Laura Gilmartin Masterson of Southampton Dies May 12

Laura Gilmartin Masterson of Southampton died peacefully on May 12, surrounded but her family. She was 79.

She was the beloved wife of William H. Masterson Jr. and mother to three children, Kathleen, William and Ellie. She was a devoted mother, doting and loving grandmother, dear sister, amazing aunt, and friend to all, her family said.

She was born on June 17, 1943, the daughter of David and Queenie Gilmartin. She was one of six children: Mary, David, Kate, Marty and her twin sister Ruth.

In 1965, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Masterson, while on a blind date. They married shortly thereafter and started a family. Married 56 years, they built their relationship based on family values, love and faith, her family said. The family she loved as much as her own, Rich, Christina and Jill will forever be her “favorites,” her constant love for her two grandchildren Patrick and Teigue and the 21 nieces and nephews will live on forever.

She was an active member of the Southampton community for years, and was a senior deputy clerk in the Suffolk County Clerk’s office. In more recent retired years, she committed her spirits and efforts to her Florida community at The Mariner Sands. Her love for Coopers Beach and an occasional “hole in one” at Mariner Sands kept a constant, infectious smile on her face.

She will be forever missed and remembered as the fun loving, ready-to-go, always dressed up, beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and wife, her family said.

Visiting hours are from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, May 15, at O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home at 30 Little Plains Road in Southampton. A mass to celebrate her life will be held May 16 at 11 a.m. at The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary at 168 Hill Street in Southampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care (eeh.org) would be appreciated by the family.