Obituary: Elizabeth Chalsma de Stwolinska

Elizabeth Chalsma de Stwolinska (nee Kiser) died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Clermont, Florida. Chal, as she was affectionately known, was born May 31, 1927, in Walterboro, South Carolina, to Douglas and Bannah Kiser (Thornley).

She was predeceased by her husband, Adelbert “De” de Stwolinska, and her sister, Gloria Jennings.

Chal will be lovingly remembered by her son, Douglas, and his wife, Nicola, of Winter Garden, Florida; her daughter, Carol Coen, of Live Oak, Florida; grandchildren, Cheri Sparks, Michael Sparks (Angie), Bobby Sparks and Tina Lane; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Chal grew up in Adams Run, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, until her early 20s when she met her husband, De, while he was stationed at the U.S. Navy Communication Station in Dupont, South Carolina. They married in 1949 and had two children, Carol and Douglas. During their marriage, they lived in many parts of the world due to his career in the Navy and later the Navy Resale System (Navy Exchange) — Charleston, Island of Guam, Washington, D.C., Germany, Panama, Island of Bermuda and Pensacola, Florida.

Chal had very fond memories of her and De’s time with the Navy and Navy Exchange and all the places they lived, with her favorite being Germany followed by Bermuda. After De died, Chal moved to Winter Garden, Florida, to be close to Douglas and Nicola.

She resided at Benton House in Clermont, Florida, for the last few years of her life and became very friendly with many of the staff there. She kept a well-stocked candy dish in her room for them, and they became like her second family.

Chal was a homemaker, and she took great pride in taking care of her family and making sure they had everything they needed. She loved reading her entire life, with spy stories and biographies being her favorite genres. She loved her dogs, especially Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus. She also enjoyed shopping and dining out. Even in the later stages of her life, she took pride in her appearance and liked to look her best.

There will be two services – a memorial service at Benton House in Clermont, Florida at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, and a funeral service at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida at a date still to be determined. She will be laid to rest there with her husband.