Former member and past president of the Moriches Bay Historical Society dies

Born Mary Elizabeth Strebel in Southampton on March 29, 1931, the middle child of Louis and Clara Strebel, Mrs. Field grew up in Center Moriches and lived there most of her life. Predeceased by her husband, Van R Field, she is survived by her daughters, Gail Field of Center Moriches and Holly Borak and husband, Gerry Borak, of Yorktown, Va. Mrs. Field is also survived by four grandsons, three great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and sister, Jeanette Bonk, of Blue Point.  She lived a very full life.

As a young woman, she worked in the family business, The Sunrise Restaurant in Center Moriches (now the Sea Cove). She started peeling potatoes and washing dishes, then moved on to be a waitress, baker, and short-order cook as time went on.

At the insistence of her husband, she acquired an amateur radio license (K2BRC) and built a working radio.  There were few things she would say she couldn’t do, from sewing dresses for herself and children, to making props for kindergarten graduation, baking cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations and more. She cut down trees before breakfast for her new home to be built, and painted and finished portions of the house. 

She also catered various affairs for friends and family. Her home was always open to friends of her husband and daughters. Mrs. Field preferred to have people come to her home rather than to go out. She hosted many parties for the radio club, BOCES teachers, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and high school proms.

Never one to sit still, she took courses in home extension, later teaching those same skills to others. She was named Homemaker of the Year in 1978.  She was a 4-H group leader, in which her daughters participated. She was also a substitute teacher for BOCES cooking and baking classes and taught adult education classes in catering.

After her husband retired, she coaxed him into writing a local history book, “The Illustrated History of the Moriches Bay Area,” as it was a project they could work on together. She was always interested in local history, and since he had a minor in history, it was a good plan.  She became active in the Moriches Bay Historical Society. She worked as a volunteer, cataloging donations to its museum for 17 years, and served as president for one term.  Shortly thereafter, she became a founding member of the Ketcham Inn Foundation; she worked tirelessly there to raise funds for its restoration for nearly 30 years.

In 2017, she was honored as a Center Moriches High School Alumni of Distinction for her contributions to the community. In 2018, she received recognition from the Town of Brookhaven Office of Women’s Services 32nd Women’s Recognition ceremony.

Mrs. Field was always one to step in to do what needed to be done, a loving parent, and a staunch friend. She will be missed by many.  A memorial is planned for a later date at the Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches. In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice or the Ketcham Inn would be appreciated.