Bertha N. (Charbonneau) Stilwell

Mrs. Bertha N. (Charbonneau) Stilwell, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at the St. Luke's Home where she currently resided. Born in Ilion on January 12, 1912, Bertha was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Martin) Charbonneau. She was raised and educated in Ilion. On February 9, 1929 she married Harry D. Stilwell. Bertha and Harry were truly a well-matched pair, and the 54-year union that they shared was founded upon their unique and solid relationship. Mr. Stilwell passed away on June 22, 1983. Earlier in their marriage, the couple spent a number of years residing in Albany where they relocated because of Harry's employment. In 1960 they came back to central New York and settled in Whitesboro. At this time Bertha was hired as an attendant at Marcy State Hospital, the position from which she retired after many years of faithful service. She and her husband then moved to Florida. After Harry's passing, she returned to this area where she has lived ever since. Bertha was a strong-willed woman who possessed great determination and a straightforward sense of purpose. Her personality was highlighted by her wonderful sense of humor. She was a pet owner who loved and cared for her cats with great devotion. Mrs. Stilwell was a communicant of St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro. At one time she attended the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion where she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society. Mrs. Stilwell is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Arthur Mobeus of NC, and Patricia and Earl Tibbits of Webster NY; two sons and daughters-in-law, William D. and Mary Stilwell of The Villages FL, and Thomas and Nickie Stilwell of Deerfield; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Her survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, George Charbonneau; and a sister, Elizabeth Evans. The family offers its sincere thanks to the staff of the St. Luke's Home, Barton North, as well as to Dr. Scott Brehaut, all of whom showed great care and compassion to Bertha and her family. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Bertha's honor to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Stilwell's funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Bertha N. (Charbonneau) Stilwell

January 12, 1912 - January 25, 2006