Miriam Lynn Amato

Miriam Lynn Amato, age 80, of Saint James, New York, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025.

Born in Oceanside, New York, Miriam was the beloved daughter of Arthur Lejeune and Mary Louise Jones. She grew up alongside her two siblings, Robert (married to Diane) and Margaret (married to Geoff), forming bonds that remained strong throughout her life.

Miriam spent 56 years in Brentwood, New York, where she and her husband, Robert, raised their family and built lifelong friendships. In 2023, she moved to Saint James, where she enjoyed a peaceful and loving home surrounded by family.

On December 30, 1963, Miriam married the love of her life, Robert Amato, whom she met while working at Five Star Bakery in Oceanside. Together they built a beautiful family grounded in love, humor, and unwavering devotion. She was a dedicated mother to her four children—Debbie (married to Kyle), Robert, Gary, (married to Christine) and Scott (married to June)—and a proud grandmother to six cherished grandchildren: Christopher, Anthony, Ryan, Sean, Taylor, and Katie. Her beloved husband Robert preceded her in death in December 2022. Their partnership remained a pillar of her life, and she deeply missed him every day.

For more than 30 years, Miriam worked as a paraprofessional for the Brentwood School District, a role she embraced with compassion and pride. She was devoted to helping her students learn and grow, offering steady encouragement and kindness that left a lasting impression on many young lives. Her colleagues became treasured friends, a reflection of her warmth and loyalty. After retiring, she missed the daily interactions so much that she accepted a part-time position at J.C. Penney, inspired by a visit in which she simply felt they could use the extra help. She happily worked there for 10 years—and particularly enjoyed the associates’ discounts.

Miriam found joy in the simple, meaningful pleasures of life. She loved crocheting, creating countless beautiful pieces that family and friends continue to treasure. She enjoyed scenic drives to eastern Long Island, taking in peaceful views, seafood restaurants, and local farm stands. At home, she cared for a wide variety of plants, but her greatest pride was her roses, which flourished for many years outside her Brentwood home.

Miriam will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her kindness to everyone she met. She created a home filled with love, laughter, and tradition—touching countless lives with her strength, generosity, and quiet guidance.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.