Obituary of Ethna Kress

Ethna Kress of Medford NY passed away on, April 21, 2024,  after leading a full and enriching life. She was born in Bronx NY on July 11, 1929, the first daughter of William and Marie (Shadwell) Kress. In her family of six siblings, Ethna was the oldest.  Her sisters and their husbands were Jae and husband Joe Giuliano - deceased, Willa and Donald Dempster - deceased, Marie and Harold Boland - deceased, Catherine living and husband Richard Ewan deceased. Living in Vermont are her sister Aileen and Charles Seitz and brother Jim and Carol Kress.  She had many loving nieces and nephews who so enjoyed her hosting her Long Island clambake each year.  Nora Niego was her beloved companion in life. Her niece, Barbara Boland Tizio, was devoted to Ethna’s care during her illness.

Raised in Wood Ridge NJ, Ethna attended Saint Mary’s High School in Rutherford and Seton Hall University. Her further education was at Lady Cliff College and Hunter College in New York. Being well educated, she used her knowledge to instruct students so they could succeed.

Her career and professional life was with the Telephone Company in both NJ and NY city. Nora and Ethna commuted into the city for both work and cultural experiences. They availed themselves of the opera, museums, lectures, concerts, and activities in the Village. As an avid gardener she welcomes people to come and enjoy the flowers and sit around the pool. Ethna was a classy lady, a very determined and capable person. People enjoyed her company, conversation, sense of purpose and humor.

As a parishioner at Saint Sylvester’s Church in Medford, she worked in the Food pantry and visited people in nursing homes.  At her church she met many caring and loyal friends. These friends have remained faithful and attentive to her throughout her time at assisted living.  Ethna’s family is most grateful and appreciative for their care and visits during her illness.  She certainly made an impact on those around her as she would reach out to assist and care for others.  Ethna’s presence in this world will be dearly missed by family and friends. Rest in peace, loving sister, caring aunt and loyal friend.

Visiting hours will be on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horse Block Road, Medford, NY.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, April 29, 2024 at St. Sylvester R.C. Church, 68 Ohio Avenue, Medford, NY.  Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram, NY.