Obituary of Helen Lucille Vail

Helen Lucille Vail, 94, of Venice, Florida died peacefully at Poet’s Walk in Sarasota, Florida on January 29, 2024. Mrs. Vail had resided there for only three months. Lucille was born on June 15,1929 in Plainfield, N.J. to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ellinger. She was a graduate of Plainfield High School. Lucille was happily married to Mr. Stuart Gordon Vail on September 10, 1949. They shared a loving marriage for 70 years until Stuart passed away on December 23, 2019. It was difficult for Lucille to go on without the love of her life. Lucille is survived by her daughter Shelley L. Kermizian and son-in-law Michael S. Kermizian of New York State. A son Jeffrey A. Vail lived with Lucille and Stuart for many years. His address is currently unknown. A fun-loving group of grandchildren include Christopher M. Kermizian, David A. Kermizian, Matthew A. Kermizian and his wife Lisa Kermizian, Alissa K. Lawson and husband Ryan Lawson. Great grandchildren include Tucker M. Lawson, Avery B. Lawson, Alexa P. Kermizian, and Gunner M. Kermizian all reside in New York State. Granddaughters residing in New Jersey include Samantha L. Vail and Zowie E. Vail. Lucille lost her mother Helen M. Ellinger at a young age, she then lost her father Arthur Ellinger as a teenager. She had been raised by a dear caregiver, Mrs. Rockefeller who she called Mother Rockefeller. After her father died, Lucille went to live with her aunt Anna Weber in Plainfield NJ. As a teenager Lucille was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls which is a Masonic youth organization. Lucille fondly recalled hiking with her father in the Watchung Mountains. She enjoyed the love of her Cocker Spaniel Patty. She enjoyed ice skating with friends and was extremely artistic. Lucille had hopes of attending art school, but that dream did not come true. The dream that did come true was finding the love of her life, Stuart Gordon Vail. Stuart was a handsome, kind, humorous, romantic gentleman who shared Lucille’s interest in travel, cooking, gardening, camping, Chinese art, and beach life. Lucille held different jobs throughout her life, but then had a long and satisfying career with AT&T where she worked as a stock transfer specialist. At home, Lucy used her talents to sew Halloween costumes for her children. She had an extensive recipe collection and enjoyed cooking and baking with Stuart by her side.  The Vails enjoyed a membership at Panther Lake in N.J. where they camped, swam, and fished. Lucille had large gardens surrounding her home in Neshanic N.J. where she grew and preserved fruits and vegetables. Another canine companion was the family’s playful French Poodle named Monique. Lucille had a love of Chinese art. She enjoyed her Mud Men collection and filled her home with Chinese paintings and pottery. Global travels took Lucille and Stuart to China, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Ireland. An Alaskan cruise was a breathtaking trip that Lucille won! Eventually, Lucille and Stuart’s lifelong dream of living in Florida came true when they had a home built in Venice Florida in 1985. There, Lucille joined New-Comers, and Dine Around, she learned to play Mah Jon and took Tai chi lessons. Lucy had many neighbors that she grew to love in her Waterford community. She enjoyed visits when her daughter and family came to stay. She enjoyed the beach life or swimming in her pool. She grew Christmas cactus on her lanai. Lucy enjoyed floral design and won awards for her creations. Quiet time with Stuart was a time for Gin Rummy or a game of Mexican Train with family or friends. Lucy always felt that her mother was her guardian angel who watched over her. Although she had no siblings, she considered her cousin Lois Daniel Rivera her sister by choice. They had a close bond and a lasting love for each other. Rest well mom and watch over all of us!