Cecile Stopkoski, 83, of Miller Place, NY, passed away on May 15, 2023. She was born in Waterbury, CT to Albert and Alice Paquette on July 30, 1939. She grew up in Waterbury, CT, where she developed lifelong friendships and strong religious and family values. She studied nursing at St. Mary’s hospital, and later obtained her BSN and master’s degree in nursing at the University of Connecticut. She is finally reunited with her late husband, Theodore, who she has adored for 46 years. Cecile was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, professor, and friend. She was deeply dedicated to her family and God. She loved spending time with her family, often telling elaborate stories of her adventures to her loved ones. Cecile was an inspiration to anyone who met her, from future nurses during her time as a professor, to teaching her grandchildren family recipes and traditions that she cherished. Cecile led a life filled with passion and adventure. She loved traveling with her family, especially to Europe, Hawaii, and Disney. She especially loved her beloved pets and was known to take care of any stray. Those that were close to her knew her deep love of animals and nature. Cecile was a pioneer in her professional and personal life, especially to advance the welfare of women and those less fortunate. Her strength inspired those around her. She advocated for better health care and education, mentoring others in her field. Cecile will continue to hold this legacy in the hearts of those that she inspired.Cecile is survived by her six children Therese, David, Annette, Denise, Paul, Christine, and stepchildren Teddy and Stephen. She was a cherished grandmother to Anthony, Elizabeth, Mackenzie, Madison, Raquel, Samantha, Stephanie, Shauna, Sherri, Stephen, Ronald, Elizabeth, and the late Stephanie and David. Cecile was a dear sister of Roland.
Family and friends are welcome to attend her visitation, at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT on Friday, May 19th from 4 to 8 pm. Her funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday morning, May 20th at 9:15 to Saint Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire, CT for the celebration of a Mass of Christian burial at 10 am. Interment will follow the mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA.