Jill Pryor Obituary

Jill S. Pryor

New City - Jill S. Pryor of New City, New York passed away at her home on Monday, February 18, 2019.

Jill was the daughter of the late Rosalyn B. and Bernard I. Strauss. She was the sister of Jerrold Scott Strauss, who predeceased her.

Jill was the founder and president of Pryor PR, an advertising, marketing and public relations agency in New City. For her leadership and accomplishments, she earned awards and honors from organizations including the Rockland County Legislature, New City Rotary, Girl Scout Council of Rockland (business person of the year), March of Dimes Rockland Division (volunteer of the year), and Rockland Business Women's Network (woman of the year). Her work also received national recognition including the communications/marketing field's Galaxy and Clarion awards.

Jill served on the board of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, the Rockland Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Rockland Business Association, and the Rockland Business Exchange. She founded and served as President of Communication Professionals of Rockland and was the Rockland Division Chair of the March of Dimes.

Earlier in her career, Jill was a high school teacher. In so many ways, she remained an inspiring teacher throughout her life. She was also an advocate for public education; for example, she helped to lead the Clarkstown Committee for Gifted and Talented Education and local Parent Teacher Association chapters. In addition, she engaged in national advocacy regarding educational issues. Jill was an honorary lifetime member of PTA.

Jill graduated from New Rochelle High School, where the yearbook wrote of her: "Wit and intelligence cast their spell." At Miami University of Ohio, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Kappa Delta Pi. She received a Master of Arts degree from New York University.

Jill enjoyed the games of bridge and tennis. Her bridge partner and she once won a trophy for their victorious performance at a North Jersey Bridge Association contest. For years, Jill attended the opening day of the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing, NY (including the most recent opening).

Jill is survived by her husband, Sidney, and her son, Stefan.

Jill was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Friday, February 22, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Learning Collaborative, which offers an array of educational courses to Rockland's seniors (courses that Jill valued greatly). Donations will support participants who are experiencing financial hardship and participants with disabilities. Contributions may be made to the "New City Jewish Center" (47 Old Schoolhouse Road, New City, NY 10956) with a note directing the donation to the "Jill S. Pryor Tuition Assistance Fund."