Diana M. Stickle, Descendant of Famous WWI Pilot, Dies at Age 71

Diana Marie Stickle, 71, of Avon, CT passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, with her husband and daughter by her side. Diana leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Lewis Stickle, Sr., married for 46 years. They were college sweethearts and Robert never left her side , especially during her courageous battle against cancer. In her latter years, Diana and Robert were able to enjoy a life in Brewster, MA on Cape Cod with their family and friends.

Born in Meriden, CT Diana is the daughter of the late Marcel and Marie Lufbery. She is predeceased by her brother, Robert Lufbery, and her sister, Marsha Lufbery. Diana is survived by her son Robert L. Stickle, Jr. MD and his wife Shirley Stickle, MD and their daughters Colette, Corinne, and Camille of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and her daughter Randi-Lyn Scheffler and her husband John Scheffler of Boston, MA.

Diana was raised in Wallingford, CT, graduated from Lyman Hall High School, Class of ‘59, and received a degree from Quinnipiac University, Class of '62. She retired after 20 years of service as an executive assistant with both the Aetna and ING Insurance Companies.

Diana was a dedicated daughter and wife and a devoted mother, who always prioritized the care of her family. She was an avid reader, a lover of all things nature, and an animal enthusiast. She was a regular contributor to the Animal Rescue League and believed in helping to save the lives of animals. She was also proud of her remarkable family history, as the great niece of the late Major Gervais Raoul Lufbery, the first American ACE in World War I and the niece of 1st Lieutenant Philip Germain of World War II. Diana was known by family and friends as a person who always puts others' needs before her own.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service in celebration of her life on Friday, July 12, at 10:30am at the West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon. A reception will follow the service at the church. The Rev. Dr. Brian Hardee will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diana's memory may be made to Dr. Janet Murphy's Research Fund c/o MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114. The Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center of Avon is caring for the arrangements. For directions or condolences please visitwww.carmonfuneralhome.com