Valerie McKinstry (1946-2025)
Valerie McKinstry, 78, a longtime resident of Beacon, died Jan. 29.
She was born Feb. 14, 1946, in Cornwall, the daughter of George Dewey and Anna (Spuler) Benson. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse at the VA hospital at Castle Point. She was also an art therapist at the Craig House hospital. Most recently, she worked as a manufacturing technician for IBM until her retirement in 2012.
As a mother and grandmother, Valerie shared her creative talents while enjoying cooking and arts and crafts. Valerie was known for her joyful smile, kind heart and love for her family and friends, her family said.
She is survived by her children, Heather McElduff (Dan) and Dr. Robert McKinstry (Katie); her grandchildren, Gracie, Rory, Hayden, Jordan and Hannah; her brother, George Benson (Barbara); and her brother-in-law, Donald Heaps. Her sister, Patricia Heaps, died earlier.
A funeral liturgy was held Feb. 3 at St. Joachim Church in Beacon, followed by interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or the Dutchess Country SPCA (dcspca.org).
Cathy Prescott (1956-2025)
Cathy Prescott, 68, died Jan. 31 at her home, with her husband at her side.
She was born Oct. 13, 1956, the daughter of Joan and Rocco Nunno. Cathy worked for many years as a bus driver for Vanguard Tours, the Hudson Valley Bus Co. and the Haldane, Beacon and Wappingers school districts.
Along with her husband of 44 years, Murray Prescott, she is survived by her children, Michael Prescott of Cold Spring, Melissa Falloon (Ralph) of Cold Spring and Jessica Prescott of Poughkeepsie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kylie, Dylan, Timmy, Andrew and Alyssa; her sister, Donna (Tommy); and her sisters-in-law, Patricia (William), Nancy and Linda (Scott).
Memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice (hvhospice.org).
Patsy Romine (1966-2025)
Patsy A. Romine, 58, of Beacon and formerly of Verplank, died Feb. 4 at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born June 4, 1966, in Peekskill to Robert and Shirley (Brannan) Stratton. She was 1984 graduate of Hendrick Hudson High School and, in June 1989, married her high school sweetheart, William Romaine, who died in 2007.
Patsy lived a life of service, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered, her family said. She was a shining light in the lives of her daughters, and her faith and dedication to her church inspired many and her compassion extended to every child she cared for at her daycare.
Patsy is survived by her daughters, Alison, Miranda and Kimberly, in Beacon, as well as her siblings, Monte Stratton (Claudette), Robert Stratton (Michelle) and Connie Stratton.
Visitation will be held at McHoul Funeral Home in Fishkill on Sunday (Feb. 9) from noon to 4 p.m. A service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10, followed by interment at St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Ossining. Memorial donations may be made at GoFundMe (gofund.me/60c9651e).
