In Memoriam

Oreen Baker, a longtime CSEA New York Metropolitan Retirees Local activist, passed away on May 1, 2020, from complications from COVID-19. She was 85.

Before retiring in 1996, Baker had been a Creedmoor Psychiatric Center Local activist. After retiring, she became active in the CSEA New York Metropolitan Retirees Local, most recently serving as 2^nd Vice President. She had also served on the local’s political action committee and had received the union’s Donald Webster Mission Achievement Award in 2012.

“[Baker] has dedicated her time wherever she is needed and that [she never says] no,” New York Metropolitan Retirees Local President Barbara Rustin said in 2012. “If she is there to do union business, she is like an energizer battery.”

He will be remembered as the most genuine, caring and loving son, brother, uncle and true friend.

The family is requesting gifts payable to Alfred State College and designated to the Monroe M.K. Bates II student scholarship in memory of Monroe. Checks can be sent to Alfred State Institutional Advancement Office, 10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, N.Y. 14802 or call 607-587-3932 for more information. Please include a note stating your gift is in memory of Monroe M.K. Bates II.

Lifespire – Residence MS

Robert Brandenberger, Sr., 62, worked as a custodian for the Lindenhurst School, where he served as president of the CSEA Lindenhurst School District Buildings and Grounds (Custodial) Unit.Robert died on April 12, 2020, due to complications from the Coronavirus.

He is survived by Susan, his wife of 40 years, and their three children Raymond, Corinne and Courtney. Their son, Robert, passed away in 2009.

A lifelong resident of Lindenhurst, Robert was a staple in the community. He was a Lindenhurst firefighter, served as the president of the Lindenhurst football and cheerleading leagues and acted as a mentor to the youth in the community. Robert impacted the lives of so many young people that they began referring to him as “Uncle Bobby.”

Robert’s long list of community involvement also includes managing the groundskeepers at Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island and serving several terms on the Lindenhurst Board of Education.

Robert was known for treating everyone like family and being a “warm and generous guy.”

CSEA member Florence Bullard was 58 years old when she passed away due to COVID-19. Florence fell ill only three days before she passed on April 8, 2020.Florence is survived by her husband of 22 years, Arthur W. Bullard and four daughters. She owned and operated an in-home Family Child Care business in Newburgh and was a dedicated member of CSEA/VOICE Local 100A.

Florence was a pillar of the community and her loss was a shock to her family, friends, colleagues and the children she cared for.

Daija Bullard, one of Florence’s daughters, described her mother as “full of life and very energetic.”

“Her laugh was contagious,” Daija Bullard said. “She was always laughing, always smiling, always on the phone talking to someone.”

“She was the head of our family.” Daija Bullard said. “She has seven brothers and sisters and she was the only one who lived in New York. Everyone else was down south, in South Carolina. When I tell you that nothing ran without swinging it by my mom first; my mom was the person who gave the OK. If it didn’t go by my mom, it wasn’t happening.”

Florence Bullard was an enthusiastic supporter of her family.

“I played sports all my life,” Daija Bullard said.  “Soccer was my big thing. She had no idea how to play soccer or what the rules were, but I can tell you, she was the loudest person at all of my games! She was very supportive and always motivating me to always do the next best thing. She literally pushed me to get my Master’s degree and before she passed, she was pushing me to get my doctorate.”

Daija Bullard said her mom wanted her girls to be self-sufficient and able to take care of themselves, but that didn’t stop with her daughters.

Florence Bullard treated the children she cared for at her in-home child care as her own and their parents like family.

“She would always lend the parents any kind of assistance they needed,” said Daija Bullard. “She worked in Family Child Care because she loved the children.”

Florence Bullard especially loved helping single mothers and mothers who didn’t have anyone else to rely on.

“If a parent needed help at odd hours, on the weekend or had to put in extra hours before or after work, she didn’t mind taking the kids early or keeping them late,” Daija Bullard said. “My mom had kids spend the night or whatever the parents need. If my mother could do it, she would do it.”

Florence Bullard is missed deeply in her community. She had a very active and supportive role. She volunteered as a parent, including donating any needed supplies.

“When my younger sisters and I were in school, everybody knew her at the school in Newburgh,” Daija Bullard said. “When I tell you everybody knows her, I mean absolutely everybody, knows my mom.”

Florence Bullard also had a knack for organizing and planning parties. She loved hosting, and being around family and friends.

“We had barbecues that would shut down the block,” Daija Bullard said. “Everybody would be there. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone who needed it. That was my mom. My mom was always the brightest light in the room and had the brightest smile. She would say, ‘don’t let anyone or anything stop you.  Always move forward.’”

Florence Bullard is deeply missed by family, friends and her community.

CSEA is working with OSHA to investigate whether conditions at the nursing home contributed to Darby’s exposure and contraction of COVID-19. The investigation is ongoing.

Memorial contributions in Darby’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Roslyn Douglas-Clarke
Lifespire – Castle Hill Residence

He was honored in 2019 by American Legion Post 199 in Spring Valley as their Veteran of the Year. As a lifetime member of Post 199, helping connect his fellow veterans with needed services was something for which Green was well known.

Green, 65, died April 12 after battling COVID-19 for several weeks and suffering a heart attack.

Not only did Green have the respect of co-workers in DPW, he was well-liked by workers in all village departments.

Green is survived by his wife, Felicia; daughters, Jolita and Aleah; brothers, Frances Green, Charlie Bryant, and Donnie Bryant; sisters, Julia Green, Gwendolyn Bryant, and Sharon Bryant; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and friends.

Ed and Mariela were married for 17 years, and together for 24 years. They resided in Jamaica, Queens.

Ed leaves behind children Brianna Holder, 20, Tiana Holder, 29 and step-daughter Iyanna Rodriguez, 27.

Ed was working until March 11. He fell ill on March 14, the day after his birthday, unable to get out of bed. He was hospitalized at Franklin Hospital in Long Island on March 24 and passed away five days later.

He is described by his wife as “very friendly, and easy to talk to. He always had a smile on his face, and he loved people. Anybody could come and talk to him and he would listen.”

According to his co-workers, the individuals he cared for “loved him very much. He was very caring and advocated for them every day as much as he possibly could.”

Ed served as the 1st vice president of CSEA Brooklyn Developmental Center Local 447 and was active in his union for over a decade. His union president (WHO?) said, “As an officer in the Labor Movement, Ed was passionate about how we represent the members. He also had his own fan club with the membership. We were more than officers. We were a family.”

Bruce Q. Jamison, a longtime CSEA activist, passed away from COVID-19 related complications on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was 64.

Jamison was born in North Hornell on March 22, 1956, the son of Lldon Jamison, and Myrtle (Sabin) Jamison. He graduated in 1974 from Canisteo Central High School and was a lifelong resident of Steuben County.

As a young man, Jamison worked for the Canisteo Sub Shop and General Electric before starting his employment at Alfred State College.

Jamison began his CSEA membership in 1983 and served many years as the union’s local president at Alfred State College. In December 2013, he retired from the college’s maintenance department as a supervisor.

After retirement, Jamison remained very active with CSEA. At the time of his passing, he was president of the union’s Steuben, Allegany and Yates Counties Retirees Local 907.

Jamison was omnipresent in his community, serving as Canisteo Town Supervisor and town councilman. He was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion, the Hornell Elks, Hornell Moose and the Hornell Association.

He is survived by his wife, Mari (Dengler) Jamison; his mother, Myrtle Jamison of Canisteo; his children, Daniel Jamison, Cullen Jamison, Jillian (Travis) Knapp, Gabrielle (Kyle) Krawiec; his grandchildren, Kayleigh, Jayden, Avah, Joslyn, David, Abbey, and Quentin; his brothers, Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Jamison, Terry (Kathleen) Jamison; and several nieces, and nephews.

“I used to drive her to trainings and events all the time,” said Ian John, her husband. “She was a loving, kind and generous person.”

Christmas was her favorite holiday because she loved getting gifts for everyone, said John. “Shopping relaxed her.”

Johnson also worked out and boxed at two gyms. She was a member of Evergreen Baptist Church, where her father was a founding member.

She was also a very proud NAACP member and was a volunteer mentor with the Women of Government program, where she served as a role model for young and upcoming teenagers who wanted to pursue their own life dreams.

“She supported these young females with knowledge, guidance and assistance,” said John.

Having known her for 35 years and after 21 years of marriage, John reflected on Johnson’s magnetic personality, her generosity and beauty.

“We would take long walks in the evening,” said John. “I definitely miss her dearly.”

Johnson is survived by her husband, John, and a son.

Sakinah Kama

OPWDD-Long Island DDSO

Nazaire Kebreau, 55, of Newburgh, NY died April 10, 2020 from complications from Covid.  Kebreau, a cook at Brookwood since 2010, was known, not only for preparing delicious food, but for the care and interest he showed the adolescents at the facility.

His daughter, Nadege Kebreau, works at the facility as a Y.D.A.

Co-worker, Patricia Fernandez, recalls Kebreau as “a hardworking, honest and caring individual who used his cooking skills to connect with people of all races and creeds.  He was completely devoted to his work with adolescents in the juvenile justice system and worked tirelessly to nourish their souls as well as providing delicious food for them whenever he was on duty.   He took the time to care about staff and residents, while encouraging them to be the best person they can be.”

Brookwood Local purchased a bench in Kebreau’s memory.

Fernandez established a go fund me page to support Kebreau’s family.

In 1990, Ebo began working for the Village of Hempstead Street Department. It was there that he began his activism career as a CSEA shop steward. He ascended through the ranks and ultimately became CSEA Nassau Municipal Employees Local 882 1^st Vice President.

Ebo was also a CSEA delegate, served on several CSEA Long Island Region committees, a proud member of CBTU and a volunteer firefighter.

In mid-March 2020, a bothersome cough sent Ebo to an urgent care facility. Soon after, he discovered that he had contracted the coronavirus. He was admitted to Nassau County Medical Center, where he fell gravely ill.

Even while fighting for his life, CSEA was at the forefront of Ebo’s mind. Up to the point that he was placed on a ventilator, Ebo was texting local officers about union issues and concerns.

He passed away on April 4, 2020.

He will be remembered for his raucous laughter and quick wit.

Long before Kalema McKethan greeted customers at the state Department of Motor Vehicles, she loved to make babies smile. Photographing babies was her specialty and she did it with zest for several companies and department stores.

“She had a great sense of humor,” said Lillian McKethan, Kalema McKethan’s mother. “She knew how to make them laugh.”

Regrettably, McKethan who had earned a recent promotion, died of coronavirus-related illness at age 36.

The kind of person who supported everyone’s endeavors, McKethan loved life and doted on her daughter Lyric, said her mother.

Though she lived in Queens, she attended a church in the Bronx and was once the PTA president. “Whenever there was a meeting, she would go,” said Lillian McKethan.

In addition to her mother and daughter, Lyric, McKethan is survived by a sister, Karinda Colon, and two nephews, Jaydon and Jeremiah.

A dedicated daughter, Payne was taking care of both her parents. Her father died in February.

Payne worked as a supervisor in the DMV office in Harlem, where she also served as a CSEA grievance representative. She also set up events and trainings as an EAP coordinator.

“She worked very hard and traveled long distances (by bus and train) to help people when they needed it,” said Tamicka Payne, Bernadette Payne’s daughter.

When she wasn’t working, Payne had a fondness for baking, knitting and shopping. “She loved shopping for everyone,” said Tamicka.

Payne is survived by her four children and a grandchild.

His fellow CSEA members say Phillip was a larger than life presence at Rockland Psychiatric Center who was known and loved by so many people, hence his nickname. Phillip went above and beyond in his work as a mental health therapy aide, developing fluency in American Sign Language by working in the wing of the hospital dedicated to hearing impaired patients. He was also a mentor to many younger co-workers as they learned the job at the psychiatric center.

“Keith spent most of his 30 years working with the deaf population,” said his co-worker, CSEA member Thurlus Cordon. “He was always there to crack a joke and put a smile on people’s faces, and he always had a nickname for everyone.”

Due to the pandemic, Phillip is gone too soon, but to his fellow CSEA members at RPC, he won’t be forgotten.

Mary Ann worked at Nassau Community College and devoted her time to the Filipino American Club.

A lover of performing, Mary Ann was a member of DanceAloha and the Nassau Community College Cabaret.

Mary Ann succumbed to COVID-19 on April 21, 2020. She will be remembered for her great heart and beautiful soul.

Shannon, a 911 dispatcher for Putnam County, died April 11 after battling coronavirus. He was 49.

Shannon began his career with Putnam County in 2009 after previously working for a pharmaceutical company. He’d also served in the U.S. Navy, where he was part of the Seabees.

Undoubtedly the biggest part of Shannon’s life of public service was his dedication to the Lake Carmel Fire Department, where he was a third-generation fire chief and held many other roles, including teaching fire safety to children in the greater Carmel community.

A line in his obituary summed up that lifetime of service: “Dispatcher 427 was often the first voice you heard when calling for help and, just as often, he was the man showing up to render lifesaving CPR or to stretch a hose line to a burning home.”

Shannon is survived by his wife, Crissy; children: Jeremy, James, and Morgan; extended family members and in-laws, as well as his beloved dogs, Jax and Dallas.

Shortly before contracting COVID-19 via an outbreak at the facility, Springett had stepped up as CSEA local president. She passed away June 9 at Westchester Medical Center.

Springett, who worked at Green Haven as a food service administrator 1, had previously served as a CSEA delegate and was a member of Green Haven’s recreation committee.

“She had the most infectious laugh and beautiful smile,” said her sister, Denise Springett.

Family and friends were central in Springett’s life.

“She had lots of friends and loved spending time with them,” Denise Springett said.

Springett was a social butterfly, often attending concerts or heading with friends to beaches in Ocean City and Cape Cod. Her sister said Springett made a point to have dinner every Sunday with her family.

A special source of joy to Springett was her 8-year-old niece, Olivia, her sister’s daughter, whom she adored. After developing COVID-19, Springett entrusted her beloved poodle, Missy, to Olivia’s care.

Springett is survived by her parents, James and Mary Springett; sister, Denise; niece, Olivia; her aunts and uncles: Cecilia Gilchrist; Susan Teresky and her husband Tom; Linda Springett and her husband Alan, and Joan Coscia; many cousins and friends; and  her dog, Missy. She was predeceased by her sister, Christine.

DOCCS – Edgecombe Correctional Facility

Thomas, a mental health therapy aide at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center, died of coronavirus-related illness on CONFIRM DATE at age 70.

“I’ll never find another man like that,” said Johnson. “Uncle had a lot of love for me and was a good role model for my children.”

Thomas, who lived in Brooklyn, would visit her home often and formed a close bond with her children. During holidays and championship games, they would watch football games together (he loved the Seahawks) while Johnson prepared some of his favorite dishes.

“He was always giving us gifts for the holidays and I would cook food for him, and he took food to work,” said Johnson.

Johnson worked near MPC at Odyssey House and recalled the care and affection Thomas had for his individuals and his dedication to his job.

“I never knew how hard he worked,” said Johnson. “I was tired of seeing him working doubles and triple shifts.”

An intensely private person, Thomas was recently reunited with a son he had not seen for many years, Malik Thomas.

Strong-willed and genuine, Johnson said she could never do wrong in his eyes.

“He would always ask me, ‘Who loves you baby? Uncle.’”

Thomas is survived by his son, Malik, niece Aphiena Johnson, and three grandchildren.

Denise stayed active in her children’s lives by coaching her daughter in softball. She also loved attending her children’s football games.

Denise is described by those who knew her as being talkative, friendly and strong willed. “She was in the union office all of the time,” said Denise’s mother and CSEA member Peggy Turowski. “She believed in sticking up for herself and for others.”