MILFORD - Stella Gladys Wojtasik Hickle, 88, of Milford, formerly of Utica, New York, passed way from complications of a stroke on April 23, 2014. Stella was born January 26 or 27 in Belck, Krais Jedizejow, Poland in 1926 the daughter of the late Marianna Baranow and Ludwik Wojtasik. During World War II, she was put in a German Slave Camp and met PFC Anthony Jecen who was there with the liberation Forces. He spoke fluent Polish and was assisting with the Polish Nationals. On December 9, 1945 they married in Dillengen, Germany. Their daughter Barbara Jane was born in Munich, Germany on August 8, 1946, and on May 5, 1947 they left for Utica, New York, Anthony's hometown. The following April 7 they had a son Anthony John who was born in Faxton Hospital. Utica, N.Y. On in May 4, 1950, she received her citizenship. She worked for Sperry Rand, Shenendoah Rayon and General Electric. Her marriage ended in divorce. In February 13, 1963 she married John Hickle who was stationed at Griffiss AFB, Rome, New York. Shortly after, John got stationed at Andrews AFB, Maryland where they spent many happy years fishing, skin diving and talking on the citizen band radio. In 1970 they went to Dover, AFB, Delaware and shortly thereafter they retired and settled in Milford, Delaware. She worked at Milford Nursing and Marclay. She told many stories of the war and felt her family was gone. In early 1985 she received a call from the International Red Cross who said she had a brother in Glucholazy, Poland who was looking for her. On July 19, 1985 her daughter and she flew to Poland where she was reunited with her brother Felix, Hank, and sister Otole. She travelled there again in August 1996 and met her step brother Julian. Stella was an avid gardener, excellent cook, and fishing lady extraordinaire. She always got the first and biggest fish. She was a parishioner of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Milford. She enjoyed shopping and had a large collection of baseball caps. Stella was also a devout fan of NASCAR, following driver Jimmy Johnson. She enjoyed the casino and a white zinfedell wine. Her favorite TV show was the Price is Right and Charmed. Beside her parents she was predeceased by her husband, John; and her brothers, Hank and Felix in Poland. She is survived by her children, Barbara Townshend (John) of Leonardtown, Md. and Anthony Jecen of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; sister, Otole; and brother, Julian of Poland; her grandchildren, Andrea Montgomery (Bruce) of Leonardtown, Md. and John Jecen of Milford; great-grandchildren, Haley and Hilton Montgomery of Leonardtown Md.; and a special step grandson, Troy Townshend of Brunswick, Md.; also many nieces and nephews in the United States and Poland. The family would like to thank Sharon and Dee Dill for caring for Stella with love and understanding as well as Delaware Hospice. The hospice was devoted to her comfort and care. Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Condolences may be submitted at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.