Services Set For East Norwich Woman Whose Search Ended In Tragedy: 'Your Kindness Has Meant So Much'

EAST NORWICH, NY — The Long Island community is joining family and friends in mourning Brittany Kritis-Garip, a missing East Norwich woman whose story came to a tragic end after a desperate search.

Funeral services have been set for Brittany, who was reported missing to Nassau County police on the evening of March 20.

Nearly a month later, her body was recovered in the Long Island Sound off Lloyd Harbor Road on April 14, Suffolk County police said.

During the weeks of searching for the 32-year-old, family, friends, police, and community members looked throughout Oyster Bay and the surrounding areas.

Her family, including brother Niko Kritis and sister-in-law Jess Kritis, were vocal throughout the search, sharing updates, pleading with the community to check their yards, and stating the family wanted nothing more than for Brittany to come home safely.

Once the search came to a tragic end, the family members shared heartfelt messages about Brittany's kind and bright spirit, and the outpouring of community support the family has received in the past month.

A GoFundMe was set up on March 24 with the intent to cover search efforts, such as funds for a private investigator. Nearly $23K has been raised since the initial date, from more than 200 donors.

On April 19, Niko shared an update on the GoFundMe's page, detailing where the funds will now be allocated, as well as giving an option if people wanted a "refund."

"Thank you to everyone who supported Brittany and our family — through donations, sharing her story, and helping in the search. Your kindness has meant so much to us. We are grateful to have been able to bring her home.

"We will be using the funds raised to help cover her funeral and memorial expenses. Any remaining funds will be used to honor her life and memory. Thank you for helping us bring her home and for standing with us during this time.If anyone would prefer a refund on their donation, please reach out."

Services for Brittany have been set, according to the Oyster Bay Funeral Home. The Tribute Wall is flooded with kind remarks and memories of Brittany.

Her obituary states in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Her obituary also reads: "Beloved wife of Fernando Garip III. Cherished daughter of George and Maryann Kritis. Loving sister of Anthony Kritis (Jessica) and Niko Kritis. Devoted granddaughter of Rosemarie Ward. Cherished niece of John Kritis (Patricia), Irene Kritis, Kevin Ward (June), and Michael Ward. Dear daughter-in-law of Fernando Garip, Jr. Also survived by many loving cousins, relatives, and friends."

Services are as follows:

Visitation at Oyster Bay Funeral Home
Tuesday, April 21
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Oyster Bay Funeral Home
261 South Street
Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Mass
Wednesday, April 22
10:30 a.m.
St. Dominic RC Chapel
96 Anstice Street
Oyster Bay, NY 11771