Mary Elizabeth Falborn, a ninth-generation descendant of one of East Hampton’s early families, the Fields, died of complications of cancer treatment on April 20 at Vitas Inpatient Hospice in Rockledge, Fla. The Sag Harbor resident, formerly of East Hampton, was 93 and had been ill for eight months.
Mrs. Falborn, who was known as Betty, was born Mary Elizabeth Field on Nov. 3, 1926, in New York City. Her parents were Justin R. Field of East Hampton and the former Elizabeth Langan, who was from Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland. She grew up in New York City and East Hampton, attending the Springs School before graduating from Walton High School in the Bronx in 1944.
After graduation she went to work at the American Chain and Cable company, and later moved on to Western Union. It was there she met her future husband, Edward F. Falborn of Brooklyn. They married on July 4, 1952, and settled in New York City, where they brought up their five children. Summers were spent at her parents’ summer house on Gerard Drive in Springs, overlooking Gardiner’s Bay.
In 1972, the Falborns moved to Sag Harbor, and Mrs. Falborn returned to the banking industry. Over 26 years she worked at four different banks on the corner of Main and Washington Streets. She retired in 1998, enabling her and her husband to begin traveling.
Mr. Falborn died in 2002. After his death, Mrs. Falborn began spending winters on Merritt Island, Fla. She also continued traveling, and visited Ireland, Italy, Germany, Bermuda, and many places in the United States. She enjoyed needlepoint, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Five children survive her. They are Edward F. Falborn of Longmont, Colo., Robert J. Falborn of Sag Harbor, and Thomas J. Falborn, John A. Falborn, and Mary Tafoya, all of Merritt Island. Her two brothers, Justin R. Field and William J. Field, died before her. Mrs. Falborn leaves six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her beloved Australian terrier, Phoebe.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a viewing for only family members will take place at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor, followed by a graveside service at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton on May 9. A funeral Mass is planned for a later date. Mrs. Falborn’s family has suggested memorial donations to Vitas Inpatient Hospice, online at vitas.com, in the name of “Mary Falborn/Program 18.” Donations can be mailed to the hospice at 4251 Stack Boulevard, Melbourne, Fla. 32901.
