The untimely death of Nina Jones, a well-known staff member at the Port Chester Senior Community Center, was announced by the village on Sunday, Nov. 10. Her age and cause of death were not made public.
According to village officials, Jones was "an integral member" of the center and worked to "make each day in the center a great one" for seniors. To do this, she often helped organize trips and programming like the center's choir.
Jones was also often found at events and meetings in the village, where she usually was seen supporting other departments and civic organizations.
"She was a true ambassador for the people of the Village of Port Chester," village officials wrote on social media.
Shortly after her death, the Port Chester Police Department memorialized Jones in a post on social media:
"Nina was committed to making the village a better place. She was always there for whoever was in need," the department wrote, adding, "Her heart was into making events such as Unity Day for all of [Port Chester] and to bring the community together."
"She spoke her mind and truly cared about the village, and always tried to make it a better place for all," the department continued.
Jones' death also sparked an outpouring of grief from others in the village:
"Today we suffered an unimaginable loss...Our hearts are broken," wrote the Senior Community Center in a social media post.
Port Chester Board of Trustees member Philip Dorazio also memorialized her on Facebook, writing that Jones was a "dedicated village employee and more importantly a beautiful human being."
"I met Nina many, many years ago and we became much closer friends over the last 3 years," Dorazio wrote, continuing, "Nina would go out of her way to help me with my campaign and always had encouraging words for me.
"The village, her many friends, and her wonderful family have lost an angel," Dorazio added.
A wake for Jones will be held on Friday, Nov. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mamaroneck.
A homegoing service will then be held the next day on Saturday, Nov. 16, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains.
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