Janet Schellinger Halliday of Sag Harbor made a name for herself as an "independent handy woman," her family said in referring to her work as a waitress, house cleaner, and "the best scallop opener" around.
Those around her called her "Mom" and loved to hear her tell stories from her past, her family wrote.
Mrs. Halliday, who was the longest surviving of her parents' nine children, died on May 18 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. She was 99.
Born in East Hampton on Feb. 19, 1925, the oldest daughter of William Schellinger and the former Bessie Hawkins, she grew up on Abraham's Path in Amagansett. She attended the Amagansett School through the eighth grade.
In 1941 she married Richard Halliday and carried on the tradition of raising a large family: They had 11 children. Mr. Halliday died in 1981.
Mrs. Halliday had 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and traveling, and was active in the American Legion in Amagansett.
Her surviving children are Betsy Bono of East Hampton, Becky Steyert and Michael Halliday of Sag Harbor, Robert Halliday of Medford, Geraldine Moody of Magalia, Calif., and David Halliday of Port Charlotte, Fla.
Five of her children, Barbara King, Brenda Vargas, Richard Halliday, Priscilla Halliday, and Georgie Mike Halliday, died before her, as did her siblings, Charlotte, Betty, Donald, George, Arthur, Virginia, Morley, and Billy.
Mrs. Halliday was buried on May 23 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Amagansett. Her family has suggested memorial donations to the Kanas Center, online at eeh.org, or to the Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 2725, Sag Harbor 11963.
