CLAUDINE GAYNOR

Claudine Gaynor of Scarsdale, NY, died June 4, 2003 at Casa Matilde Nursing Home in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico. She was 91 years young and had resided there since 1996. Mrs. Gaynor retired as a second grade Teacher at the Roosevelt Elementary School in New Rochelle, where she worked from 1961 to 1976. Prior to that she taught at Columbus Elementary School in New Rochelle and at Public School 90 in NYC. "She once said that she had a love affair with teaching," explained her daughter, Gail Gaynor-Brown. "She said that teaching was a wonderful career because it allows one to offer such a productive impact in the lives of young people during their formidable years. To be a part of that is indeed a blessing." She also held positions as a Playground Director for the New Rochelle Recreation Bureau 1936 to 1941 and an Employment Interviewer at the NYS Department of Labor's Employment Division from 1941 to 1957. Mrs. Gaynor was born on December 24, 1911, in Crewe, Virginia, to the late Stanley Godsey and Helen Marshall-Godsey. Her family relocated to New Rochelle, NY. She graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1929. She continued her education earning a B.S. degree at New York University School of Education in 1936 and an M.A. degree at Columbia University Teachers College in 1946. She was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter of Westchester County where she held the position of Baselius for a number of years. She maintained an active role in the community as a volunteer. Mrs. Gaynor was also Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee for the Southern Westchester Retired Teaching Association, where she sponsored an annual Bridge fundraiser for legislation to benefit senior citizens. An avid Bridge player, Mrs. Gaynor was a member of two Bridge clubs and a Life-Master of the game. She also worked with the After-School Program at the St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church in New Rochelle. Under the auspices of the Retired Service Volunteer Program of Westchester, she worked with the American Red Cross. She loved to travel and work in her garden. Mrs. Gaynor married Lloyd Francis Gaynor of Mamaroneck in 1942 and resided in New Rochelle and Scarsdale. After 26 years together, he died in 1968. She is the second of six children. She was also predeceased by three sisters, and one brother. Her daughter, Gail Gaynor-Brown of New Rochelle, a brother, Dr. Stanley Godsey, a retired Dentist of New Rochelle, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends survive her. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2003, 9 AM at Barney T. McClanahan Funeral Home, New Rochelle. (914) 632-8970 Interment will take place at Beechwoods Cemetery.