Shirley Tschinkel, 93, of Wallingford, formerly of Stratford, died peacefully November 27 at Masonicare in Wallingford. She was the widow of Charles Tschinkel. Born in Maspeth, N.Y., on May 31, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Jenny Vail Petre.

Her loving daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Joseph Sr Madero, of Surprise, Ariz.; her devoted grandchildren and their spouses, Joseph Jr and Michelle Madero of Sandy Hook and Gabrielle and Ian Brown of Wallingford; her great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews; and several grand nieces and nephews survive her. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, her nephew and godson, John Tschinkel, predeceased her.

She was active with the VFW in New York and VFW Post 9460 in Stratford, and she was a past worthy matron of the Eastern Star. Mrs Tschinkel was devoted to the First Congregational Church in Stratford where she was a past deacon, member of the senior choir and Sister Cities choir, and played the bells.

The hours of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, December 2, at the Dennis & D'Arcy-Abriola & Kelemen Funeral  Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford.

Graveside services will take place on Saturday, December 3, at 11 am, at the Union Cemetery, 23 Temple Court in Stratford, followed by a service and reception at noon at the First Congregational Church of Stratford, 2301 Main Street, with Rev Ed Rawls officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Congregational Church, visit firstchurchstratford.org.

To offer online condolences, visit dennisanddarcy.com.