Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized Estelle Kaczanowski as the 2021 honoree of Suffolk County’s Women Veterans Appreciation Day for the 11th Legislative District.
Ms. Kaczanowski, better known as Stel by her friends and family, has had a long life of dedication to both her country and career. She will turn 102 on August 11th. She lives in the West Islip house where she was born and raised with her six siblings. Stel never married but has had a life of commitment to her career and family.
Stel served her country during World War II earning the rank of Nurse – 1st Lieutenant for the Army from April, 1945 to September, 1947 and her bravery and dedication continued throughout her chosen career as a nurse. She was stationed at Fort Sills in Oklahoma and Fort Hood in Texas.
In 1940, she was the first nurse hired at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore working in Labor and Delivery and one of the first nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip in 1959 until retiring in 1981 where she was in charge of the Maternity Unit.
“Stel has kept very active since retiring and continues to be a vital member of the community, said Legislator Flotteron. She is an inspiration to all women who have selfishly served their country.”