Legislator Steven Flotteron along with friends, family and neighbors gathered to surprise Estelle Kaczanowski on her 102nd birthday. Stel has had a long life of dedication to both her country and career. She turned 102 on August 11th and lives in the West Islip house where she was born and raised with her six siblings. She has had a full 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 one of the first nurses 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.
“You all have made this birthday extra special by surprising me with flowers and a cake,” said Estelle. “I am truly blessed to have such good friends.”
Pictured (L-R): Cathy Norton Doherty, Founder, Veteran, Warrior Ranch Foundation; Mary Oehrlein, Estelle’s niece; Robert Bilella, Estelle’s Neighbor, Legislator Steven Flotteron, Kevin and Nora Crumlish, West Islip Amvets, Maria Pecorale, Estelle’s Friend and former owner of Hawley’s Corner and Estelle Kaczanowski.