Jill Beth Sleed

Jill Beth Sleed of Kingston, N.Y., a daughter of Judy Sleed of East Hampton and the late Joel Sleed, died at the Kingston Hospital on Friday, surrounded by family members and her best friend. She was 56 years old and had lung cancer.

Ms. Sleed, who visited her mother often in East Hampton over the years, was an active member of the Kingston community who attended support programs and services for the mentally challenged.

She was born in New York City on Oct. 3, 1959, and grew up in Baldwin, graduating from Baldwin High School in 1977.

Ms. Sleed was known for her creativity, often writing music, lyrics, and poetry, or drawing, painting, sewing, and making pottery.

Her family said she was always kind to those she met and often made new friends and acted as a role model. “Her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her,” her family wrote.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Jodie Sleed of Woodstock, N.Y., and her brother, Jeff Sleed of East Hampton and Kingston. Services for Ms. Sleed will be held today from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Keyser Funeral Home in Kingston, with a memorial service at 3 p.m. to be officiated by Rabbi Johnathan Kligler of the Woodstock Jewish Congregation and the Rev. Peter Blum, an independent interfaith minister.

Ms. Sleed’s family has suggested memorial donations to the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, P.O. Box 2304, Kingston, N.Y. 12401, or mhainulster.com. Condolences may be left for the family at keyserfuneralservice.com.