Miriam Whitman

Longtime Richmond Valley resident Miriam E. Whitman, 71, a dedicated church volunteer who will be remembered as benevolent and cheerful, died Tuesday in Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Meiers Corners.

Born Miriam E. Linicus in Tottenville, she moved to Richmond Valley as a teen and remained a resident there until she entered the nursing home in April.

She worked at the Home Insurance Company and Risk Enterprise Management, both in Manhattan, for 38 years, as a supervisor and a senior specialist operator in the key punch department, telecommunication department and customer service center. She retired in 1999.

Mrs. Whitman also worked as a Republican inspector for the New York Board of Elections for 20 years.

She graduated from Tottenville High School in 1961.

Mrs. Whitman was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Tottenville, where she sang in the choir, belonged to the United Methodist Women and was treasurer of the St. Paul's Mothers Club.

In addition, she served as treasurer and a den mother for Cub Scout Pack 21 and as Protestant Religious Award Coordinator for the Girl and Boy Scouts. For her dedicated efforts, she received the Boy Scouts of America Bronze Pelican Award from Cardinal Cook at St. Patrick's Cathedral for working with Catholic youth, family said.

She was also a longtime member of the AARP.

Mrs. Whitman was creative and enjoyed crafting. She often made crocheted blankets for family, friends and shut-ins. In addition, she enjoyed listening to music and gardening.

She was especially close to her nieces and great-nieces, and will be missed by all who knew her.

Her husband, William, died in 1976.

She is survived by her son, Mark, and one grandson.

The funeral service will be Monday at 10 a.m. in the Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Oakwood.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Monday, August 10, 2015 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Sunday, August 9, 2015 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Ocean View Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home