Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGS) shared the following information about longtime East Village resident Maryanne Byington... Maryanne left us Friday, Oct. 13, after a long battle with a pulmonary illness.
Maryanne was a resident of East Eighth Street since 1982 and an integral part of Green Oasis and Gilbert's Sculpture Garden. She was one of the founders of LUNGS and served as Vice President from 2011 to 2020.
Maryanne was a trophy-winning professional ballroom dancer. She was Emeritus Dean of High Heels at Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls, where she offered students expert instruction in the arts of dressing up, making up, going out, and acting like a lady. Maryanne said, " Do you enjoy wearing high heels? Sometimes, the technique of rumba will create just the right walk for the right situation."
Maryanne loved to dance and dress in Oscar de la Renta's most colorful Latin-influenced festive party gowns.
She also loved to sit in her garden, watch children carve pumpkins, and listen to the birds sing. She was partial to shrimp cocktails, grilled cheese sandwiches and chilled Negronis served in a pretty cocktail glass.
Maryanne's graciousness, sense of humor and beautiful smile are already greatly missed.
Maryanne sounds like a treasure!
ReplyDeleteSending strength and love to family, friends and the community.
She was also a great boxer with some serious hands...I'll always miss our conversations over grilled cheese. RIP, Maryanne <3
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely memories. RIP.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and well-lived life! We've lost a wonderful neighbor who gave us so much love and so much of herself. Prayers for her family and other loved ones. RIP.
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed my friend😢 loved having conversations with her about dance/animal and of course life. May she rest in peace. I will always remember you 🙏
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