Jacqueline May “Jackie” Gardner Conklin
December 16, 1930—February 12, 2024
Cornwall, NY
Jacqueline Gardner Conklin passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 12, 2024 in St. Croix, USVI. Jackie was a long-term resident of Cornwall, NY and Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI.
Born on December 16, 1930, to the late Barton and Eulah Gardner, Jackie was the eldest of five children. Jackie is survived by her loving companion, Raymond Mellin, brothers, Thomas (Arlene) Gardner, Newton (Janet) Gardner, sister, Ginger (Frank) Lucido, granddaughter, Dr. Casey (Connor) Burke, great-grandson Liam Burke, grandsons, Patrick and Cody Conklin, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Conklin, sons Scot (Mary Lynn) and Clayton (Christine) Conklin, and a brother, Barton Gardner, Jr.
Jackie’s professional career found her employed in the airline, automotive and real estate industries, where she strived for excellence and fulfillment by serving others. Jackie’s professional career spanned nearly 55 years with Eastern and American Airlines. She brought her skills home where she opened her own highly successful real estate brokerage serving the Cornwall community for nearly 30 years in this role. Additionally, Jackie assisted the Toyota dealership in Newburgh, NY in the customer service department. She also continued to serve the community on the Assessment Review Committee for the town board in Cornwall, NY until her untimely death.
In the early 1980’s, she and her husband purchased a villa at The Reef in St. Croix, USVI. Jackie would become a well-known resident and staple on St. Croix Island, by making it her second home for nearly 60 years. During her time at The Reef, she could often be found organizing and coordinating events for social affairs, assisting the ladies in the office, helping out with the annual yard sale, and taking time to tend to the various plants and flowers around The Reef, where her love for gardening was truly evident.
For those who knew her in St. Croix, they often referred to her as the “Matriarch of The Reef”; a fitting title, as it seemed Jackie always knew someone, no matter where she was; greeting her many acquaintances with a smile and a helping hand. Her zeal, great sense of humor, giving nature, and passion to live every day to the fullest will be missed and continue to touch all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Lillian (Hulse) Fitch
November 30, 1926—March 8, 2024
Cornwall, NY
Lillian (Hulse) Fitch, of Cornwall, NY died peacefully at home on March 8, 2024, reaching the impressive age of ninety-seven.
Lillian was the widower of Gerald Fitch, Jr. She was the daughter of Duane and Maude Hulse, born on November 30, 1926, in Eldred, NY. Lillian was the last survivor of eight siblings in her family.
She graduated from Cornwall High School in 1945 and was a former employee of the Firth Carpet Co. during her youth. Lillian was a full-time mother and later became a Nurse’s Aide for several years at The Cornwall Hospital before retiring.
Lillian had many hobbies which she loved; including gardening, painting, and ceramics. She was a lifelong resident of Cornwall and enjoyed all that it offered: meeting wonderful friends and neighbors here over her lifetime.
Lillian is survived by her sons: James Fitch and Lindsay Fitch; and her grandchildren: Erin Fitch and Steven Fitch.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 21st at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 66 Clinton Street, Cornwall, NY 12518.
Memorial Contributions in Lillian’s name may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 783, Cornwall, NY 12518.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com