Eve Schechtel, at 43, loved animals

Longtime North Babylon resident and animal lover Eve Schechtel died unexpectedly on July 17, 2008 in Sayville. She was 43 years old and had lived in Sayville since 2001.

She was born on October 14, 1964 and grew up in North Babylon. She was diagnosed at age 16 as bipolar and her illness negatively effected the rest of her life.

"She was very funny and bright but struggled with being sick because she didn't accept the diagnosis," said her mother, Mrs. Harold Schechtel. "Although she marched to the beat of a different drummer, she made the best of what she had."

Ms. Schechtel loved animals and rescued a stray cat and dog. She doted on her dog Bangles by painting her toenails, dressing her up with a kerchief and taking her wherever she went.

She also loved gardening, especially morning glories, marigolds and zinnias and when she felt well enough, volunteered at a local soup kitchen so that she could help others.

She leaves behind her parents: Dr. and Mrs. Harold Schechtel; her siblings: Josh and his partner Andrew of California, Noah and his partner Lenny of Brooklyn and Robin Levey and her husband Rick of Connecticut.

A memorial service was held on July 23, 2008 at the Sinai Reformed Temple of Bay Shore. A private cremation followed.

Donations in her name can be sent to the National Association of Mental Illness, 260 Washington Ave., Albany, New York 12210.