Raymond W. Schueler

Raymond Willard Schueler died at his residence in Sarasota, Florida, on April 11, 2006. A long time former resident of Garden City, he is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy, four daughters - Diane, Janet, Joan and Kim - as well as eight grandchildren: Andre, Steven, Jim, Laura, Josh, David, Adam and Andrew.

Mr. Schueler, an Army Air Force veteran of World War 11, enjoyed a career in advertising sales, starting with Hearst Advertising for the New York Journal American. While with Hearst, he was transferred to The Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph; The Milwaukee Sentinel as National Advertising Manager, and then to Minneapolis, where he opened a new office for Hearst Advertising Service.

After being recalled to New York in the early 60's, the family settled in Garden City, his wife's hometown, where Mrs. Schueler and all of the children graduated from the Garden City Public Schools. Mr. Schueler subsequently switched from newspapers to magazines, starting with Ladies Home Journal, then Redbook, and finally became one of nine men to start a new venture in publishing - People weekly. The first issue hit the stands on March 4, 1974, with a cover price of thirty-five cents, and Raymond stayed with People until his retirement. The Schuelers then sold their house in Garden City and divided their time between a summer home in East Hampton and a new residence in Sarasota, Florida.

Memorial donations may be made to The Disabled American Veterans at DAV, PO Box14, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Stella Uchacz

Stella Uchacz , 85, a resident of Ellicott City, Maryland for 14 years and formerly a 40 year resident of Garden City, died Feb. 12, 2006 at the Greater Laurel Health and Rehab Center in Laurel, Maryland.

She was born Sept. 29, 1920 in Manhattan, NY, daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Mazurack) Dusanowsky. She was a homemaker and a member of the Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty five years, Frank Uchacz.

She is survived by her sons, Ronald and Eugene Uchacz; daughter-in-law Karen Uchacz; and grandchildren Autumn and Lance McKay, Brad and Amy Uchacz, Travis Uchacz and Amanda Uchacz.

Memorial donations may be made to Howard County General Hospital, Chest Pain/ Short Stay Unit, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21044.

Mary V. Degen

Mary V. Degen , a longtime resident of Garden City, went to her eternal rest on April 17 at the age of 79.

Mary was born in Norfolk, Virginia and was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. She worked for the Navy for many years until she met and married her husband George. They began their family in Baldwin, N.Y. and later moved with their four children to Garden City.

After her husband passed away in 1977, she obtained her real estate sales and brokers license. She worked for Malloy Realty for a short time and then opened Degen Realty on Seventh Street. Her business prospered for over 20 years, and she made many wonderful friends and business associates as a result.

Mary could often be seen around town at many of her favorite places. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph's parish, the Garden City Country Club and would enjoy ballroom dancing twice a week at the New Hyde Park Inn.

She is survived by her three children: Joan of Garden City, Robert of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Richard of New York City and the late George Jr. She was also the loving sister of Madeline Hawley and John Brennan.

Mary cherished her three grandchildren Christian, Robert and Katie, and spent much of her free time with them. They each paid tribute to her at her wake and recalled all the wonderful memories they shared with her. Her only granddaughter, Kaitlyn, remembered her in this way: "My grandmother was a wonderful role model for me. She taught me to always behave like a lady, to be positive even when times are tough and to treat everyone with respect and kindness."

A Mass of Christian burial was held on April 21 at St. Joseph's and interment was at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

As the bagpiper played her favorite song, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," those gathered celebrated Mary in life and in death. She will be sorely missed by all.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Nassau County.