Sally Hertz, a resident of Great Neck for 50 years, died at her home in Maplewood, NJ on Jan. 23, 2008 at the age of 83. Political and community activist her entire life, she devoted herself to progressive causes and cultural projects which have enriched her community.

A founding member of the Great Neck Chapter of Women's Strike for Peace, she devoted much time, energy, and effort to the causes of international disarmament, peace, and civil rights. Because of her hard work in the Great Neck Committee for Human Rights, she literally contributed to changes that occurred in Great Neck in the 1960s.

Sally was instrumental in finding an apartment for the first black teacher in Great Neck. She also spent hours monitoring the court cases in Nassau County Criminal Court as well as training low income mothers to use techniques that helped ensure the success of their children. Her deep commitment to integration and fairness meant that anyone who came to her with a just cause could receive a financial contribution or a sincere effort to help with their struggle.

She spent many years as the driving force and director of the North Shore Community Art Center's "Off Center" shop, which raised much needed funds for the Center. She will be greatly missed by her many friends in Great Neck as well as by the many less-privileged members of our community who benefited directly from her energy, commitment and work on their behalf.

Sally was an avid sailor and enjoyed weekends of sailing the Long Island Sound with her husband, Harold. She also loved to travel and she and Harold have visited many countries around the world, including India, Turkey, Cuba, U.S.S.R, much of Europe and many other countries. Ever active, she had been planning a trip to Vietnam before becoming ill.

Sally was a small person with a tremendous zest for life. She was extremely energetic and continued to enjoy the many cultural events that New York City had to offer. She was always ready to "fight the good fight", stand up for the little guy and had very strong beliefs in integrity and right and wrong, perhaps fueled by her first hand experience of anti-Semitism as a child in Poland. Sally loved a good story that was well told and even better, a good joke, and her laugh was legendary.

She spent the last several years of her life in Maplewood, NJ. She is survived by her daughter, Madeline Hertz, of New Providence, NJ, her son, Robert Hertz, of San Diego, CA, her sister, Dorothy Lastfogel, eight grandsons, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Harold Hertz, her son, William Hertz, and her grandson, Jason Hertz.

A memorial service will take place March 2 at 2 p.m. at Winchester Gardens, 333 Elmwood Ave., Maplewood, NJ. 07040 in the Great Hall. Donations in Sally's name should be made to any of the following "Sally" causes: Gay Men's Health Crisis, 119 W. 24 St., New York, NY 10011; Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Suite. 25, Dallas, TX 75244; Peace Action, 100 Wayne Ave., Suite 1020, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Beryl Armstrong died on Feb. 12, 2008 in Dona bate, Ireland. She was originally from England, but resided in Great Neck for over 35 years. Beryl made the decision to return to Ireland to be closer to her children. Her son, Paddy Halpin, handled her care for the last four years. She is survived by six children, 21 grandchildren, and 35 great grandchildren.

While in Great Neck, she enjoyed the local senior citizen dances, trips to Atlantic City, playing cards with her girlfriends, and making trips to see her grandchildren. She was a longtime nanny to a local family, whom she loved dearly.

She was laid to rest on Feb. 14. Mass cards, condolences and donations are being accepted by her daughter, Sylvia Sullivan, here in the U.S. and will be mailed on to her family. Sylvia can be reached at 217-384-4800.