Obituary of Laura T. Wilkes

Beloved Mother Laura T. Wilkes, age 101 and five months, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at Bridgeport Hospital. She was the mother of Janet L. Montanaro, formerly Janet L. Wilkes, the loving wife of Charles A. Montanaro, Jr. of Easton. Ms. Wilkes was born on January 25, 1905 in upstate New York. A woman of independent means, she became a midwife at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Later, she worked as a governess for the Eagle Clothing Family of Central Park West during the Depression. She cared for her daughter while working at the former D. M. Reads of Bridgeport in the millinery department. For many years she was an active member of the Girls Friendly Society and was very active in her church especially during the Strawberry Festival where she always donated plants. She volunteered at the Dinan Center as well. She was an avid gardener up until her seventies. In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Ms. Wilkes is survived by five granddaughters, Lisa Montanaro of Worcester, MA, Liza Gingrich of York, PA, Julie Montanaro of Naugatuck, Janet Barnes of Oxford and Jill Benedetto of Oxford, five great grandchildren and her close friend, Beverly Getts. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at a 10:00 a.m. in Calvary-St. George Episcopal Church 510 Summit St., Bridgeport. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.