Sybil Rose Gurka

Sybil Rose Gurka of East Hampton died on Dec. 7 of complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. She was 76 years old and had been ill for several years, according to her daughter Toni Ann Schmitt. 

She first came here in 1980, when she and her husband, Anthony Passarella, bought a vacation house. After they divorced she moved to East Hampton full time. She had a studio at her house, Ms. Schmitt said, and painted in oils throughout her life, both self-portraits and landscapes. Reading was another interest.

Ms. Gurka, who resumed her maiden name after the divorce, was born in Hackensack, N.J., on Nov. 25, 1940, the only child of William Gurka and the former Sara Ferraro. After graduating from East Rutherford High School, she worked for a time as a hairdresser. In 1960 she was married; her ex-husband lives in New Jersey.

In addition to Ms. Schmitt, who lives in East Hampton, Ms. Gurka is survived by two other daughters, Michele Passarella of Sag Harbor and Mary Jane Machtemes of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. She leaves seven grandchildren.

She was cremated. The family has suggested memorial donations to the Epilepsy Foundation, online at epilepsyfoundation.com or by mail to Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place, Suite 200, Landover, Md. 20785.