, Father De Mott returned to the United States and served as an associate editor for Maryknoll magazine and Revista Maryknoll. He also attended Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in New York City, where he won the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship, and was granted a master's degree in 1983.
He traveled on reporting assignments to Maryknoll missions in Asia and Latin America, interviewing Maryknollers involved in a variety of ministries. He also had the opportunity to interview the then president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, Cardinal Paulo Evaristo Arns of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Bishop Pedro Casaldáliga, among others (1981-87).
Father De Mott then returned to Chile to work in the Diocese of Linares, as part of a pastoral team serving three rural parishes. In addition to administering the sacraments, he conducted courses and workshops for adults and youth, supported diocesan development programs for small farmers, and taught in the diocesan seminary.
In 1993, he was once again assigned to Maryknoll headquarters in New York. This time he served for six years as director of the social communications department, where among other duties, he oversaw the publishing operations of Orbis Books, Maryknoll and Revista Maryknoll magazines, as well as the launch of the Maryknoll television series, The Field Afar (1993-99).
In 2000, after successfully battling Mantle cell lymphoma, he was assigned to Lima, Peru, where he worked as an editor of Latinamerica Press/Noticias Aliadas, a weekly bulletin that publishes news and analysis of events in Latin America, emphasizing human rights, the plight of the poor, and the environment. He also served as Assistant Regional Superior of Maryknoll's Latin America Region and Coordinator of the Peru-Chile District (2000-06).
"One of Maryknoll's charismatic missions is communications. Through our many media outlets, we try to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ in terms that today's world can understand," said Father De Mott in an interview as he reflected on his dual career as priest and journalist. "Our goal is nothing less than bringing about a more human, compassionate and loving world. Like Jesus, we announce the gospel most effectively when we do so from the place of the poor."
Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor last May, Father De Mott returned to New York for treatment. Through both his illnesses, he expressed gratitude to be living in a time and place where he had access to advanced medical treatment, "unlike the poor of the world who have no choice."
Born in Crookston, Minnesota, on July 7, 1948, to John Irving and Marie Julia Ryan De Mott, he attended Cathedral Grade School in Crookston and St. Margaret Mary School in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Maryknoll Junior Seminary in Chesterfield, Mo., in 1966, he earned his bachelor's degree from Maryknoll College, Glen Ellen, Illinois, (1970) followed by a Master of Divinity degree from Maryknoll School of Theology in Ossining in 1976.
Father De Mott is survived by his mother, Marie De Mott, of Omaha; his sister, Catherine Steel, of East Lyme, Connecticut; and his brothers: Peter J. De Mott, of Ithaca, N.Y., Joseph B. De Mott, of San Antonio, Texas, James L. De Mott, of Omaha, Michael J. De Mott, of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Charles G. De Mott, of Honolulu, Hawaii.
A funeral mass was celebrated yesterday (Tuesday) at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel, followed by Christian burial at Maryknoll Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Father De Mott's name to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, N.Y., 10545.

Euraline Cooper: Local teacher

Euraline Shumate Cooper, an educator, a child advocate, a community activist for environmental issues, and an advocate for civil rights and social justice, died March 28 at Hudson Valley Hospital of what doctors described as complications from lung cancer and pneumonia.
She was 87.
Married to the late Edward J. Cooper, Mrs. Cooper received a bachelors degree with honors from Hunter College, two master degrees, and a professional diploma, all from Columbia University's Teachers College. She began her education career as the director of a preschool she started with her husband in their home on Diven Street. The school rose to prominence and was highly recognized in Peekskill for the successful educational start the program gave each of the attending children - each year the school had a long waiting list.
She later became an elementary school teacher in the Peekskill School District at Woodside, and in subsequent years became a reading teacher. When the family moved to the Lakeland School District, Mrs. Cooper continued as a reading teacher and was promoted to a long career as a district reading supervisor housed at Lincoln-Titus Elementary School.
During her working years, Mrs. Cooper was active in the local chapter of the NAACP, and the Northern Westchester Reading Council of the International Reading Association. She participated in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and collaborated to bring students and adults from the Peekskill area to the 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King. In later years, she collaborated with Pete Seeger and others on conservation projects.
She worked tirelessly on behalf of environmental issues and convinced local elected officials to organize and call for action to protect local wetlands. Often she could be seen stuffing local mailboxes with petitions, ringing doorbells for support, and organizing and attending meetings and forums on behalf of issues of importance to the Peekskill community. A frequent viewer of the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, she was often heard as a caller to the Leonard Lopate show, where when she disagreed with a point of view, would state to the host, "Now, Leonard..."
Known for her sharp mind, warm smile, hearty laugh and a loving and caring spirit, Mrs. Cooper will be deeply missed by three children, Edward J. Cooper, a local businessman; Dr. Eric J. Cooper, president of the National Urban Alliance (a not-for-profit education advocacy organization), who lives in Stamford, Connecticut; and Donald W. Cooper, a psychologist, who resides in Madison, Wisconsin.
She is also survived by her loving sister, Mrs. Zola Trott of Queens; three daughters-in-law; three grandchildren, Daniel, Justin and Haley; an uncle; and numerous cousins spread throughout the country.
Memorial Service information will be announced at a later date.

Rudolph Strasswimmer: Retired trooper

Rudolph Strasswimmer, a longtime resident of Yorktown, died April 3 at Bethel Nursing Home in Croton-on-Hudson.
He was 76.
Mr. Strasswimmer was a retired New York State Trooper and former associate professor at Mercy College.
He was the son of Elisabeth (Warncke) and Ferdinand Strasswimmer.
Mr. Strasswimmer is survived by his wife, Marie; his five children, Deborah Williams of Folgelsville, Pennsylvania, Louise Alfonso of Hopewell Junction, Eva Strasswimmer of Mohegan Lake, Rudy Strasswimmer of Wingdale, New York, and Eric Strasswimmer of Yorktown.
He was the proud grandfather of Sarah and Rebecca Williams, Sherri Alfonso, Evan Adorno, Jannie Strasswimmer, and Kristy, Carissa, and John Paul Strasswimmer. He is also survived by his sister Joan Filmore of Bridgewater, New Jersey.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Old St. Patrick's Stone Church in Yorktown.

Derek Squires: Ossining resident

Derek W. Squires, a resident of Ossining, died April 2.
He was 80.
He was born July 19, 1925, in Buffalo to Charles F. Squire and Charlotte Warren.
Mr. Squires served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Sea Bee. He worked at the Museum of Natural History in New York City as a preparator.
He is survived by his daughter, Janet Squires of Ossining, and companion, Elizabeth Dillon of Ossining.
Funeral Services were handled privately by Leach & Thomas, Inc. Funeral Home in Ossining.

Harold Todd: former Peekskill resident

Harold A. Todd, a former longtime Peekskill resident, died March 28.
He was 83.
He was born December 16, 1922, in Brooklyn to Alfred Todd and Catherine J. Barrett. He graduated from the Newtown High School in Elmhurst, Queens, in 1940.
Mr. Todd joined the United States Navy, serving from 1940 to 1945 as a machinist's mate. He was assigned to antisubmarine patrols all along the Atlantic seacoast and participated in the invasion of North Africa (1942) and Sicily (1943). Upon discharge from the Navy in 1945, he was a Merchant Marine engineer on various oil tankers. In 1948, he began his employment with New York Central Railroad as a conductor, switchman and brakeman, retiring in 1983.
On May 21, 1949, he married Alice R. O'Connor at Agnes Church in Brooklyn. She predeceased him in September 2000.
He was a communicant at the Assumption Church in Peekskill, where he served on the Parish Council for 21 years, having served as president for three years and also on the finance committee.
Mr. Todd was a licensed boiler inspector for more than 30 years for various insurance companies. He was also a life member of the Peekskill Fire Patrol and most recently volunteered with Hospice of Northern Westchester and at the Bear Mountain Visitor's Center.
In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Post 1009 in Yorktown and of the Cortlandt Historical Society. Mr. Todd served as chairman of the Peekskill Human Relations Commission for many years. He was also a district leader and an executive member of the Peekskill Republican Party, having received the Bob Haring Award, the party's highest honor.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling all over Canada and the United States, primarily by train, having visited Civil War battlefields and the West Coast from Glacier Bay to the Mexican boarder.
Mr. Todd is survived by daughters, Judith Comp of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Regina Todd of Lunenburg, Massachusetts and Alicia Todd, Ph.D., of Falls Church, Virginia; and two grandchildren, Brian and Michelle Comp.
Donations in Mr. Todd's memory may be made to the Assumption Church, Peekskill, Alzheimer's Association, or to a charity of your choice.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Assumption Church in Peekskill, followed by interment at St. John's Cemetery in Queens.

Caroline Pfeifer: Croton resident

Caroline V. Pfeifer (nee Buttel), a Croton resident, died March 28.
She was 88.
She was born May 16, 1917, in the Bronx to Michael and Mary Mulawka Buttel.
She was known for her great love of family, especially her three daughters, six grandchildren and her great-grandson. She was loved by all for her loving and caring ways and she accepted everyone unconditionally, and without criticism. She also always had a kind word for people, and was known for her deep faith and trust in God.
She is survived by her three daughters, Arlene (Tom) Sullivan, Ginny Crisco, and Lorraine (Jim) Carey; five grandchildren, Christine (Jay) Kozma, Scott Sullivan, Jennifer Carey, Brittany Carey, and Kenneth Crisco; her great-grandson, Charlie Kozma and her grandson-in-law, Clifford Burns; and her nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harold, her son-in-law, Richard Crisco and her beloved granddaughter, Sarah Burns, four sisters, Lucille Sgueglia, Kitty Kammerer, Ann French and Jo Rosato, and her brother, Benjamin Buttel.
A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Name of Mary Church.

Marilyn Peebles: Ossining resident

Marilyn Adele Peebles, a resident of Ossining, died April 2.
She was 70.
She was born December 23, 1935, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Dr. James Emmett Carter and Adele Louise Carter.
She worked as a nursing technician at Phelps Memorial Hospital.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest Peebles, and son, Emmett Smith.
Mrs. Peebles is survived by one son, Robert Smith Jr. of Ossining; daughters Adele Smith of Silver Springs, Maryland, Djwanna Miller of Cortlandt, and Terencia Peebles of Peekskill; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Friday at the Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, followed by burial at Dale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Phelps Hospice, 701 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.