Shirley J. Overton

Shirley Justine Overton of East Hampton died on Oct. 10 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. She was 78 and had been diagnosed with cancer four years ago.

Mrs. Overton’s family said she loved gardening and spent many hours at it. Her favorite flower was the sunflower. She also took photographs of beaches on the East End, where she had spent many summers with her sister. She made postcards of her photos that were sold at the Party Shoppe in East Hampton.

She was born at Southampton Hospital on Oct. 5, 1940, one of two children of the former Julia Golaski and Theodore Bruzdoski. She grew up in Water Mill and later moved with her family to Southampton, where she graduated from Sacred Hearts School.

She worked for many years at the telephone company in Southampton and also at Sears in East Hampton.

When she was 20 she married James H. Overton of East Hampton, who survives her. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, often taking care of her two grandchildren when they were little, her family said.

In addition to her husband, her grandchildren, and her sister, Doris Schiavoni of Sag Harbor, two daughters, Susan Payne and Donna Bates, both of East Hampton, survive. 

Mrs. Overton was cremated. Her ashes will be buried on Saturday at Oakland Cemetery in Sag Harbor, where there will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. The family has suggested memorial donations to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978.