Charlotte J. Stikkel, 100, formerly of Sandy Hook, died peacefully May 21 at the Sleepy Eye Care Center in Sleepy Eye, Minn. She was born in Derby, to Julia and Joseph Skowronski.

She attended St Michael's Parochial School with her siblings Stanley, Edward, Henry, and Genevieve.

Mrs Stikkel proudly served in the US Women's Army Air Corps during World War II, performing administrative work and packing parachutes, when she met and married Frederik Stikkel, a Dutch naval officer. After the war they resided in Sandy Hook for 64 years, and raised five children.

Surrounded by the Connecticut State Forest - hiking and hunting - and a short walk to Lake Zoar - swimming, boating, ice skating - they raised their children in idyllic surroundings that many would envy.

When they finally had free time in their later years, they enjoyed doing crossword puzzles together. Mrs Stikkel loved cooking for her family, and maintaining her garden.

Her children, Fred, and his wife Linda; Victor, and his special friend Patsy; Mark; and Helene; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren survive her.

Her husband Frederik, her brothers and sister, and her son Gary predeceased her.

An interment ceremony will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby CT 06418-1326.