Celeste Whalen Steil of Montauk and Key West died on May 27 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a long illness. She was 74.
For years, Ms. Steil worked alongside her aunt and uncle, Winnie and Sydney (Jackie) Goddard, who owned and operated the Grandview Manor inn and restaurant in Montauk. It was located in the Alfred M. Hoyt cottage, one of the original Seven Sisters houses designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White. After Grandview Manor was sold in 1975, with the assistance of her uncle she acquired Montauk Liquors and later owned and operated the Montauk Bake Shoppe.
"With her affable character, Celeste was perfect behind the counter, as she was quick to make friends both in business and all around the village," her family wrote. She was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church.
Born in Queens on Oct. 25, 1951, to Vincent D. Whalen and the former Velmar Goddard, she grew up in Plainview, Smithtown, and Montauk and graduated in 1969 from Smithtown High School.
She and Alan Steil, who survives, were married on May 15, 1971, and had two sons, “the loves of her life,” her family wrote. They are Alan Steil Jr. and his partner, Linda O’Connor, of Los Angeles and Jarrett Steil of Montauk. Also surviving are three siblings, Velmar Whalen Martino of Holbrook, Greg Whalen of Fairfax, Va., and Deborah Whalen Orioles of Smithtown. A brother, Vincent Whalen, died before her.
Ms. Steil was cremated. A celebration of her life will be held later this year.
