Linda Sue Benson, of Old Brookville, died on Feb. 12, 2004, at the age of 43, after a brave 11-year fight against Multiple Sclerosis. She was a member of the North Shore High School Class of 1978.

She found out her system was being attacked by MS when she was suddenly blinded, a symptom of the disease that lasted a few months. The symptoms started in her leg and arms. She was never in remission, the disease kept taking its toll on her. She left her 8-year job as an overseas flight attendant with TWA, which she loved, because of the illness. She visited all over the world, including Israel, Greece, France and London, and she loved them all, said her mother, Marilyn Benson, an Anton Newspapers sales associate and the creator of Boulevard magazine. "She was very inspirational to me as I worked on Boulevard. She had a great sense of fashion design," said Ms. Benson.

"Throughout it all she remained brave. Her cousin Leigh Ann Rayve Livolsi took care of her hair, coloring it every month. Linda took up jewelry design when she was in bed. She did lovely designs in beading. They were gifts for friends. She loved talking books.

"The love of her life was her golden retriever, Chantell, [who predeceased her about a year ago]. That was very hard for her," said her mother. "This is the third week of the anniversary of her death, this will be nice to have her remembered."

At the funeral, Linda's longtime friend Tricia Witt gave a eulogy. She said, "At 14 I found myself with no place to live and what should have been the worst time in my life, turned into the best - you see that's when I met Linda and she took me into her home and her heart.

"We shared a room but most of all, we shared a life. She put into my life more love and happiness than my heart and hands could hold in a lifetime and always warmed my soul with just a smile. She became more than my friend, she became my sister.

"When she got sick no one would have blamed her for being angry at the world and bitter, instead she embraced life and loved everyone even more. God saw that she was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around her and whispered 'Come home with me'. With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away. Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating, and a determined spirit was now at rest. God broke our hearts, to prove to us, he only takes the best.

"Today (Feb. 17) we mourn the loss of someone so great and loved, our daughter, sister, or friend. And, I know in my heart she's dancing on a cloud," said Tricia.

Linda Benson was the beloved daughter of Marilyn and Ernest Benson. She is survived by her brother Cort Benson and his wife Diane and their children Nichole and Melanie; and her sister Lisa Smiley and her husband Forbes and their son Ned. She was the niece of Marion Rayve and the late Edward Rayve. She is also survived by her stepfather Angelo Bellidora and stepsisters, Angela Anton and Carol Bellidora.

She is survived by her cousins Leigh, Diana, Jennifer, Karen, Robert, Jonathon, Kristen and Drew. Funeral arrangements were made by the Whitting Funeral Home Glen Head. The Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Roslyn with the Interment at Holy Rood Cemetery.

Bernadette Wright (nee Ritchie), of Bayville, died on Feb. 22, 2004 at age 59. Former wife of Charles. Mother of Lorie (Michael), Carrie (Robert) and Charlene. Sister of Robert and Ritchie and the late Harold. Grandmother of Kaitlyn. Arrangements were made by the Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Mass at St. Gertrude's RC Church. Interment Memorial Cemetery, Laurel Hollow. Donations may be made to Glen Cove Cares, 37 Harwood Dr., Glen Cove, NY 11542.

Rita (Mary) Deecken, a lifelong resident of Locust Valley, died on Feb. 27, 2004 with peace in her home. Born in 1918, she was the wife of Walter for 60 years. Her volunteer work in town and her service to her church were constant. She was the loving mother to her children and their spouses, Ken (Cathy), Sue (Jim) and Rob (Kathy); her grandchildren, Ryan (Katie), Dan (Marie), Sean, Heather, Cory, Jared and Haley. Rita was predeceased by her brother, George Howell and is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She will be greatly missed. Arrangements were made by the McLaughlin Kramer Megiel Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Hyacinth Church.

Lynda Jean Riolo (nee Landers), 48, of Glen Cove, died on Feb. 27, 2004. A woman of remarkable love, strength and courage, passed away of cancer. Wife of Frank. Mother of Frankie. Daughter of Doris and the late William P. Landers of East Norwich. Sister of Peggy Pennington (Richard), Billy (Sandy) and Thom. Aunt of many nieces and nephews as well as their children. Lynda was also blessed with many friends. Although her physical presence will be missed, her smile and spirit will be with those she loved forever more. Arrangements were made by the Oyster Bay Funeral Home. Funeral services at St. Dominic RC Chapel. Interment Locust Valley Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Don Monti Cancer Center at NSUH at Glen Cove.