Female WWII Veteran From West Islip Turns 102 Years Old

ISLIP, NY — Estelle Kaczanowski has lived in West Islip since 1919. The resident was recently honored by the Town of Islip on her 102nd birthday for her long service to the community, from her military service during World War II to her years as a nurse at what was Southside Hospital.

Kaczanowski graduated from Babylon High School Class in 1937. She then earned a nursing degree in 1940 and worked at what's now called South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. In 1945, she joined the United States Army, training at Fort Dix. She became a 1st Lieutenant before being discharged and returning to work at Southside where she oversaw the nursery.

“Estelle has lived a life dedicated to her country and her community, caring for the sick and infirm at South Shore University Hospital and blazing a trail for women to follow by serving in the United States Army during WWII. We are grateful to Estelle for her service, and congratulate her on this milestone birthday,” Islip Town Councilman John Cochrane, Jr. said in a news statement.